Pearl TV, the coalition of U.S. broadcast companies transitioning to NEXTGEN TV, and iWedia, part of Zappware Entertainment Group International (ZEGI) and provider of software solutions for connected TV devices, have launched a fast track program that adds new ATSC 3.0 A/344 interactive features.
The program accelerates and streamlines the path for adoption of NEXTGEN TV technology by consumer electronic makers producing smart TVs and related devices at volume in the Android TV marketplace.
“Android TV is one of the most versatile operating systems in existence, powering smart televisions and streaming boxes for nearly a decade,” states Anne Schelle, managing director of Pearl TV.
“With a loyal, tech-savvy and content-loving consumer base, this platform enables Android TV manufacturers to onboard quickly and accelerate their introduction of compelling NEXTGEN TV consumer features with sophisticated SoC technology powered by iWedia. We’re excited that we can come together with iWedia and usher in affordable-cost televisions that consumers desire.”
iWedia’s ATSC 3.0 software stack includes an advanced media player and browser that enriches the interactive features and capabilities developed by Pearl TV and the Pearl Network Consortium. Television system on chip (SoC) manufacturers in the Android TV domain will benefit from iWedia’s agnostic operating system and a streamlined process of enabling consumer features with Pearl’s pre-integrated SoC solutions. Additionally, IoT and in-vehicle infotainment capabilities equip not only television manufacturers, but vehicle manufacturers and broadcasters, too, with even more freedom to layer in these consumer desired elements.
“NEXTGEN TV has proven to be one of the fastest growing new technologies introduced to consumers and this partnership with Pearl TV opens up a seat at the table for Android TV manufacturers,” comments Hans-Juergen, CEO of iWedia.
“We are proven pioneers in Android TV, recently surpassing six million operating system deployments, and we’re thrilled to partner with Pearl TV and help manufacturers who want to streamline and accelerate their introduction of products with this cutting-edge broadcast technology.”
NEXTGEN TV sets are proliferating, currently with approximately 110 models available at retail offered by Hisense, Sony, Samsung and LG starting at $599. Now broadcasting in more than 50 markets, NEXTGEN TV is expected to reach 60% of viewers in the U.S. by the end of 2022. And consumer interest in the new technology is strong, too: according to recent research by Magid, 85% of viewers without a NEXTGEN TV are likely to purchase one in the next year.
Contributing to that awareness are new resources that consumers can use to see if NEXTGEN TV is on air in their city, and an e-commerce page for model research and purchase. An informative video of the “Johnson Family,” reflects their delight in the interactive and personal features, in addition to dialogue enhancement, consistent volume and cinema-quality sound enabled by the Dolby Audio experience integrated within.
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