Quebec-based cable operator Videotron has launched a new entertainment, WiFi management and home automation platform based on Comcast’s X1 technology, two years after it announced a white-label licensing deal with its American counterpart.

Branded as “Helix,” the new tech includes the same wireless video set-top and DOCSIS 3.1 WiFi gateway used in the U.S. by Comcast X1 subscribers. According to Lightreading, Videotron is using gateway hardware manufactured by Technicolor using Broadcom chips. Another variety used in X1 is based CommScope/Arris devices powered by Intel silicon. Videtron will reportedly sell the Helix Fi Gateway for $187 U.S. and the set-top for $180.

Like X1, the system is controlled by voice remote, which lets users tap into the platform’s cloud DVR and powerful search and discovery capabilities using either English or French. As with X1, Netflix is native to the operating system, as is Videotron’s own SVOD streaming platform, Club illico.

The cable operator said it plans to enable X1’s home automation features in the coming weeks

Videotron lost 7% of its pay TV user base from June 1, 2018 to May 31, 2019. Like Comcast—and fellow Canadian operators Rogers Communications and Shaw Communications, which have also licensed X1—Videotron sees the platform as way of at least slowing the effects of cord cutting.

For its part, Comcast may have lost 224,000 pay TV customers in the second quarter. But overall, it’s pay TV base has only eroded by about 2.1% from Q2 2018 to Q2 2019.

“Today, we're launching a brand new entertainment platform and, very soon, a connected living experience,” said Videotron CEO Jean-Francois Pruneau said in a statement. By consistently innovating and listening to consumers' needs, we're always offering the best customer experience. I believe Quebecers will not only adopt Helix quickly, they won't be able to live without it”

Cox Communications has integrated YouTube Kids and NPR One into Contour TV, the white label version of Comcast’s X1 video platform.

Comcast had already integrated these apps into its flagship X1 product. Contour already offers Netflix, YouTube and iHeart Radio apps, allowing subscribers to access these services without toggling HDMI inputs.

“Now, with YouTube Kids and NPR One, Contour brings even more age-appropriate content to the TV screen for younger members of the family, and the informative, quality audio programming of NPR One for those who want to stay abreast of current events —particularly as election day gets close,” read a Cox advertisement that ran Thursday in a number of the operator’s markets.

Related: Cox: 1M Subs Now on X1-Powered ‘Contour’ TV Product

The programming is available in the “apps” section of the Contour guide.

Privately held Cox doesn’t often release figures on the number of Contour users, although it did say a year ago that it had 1 million subscribers on the platform. Estimates peg the Atlanta-based operator’s total video base to be around 4.065 million.

Canada’s Shaw Communications, Rogers Communications and Videotron also license X1 from Comcast. 

Canada’s Videotron said it will tap Comcast’s X1 platform to power a new IPTV service.

Videotron, the Montreal-based MSO with 1.65 million cable TV subs (and 1.59 million subs on its digital TV platform), didn’t announce when it plans to roll out the new IPTV product. The MSO has been asked for further comment.

Update: Videotron said the IPTV solution is currently in development and presently is not commenting on anticipated timing of its launch. 

With Videotron on board, Comcast adds another major cable operator to the list of those that have licensed/syndicated its X1 platform. Cox Communications and Canada’s Shaw Communications have already rolled out new X1-powered video services, and Rogers Communications, also of Canada, has plans to launch an X1-based IPTV product in early 2018.

RELATED: Rogers Sees ‘Soft Launch’ of X1-Based Video Platform by Early 2018

Videotron also has not announced its X1-facing product roadmap, but Comcast’s platform supports a cloud-based guide for set-tops and mobile devices, a remote with voice navigation, and cloud DVR services. Comcast has also integrated its X1 platform for set-tops with OTT services/apps from Netflix and Pandora, and has plans underway to do the same with Sling TV and YouTube.  

RELATED: Comcast to Stream YouTube on X1 Boxes

“We are very pleased with our decision to choose this state-of-the-art platform,” Manon Brouillette, Videotron’s president and CEO, said in a statement. “Combined with the power of Videotron’s network and its rich array of content, it will enable us to continue offering our customers the best possible experience and will strengthen our technology leadership.”

“XFINITY X1 continues to be a game-changer, allowing millions of people to search and navigate live TV, on demand movies and shows, web video, apps and more in a simple, fast and intuitive way,” added Tony Werner, president of technology and product for Comcast Cable. “The platform has changed the experience of watching video and our partnership with Videotron will extend X1’s reach to even more users.”

Canadian cable operator Videotron said it has begun to rollout DOCSIS 3.1, the multi-gigabit IP platform for HFC networks.

