NAGRAVISION TO PROVIDE CONDITIONAL ACCESS FOR OPTUS' TWO-WAY INTERACTIVE TELEVISION
- Trial underway to evaluate TV Net, TV Mail, extensive content and fully interactive Electronic Program Guide.
Nagravision, the digital TV and broadband Internet division of the Kudelski Group, today announced it has been selected by Cable & Wireless Optus, one of Australia's leading communications companies, to provide the Conditional Access System for trials of interactive digital television (iDTV). Optus' solution foresees an impressive range of interactive applications.
"We are using state-of-the-art technology and innovative content partners to combine the possibilities of digital television with the interactivity of the Internet. It's a very exciting stage in the development of these technologies in Australia," said Noel Leslie, Technical Director of Consumer & Multimedia at Optus.
"Interactive TV is one option available to us to further exploit the powerful technological capabilities of the Optus Broadband network. It is an important part of keeping our consumer business vibrant and ready for the future".
Working with Pace Micro Technologies, the provider of the DOCSIS-compliant digital cable set-top boxes, and Liberate Technologies, the middleware supplier, Nagravision provides the Conditional Access system for the trial. Approximately 300 homes in Sydney will test interactive TV features, including Australia's first trial of near video on demand, the ability to surf the Internet and access email via the TV.
"Being the Conditional Access leader in the UK cable market has certainly helped. Our experience is a serious guarantee to Optus," said Maxime Goeke, Vice President Operations, Nagravision Asia. "For us, if it is one more important step in the Asian Pacific region, it is a very first step in Australia. As one amongst Optus' carefully chosen suppliers, we are eager to participate in the first implementation of advanced digital cable technology in the region".
About Optus
Optus is Australia's leading integrated communications company - serving around five million customers each day. The company provides a broad range of communications services including mobile, national and long distance services, local telephony, business network services, internet and satellite services and pay television.
Since commencing operations in 1992, Optus has invested more than $7bn in the construction of fixed, mobile and satellite networks, including central business district and suburban local access networks. These networks provide the company with an advanced technology platform capable of delivering integrated communications, information and entertainment services.
About Nagravision
Nagravision (www.nagra.com) is a leading provider of open conditional access, advanced management tools and integrated solutions for cable, satellite, terrestrial and MMDS, FTTH and xDSL operators worldwide. These advanced solutions provide digital TV and content providers with the tools to operate and manage a range of interactive broadband services that include e-commerce, interactive program guides and multimedia-on-demand including VOD.
Nagravision's digital and analog conditional access technologies are currently being utilized by leading operators worldwide representing over 25 million digital and analog subscribers. Nagravision is a division of the Switzerland-based Kudelski Group (SWX ""KUD"") and has offices in the United States, Singapore, Shanghai, Brazil, India, Spain, the UK and Switzerland.
For further details please contact:
Cable & Wireless Optus
Melissa Favero
Optus Corporate Affairs
Tel: +61-2-9342 5030
EMail : [email protected]
Nagravision
Ronald Wing
Business Development & Marketing
Tel: +41-21-732 0339
E-Mail : [email protected]