J:COM pay-TV subscribers are enjoying enhanced, web-like video-on-demand experiences on their existing set-top boxes, thanks to the first deployment in Japan of transformative cloud-based technology.
J:COM has used the cloud to reimagine the VOD interface and enable expedited content discovery, a key factor in driving take rates for on-demand content. The new experience includes faster, more nimble responsiveness; a larger, more informative display; and the ability to personalize searches – without changing the equipment in consumers’ homes.
Shifting the browsing environment to the cloud has allowed J:COM to accelerate availability at scale of an entirely new user experience that enhances the capabilities of existing devices and performs identically across every STB in its service footprint. In addition, the flexibility of the cloud allows J:COM to quickly update the UX to deliver new services to meet consumer needs.
“The user interface is the customer’s point of entry to our on-demand library,” said Masaaki Agaya, General Manager, Service Planning Division for J:COM. “The power of the cloud has enabled us to offer our subscribers a next-generation UX that overnight is opening the door to engaging new viewing experiences on the same familiar set-top boxes.”
J:COM is using cloud virtualization technology from ActiveVideo® to add new functionality to its existing set-top boxes. ActiveVideo CloudTV GuideCast enables pay-TV operators to augment current STB functionality by making the user experience independent of device CPU speeds, memory size and graphics capabilities. GuideCast renders a state-of-the-art HTML5 user interface in the cloud, and delivers the output as an interactive MPEG video stream to any cable QAM or IP STB that is supported by a downloadable or preinstalled client with a CloudTV Nano module.
“As pay-TV operators deploy new services, the time-to-market required to ensure universal availability across the entire footprint can be daunting,” said Jeff Miller, President and CEO of ActiveVideo. “J:COM’s success is further proof of how STB virtualization allows operators to rapidly transform user experiences for every subscriber by enabling delivery of faster, larger and more intuitive user experiences.”
About Jupiter Telecommunications Co., Ltd.
Established in 1995, Jupiter Telecommunications Co., Ltd.(J:COM) is Japan's largest multiple system and multiple channel operator. In system operation, J:COM provides cable television, high speed Internet access, telephony, mobile, and electric power service to customers through 28 consolidated subsidiaries at the local level serving 5.28 million subscribing households in Sapporo, Sendai, Kanto, Kansai, and Kyushu-Yamaguchi regions. The number of serviceable households or “homes passed” in J:COM franchise areas is 21.13 million. In channel operation, J:COM invests in and operates 17 thematic channels which are provided to CATV, satellite and telecom operators.
* The above household figures are as of December 31, 2016.
About ActiveVideo
ActiveVideo® is the developer of CloudTV, the only software platform that enables service providers, content aggregators and CE manufacturers to virtualize CPE functions in the cloud for the purposes of delivering online content, advanced user interfaces and interactive advertising for TV to all generations of set-top boxes and connected devices. CloudTV delivers consistent, branded video experiences from the cloud, eliminating the cost and time to market of writing content for multiple device makes and models. ActiveVideo is a joint venture of ARRIS International plc (NASDAQ: ARRS) and Charter Communications (NASDAQ: CHTR). The company is based in San Jose, CA with offices in Hilversum, the Netherlands. Visit us at www.activevideo.com or https://www.linkedin.com/company/activevideo; follow us at www.twitter.com/activevideo.
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