Australia’s Telstra Corporation Limited and Netgem have announced the national launch of the T-Box, a TV experience that seamlessly blends broadcast and broadband content, including YouTube videos and BigPond TV service.
BigPond TV includes sports, news and music channels, BigPond Movies, plus a library of on-demand videos. T-Box was created using Netgem’s NetgemTV middleware and Media Centre Set Top Box (STB) technology that allows content and applications to easily be deployed over TV.
The launch of the T-Box to Telstra’s eligible broadband households enables Telstra to introduce HD free to air TV, BigPond TV and YouTube videos to one set top box and accessible through a single remote. BigPond content is unmetered and exclusive for BigPond customers with no monthly subscription fees on top of their regular internet connection.
Telstra Executive Director Broadband Products, Mr. Craig Turner, said: “Television is fast becoming the gateway to entertainment from the internet, with enhanced live TV services and internet video now coming direct into the living rooms of Australian homes.”
Mr. Turner added: “Internet connectivity is the biggest development in TV technology since the launch of cable television, it opens the door to boundless options for on-demand entertainment and Telstra’s new T-Box™ is the best way to access it all”.
Commenting on the launch, Christophe Aulnette Managing Director of Netgem, said: “This national launch of T-Box marks an important milestone for the global telecommunications industry. As operators work to understand how to best utlise the full potential of broadband services, the T-Box is a great illustration of how highly popular broadband Internet video services, such as YouTube and BigPond TV, can be optimised for TV viewing and delivered alongside high quality broadcast content within one, seamless and branded consumer experience.”
