Sioux Falls, S.D.-based Midco has become the latest tier 2 cable operator to sign onto TiVo’s Next-Gen Platform, with an eye toward delivering IPTV to Android TV set-tops and mobile devices.

Midco delivers TV, internet and phone service to 385,000 homes and businesses in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Kansas and Wisconsin with cable TV, high-speed internet and landline voice services. It had previously deployed the TiVo Experience 4 user interface to its video customers, but is now looking to build out the capacity to integrate OTT experiences along with its managed linear service.

TiVo’s Next-Gen platform is a cloud-based technology that delivers both IP-based VOD and linear video, as well as a full range of cloud DVR features, to a wide range of set-top platforms, as well as iOS and Android mobile devices.

Like other tier 2 operators who’ve signed on to Next-Gen platform—a group that includes RCN, Armstrong and TDS Telecom—Midco will eventually roll out thin-client set-tops powered by Android TV.

Notably, TDS announced earlier this week that forged a deal with Arris to provide Android TV-powered devices.

Related: TDS Becomes First North American Operator to Deploy Arris’ Android TV Set-Top

“With TiVo’s Next-Gen Platform, we are able to easily and rapidly deploy superior entertainment experiences that meet the evolving needs of our customers,” said Jon Pederson, chief technology officer, Midco. “Our business is built on innovation, and TiVo’s industry-leading solutions enable us to deliver a simple, smart, and elegant customer experience, while leapfrogging our competitors.”

Added Jeffrey Glahn, VP of North American sales for TiVo: “TiVo’s advanced platform gives operators a flexible migration path to IPTV, allowing them to continuously innovate and easily introduce must-have features to its customers.”

TiVo announces its second quarter earnings results later this afternoon. 

Butler, Pa.-based cable operator Armstrong has partnered with Palo Alto, Calif. headquartered Plume launched a new managed WiFi and security product.

Marketed as “Zoom Powered by Plume,” the new service includes AI-based adaptive WiFi features, that monitors and adjusts modem settings for peak wireless network performance. Also included are smart-phone-accessible tools that help parents manage their kids’ screen time. And there are security features to make sure no one hacks your toaster.

“Armstrong is happy to bring our subscribers the next level of speed, personalization, security and control by teaming up with Plume,” said Jeff Ross, president of Armstrong, in a statement. “As leaders in this space, we know that the modern smart home requires a personalized approach tailored to each person, home and device. Zoom Powered by Plume does just that.”

Added Tyson Marian, chief commercial officer at Plume: “Plume is proud to help Armstrong deliver an unparalleled Internet experience through reliable whole-home WiFi, personalized parental controls, guest access, and tightly secured devices. Zoom Powered by Plume introduces a powerful solution for the ever-changing smart home.”

Armstrong Utilities, a Pennsylvania-based cable operator that serves about 285,000 customers, has picked Metaswitch Networks Business and Consumer Communications platform, a move that  is helping the MSO migrate to an IP-based multimedia platform.

Armstrong, which serves parts of Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Maryland, also supports about 140,000 residential and business telephone lines and provides 30,000 voicemail accounts. 

For Metaswitch, the deal builds on recent wins with Charter Communications (the former Bresnan properties), Mediacom Communications and TVCABO.

“We’re pleased to help Armstrong build a more modern, IP-based multimedia platform that will support its customers and provide the flexibility and features needed to grow its subscriber base,” Al Mitchell, SVP of Metaswitch’s consumer and business solutions, said in a statement. “With our business and consumer communications solutions and the industry’s leading customer support organization, Metaswitch is the best partner to help Armstrong provide excellent service and expand into new markets.”

“We are really excited to have Metaswitch as our IP-based multimedia platform provider as we work to enhance features and functions so the promise of true fixed-mobile convergence can be a reality for even midsized cable operators,” added Mike Giobbi, CTO at Armstrong. “Our customers trust us with their home and business phone service, evident by our market penetration and positive service reviews.”

Five more U.S. MVPDs have joined Cablevision Systems in striking deals with Hulu that will enable them to offer the over-the-top streaming service to their respective customers. 

Armstrong, Atlantic Broadband, Mediacom Communications, Midcontinent Communications and WideOpenWest (WOW!) have agreed to distribute the OTT service. Those deals follow a similar agreement announced by Hulu and Cablevision on April 28. 

Hulu’s subscription service sells for $7.99 a month as a stand-alone OTT service. In its announcement about the Hulu agreement, Mediacom noted that pricing, availability date and “other particulars” will be announced in the near future, echoing what Cablevision said last month.

Update: A Hulu official confirmed that the OTT service will also sell for $7.99 per month via its MVPD partners. 

Hulu said the agreements will allow its pay TV partners to offer Hulu's full library of content, including Hulu originals, directly to their video and broadband subscribers via their "advanced set-top boxes."

“At Hulu, we believe users should have the ability to consume their favorite content, when, where and how they want,” Tim Connolly, Hulu’s senior vice president, distribution, said in a statement. “We are very excited to partner with these MVPDs to bring Hulu to users where they are already watching TV.” 

“We believe Hulu is the perfect complement to Mediacom’s Internet service offerings,” John Pascarelli, Mediacom’s EVP of operations, added in a statement issued by the MSO. “Hulu brings a robust video selection to our customers who want to supplement their traditional cable service with online content at home or on the go.”

Hulu, co-owned by NBCUniversal, Walt Disney Co., and 21st Century Fox, announced last week that it has nearly 9 million subscribers, a 50% increase since 2014.

TiVo kept its independent U.S. cable mojo going this week with word that Armstrong Utilities has selected TiVo to power as its next-gen video platform partner.

The deal, billed as an exclusive for TiVo, will feature TiVo’s platform running on the Pace-made MG1 six-tuner whole-home gateway/DVR, the Pace MI3 IP set-top client and the TiVo Stream, a Slingbox-like video transcoding device that can deliver live and recorded video to tablets, smartphones and PCs. The agreement also extends to Armstrong’s TV Everywhere experience and TiVo’s iOS and Android mobile apps.

Armstrong did not announce if it intends to offer Netflix on its new TiVo-powered platform, a feature that is currently being offered from several of TiVo’s MSO partners, including Suddenlink Communications, Cable One, RCN, Atlantic Broadband, Grande Communications, Virgin Media, Com Hem, Midcontinent Communications and GCI.

A TiVo official said it will be up to Armstrong to negotiation whether it will support integrated access to Netflix. Armstrong was not immediately available Tuesday morning for further comment.

Armstrong, which serves parts of Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Maryland, plans to launch its TiVo offering in early 2015.

"We have always been committed to providing our customers with the best television experience possible. Our decision to offer TiVo-powered solutions so they can get the content they want on any screen, wherever they are, is representative of that commitment. We are thrilled to partner with TiVo and eager to begin offering customers the customizable, next generation service that they demand,” Jeff Ross, president of Armstrong, said in a statement.

The announcement did not say if or when Armstrong might use TiVo’s UI tailored for Digital Transport Adapters as the MSO moves ahead on its analog reclamation project. In February, Rovi announced that Armstrong was using its guide for standard- and high-definition DTAs.

TiVo ended the second quarter with 4.80 million cumulative subs (937,000 TiVo-owned and 3.86 million via partnerships).