Comcast and itaas are teaming up to offer operators an iTV platform built on EBIF.
itaas will license an EBIF engine developed by TVWorks, a wholly owned subsidiary of Comcast, and will offer MSOs an EBIF deployment package that includes license, deployment support and maintenance services.
“We’re using EBIF to help our customers enjoy new ways of interacting with the programming and services on their televisions with applications, like caller ID to the TV, and we’re trialing other EBIF features, including reminders to record favorite programs and using the remote to order from home shopping networks, that we’re planning to launch later this year,” said Mark Hess, SVP of video product development for Comcast.
itaas will provide each MSO with a list of apps and programmers that have already been validated for deployment. The apps can be launched on any cable system that has deployed the EBIF platform, and MSOs can decide which apps to deploy.
The EBIF solution is compatible with Motorola’s legacy and advanced STBs and will also run on tru2way-enabled cable systems.
EBIF apps that are deployable will be on display at itaas’ booth (1401).
