Cisco today announced its video solution deal with Charter Communications.
The network company will supply — downloadable security solution (DCAS) for set-top boxes and digital rights management (DRM) solution to support video services on IP devices – for Charter’s video solution.
In addition to Cisco’s cloud-based security suite, Cisco will supply a substantial share of Charter’s Worldbox volume and will continue to supply CableCARD boxes until Charter migrates all current and acquired systems to the downloadable security solution.
Cisco chairman and CEO John Chambers said: “We are proud to join Charter today to showcase the leading edge IP and cloud-based video solutions they are developing, and the Cisco products at their core.”
Cisco said Worldbox can act as a thin client that can be updated via cloud software and incorporates a cloud-driven user interface (UI) to deliver new features to Charter subscribers. At CES 2015, Charter will also showcase the Spectrum Guide, a new, cloud-based, user interface that will work on any deployed set-top box in Charter’s footprint.
Charter expects to deploy downloadable security to its current systems this year and will then continue deployment to acquired systems. Downloadable security allows current and future vendors worldwide to supply Worldboxes to Charter.
Charter is currently working with vendors towards manufacturing compatible boxes for the retail market as well, with the expectation that these devices will function in other cable systems using downloadable security solution.
Charter will offer both HD and an HD-DVR Worldbox featuring dual IP/QAM capabilities, configurable up to 16 tuners, a DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem, 1 Gig of RAM, USB to enable future applications, and a terabyte of storage on the HD-DVR.
