MUMBAI: NDS, the technology solutions provider for digital pay-TV, today announced that Astro, the Malaysian cross media group, has selected NDS Mediahighway solutions for its Astro B.yond platform.
NDS‘ solution will provide Astro subscribers with access to the international and local content, delivered either over DTH, IP or hybrid mechanisms combining both IP and DTH.
NDS‘ MediaHighway set-top box (STB) software is the enabling technology for the Astro B.yond platform.
Also, to enable the delivery of the new video-on-demand (VOD) service, Astro has implemented NDS progressive download technology in both the headend and through MediaHighway STB software.
NDS progressive download facilitates the delivery of content over IP, addressing the issues associated with low bandwidth connections for uninterrupted viewing. Once enough content is delivered to the DVR, playback can commence - allowing for the remainder of the content to be delivered in background mode.
For pure DTH boxes, VOD content is delivered via push mechanisms to the DVR ready for consumption.
Astro director of consumer technology Shahrul Sultan said: "We consistently strive to provide our subscribers with best in class experience, and to do so we embrace the introduction of new technologies and additional delivery methods to ensure the optimum reach of our offering. Throughout the years NDS have enabled us to enhance our platform, whether through the provision of tools to enable us to introduce our own interactive applications or their flexibility to provide us with the necessary technologies to offer hybrid services such as VOD with progressive download."
The Astro B.yond platform uses NDS‘ VideoGuard Conditional Access (CA) and NDS DVR technology with a customised electronic programme guide based on the NDS EPG Framework.
NDS SVP and GM Asia Pacific Sue Taylor said, "It is a pleasure for NDS to be involved in the innovative services offered by Astro B.yond and to assist in extending their technological vision. This will give far greater convenience and choice to their subscribers."
