Forthnet taps Zenterio for legacy boxes

Greek pay TV operator Forthnet, has revealed that it has deployed Zenterio OS on set-top boxes for its satellite pay TV offering.

Forthnet used Zenterio OS, Forthnet to launch OTT services, VOD content, and a USB DVB-T dongle to its legacy boxes, while retaining the look and feel of the existing user interface.

More than 650,000 already deployed boxes have now been upgraded to Zenterio OS, and the software has also been added to next-generation devices delivered to new subscribers.

Zenterio said that its separation of software from hardware reduced integration times and enabled compatibility between Forthnet’s existing and next-generation boxes. By allowing Forthnet to keep existing devices, Zenterio OS provides the operator with cost savings, especially in the areas of hardware and installation, said the technology company.

Forthnet’s user interface was implemented using the Zenterio OS C++ Native UI, which was configured to look like an extended version of the original UI, with language support in both Greek and English.

“Given the significant consumer demand for OTT and VOD content nowadays, we wanted to support these features on our legacy set-top boxes. Partnering with an experienced operating system provider was essential,” said Constantinos Moraitis, pay TV technical director at Forthnet.

“Zenterio has a well-tested process for the migration of legacy boxes, having delivered many set-top box software migrations for major pay-TV operators over the years. We ultimately chose Zenterio OS for its maturity, scalability, portability, and user interface harmonization, all of which are important when it comes to launching OTT services and other new services that drive monetization.”

Jörgen Nilsson, CEO of Zenterio, said: “For leading pay TV operators like Forthnet, providing a consistent user experience across legacy and future devices is absolutely critical. Our operating system approach is all about flexibility, hardware independence, and ensuring a familiar experience for subscribers on legacy devices. By enabling Forthnet to preserve its legacy set-top boxes, Zenterio OS saves the operator massive CAPEX and OPEX, keeps existing customers happy, and creates a coherent roadmap of new services and business opportunities that cover the entire subscriber base.”

Zenterio will be exhibiting at IBC on Stand 5.C11 and Balcony Suite 20