NAB Show: Columbus International Inc. Commercially Deploying Benchmark Solution with Secure IP VOD, Live TV, Network PVR and TV Everywhere
The benchmark Digital IP Video platform is based on the Conax Xtend Multiscreen pre-integrated solution.
Las Vegas, Nevada(16 Apr 2013)
Together with strategic partners, Conax, global provider of future-oriented solutions for securing multi-device and digital content delivery for broadcasters, multiservice operators, content providers and Telcos, announced at the NAB Show demonstrations of the first Conax Xtend Multiscreen deployment. The platform will be commercially deployed with Columbus International Inc., a retail and wholesale telecommunications provider servicing 25 countries throughout the greater Caribbean, Andean and Central America region.
With the launch of a new Digital IP Video Platform, Columbus has taken an aggressive approach to next generation IP Technology. The platform supports Live TV, VOD and a new revolutionary Network PVR feature, all using Adaptive Bit Rate technology. These features are being made available on Hybrid Digital STBs and Multiscreen devices.
Darren Richer, Columbus’ chief technology officer states, “In order to expand our reach across the region and be able offer new enhanced services in cost-effective ways – both on managed and unmanaged networks— we choose vendors who bring their respective strengths in products and knowledge, ultimately allowing us to deliver future-proof, Adaptive Bit Rate technology to provide Next Generation TV services to our customers.”
The advanced ecosystem
In an expansive project led by Columbus, the benchmark Digital IP Video platform is based on Conax Xtend Multiscreen. The platform is a unique pre-integrated solution, which is comprised of the Content Security/DRM from Conax, Content Management System from MPS Broadband and Middleware from Cubiware. It embraces benefits of the cloud, providing both a simpler and dynamic user experience for accessing content securely over Digital Hybrid STBs from Evolution Digital and Multiscreen devices.
“Columbus was able to take advantage of a pre integrated eco-system – Conax Xtend Multiscreen and integrating this with innovative, best in breed Hybrid STBs, Encoding, User Interface and Edge session management/CDN partner vendors. Driving this extensive and technically advanced project, the highly skilled in-house technical team at Columbus provided the operator with the knowledge, integration expertise and flexibility in choosing and integrating the correct partners for their market and requirements,” comments Rohit Mehra, VP of Americas, Conax.
“Connecting a TV head-end and numerous content consumption devices to the open internet, triggers a multitude of security challenges for operators like Columbus” explains Tom Jahr, EVP Products & Partners, Conax. “Together with strategic partners Cubiware and MPS Broadband, Conax has created Conax Xtend MultiscreenTM, an end-to-end multiscreen broadcast platform with focus on security, flexibility and cost efficiency. I firmly believe the highly skilled teams at Columbus are pioneers in IP based TV distribution and will experience great success and take market share in their region,” continues Tom Jahr.
“This proven system, deploying now in a repeatable, scalable package is unprecedented in the market today,” comments Brent Smith, President of Evolution Digital. “The pre-integrated solution combines best-of-breed technologies translating into reduced cost and time-to-market, reduced risk and operational complexity for Columbus to deliver new services to connected devices like hybrid client devices, tablets and smart phones.
Columbus’ retail subscribers will reap the benefits of the Conax Xtend Multiscreen platform, with full control of their viewing schedule and a rich, live broadcast entertainment experience available at any time, any place and on any device.
Columbus plans to launch the IP Digital Video platform in Barbados during their mid-April event Flow World, an interactive showcase of various products and services. Deployment to surrounding islands including: Grenada, Jamaica, Trinidad and Curacao, is expected in the coming months.
Ecosystem technologies: The Conax Xtend Multiscreen ecosystem was integrated with best-of-breed complimentary vendor products chosen by Columbus. The advanced platform features hybrid IP Set-top boxes from Evolution Digital. UXP Systems provides the Multiservice Gateway providing Columbus customers a unified User Interface experience for their voice, video and data services on multiscreen devices. Encoding platform from Elemental Technologies and SeaWell Networks delivers edge-based per-session management, dynamic repackaging and encryption.