Evolution Digital said it has notched a deal to offer a TiVo-powered IP/QAM set-top powered by TiVo to members of the National Cable Television Cooperative, a group that assembled programming and technology deals for many of the nation’s independent cable operators.
Evolution Digital didn’t announce if any NCTC members are on board yet, but noted that it ported TiVo’s software onto its low-cost hybrid platform last summer. Notably, WideOpenWest (WOW) announced a joint development deal with TiVo and Evolution Digital last year that will enable the MSO to offer a blend of traditional linear TV and VOD services and over-the-top content via a new low-cost hybrid IP/QAM device and through Web and mobile apps powered by the TiVo platform.
Today, under “Bravo,” an NCTC platform that acts as an intermediary between tier 2/3 cable operators, co-op members can purchase the TiVo-based Evolution Digital hybrid devices “with full functionality at a lower cost,” the companies said. Those TiVo-powered devices from Evolution Digital are also available to NCTC members that are not operating on the Bravo platform.
Evolution Digital said the hybrid set-tops can also be flipped to support an all-IP platform that supports live TV, VOD and network DVR apps on a unified, TiVo-based platform. Colorado-based Evolution recently introduced an IP video platform called eVUE-TV that stems from its acquisition last year of i-Velozity.
“Our IP Hybrid STB powered by TiVo integrates the operator’s cable channel line-up with the leading OTT services to provide viewers with a seamless viewing experience,” Marc Cohen, executive vice president of sales at Evolution Digital, said in a statement. “Our great relationships with TiVo and NCTC now give operators with membership in the NCTC an affordable option for delivering our leading technology without integration fees, but with all the same innovative features TiVo offers.”
“NCTC is proud to partner with Evolution Digital to give our members another way to offer a superior entertainment experience,” added NCTC CEO and president Rich Fickle, CEO and president at NCTC. “We developed the Bravo platform to allow cable operators access to what their customers are asking for, but at a price point that is accessible for the provider.”
Evolution Digital and NCTC timed the announcement with this week’s Winter Educational Conference in Phoenix.
