Satellite Technology Feature Article
December 16, 2009
Thomson Intros High-Definition Satellite Set-Top Box for Residential IP Video Services
By Jayashree Adkoli, TMCnet Contributor
Thomson, a provider of solutions for the creation, management, delivery and access of content for the communication, media and entertainment industries, reportedly announced the high volume production launch of its high-definition MPEG-4 DSI705 -- a video set-top-box device capable of supporting advanced, IP-based video services over existing coaxial L-band delivery infrastructures.
Thomson’s (News - Alert) HD MPEG-4 DSI705 STB is the newest addition to company’s expanding line of 700 series video set-top boxes. Claiming to be satellite industry’s first STB, DSI705 facilitates operators to not only provide over-the-top services, but also provides multi-room personal video recorders (PVRs), said the officials with Thomson in a release.
The DSI705 is not only easy to set up and manage, but it also capable of delivering IP signals over the same coaxial cable as traditional L-band video and low-noise block (LNB) control signaling. This enables the device to connect and communicate directly with other IP-enabled satellite STBs within the home, without additional wires or network connections. Moreover, this STB-to-STB networking is ideal for transferring content across devices or multi-room personal video recorder viewing, Thomson said.
According to Thomson, DSI705 is also capable of connecting to broadband home networks by utilizing an adaptor. This allows satellite subscribers to transfer IP video over-the-top to the STB for viewing on their home TV.
Furthermore, DSI705 devices makes it easier for satellite providers to overlay their existing HD services with advanced video networking features, utilizing existing wiring infrastructure and satellite equipment. It also helps operators with the ability to market new services and expand their residential presence using a compelling, networked service platform, according to Thomson.
“The content delivery landscape is changing dramatically as multi-room viewing becomes the next, crucial evolution of the PVR and consumers seek to supplement linear video with over-the-top IP content,” said Georges Laplanche, senior VP of the connect division at Thomson, in a release. “The DSI705 allows satellite operators to compete in this increasingly competitive, IP-connected video world by seamlessly enabling IP migration over single wire technologies via simplified installation techniques.”
In September, Thomson demonstrated two new cable set-top boxes that were based on its third generation technology. These set-top boxes not only deliver high speed data as well as comprehensive digital cable services, but also help cable operators to offer broadband to the home at up to 100Mb/s speed with home networking as well as content sharing utilizing the MoCA (multimedia over co-ax alliance) standard.
Jayashree Adkoli is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of Jayashree's articles, please visit her columnist page.
Edited by Marisa Torrieri
