Interactive Specialist Strategy & Technology Limited Orders FreeView

Strategy & Technology Limited (S&T), the leading specialist in interactive TV playout systems and MHEG middleware, has announced an order from FreeView, the consortium of New Zealand FTA (free-to-air) Broadcasters, for a complete end-to-end interactive TV solution.
This is the first full-scale deployment of MHEG-5 technology outside the UK.
The order, for S&T’s TSBroadcaster and TSPlayer systems and an EPG application for the FreeView DTH service, follows successful completion of a proof-of-concept trial hosted by TVNZ using sample MHEG-5 applications and set-top boxes.
The system will give all the FreeView broadcasters a fully redundant playout platform for interactive applications as well as a FreeView EPG that will provide consistent appearance and behaviour on FreeView-certified receivers and set-top boxes.
Steve Browning, responsible for the TVNZ-hosted trial and newly-appointed General Manager of FreeView, said: “We have worked very closely with S&T and other suppliers to deliver a successful proof-of-concept that showed the capabilities of the MHEG-5 technology and the advantages of a consistent EPG. We believe this will offer significant benefits to broadcasters and consumers alike when the FreeView platform launches next year.”
Colin Prior, Director of International Sales at S&T added: “We are delighted to have concluded this order from FreeView and in particular with FreeView’s decision to select the MHEG-5 standard for the platform. MHEG-5 offers a flexible interactive solution as well as the significant advantage of low incremental cost in receiver devices that will ensure that the whole FreeView audience is able to receive interactive applications.”
FreeView plans to launch its DTH satellite service in 2007, followed later by a digital terrestrial TV platform (using the same MHEG-5 standard).
Magna Systems and Engineering, S&T’s distributor in New Zealand, will provide ongoing installation and support services as part of the overall contract.
(DS)