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EPG software frees up set-top-box memory

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Oct 28, 2004

A new software extension for the ANT Fresco browser allows an electronic TV programme guide (EPG) to run much more efficiently than current alternative offerings.

A new software extension for the ANT Fresco browser allows an electronic TV programme guide (EPG) to run much more efficiently than current alternative offerings.

The software was initially developed for Alcatel, following requests from its customers for a memory-enhanced EPG solution for its IPTV middleware solution ANT Fresco provides a responsive and customisable user interface, digital content control and the capability for a range of additional interactive services for set-top boxes and digital TV.

The additional software consists of a new in-memory data store (IMDS) and compressed data transmission solution to lower system requirements and improve performance of data retrieval and display.

The ANT IMDS uses efficient database technologies to store and fetch information as it is updated at the head-end, ready to display to the user whenever the programme guide is requested.

Typically, in the case of the EPG, twice the multichannel programme information can be delivered to the browser without any increase in set-top box memory.

Programme information can then be very quickly viewed without the delay of waiting for the information to be loaded.

In addition to providing over 50% savings on long-term memory usage, this approach to EPG management is expected to remove all transient memory requirements in the datapath and will free up an estimated 75% of the bandwidth that is currently occupied by the delivery of TV guide information.

"The transmission, storage and use of important data, such as EPG information, is critical to the success of both a good set-top box design and the interactive services being deployed", commented Stephen Reeder, Executive Director of Sales and Marketing at ANT.

"We are pleased that our long term relationship with Alcatel has once again made a considerable difference to the customer's digital TV experience".

"A highly portable and consistent end user experience across a variety of consumer devices is essential for a successful IPTV service and therefore a key asset of Alcatel's Open Media Suite", said Holger Ippach, CTO of Alcatel's Information, Communication and Entertainment activities.

"The performance enhancements announced here are definitely confirming ANT as a key partner of Alcatel in delivering a compelling and revenue generating IPTV solution to operators on a global basis".

ANT's Fresco browser enables manufacturers of consumer electronics devices to efficiently develop standards-based, customised user interfaces, and to incorporate digital-content presentation and control into their products.

Being the most widely deployed embedded browser in the IPTV market and the browser of choice for the world's leading middleware providers, ANT Fresco is primarily intended for use in home entertainment devices such as set-top boxes and digital TVs.