Android in the Pay-TV Market

The growing footprint of Android in mobile devices has two implications for pay-TV operators:  the development of an enormous Android ecosystem that can create and support applications, as well as the increased availability of smartphone semiconductors.  In this video, John Carlucci, President and CTO of Alticast US, discusses how the pay-TV industry can expedite availability of advanced services by pulling Android technology, tools and applications into the television space.

Worldwide 4K TV Sales Beat Expectations in 2015

With 4K UHD TVs becoming far more popular than previously forecasted, cable operators are suddenly finding themselves with a growing installed base of “4K-ready” subscribers who are eager to see what the hype is about. According to this article from Broadband Technology Report, “Worldwide 4K TV shipments are expected to grow by 147 percent in 2015, despite an overall two percent fall in TV sales.”

Because 4K TVs are infiltrating the market at a pace faster than anyone could have predicted, it’s crucial that cable operators find the best way to securely deliver this ultra-premium UHD content. While this adds a layer of complexity, Alticast is all too familiar with the ins and outs of end-to-end security, and offers several solutions to the problem.

Industry experts anticipate 4K TV sales to reach 30 million in 2015, promising a bright future for the cable industry and its potential subscribers.

3 Out of 3 CTOs Agree: There is a Cloud in Cable’s Future

If you haven’t already watched the Broadband Technology Report’s recent roundtable of industry CTOs – including our own John Carlucci – you’re in luck as you can still watch it here.

It’s an interesting and informative discussion as the three cable veterans talk about the state of the industry and what’s it its future. 

Some highlights include:

•       The Cloud is for real and moving beyond hype as MSOs are increasingly taking advantage of it – growing Cloud DVR deployments are an excellent example of this trend
•        As much as the Cloud is taking hold in cable, hardware isn’t going away any time soon.  As John points out, “I’m still waiting for analog to go!”
•       Far from eliminating hardware, the potential of the Cloud may spur a new generation of subscriber devices that enable MSOs to offer more compelling services
•       While no one thinks DOCSIS 3.1 is far off, it may in fact be closer than we expect

These are only a few of the topics discussed during this engaging roundtable which is well worth 30 minutes of your time

Alticast’s HDMI Media Express “Set-Top Box on a Stick” Recognized in Prestigious Diamond Technology Reviews

Alticast’s Latest TV Everywhere Solution Recognized for Innovation in
Coveted Product Review Program

Alticast, a global partner for the delivery of media entertainment, today announced that its HDMI Media Express has received an exceptional “4 Diamond” rating in the Broadband Technology Report’s 2014 Diamond Technology Reviews, a highly regarded product review program that recognizes the best products and solutions for the cable television industry. 

Alticast’s HDMI Media Express works in conjunction with a home gateway or cloud-based IP content to enable operators to securely deliver live and on-demand programing to the large screen.  The small footprint of the device provides a TV Everywhere experience with its download-and-go and plug-and-play capability. The Alticast software integration on HDMI Media Express leverages both the Reference Design Kit (RDK), the popular pre-integrated software bundle endorsed by leading cable operators, and Alticast’s HTML5 TV Ready User Agent application framework.  This framework allows seamless operation of HTML5 and Android applications, allowing operators to deliver a multi-functional and multi-screen entertainment solution.

 “Receiving such high marks in this coveted product reviews program shows that cable industry experts recognize the value of HDMI Media Express and how it can be used by operators to expand their TV Everywhere services,” said John Carlucci, CTO, Alticast US. “Our HDMI Media Express solution represents a new paradigm for multi-screen IP video delivery, enabling operators to fully leverage the Cloud and home-based gateways to deliver new and compelling TV Everywhere services.”

“Operators are continually looking to expand their multiscreen capabilities and the Diamonds judges recognize the potential of Alticast’s HDMI Media Express to help MSOs offer new and irresistible viewing experiences,” said Tim Hermes, Publisher and Founder, Broadband Technology Report.

About Broadband Technology Report

Broadband Technology Report (BTR), celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2014, is the cable and telecom industry’s premier source for product and technology news, and is the most successful and fastest growing online outlet for product information and deployments; reviews and rankings; technology expertise; and buyer/seller facilitation. BTR’s portfolio includes online, print and video assets, all designed to help network operators build, upgrade and maintain high performance communications networks. BTR, backed by more than 70 years of combined industry experience, delivers its email, online, print and video production services to more than 18,500 subscribers. If you are interested in subscribing, consult http://www.btreport.net/subscribe.html.

About the Diamond Technology Review program

The BTR Diamond Technology Reviews (“the Diamonds”) is a renowned industry program – now in its 9th year – that was developed to recognize some of the top products and solutions available to the cable industry as determined by a stellar panel of cable telecommunications engineering experts. Engineering executives from Bright House, Buckeye, Comcast, Boyer Broadband, Suddenlink, and Time Warner Cable were among the third-party judges for the 2014 Diamonds. Every year, BTR invites vendors to submit written information about products/solutions that have been released or upgraded since the previous year’s SCTE Cable-Tec Expo (October 2013). Criteria used in the Diamonds rankings include, first and foremost, unique technology or application thereof, innovation, ease of use, efficiency, reliability and contribution to profitability.

Alticast on RDK

Alticast had a lot to say about RDK this week.  Check out BTR's interview with John Carlucci, Alticast CTO and Product Manager, Mark Johnson below.

The RDK's Evolution Continues

RDK Application Framework Considerations