Add another feather to the cap of cable TV provider Comcast (NASDAQ:CMCSA), which last month announced a deal with Skype to provide video calling to its cable customers. Today, the MVPD announced it would work with Technicolor to develop an HD videoconferencing offering that would work through existing set-top boxes and HDTV sets, as well as across wireless LAN networks.
Technicolor said it would deliver a custom telepresence adapter to Comcast that would enable the cable provider to deliver an interactive video calling experience to its subscribers using existing hardware and software.
"We engaged Technicolor to design and develop the adapter based on their successful track record delivering custom-built solutions and their ability to develop innovative products in a cost-effective, timely and seamless manner," said Steve Reynolds, senior vice president of home networking for Comcast."
Trident Microsystems will provide the product's semiconductor solution.
Technicolor's telepresence adapter includes an HDMI input and output, Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi, RF4CE control, external USB and SD card slot and an integrated external camera and microphone. Comcast first demonstrated its telepresence offering at The Cable Show in Chicago in June 2011 and has announced its plans to conduct market trials later this year.
For more:
- see this release
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