S&T and TechniSat demonstrate new MHEG Interaction Channel technology at IBC

Amsterdam – 10-15 September 2009: Strategy & Technology, the leading specialists in interactive TV playout systems and MHEG-5 middleware, is partnering with leading STB manufacturer TechniSat to demonstrate the latest MHEG Interaction Channel (MHEG-IC) technology at this year’s IBC.

TechniSat’s premium range of HD products incorporate network connectivity, via built-in Ethernet or an optional USB WiFi adapter, allowing consumers to stream video, music and pictures from a PC within a home network (LAN). This wired or wireless connectivity, combined with S&T’s Redkey™ 2 MHEG-5 middleware engine, also provides MHEG Interaction Channel (MHEG-IC) capability.

Defined as a public standard by the D-Book 6.1 published earlier this year by the DTG, MHEG-IC allows users to access additional IP-based content from a broadcast MHEG application, which enables the receiver to operate in hybrid mode to access additional AV content via the internet. The result is a much richer viewing experience, combined with the convenience and security of broadcaster-controlled delivery.

MHEG-IC services are likely to include Video on Demand (VoD), allowing viewers to browse new titles for download or immediate viewing at a time of their choosing; access to broadcaster ‘catch-up’ services; T-commerce enabling consumers to complete a purchase from one of the TV shopping channels; real-time interaction with programmes for voting, responding to advertising, or following programme-related links.

Viewers will also have access to a host of interactive applications, with rich related data available from the internet under control of the application, including operator information and account management.

The technology will be shown in operation on the S&T (1.A21) and TechnniSat (1.A44) stands at IBC.

For further information about TechniSat visit www.technisat.com