Nagra launches OpenTV Signature Edition

Kudelski Group-owned Nagra has launched OpenTV Signature Edition, a new cloud-based and multi-tenant solution for pay TV operators.

Powered by the OpenTV Suite and the Nagra Insight data analytics platform, OpenTV Signature Edition provides what Nagra describes as a fully-featured ecosystem for pay TV operators.

The OpenTV Signature Edition uses all the components of the OpenTV Suite such as the OS, platform, experience and player, along with pre-integrated set-top box hardware and a broad third-party and content network to help service providers deliver OTT and SVOD services

The system includes the new Ion user interface. Consumers have a choice of following a traditional EPG journey to content or a more modern navigation approach that can be accessed across a broad range of devices, whether tablets, smartphones or third-party streaming devices like Amazon Fire TV or Google Chromecast.

Content search can be achieved through keyboard, voice or smartphone. Recommendations are either delivered traditionally or with new search mechanisms that lead customers to content they may not have otherwise thought of.  The EPG also brings a new level of additional features, such as personalized content channels, linearized SVOD and VOD channels.

The Signature Edition includes a 4K-ready set-top box by SmarDTV, providing popular SVOD apps, such as Netflix, YouTube and Amazon Prime. The Ion experience can also be updated.

Speaking to journalists at a Nagra briefing in Montreux earlier two months ago, Colin Zhao said that Nagra had spent time over the last year focusing on “experiences”, meaning figuring out what people do with their TV systems.

“This is looking at what people actually do and trying to simplify it,” he said, resulting in a new offering that is “productised” and can appeal to all operators.

Zhao said that the OpenTV Signature Edition is integrated with an editorialised selection of key third party services. It is focused on rapid deployment, efficient operations, and evolving UX and mass market appeal. “it expands the market for Nagra as a whole,” he said.

The Signature Editon combines the OpenTV platform with recommendation, medatada and voice command capability from third party providers, as well as integration with IoT elements such as Amazon Echo, set tops and Google Cast. It includes the integration of key online TV apps, and will be expanded to cover ads, payments, CDN sevices, more apps and more devices, said Zhao.

Zhao said that the new low-cost box would enable fast integration by operators. “This is an integrated box that comes with our UI on it and is a quick to deploy box,” he said.

Nagra will be exhibiting at IBC on Stand 1.C81