Moto Preps Its Cloud-Based UI for the Masses
Motorola Mobility LLC will look to bring its new cloud-based DreamGallery user interface to all manner of set-top box platforms after securing a software license with ActiveVideo Networks Inc.
Motorola Home, which is in the process of being acquired by Arris Group Inc., initially developed DreamGallery for HTML5-capable set-tops, tablets, smartphones, smart TVs and other IP-connected devices. Integration with ActiveVideo's CloudTV H5 system will also enable Moto to convert the DreamGallery navigation system into a format that can run on older, QAM-based set-tops that don't speak IP, use an integrated browser or have the processing capabilities to run a cloud-based user interface.
The product integration is pretty much complete, says Michael Taylor, ActiveVideo's SVP of business development, noting that the companies demonstrated it privately for VIPs at the Consumer Electronics Show in January
Moto's DreamGallery UI
Thus far, the deployment of DreamGallery, a component of Moto's Medios+ multi-screen video distribution platform, has been somewhat limited. Announced customers include Verizon Communications Inc. FiOS TV and Canadian MSO Shaw Communications Inc. of Canada. Moto says DreamGallery has been deployed "widely" with yet-unnamed European operators.
Cisco Systems Inc. has secured a similar license from ActiveVideo for its multi-screen Videoscape platform. [Ed. note: Recent history suggests it's better to ink a license deal than to suffer the wrath of ActiveVideo's lawyers and patents.]
Why this matters
Cable operators have deployed millions of QAM-only, MPEG-2 set-tops and would like to deliver more graphics-rich user interfaces to them without having to undergo an expensive IP set-top swap-out. By integrating ActiveVideo's platform, Motorola can give operators an opportunity to unify the UI across their set-top box lines while also expanding the vendor's addressable market for DreamGallery. A unified UI will also come in handy as cable operators begin to offer services on CE video streaming devices from suppliers such as Roku Inc. (See Roku Tunes in TW Cable's Live TV Streams.) The deal will also give DreamGallery more legs as Arris, which will soon be a major video set-top and software player, and will be looking to integrate Motorola Home's product portfolio. (See Google Sells Moto Home to Arris for $2.35B.) For more
— Jeff Baumgartner, Site Editor, Light Reading Cable
Moto's DreamGallery UI
Cable operators have deployed millions of QAM-only, MPEG-2 set-tops and would like to deliver more graphics-rich user interfaces to them without having to undergo an expensive IP set-top swap-out. By integrating ActiveVideo's platform, Motorola can give operators an opportunity to unify the UI across their set-top box lines while also expanding the vendor's addressable market for DreamGallery. A unified UI will also come in handy as cable operators begin to offer services on CE video streaming devices from suppliers such as Roku Inc. (See Roku Tunes in TW Cable's Live TV Streams.) The deal will also give DreamGallery more legs as Arris, which will soon be a major video set-top and software player, and will be looking to integrate Motorola Home's product portfolio. (See Google Sells Moto Home to Arris for $2.35B.) For more
— Jeff Baumgartner, Site Editor, Light Reading Cable
