Alticast said it is providing middleware and UI components to Canadian cable operator Videotron, as it rolls out the country's first 4K pay-TV set-top.
Videotron announced last August that it would deploy a Samsung-made, eight-tuner-DVR-equipped device capable of storing up to 115 hours of high-density Ultra HD content.
The set-tops will allow subscribers to Videotron's illico pay-TV service to see a limited amount of 4K VOD programming on their Ultra HD sets.
"The ability to combine the richness of 4K content with managed network quality of service will be a significant differentiator for pay-TV," said John Carlucci, president and CTO of Alticast U.S. "By being the first operator in Canada to bring 4K STBs into subscribers' homes, Videotron is continuing the leadership that sets it apart from competitors and enhances the value of service bundles."
With 4K/Ultra HD stuck in neutral in regard to the U.S. pay-TV market, it's not surprising that Alticast would call attention to its efforts in the Great White North, where operators are embracing the technology, along with high dynamic range (HDR).
Canada's Rogers Communications also announced a major 4K programming initiative in October, with plans to show Toronto Blue Jays baseball games and 20 "marquee" National Hockey League match-ups in the UltraHD format next year.
Rogers said it will deliver 4K programming to capable display devices via its own soon-to-be-deployed 4K set-top, which will also enable HDR companion technology.
"The tremendous promise that 4K UHD holds for our customers can only be realized by true commitment on the part of the entire industry," said Pierre Roy, VP of engineering, research and development for Videotron. "Alticast and our other technology partners have helped us to create the technical foundation that had already generated market enthusiasm and satisfy customer demand for UHD services."
For more:
- read this Alticast press release
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Canada's Videotron rolls out 4K set-top as pay-TV's Ultra HD market grows quiet in the U.S.