Videotron said it has begun to seed the market with D3.1-based modems alongside network upgrades, with testing already underway in Montréal-area homes and businesses.

Videotron said it will use the beta to collect data on user behavior and to test the technology prior to commercial deployment.

The operator has not announced any speed or pricing packages for DOCSIS 3.1-based products. The current spec supports up to 10 Gbps downstream and at least 1 Gbps upstream. A Full-Duplex version of D3.1 is targeting symmetrical speeds.

Cable-Tec Expo: ‘Full Duplex’ DOCSIS Speeds Ahead

Videotron’s current high-end service, Internet Giga, is based on DOCSIS 3.0, maxes out at 940 Mbps down and 50 Mbps up, and sells for C$149.95 per month.

Fellow Canadian MSO Shaw Communications expects to deploy 3.1 throughout its wireline network by the end of its fiscal 2017.

RELATED: Comcast Sets DOCSIS 3.1 Expansion, Launches 1-Gig in Detroit

"We are announcing a very important and exciting development today," Manon Brouillette, president and CEO of Videotron, said in a statement. "With this deployment, we are laying the first stones in the foundations of the Internet of the future. We will be able to offer better Internet access service that meets the growing speed and bandwidth needs of our customers, who are watching more and more HD and UHD videos and adopting the cloud, the Internet of Things, augmented reality and virtual reality."

Videotron has about 1.69 million cable TV subs, and 1.59 million high-speed Internet customers. 

Shedding some additional light on the technical makeup of Videotron’s 4K rollout, Alticast announced that it is supplying middleware and user interface support on the MSO’s new Ultra HD-capable box.

Videotron introduced its 4K/Ultra HD set-top last August, initially offering it for C$399 and providing access to a menu of VOD titles. The Samsung-made DVR, with multi-room capabilities, can record eight shows at once. The Canadian MSO began to carry live sports in the Ultra HD format in February. 

“The ability to combine the richness of 4K content with managed network Quality of Service will be a significant differentiator for pay-TV,” said John Carlucci, president and CTO, Alticast US. “By being the first operator in Canada to bring 4K STBs into subscribers’ homes, Videotron is continuing the leadership that sets it apart from competitors and enhances the value of service bundles.”

“The tremendous promise that 4K UHD holds for our customers can only be realized by true commitment on the part of the entire industry,” added Pierre Roy, Videotron’s VP, engineering, research and development. “Alticast and our other technology partners have helped us to create the technical foundation that had already generated market enthusiasm and satisfy customer demand for UHD services.”

Canadian MSO Videotron said it has begun to carry live sports in Ultra HD format to customer with an illico 4K Ultra HD PVR and a compatible UHD TV.

Videotron has slated select games from TSN (channel 910) in UHD/4K, starting with tonight’s NHL matchup between the Edmonton Oilers and the Ottawa Senators.

Videotron introduced its 4K/Ultra HD set-top last August, initially offering it for C$399 and providing access to a menu of VOD titles. The Samsung-made device  can record eight shows at once, and can store up to 115 hours of UHD content (and up to 320 hours of regular HD). Fellow Canadian operator Rogers Communications has also launched a major 4K initiative that will include live coverage of 81 home games of the Toronto Blue Jays on Sportsnet, and support for 4K content from Netflix and Shomi, the multiscreen SVOD service owned by  Rogers and Shaw Communications.

Here’s the other live 4K games that Videotron has on tap: 

Hockey

Thursday, February 4, 7:30 p.m.: Edmonton Oilers vs. Ottawa Senators

-Monday, February 8, 7:30 p.m.: Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Ottawa Senators

-Thursday, March 3, 7:30 p.m.: Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Ottawa Senators

-Tuesday, March 22, 7:30 p.m.: Washington Capitals vs. Ottawa Senators

Basketball

-Sunday, February 21, 6 p.m.: Memphis Grizzlies vs. Toronto Raptors

-Wednesday, February 24, 7:30 p.m.: Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Toronto Raptors

-Wednesday, March 2, 7:30 p.m.: Utah Jazz vs. Toronto Raptors

-Friday, March 4, 7:30 p.m.: Portland Trail Blazers vs. Toronto Raptors

-Thursday, March 10, 7:30 p.m.: Atlanta Hawks vs. Toronto Raptors

-Wednesday, March 30, 6 p.m.: Atlanta Hawks vs. Toronto Raptors

-Tuesday, April 5, 7:30 p.m.: Charlotte Hornets vs. Toronto Raptors

-Tuesday, April 12, 7:30 p.m.: Philadelphia 76ers vs. Toronto Raptors

Canadian MSO Rogers Communications has launched an ambitious 4K initiative that includes a new set-top box, OTT streaming from Netflix and Shomi, live 4K broadcast TV coverage of select sporting events, and a gigabit broadband service to help tie it all together. 

