With the addition of some middleware and a softswitch, Thomson said it can now offer carriers all the major components of a scalable, integrated, IP-based system that can deliver voice, video, and data services.
Thomson’s system is based on its SmartVision IPTV middleware and Cirpack VoIP softswitch, both of which were designed to support a migration to IMS. These are integrated with video headend equipment from the company’s Grass Valley operation and Thomson’s home gateways and set-top boxes.
Because the IPTV middleware and softswitch are so tightly integrated, Thomson said, it will be easy for a service provider to operate all phone features on the TV screen with the TV’s remote control.
TV features such as picture in picture, video-on-demand, networked personal video recording and the ability to pause and resume live broadcasts are advanced.
The Thomson system incorporates a number of open interfaces the company said will allow its systems to integrate with service providers’ other service platforms for voice mail, video mail, and e-mail.
The company said the same core network platforms can also manage mobile devices for telephony, such as dual mode Wi-Fi/GSM phones and mobile video devices.