Pace Plc (LSE: PIC) is providing the software and hardware elements of Sky New Zealand/TVNZ's Igloo TV multi-service offering that provides no-cost terrestrial free-to-air channels along with a premium channel package, pay-per-view sporting events and transactional VoD.
To fill all those needs, Igloo is using Pace software on a DVB-T2 Digital Terrestrial Television hybrid IP set-top box that also includes a new user interface, Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections and two USB ports. Specifically, Igloo uses Pace Elements Cobalt for search and recommendation and the HTML5-based Oxygen user interface as well as ace Elements Tungsten middleware and software.
Additionally, Pace is providing systems integration and consulting services to support the service platform's development and rollout.
Igloo is in a soft launch phase. Eventually, in addition to the free-to-air channels packages, subscribers will have the opportunity to pre-purchase a 30-day channel package of 11 premium channels for $24.99.
The Igloo platform is aimed at "households who want access to the great content they associate with Sky and TVNZ but without the commitment of a long-term contract," said Chaz Savage, Igloo's general manager. "We came up with the idea for Igloo but knew it would need a technology platform that made it not only exciting to look at, but easy to use, a good value and flexible for consumers. The Pace solution ticked all the boxes--a superb user experience thanks to the Elements software, delivered via a high-performance, reliable set-top box."
For more:
- see this Pace release
- see this CED Magazine article
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