DiscVision and Woosha BV present smartphone apps for remote control of PVRs.

Introduction

DiscVision GmbH and Woosha BV present the first results of their collaboration at the IBC 2010 (September 10–14) in Amsterdam. The goal is to develop technologies that enable set-top boxes (STB) and PVRs to be controlled via mobile devices such as Android smartphones, iPhones, and iPads.

Remote Control via connectTV

The connectTV technology, developed by DiscVision, allows seamless communication between a mobile device and the PVR or STB in the home network without the need to change router settings.

Easy pairing: Devices are registered anonymously via a web page.
Full remote access: Control of EPG, recording planning, playback, and media management.
Replacement for remote control: All infrared commands can be sent via the mobile device.

Integration into Mobile Apps

Woosha BV is the first partner to integrate the connectTV protocol into a mobile app. The IBC will showcase an app for Android smartphones that offers the following features:

Display of the electronic program guide (EPG)
Planning and managing recordings
Control of media playback

Hybrid STB Systems from eviado

The first implementation of the system has been carried out for the eviado one hybrid STB. This system combines:

Reception of DVB content and IP-based services
Integration of the watchmi Personal TV service from APRICO Solutions and Axel Springer Digital TV Guide GmbH
Enhanced personalization through intelligent recommendations

Collaboration with Partners

The solutions were developed in close cooperation with Woosha BV, APRICO Solutions, and Axel Springer Digital TV Guide GmbH. DiskVision took full system integration responsibility for the eviado STB.

watchmi Personal TV

The watchmi system offers:

Personalized TV Channels: Users define "seed" programs based on which recommendations are generated.
Interactive feedback loop: Users can actively accept or reject recommendations, accelerating the learning curve.
Detailed metadata: Enabled by the TV program guide from Axel Springer Digital TV Guide.