IBC2007 - Inuk Networks introduces ‘virtual set-top box’ for IPTV to the PC

September 20, 2007 - Inuk Networks announced at IBC2007 the commercial launch of its igloo virtual set-top-box software solution, which it claims will enable IPTV operators to deliver a true television set-top experience to a desktop or laptop computer or Mac using standards-based, technology-agnostic software.

Inuk is the company behind the UK’s Freewire IPTV to PC service, which is currently available to students living in university accommodation at 49 higher education establishments. Because universities were not willing to fund the cost of set-top boxes, and it was assumed students would shy away from this investment as well, Inuk developed a software client that recreated the television experience on the PC, avoiding the usual player-with-surrounding-graphics seen on computers. The result was igloo and this is now available as a stand-alone product.

Inuk's igloo is designed to emulate the operation and user interface of a standard set-top-box on a Windows or Apple-based PC platform. All on-screen information and controls are displayed as a graphical overlay on top of the video image,  enabling operators to offer their subscribers exactly the same service and user experience as they would get with a TV. The system is said to deliver all the features and functions of any IPTV set-top-box, regardless of browser, codec or Conditional Access (CA) system.

igloo supports both MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 encoded viewing, in both windowed and full screen modes, and has built in infra-red USB remote control capability. It also includes Electronic Programming Guide functionality. Its vendor says it can  be easily customised or branded to incorporate any operator's desired look-and-feel. In addition, it enables PVR features using a PC's existing internal hard disk. The system supports Widevine's Cypher Virtual SmartCard CA/DRM and Industria's Zignal Entertainment Delivery Platform.

Marcus Liassides, CEO of Inuk Networks says: "To date, the middleware for delivering IPTV services to the PC platform has been severely restricted, having to rely on multiple client software products, embedding a video player into web pages or delivering proprietary solutions. igloo enables IPTV platform operators to provide compelling services on multiple devices, handing the choice of how and where to watch TV over to their subscribers."

Brian Baker, CEO, Widevine Technologies, comments: "We are delighted to work with Inuk Networks to enable the acquisition of premium content and uniquely secure its delivery to PC and Mac platforms. Together, Widevine and Inuk - with igloo - are bringing a viable television experience to the PC for the first time."

Rupert Graves, Vice President at Industria, adds: "Inuk Networks has broken new ground with its innovative Freewire IPTV service and the development of the igloo virtual set-top box is further proof of the company's leadership in provisioning next-generation TV. We are very pleased that Inuk has integrated support for the Zignal Entertainment Delivery Platform into igloo and believe that new and existing IPTV operators will find a PC platform an exciting addition to their customer proposition."

Inuk claims that igloo can be used to emulate any standards-based set-top-box on the Windows XP, 2000, NT & Vista operating systems, as well as Intel-based Mac OS X Tiger and Leopard. igloo runs as a small executable software download inside the PC and this would be licensed to Pay TV operator customers. Users of the Freewire service download the client as part of the ‘Get Started’ process for their student IPTV service.