Set-top boxes bound for Georgia

Amino has started shipments of its low-cost AmiNet110 ultraminiature set-top box to Georgia-based Ringgold Telephone Company.

Amino has started shipments of its low-cost AmiNet110 ultraminiature set-top box to Georgia-based Ringgold Telephone Company.

They will be used in its NexTV IP television (IPTV) service that allows Ringgold's growing subscriber base to receive 167 TV channels and 45 CD-quality music channels via their standard telephone lines.

The value of the contract is undisclosed but shipments of the STB are expected to be several thousand per year during 2004 and 2005.

Internet-protocol-based TV, or IPTV, is developing rapidly as it enables video on demand (VoD) and interactive services to be delivered over broadband telephone networks.

Subscribers can watch digital-quality TV programmes and have access to a wider selection of movies than presently available, while benefiting from full interactivity.

In addition to a multitude of traditional broadcasting channels and CD quality music, the Ringgold NexTV service also offers premium movie channels, VoD, as well as broadband Internet access.

It also provides local weather and community information.

NexTV is compatible with standard television receivers and Ringgold provides full service installation to its subscriber base in the city of Ringgold and Catoosa County.

The low-cost AmiNet110 is the industry's smallest STB measuring only 75 x 75 x 9mm and incorporating an RJ45 Ethernet socket for connection to the subscriber's ADSL modem.

The STB plugs into the back of a TV set using a Mini-DIN to Phono Composite, RGB or S-Video and audio cable, or via an RF output.

Other connections include an S/P-DIF digital audio output, and power input via a small plug-top power supply.

A USB interface is also included which can, for example, provide support for games controllers.

The embedded web browser with Amino's JMACX HTML and JavaScript extensions enable the primary user interface and the support required to control a sophisticated VoD and IP multicast system.

The AmiNet110 offers significant cost benefits for online service providers and telecomms companies as it enables a reduction in the capex requirements of network installations.

Bob Giddy, CEO of Amino, commented: "This significant contract strengthens our belief that IPTV is the multimedia distribution system of the future.

We're delighted to be working with Ringgold and participating in its exciting and fast growing new entertainment opportunity".

Phil Erli, Executive Vice President of Ringgold Telephone Company enthused about the Amino contract: "Our subscribers will welcome the small unobtrusive format of the AmiNet110 set-top box and the vast selection of entertainment that it will convey".

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