More Set-top Box/Home Network Convergence: Netgem is Evaluating the Purchase of Pirelli

There are certainly synergies that exist between companies in the set-top box and residential gateway markets, and the acquisitions have followed, with a particular focus on the European market. First, there was NDS and Jungo back in late 2006. Pace Micro has been on a tear in 2010, acquiring both Bewan Systems and 2Wire. Of course, one cannot forget Technicolor, which brings requisite hardware, software, and content delivery to the table.

Now, Netgem has confirmed that it is evaluating the purchase of Pirelli Broadband Solutions. Pirelli Broadband Solutions specialises in products and platforms for the broadband connected homes and offices. Its business covers residential access gateways, hybrid IPTV set-top boxes , remote management and embedded middlewares.

Multi-screen and Hybrid Announcements from Netgem at IBC

Netgem has made a number of announcements regarding hybrid set-top boxes and multi-screen solutions at IBC.

• It announced a device that enables consumers to watch a mix of broadcast and internet TV services within a unified experience. The N5000 series Netbox works with any internet source, regardless of connection type. It comes pre-loaded with various web applications including versions of YouTube, Facebook and Flickr. The UI can also be personalised by the operator or service provider and added-value services, such as VOD, catch-up TV or web TV channels can be integrated.
The N5000 includes a HD tuner, allowing end users to switch from internet services to TV services using the same remote control. Users can also choose to connect a detachable hard disk to the device, to allow them to permanently store video content recorded from the tuner.
• It has an update to its Netgem TV middleware to support new adaptive TV technologies. Extending the reach of Pay TV Operators, these new features enable the creation of innovative, multi-screen services which can be delivered securely and consistently.
• Toshiba and Netgem announced the launch of a multifunction adapter for the French market, which provides access to Toshiba Places. The multifunction adapter enables users to connect their digital TVs to a world of online interactive services, which have been fully optimised for the TV experience. It allows consumers to access a range of entertainment services, including video on demand, as well as share their multimedia content with relatives and connect to services and information from the Internet. This is the first deployment of Toshiba Places, which is enabled through Netgem’s device and
  middleware expertise. This multifunction adapter has been designed to connect any flat screen TV to the Toshiba Places portal. It initiates a new era for television through its interactive access to multimedia content.