However, consumers face the difficulty that this media content is often restricted to certain multimedia devices.  Photographs or downloaded video content from the internet frequently can only be viewed using a PC which often have smaller screens or may be located in an inconvenient part of the home.  Downloaded music or audio files usually have to be listened to through a PC rather than through higher quality home stereo systems.  Television programmes or movies recorded on a Digital Television Recorder (DTR) can only be accessed at source.  As a result, there is a considerable market opportunity for interoperable multimedia devices which utilise simple, user friendly technology.

The ‘Connected Home’ interoperability technology

In order to provide manufacturers with the ability to create a network of multimedia devices which work seamlessly together, Cabot is pioneering the integration of advanced ‘Connected Home’ interoperability software into Aurora, Cabot’s DVB middleware suite.  This new extension to Aurora software will enable end-users to access all their media content within the home from one convenient place.  Media content on any networked device will be able to be accessed from any compliant IDTV, STB or DTR within the home and played back on the TV screen. 

This development to Cabot software represents an exciting move towards a wired or wireless interoperable network of multimedia devices, as envisioned by the Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA).  Multimedia devices which have been certified as ‘DLNA compliant’ provide assurance to the consumer that it will share media content with any other DLNA compliant device, independent of the manufacturer.  For example a DLNA compliant STB can play MP3s from a DLNA compliant PC regardless of the manufacturer of either device.  The technology is based upon Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) network protocols which allow media devices to connect seamlessly and automatically. 

The integration of UPnP functionality into Aurora will enable compliant digital entertainment devices to work together on home networks allowing seamless streaming and playing of media content such as movies, music, games and photos between the devices.  Through a single internet access point in the home, some of the potential uses of this technology include the ability to:

• View downloaded content from the internet such as video files on any TV screen within the home

• Access music files and audio content from any networked audio device

• View home videos stored on the home PC on any television within the home

• Access content stored on a DTR from any compliant STB, IDTV or other DTR

For further information regarding this, or any other Cabot solution, please contact us.