Next year, Rogers said customers will gain access to more than 500 hours of 4K fare, including all 81 home games of the Blue Jays in HDR format on Sportsnet; more than 20 NHL in 4K on Sportsnet starting with the January 23 matchup of the Montreal  Canadiens and  Toronto Maple Leafs (also on Sportsnet);  and more than 100 hours of 4K movies and TV shows from Shomi, the SVOD multiscreen service co-owned by Rogers and Shaw Communications that’s now available across Canada.

Rogers also announced a partnership with Netflix that will support the OTT provider’s 4K lineup that includes originals such as Narcos, Marvel’s Daredevil, Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp, Sense8, Grace and Frankie, Chef's Table, Bloodline, and House of Cards. In an apparent nod to Netflix’s Open Connect private CDN program, Rogers said it will link its network to Netflix servers.

Tied in, Rogers also said it will offer gigabit speeds to its entire footprint by the end of 2016, starting in downtown Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area. That service, called Rogers Ignite Gigabit, will be available to over four million homes when the deployment is complete.

Rogers has set up a web site for subs to get in line for the new 4K TV offering and the Ignite Gigabit Internet service (which will be uncapped), for $149.99.  Rogers.com/4K to reserve.

"4K TV sets have been in the market for some time and 40 per cent of all TV sales are likely to be 4K this holiday season. However, until now live TV broadcasts in 4K have been few and far between and customers have not been able to get 4K set top boxes," Guy Laurence, president and CEO of Rogers, said in a statement.

Fellow Canadian operator Videotron introduced a 4K/Ultra HD set-top in August, and has begun to pilot a gigabit residential service in Montreal that uses DOCSIS 3.0.  

In the U.S., DirecTV haslaunched a limited 4K-VOD service for its Genie platform and Samsung UHD TVs, and Comcast has launched a 4K streaming app for Samsung TVs. Comcast is also developing 4K-capable boxes for its X1 platform. Dish Network is nearing the debut of a 4K service that will run ona new UHD-capable Joey box.

Hitron Technologies Americas said its supplying the DOCSIS 3.0 model that is powering Videotron’s gigabit pilot in Montreal.

That model, the CDA3-35, can bond up to 32 D3.0 downstream channels (up to 1.2 Gbps bursts in North American DOCSIS systems that use 6MHz-wide channels), and up to eight upstream channels. The model is equipped with Intel’s Puma 6-MG DOCSIS processor and MaxLinear’s 32-channel MxL268 tuner, and is characterized to be a “drop-in and software compatible upgrades” to Hitron’s prior 16- and 24-channel D3.0 devices.

Suddenlink Communications, GCI of Alaska and Mediacom Communications are also using the Hitron model for their recently launched 1-Gig residential services. 

“The ever-increasing demand for bandwidth to support Internet-based applications and services, on-demand programming and other bandwidth-intensive services, requires us to deploy CPE that is on the cutting edge of technology,” said Videotron CTO Daniel Proulx, in a statement. “The Hitron CDA3-35 delivers the performance that enables us to provide our customers with the services they desire and the reliability they demand.”

Videotron serves about 1.77 million cable TV subs, and 1.54 million high-speed Internet customers. Its primary competitor is Bell Canada.

Canadian service provider Videotron has launched a mobile music streaming service that won’t count against customers' cellular data plans.

That service, called Unlimited Music, is launching with support for a handful of services – Stingray, Rdio, Google Play, Deezer and Spotify. Videotron said it will add other services, including Songza, in the coming weeks and months.

Unlimited Music is offered free to customers on a Premium plan, with at least 2 GB of data, or an Internet-mobile package with at least 1 GB of data.

In the U.S., T-Mobile introduced a similar offering that zero-rates music that’s streamed on its mobile network. Partners include Rhapsody (unRadio), Pandora, iHeartRadio, Apple Music, Slacker, Spotify, and Milk Music.

Videotron, which has 702,900 mobile subscribers, noted that its LTE network covers nearly 90% of Quebec, supporting speeds up to 150 Mbps.

“Music streaming is growing quickly around the world,” said Myrianne Collin, SVP, strategy and marketing at Videotron, said in a statement. “The numbers tell the story: more and more consumers are making their mobile device the nerve centre of their entertainment system and their constant electronic companion.”

