Funai to Integrate ActiveVideo's CloudTV Platform into TV, Blu-ray Models

Funai Electric and ActiveVideo Networks have announced an agreement, saying that will make Funai the first consumer electronics manufacturer to bring interactive television solutions based entirely in the network cloud to connected televisions.

The terms of the agreement call on Funai to integrate ActiveVideo’s CloudTV platform into selected television and Blu-ray player makes and models. Companies’ officials said that this will enable viewers to enter a “revolutionary” environment in which Web-based video, rich graphics and compelling applications are streamed -- not downloaded -- from servers in the network to Funai-made connected devices.

“By leveraging the power of CloudTV, we can cost-effectively enable the availability of the new content and functionality that can increase consumer satisfaction and drive sales for our retail partners and ourselves,” said Kazuhiko Yamamoto, executive officer at Funai Electric.

CloudTV enables differentiated product and service offerings and advanced television capabilities without increasing BOM costs. For CloudTV, content and applications from Web content creators, television networks, advertisers and other media entities can be developed with the help of standard Web tools.

Leveraging content stored and processed in the network cloud, CloudTV expands the reach and availability of rich, Web-based user experiences. Company officials said that content is delivered as a single, adaptable MPEG stream to the CE device, which passes keyclicks from standard remote controls via the CE device to the cloud.

“Funai's embrace of CloudTV places it squarely at the leading edge of a new generation of television technology and opens the door wide to content developers who are interested in reaching television audiences,” said Jeff Miller, president and CEO at ActiveVideo Networks.

Funai Electric manufactures Philips, Emerson (News - Alert), Magnavox and Sylvania brand televisions and Blu-ray players, while ActiveVideo Networks provides cloud-based interactive services that are redefining television (iTV 2.0).

The companies expect that an announcement regarding availability of CloudTV-enabled products will be issued in the near future.

Last year in August, ActiveVideo Networks demonstrated a cloud-based approach for an interactive experience that can be delivered via both next-generation CI+ enabled televisions and existing set-top boxes.