Entertainment technology and services provider Rovi announced a pact with set-top box maker Pace to jointly develop an integrated hybrid Internet Protocol solution aimed at operators.
The companies expect to design the joint solution based on Pace's hybrid video gateway platforms and a new Rovi TotalGuide search and discovery platform that uses Web technologies like HTML 5. Rovi and Pace plan to market the solution to service providers in the U.S., Canada, and Latin America, and will be developed to "integrate easily with the existing cable ecosystem in the Americas," according to the duo.
With Pace gateways and middleware and a browser-based Rovi guide, the solution will provide MSOs and other operators the ability to quick customize and augment their video services, as well as delivering a consistent experience across multiple devices, from TVs to smartphones and tablets, the companies said.
U.K.-based Pace and Rovi said they expect to be demonstrating the solution and have trials underway at the end of 2012.
"Together, we intend to give service providers the tools to offer their users a superior entertainment experience and flexible service platform, helping them to make sure that their services can really stand out in the market, and be adapted quickly to support the latest consumer trends and opportunities," Pace Americas president Mike Pulli said in a statement.
Added Corey Ferengul, Rovi's executive vice president of products, "We believe the flexibility, ease, and technological power of our planned hybrid solution holds great promise for service providers and for consumers, who can ultimately benefit from a richer palette of entertainment features and capabilities."
