Entone, Edgeware partner on Fast Channel Change technology for IPTV operators

Hybrid TV solutions provider Entone has teamed with Edgeware, a Swedish firm that specializes in distributed video delivery, integrating Entone's Hybrid TV and over-the-top devices with Edgeware's Orbit Fast Channel Change solution.

"Entone's family of Hybrid TV and OTT devices, including Amulet, Janus and Kamai are optimized to support Fast Channel Change," said Entone's Bart Vanderostyne. "This feature ensures that a viewer's channel change experience is instantaneous without affecting the operator's core network."

Fast Channel Change gives IPTV operators a competitive advantage by reducing the channel changing times usually associated with digital television service. Typical channel changing times for DTV services delivered via satellite, terrestrial and cable can take several seconds, which often is frustrating for viewers. Fast Channel Change reduces latency and increases viewers' overall satisfaction with their IPTV service. Fast Channel Change can be deployed in the core or at the edge of the network.

"By integrating our caching and unicast bursting capabilities with Entone devices, we enable our operator customers to deliver seamless channel change capabilities while drastically reducing the cost and complexity for deploying a video service," said Duncan Potter, Chief Marketing Officer at Edgeware.

The companies are demoing the technology at IP&TV World Forum.

It's not the first time the two companies have worked together in the IPTV space.

In September 2009, Cupertino, Calif.-based Entone integrated its IP video gateways and media hubs with Edgeware's video-on-demand servers to give operators a more efficient and cost-effective IPTV solution designed to be deployed quickly to enable services like time-shifted TV, VOD, whole-home digital video recording, and online media services.

For more:
- see this release

Related articles:
Entone and Edgeware integrate servers, video gateways
Entone, VUDU team for OTT over IPTV
Entone rolls out hybrid TV offering for telcos