Telecom Lead America: Videotron, a Canadian
telecommunications operator, has selected Cisco’s HD set-top box platform to
deploy the next generation of its enhanced illico digital TV service.
Cisco said Videotron will leverage the Cisco Explorer
8642 HD-DVR and 4642 HD set-top boxes to deliver an enhanced entertainment
experience. illico TV New Generation offers a new customer experience including
advanced video services and faster navigation.
“The latest generation of Cisco Explorer set-top
boxes supports the Tru2way open standard allowing us to offer a tailored
customer experience to a broader audience. The Cisco Explorer set-top boxes
help us to differentiate our innovative service and applications while
retaining our market leadership,” said Pierre Roy, vice president,
Engineering, Research and Development, Videotron.
illico TV New Generation subscribers can use their
remotes to access interactive entertainment and information embedded in
particular programs, such as music, weather, local information, voting and polling,
and other services. Subscribers may benefit from Digital Video Recorder (DVR)
functionality, Video-on-Demand, Electronic Program Guide, Pay-Per-View, Caller
ID, Weather, and the ability to choose tailor-made entertainment packages.
The Cisco 8642 HD-DVR optimizes Videotron’s existing
Cisco-powered cable head-end infrastructure and DOCSIS network to give
consumers greater access to broader video and entertainment experiences
including broadcast television and video-on-demand.
“Videotron is a leader in bringing the capabilities
and convenience of HD and DVR services to Canada, and Cisco is proud to help
further the company’s vision. With illico TV New Generation, Videotron can
continue to advance its video strategy by utilizing its head-end and DOCSIS fibre
optic networks combined with Cisco’s set-top technology to deliver
best-in-class video entertainment experiences on air, online, on demand,”
said Mark Kummer, vice president, Service Provider Operations, Cisco Canada.
