Amino, Skystream Unveil Set-Top Box for IP-Based VOD

Amino Communications and Skystream Networks have teamed up to deploy a PUSH VOD set-top box for IPTV services.

The Amino AmiNET500 set-top box with PVR now includes SkyStream's zBand software to manage and schedule live and on-demand media. U.K.-based Amino equips its set-top box with an 80 GB hard drive and PVR capabilities that include instant record and replay and scheduled recordings from an electronic program guide (EPG). Skystream zBand automates media delivery with QOS and FEC, stream scheduling and lifecycle management.

Skystream is also developing an application geared towards telco networks. The IP video delivery provider recently partnered with Amino, Calix, Espial, Myrio and Widevine to offer PUSH VOD.

PUSH VOD is a bandwidth-saving technology that can push movies and programming at high speeds, low speeds or delivered at off-peak hours for optimal network usage.

"A PUSH architecture for VOD frees up bandwidth for additional revenue-generating services, keeps delivery costs to a minimum and enhances customer retention by delivering a better user experience than traditional approaches to VOD," said Jim Olson, president/CEO, Skystream Networks.