DENVER--Middleware startup aioTV was awarded a patent from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office that the company said covers, among other things, the method for culling together video channels from multiple different sources, such as OTT, cable and broadcast content. aioTV currently offers a unified guide that distributors could use to launch virtual pay TV services or to add online video products to their current offerings.
According to aioTV CEO Mike Earle, the patent is significant for the company because it validates aioTV's technology and protects its customers, who are using the firm's platform. Earle did not reveal those customers but said he hopes to be able to publicly announce a distributor deal soon.
Earle spoke with FierceCable in conjunction with the Cable-Tec Expo 2014 here about the company's progress in the marketplace. Earle said that the company continues to make inroads with distributors for its guide technology. In addition, he said that the company is also talking with wireless providers that could potentially use the company's technology to deliver video services to their customers.
Interestingly, Rovi, which provides a TV programming guide and recommendation engine to many cable TV operators, announced earlier this week that it has successfully deployed its guides in more than 500,000 standard and HD digital terminal adapters. Rovi is a competitor to aioTV but also a partner.
aioTV last year said that three MSOs were testing its middleware platform. The company also has a deal with Tribune Media Services, which provides metadata that can be used in conjunction with the platform.
For more:
- see this press release
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