Humax Licenses S&T's Redkey 2 MHEG Engine For UK Freesat Launch

Strategy & Technology Client Systems Ltd (S&T Client Systems), specialists in interactive TV playout systems and MHEG-5 middleware, have announced that it has licensed its RedKey 2 MHEG-5 interactive TV middleware to Humax.
Humax is using the software engine within its new FOXSAT digital set-top box, enabling UK TV viewers to watch subscription-free high definition (HD) content and take advantage of enhanced interactive TV features through the new Freesat digital TV service, which launched on May 6.
Humax is one of the world's largest manufacturers of digital set-top boxes and HD-ready integrated digital TVs with built-in PVRs.
Bob Hannet, Chief Technologist at Humax, said: "Humax has selected RedKey 2 based on a combination of our previous experience with S&T's technology, giving us faith in the company's abilities and its willingness to work alongside Humax to begin a substantial rebuild of its MHEG engine for this groundbreaking project. The confidence of S&T in approaching new technology and in working to grow MHEG is in line with the Humax philosophy and this was very important.
RedKey 2, which as an MHEG-5 middleware allows the reception of interactive TV signals - takes a modular approach and allows manufacturers to select what they need for a given project. It also adds many new features over its predecessor, including HD support.
Hannent said: "The design of RedKey 2 means that we can take what we need from it while ensuring that good economy is maintained. We are also able to select the right MHEG product for the right reception device and as our product range grows we can integrate different aspects of the RedKey 2 engine and we can update our products without risking existing development work."
Freesat is a new free-to-air satellite TV service, offering almost every home in the UK over 80 channels of digital TV, radio and interactive services, including high definition (HD) programming from the BBC and ITV. The Freesat channel line-up will feature up to 200 channels by the end of the year. Freesat is a joint venture between ITV and the BBC.
Hannent said: "Humax believes that Freesat is a significant shift in the market. It increases choice and allows consumers to have access to HD content at a modest cost."
Paul Daly, General Manager of S&T Client Systems, said: "We are very pleased to have extended our relationship with Humax and also to be working with companies supplying into the new Freesat market. This is a significant step for S&T and also for MHEG-5 and should be recognised as such."
Strategy & Technology Ltd is a specialist company building and implementing technology based on international standards in digital TV.
Further information is available at: www.s-and-t.com.
(KMcA/JM)