Online video technology provider Roku has unveiled plans to develop a hybrid set-top box designed to enable operators to offer linear and streaming services through a single device to consumers.
The Roku Powered licensing programme is an end-to-end solution designed to help operators grow their addressable market and reduce customer churn.
The programme was introduced in 2014 after Roku successfully pioneered the approach with Sky in the UK to deploy the NOW TV box. The latter, who is an investor in Roku, will be the first operator to use the new online video system for which Roku will provide ongoing software updates, platform maintenance, and application development support and certification services.
The device will have new customisation features, giving Roku Powered partners such as Sky the ability to have more control over the home screen experience, enabling them to surface content directly on the home screen or give recommendations to their customers.
“With the new Roku Powered hybrid set-top box we are enabling operators to bridge the gap between linear broadcast and streaming TV services,” explained Andrew Ferrone, vice president pay TV at Roku. “Many consumers have a hybrid viewing pattern and leverage both traditional broadcast and on demand or catch-up services.”
Source: http://www.rapidtvnews.com/2016013141568/roku-developing-hybrid-enhanced-ott-box.html#axzz3ysNliQRx