Technology Suppliers

There is a wide range of technology that has been developed to support the implementation of Interactive Television (iTV). A wide range of technology suppliers are important to iTV. First, are the developers and providers of interactive and electronic program guides (IPG or EPG). These guides from companies like TVGuide, Guideworks and Aptiv provide the user interface for consumers to experience iTV. Second are the key technology suppliers that have developed set-top boxes (STB), cable modems and other technology devices. Companies like Scientific Atlanta and Motorola have traditionally been the major suppliers of technology to the cable and satellite industries with new players such as Samsung, Panasonic and LG entering the market. But other companies provide VOD systems, billing systems and network management systems.

Devices (set-top boxes (STB) or displays) that are to be used with the cable industry may need certification from Cable Labs. This certification process performed in service certification waves each year performs over 14,000 tests on the individual device. Moreover, as either the standards or the device changes, re-certification may be necessary. The process of preparing consumer electronics products for market and making sure that they are compatible with all of the delivery systems is a long and tedious process

Vidiom Systems has worked closely with the technology suppliers to both assist in the development of electronic program guides and with the delivery systems to reduce the pain by providing simulation and testing solutions for the industry. Vidiom has developed Vision Workbench as both a tool kit for the development of OCAP platforms and applications and to simulate the connection of a STB or consumer electronics device to a delivery headend to test its functionalities. Vidiom has also developed an overall test product (VCert) that performs all of the operation tests necessary for compliance with both Cable Labs and the requirements of many delivery systems.

Vidiom's engineering services have also often been called upon to help develop or improve the capacity of the back end systems that make iTV work such as VOD, billing and network management.

Vidiom offers a wide range of products and services that are appropriate for consumer electronics manufacturers. For more information contact us at .