Unlimited Music joins a growing list of new services from Videotron, which recently introduced a 4K set-top from Samsung for a coming Ultra HD offering, and is testing a 1 Gig broadband service Montreal that is powered by DOCSIS 3.0.

Videotron claims it’s the first telecom provider in Canada to commercially rollout a 4K/Ultra HD set-top, with plans to offer content in the eye-popping format by the end of summer.

Videotron said the UHD-capable box, made by Samsung, will sport a processor that is 12 times faster than the one powering its next-gen box for the MSO’s illico TV service, can record eight shows at once, and can store up to 115 hours of UHD content (and up to 320 hours of regular HD).

Early on, Videotron will offer VOD fare on UHD, including the Stingray Ambiance channel and the first episodes of Alerte 5, TVA's new docu-reality show.  Movies will also be added as Videotron expands its UHD catalog.

According to Cartt.ca, the Samsung device will be available in stores by late August or early September for C$399, the same price as Videotron’s HD-based, eight-tuner DVR. The report noted that Alerte 5 will be simulcast in HD on a special channel, and that UHD VOD titles will cost $7.99, $1 more than their HD versions.

"As a leader in cable TV, Videotron hopes that its move into UHD will serve as a catalyst for the development of Canada's UHD ecosystem and spur all the players in the distribution chain to follow suit, from the movie studios and post-production facilities to the broadcasters," said Manon Brouillette, president and CEO of Videotron, in  statement. "Consumers will be the winners. With the advent of UHD, it will be possible to create an astonishing television experience for viewers. In terms of both image quality and fast, fluid navigation through the interface, illico 4K UHD will give our customers what is unquestionably the best in technology and entertainment."

Videotron, which has about  1.74 million cable video subs, is the latest North American MVPD to jump into 4K. In the U.S., DirecTV has launched a limited 4K-VOD service for its Genie platform and Samsung UHD TVs, and Comcast has launched a 4K streaming app for Samsung TVs. Comcast is also developing 4K-capable boxes for its X1 platform. Dish Network is nearing the debut of a 4K service that will run on a new UHD-capable Joey box.

Canadian MSO Videotron is joining the Gigabit club.

The company announced this week that it is piloting a 1-Gig service in Montreal using DOCSIS 3.0, with plans underway to follow-up with a commercial launch.

State-of-the-art D3.0 modems can bond up to 32 downstream channels, enough to produce bursts up to 1.2 Gbps in North American DOCSIS networks that use 6MHz-wide channels, and up to 1.6 Gbps using EuroDOCSIS 8MHz-wide channels.

Videotron, which already offers a 200 Mbps downstream by 50 Mbps residential broadband tier using DOCSIS 3.0, noted that the pilot, which offers speeds of 1 Gbps ore more “under certain conditions” has been underway for several months with Montreal-area  homes and businesses. It’s delivering it with new modems and an “optimized network architecture.” 

Videotron also referenced its interest in DOCSIS 3.1, an emerging multi-gigabit platform for HFC networks that should be ready for deployment next year.

“Reaching the gigabit per second threshold in this technological test makes the potential of our state-of-the-art network that much more palpable,” said Manon Brouillette, Videotron’s president and CEO, in a statement. “In light of the pilot project’s results, we plan to go ahead with commercial roll-out of the new service. Details will be announced at a later date.”

Videotron serves about 1.77 million cable TV subs, and 1.54 million high-speed Internet customers. Its primary competitor is Bell Canada. 

Alticast said its engineering team developed “much of the critical software” for the X8, a Cisco Systems-made multi-room DVR for Canada’s Videotron that is capable of recording eight programs at the same time.

The X8 is a next-gen box for Videotron’s “illico” digital interactive TV offering serving more than 1.7 million Videotron subs.

According to data about the device, the X8’s 2 terabyte drive can record up to 230 hours of HD video and, from a multi-room standpoint, is compatible with two Cisco models (the 4642HD and 8642 HD PVR), and two Samsung models (6340 HD and Samsung 8340 HD PVR).

“Keeping our illico service at the cutting-edge of entertainment delivery is a strategic imperative, so we turned to Alticast to leverage their expertise in the industry to help us bring our new X8 set-top box to market quickly,” said Marie-Ginette Lepage, VP, marketing-content and broadcasting, for Videotron, in a statement. “Offering our subscribers the very best multi-screen TV experience with continued innovation is our goal, and our new X8 set-top is one of the keys to ensuring that we meet this goal.”

“This project not only demonstrates Videotron’s commitment to its subscribers, it demonstrates the capabilities of our engineers and their ability to solve operators’ most demanding software development needs,” added Alticast CTO John Carlucci.