Advanced Television

STB

Research: OTT devices driving connected market

Research by Ampere Analysis reveals that online households now own an average of 4.5 different types of connected devices. The research also shows that they’re every bit as attached to the technology brands that manufacture their hardware as they are to the online services this hardware enables them to access. The survey of 22,000 respondents […]

June 14, 2018

DISH rolls out new Alexa commands for Hopper

DISH has introduced new Amazon Alexa voice capabilities that give customers the ability to set recordings, launch apps and navigate menus on Hopper family set-top boxes. This update enhances the Hands-Free TVTM experience by building on DISH’s existing Alexa voice functions, including the ability to play, pause, fast-forward, rewind and search content. “We are working […]

June 13, 2018

Oman bans Saudi pirate STBs

Oman, which has managed to stay ‘neutral’ in the increasingly bitter dispute between Saudi Arabia and Qatar, has banned the possession and import of the so-called beoutQ decoder boxes. These set-top boxes decode pirated satellite transmissions from within Saudi Arabia of legitimate broadcasts by Qatar-based beIN Sports. “The import of these decoders, called beoutQ, was […]

June 1, 2018By Chris Forrester

HK Customs raids ISD vendors

As part of Operation Trojan Horse, Hong Kong Customs recently undertook a series of raids against four retail outlets in Sham Shui Po and Wan Chai. Over a two-day period (May 25-26 2018), Hong Kong Customs raided retail outlets and arrested four shop owners and four salespersons found to be selling pre-loaded TV boxes (also […]

May 29, 2018By Colin Mann

Movistar launches 4K STB with no 4K content

Telefónica’s pay-TV operator Movistar Plus has officially launched a 4K device, but without any 4K content available on the platform. After six months of trials, Movistar Plus is now distributing the box at a time when the La Liga season has just concluded, (two matches per week were available in 4K). There is likely to […]

May 22, 2018From David Del Valle in Madrid

Oregan launches SparQ

Oregan Networks, a supplier of digital TV software and services for over 20 years, unveils SparQ: the latest version of its advanced STB client middleware solution which captures the trend towards open source distributed development and cloud-based content delivery platforms. Leaning on its unique expertise and experience in optimising middleware code for the most challenging […]

May 21, 2018

Netgem SoundBox HD now available

TV and entertainment innovation specialist Netgem has launched its first all-in-one Smart soundbar + TV box in the UK. SoundBox HD is now available direct to consumers under the Netgem brand via Amazon.co.uk and will be bundled by Service Providers starting from June. Following its unveiling in February 2017, Netgem SoundBox has had a positive […]

May 17, 2018By Colin Mann

Canal+ to offer Apple TV 4K STB

The Canal + Group is now offering Apple TV 4K as a set-top box alternative to its subscribers in France. Customers can choose Apple TV 4K as a set-top box and access their programmes, including an ever-expanding choice of 4K and HDR content, the App Store, Apple Music, Siri, and more. The broadcaster says that […]

May 14, 2018By Colin Mann

TiVo exits own STB business

TiVo says it is exiting its own manufacturing, sales and distribution of set-top boxes to a yet-undisclosed third party. CEO Enrique Rodriguez, talking to analysts on its Q1 earnings call, said that consumers would continue to see TiVo-branded boxes in the retail sector, and specifically mentioned outlets such as Best Buy and Amazon. “Once we […]

May 11, 2018By Chris Forrester

WIND Hellas launches TV service with Zappware

WIND Hellas has announced the launch of its new multi-screen pay-TV service in Greece. The solution is built and operated by Zappware as a turnkey service. “Our end-users will now be able to enjoy a unique TV experience. A smooth integration of all available content in a state-of-the-art video solution is now available on all […]

April 25, 2018