PHILIPS TO LAUNCH MHP COMPANIONTV AT IBC

PHILIPS Digital Networks are to announce the introduction of their CompanionTV partnership program at IBC2001.
The new program, available through the company’s SoftWorks business line, has been set up to establish partnerships with interactive digital TV (iTV) application developers and infrastructure solution providers to develop application solutions for MHP platforms and offer these to potential customers. Membership of the program offers both technical and commercial advantages to both parties to ultimately provide a complete suite of MHP-based application solutions to customers among broadcasters, service providers and network operators. This will enable them to successfully deploy MHP and increase revenues through additional subscribers by offering new and exciting iTV services.
The main technical advantage of the program is that Philips and their partners will work together to develop joint solutions that ensure interoperability between iTV applications and Philips MHP middleware implementation. Philips will also support their partners ensuring continuous compliance with the latest implementation of the MHP standard.
On the commercial side, Philips’ partners in the CompanionTV program will take part in a number of combined marketing initiatives. These comprise joint demonstrations MHP-enabled iTV applications, marketing communications material, training, and participation at trade shows, workshops and other events. The commercial relationship can be extended to include other business developments or distributorship.
(GB)