SeaChange International and TiVo have joined forces to offer cable VOD services through TiVo HD DVRs that can support CableCards.

The offering is being touted to cable operators as a way to get more revenue from their VOD content without having to wait for tru2way. Using TiVo’s electronic program guide (EPG), subscribers can search for VOD content.

Video still gets delivered over QAM multiplex, but broadband is used to set up streaming sessions and for trick-plays such as pausing, rewinding and fast-forwarding, said Kim Wilson, director of product management with SeaChange.

"We’re leveraging the fact that the TiVo box comes with home network connectivity," said Wilson. "You can use a broadband connection as the return path.

"In a standard cable box, you have a low bandwidth return path supported on the box," Wilson explained. "Cable operators are reluctant to have an application that would have access to the return path. TiVo provides an alternative hardware platform and award-winning user interface."

Even though tru2way promises much more interactivity, including advanced advertising and TV commerce, there are numerous elements to make the technology work, including headend components, set-top boxes and applications. Mass deployment of tru2way is expected to take at least another year, maybe two.

Wilson said interest in the SeaChange/TiVo product is coming mainly from tier 2 operators. "The tier 1s have fairly mature tru2way plans; they’re pretty far down that road," he said.

– Linda Hardesty

Read more news and analysis on Communications Technology‘s Web site at www.cable360.net/ct/news/.

The Daily

Subscribe
Friday–November 21

Turning 20: TAC Reaches Milestone, Despite Challenging Landscape

In an era when even the well-funded cable networks are fighting a grueling battle to maintain relevance in the modern media landscape, The Africa Channel recently celebrated 20 years of illuminating what Africa means.

Read the Full Issue
The Skinny is delivered on Tuesday and focuses on the cable profession. You'll stay in the know on the headlines, topics and special issues you value most. Sign Up

Calendar

Dec 4
Most Powerful Women Awards Cablefax Most Powerful Women | Join Us on December 4 at Current, NYC
Full Calendar

Jobs

Seeking an INDUSTRY JOB or hiring for one?
VIEW JOBS

In conjunction with our sister brand, Cynopsis, we are offering hiring managers a deep pool of media-savvy, skilled candidates at a range of experience levels and sectors. The result will be an even more robust industry job board, to help both employers and job seekers.

Contact us at marketing@cynopsis.com, for more information about posting a job on the website and our Jobs newsletter, sent twice weekly to 85,000 media professionals.