Accedo, the Smart TV provider, has announced a partnership with NDS to enable pay-TV operators to launch their own app store, as well as potentially monetising apps.
The product utilises NDS’ set-top box (STB) for operators to author apps integrated with an HTML browser, and an advanced software development kit (SDK).
The NDS Service Delivery Platform enables operators to provide content “contextual” with what’s on the screen.
“The combination of NDS software and Accedo’s application management experience will be a valuable solution for operators looking to embrace interactive TV,” said Michael Lantz, Accedo CEO.
The proof should be in the pudding when the partnership will be unveiled at the IBC 2012 conference this week. Accedo will in particular be displaying “a rich portfolio of apps” on the MediaHighway STB.
NDS, a leading video provider, was bought out by Cisco at the end of July as part of an attempt to broaden its service provider presence.
Yet this is one of various partnerships Accedo has announced, recently being extremely busy in the development of their smart TV vision.
Earlier this week they announced a partnership with home entertainment providers TiVo – who developed the first DVR (digital video recorder) – launching multiple TV applications on their platform.
This will also be demonstrated at IBC. Accedo will offer various custom-developed applications from a variety of fields, including social media, casual gaming, news and video services.
In July Accedo teamed up with media group Foxtel to provide a service to Australian consumers with Samsung Smart TVs which took away installation, contracts and the set top box. But this development undoubtedly puts the STB in the foreground.
Accedo CEO Michael Lantz will be speaking at Apps World in London on 2-3 October. Find out more information on what he’s discussing here.
Update 11 September: According to Michael Lantz, Accedo CEO, the app store will be “vital” to the pay TV consumer offering.
“Of course, in a TV context, consumers expect a packaged and attractively bundled offering, which is a value the pay-TV operators will bring to the table.
“Pay TV operators have excellent understanding of consumers and Accedo will work with them to create an attractive application offering for different customer groups,” he added.
Both companies fully believe this will be a strong option for operators. But do you agree?
Find out more on the future of TV apps at TV Hackfest, at Moscone Center West San Francisco on February 7-8 2013.
