KT launched a new network device named "Olleh TV Air,", which allows Internet protocol television (IPTV) to be accessible wirelessly.
Korea's second-largest telecom company said the new device, based on the faster gigabit-class wired and wireless Internet services, will allow users to watch ultra high-definition (UHD) IPTV content more flexibly.
"Olleh TV Air is expected to provide innovative IPTV services, which used to have constraints in terms of mobility even in a smart home environment," KT Media Business Unit Senior Vice President Ryu Hee-kwan said during a press conference in Seoul, Thursday. "KT will continue to release technological improvements to provide more advanced IPTV services starting with Olleh TV Air."
KT said Olleh TV Air is an external terminal device that connects an Internet modem to an IPTV set-top box through the Wi-Fi technology. Unlike the existing wired IPTV services, it does not need extra wiring and thus users can randomly place the device considering the interior design they want within the reach of Wi-Fi networks, the company said.
Ryu stressed that the company has introduced three key GiGA Internet technologies for Olleh TV Air. First, the broadband UHD video traffic quality of service (QoS) technology is used to prioritize large-size UHD video data in the network, realizing seamless video streaming.
The second technology is called the wireless broadband Wave-2 and automatic connection, which controls data transfer in the gigabit-class networks, Ryu said.
Lastly, he said the smart channel selection technology removes network interference with nearby Wi-Fi access points and automatically selects Wi-Fi channels optimal to IPTV services.
Ryu said Olleh TV Air can be used even without KT's GiGA Internet service, adding that the company is pushing for technological improvement of its IPTV services from a long-term perspective.
"Even without our GiGA Internet, the device is operable in a network environment faster than 35 megabit per second," he said. "We have developed such technological improvements basically for the sake of user convenience. We prioritize customer satisfaction even if it may cause a decrease in the number of subscribers in the short term."
The current version of Olleh TV Air, which includes four antennas inside the device, must be connected to the Internet modem and set-top box. The device should be bought additionally for 99,000 won excluding tax, but those who newly subscribe bundled services of KT's wired Internet and IPTV can get one for free, the company said.
Rhy said KT will develop and release new Internet models and set-top boxes that have Olleh TV Air embedded next year.
Source: http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/tech/2016/08/133_212241.html