Satellite Technology Feature Article
November 20, 2009
Tahiti Nui Satellite, Thomson Team to Launch High Definition Services in Western Europe
By Jyothi Shanbhag, TMCnet Contributor
Tahiti Nui Satellite, a satellite service provider, has reportedly selected Thomson to supply satellite MPEG-4 HD set-top box technology to support the launch of TNS’ (News - Alert) high-definition broadcast service in the fourth quarter of 2009.
Thomson will supply its DSI2110 set-top box, part of its HD zapper product line, to allow TNS subscribers across the French Polynesia region of the Pacific Ocean to select and view video on-demand content via IP broadband. The unit also includes a USB port to connect an external disk drive in order to add PVR capability.
Jean-Marc Mouret, CTO of TNS, said that its subscribers look to them to provide the best in television services, so the migration to HD, with the addition of on-demand services, was an important part of company’s plan.
“For the new service we needed a set-top box which offered simple installation and operation, and reliable performance over time, and Thomson (News - Alert) was the only supplier to meet all our requirements,” Jean added.
The Thomson DSI2110 set-top box selected by TNS provides reception of MPEG-4 HD transmissions, as well as MPEG-2 standard definition channels. It supports middleware from Open TV and conditional access from Viaccess and acts as connected satellite STB.
It includes an Ethernet port allowing connection to the subscriber’s broadband router. This will allow the operator to enrich its offering with video on demand, catch-up television and other interactive services over IP, with a seamless user interface. Also included in the STB is a USB port allowing the connection of an external disk drive to add PVR capability, should the service provider choose to enable this functionality later, said the company.
“As a leading supplier of set-top boxes and home connectivity devices, Thomson has developed a range of products to meet contemporary requirements,” said Georges Laplanche, senior vice president, of the Connect Division at Thomson.
The request for a “connected” satellite box from Tahiti Nui Satellite was something Thomson could easily adapt from its existing product line and could quickly demonstrate to TNS the level of performance and reliability they demanded, Laplanche said.
Jyothi Shanbhag is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of Jyothi's articles, please visit her columnist page.
Edited by Marisa Torrieri
