TDS Becomes First North American Operator to Deploy Arris’ Android TV Set-Top

Arris announced today that its Android TV-based VIP6102W UHD IP set-top will be deployed by TDS Telecom as part of its cloud-based TDS TV+ platform.

Madison, Wisconsin-based TDS plans to launch the IP-based video solution later this year in its central Oregon footprint. Arris has made numerous deployments of Android TV set-tops in Europe, but this is the first time the CommScope-owned company has deployed the solution in North America.

TDS TV+ will featured more than 260 linear channels, on-demand content, pay-per-view programming and TV Everywhere viewing.

Arris’ VIP6102W UHD IP

Arris’ VIP6102W UHD IP

Last year, TDS announced the deployment of a full suite of IPTV solutions, including IP VOD, IP linear and cloud DVR, all based on TiVo’s Next-Gen Platform. The TiVo technology works across device ecosystems including managed Android TV set-tops.

Related: TDS Telecom to Launch TiVo Next-Gen Platform

Arris’s VIP6102W UHD IP offers integration between the set-top, cloud TV back office, the TiVo user interface and various third-party apps, including Netflix. A voice controller is also enabled. Arris Professional Services will support the deployment with a customized user experience, integration into the TDS system, and a remote-control firmware upgrade application. Arris’s cloud-based Eco Service Management will help TDS manage the device and provide exceptional customer service.

The VIP6102W is Wi-Fi 5 enabled and 4K capable. 

“We turned to Arris because we needed a more efficient platform for IP video delivery that combined both managed and un-managed video delivery options. The new platform enables TDS to customize the user experience for different customer segments,” said Ken Paker, senior VP of information and network technologies and CTO at TDS. “By combining Arris’ industry-leading technology, services, and experience with Android TV’s user interface, designed around content discovery and voice search, TDS can now provide customers with an easy-to-use, application-based video experience.”

“This is a significant milestone for Arris as we deploy our first Android set-top in North America with TDS,” added Larry Robinson, senior VP and segment leader of customer premises equipment at CommScope. “This suite of customized solutions showcases our portfolio’s unmatched versatility and our range of expertise in serving the unique needs of our operator customers as they deliver the future of TV.”

Daniel Frankel

Daniel Frankel is the managing editor of Next TV, an internet publishing vertical focused on the business of video streaming. A Los Angeles-based writer and editor who has covered the media and technology industries for more than two decades, Daniel has worked on staff for publications including E! Online, Electronic Media, Mediaweek, Variety, paidContent and GigaOm. You can start living a healthier life with greater wealth and prosperity by following Daniel on Twitter today!