Alcatel Lucent acquires UK IPTV firm

Alcatel-Lucent is acquiring Tamblin, a UK IPTV applications specialist for an undisclosed sum.

Tamblin is the developer of the i-ZoneTV software platform, which enables IPTV operators and broadcasters to add interactive features to their IPTV services, including interactive advertising and audience response capabilities.

The software makes it easy for IPTV users to find and interact with brands and entertainment they are interested in.

Tamblin’s platform is used by major companies such as the BBC, BSkyB Group and ITV.

i-ZoneTV software has already been integrated with AlcaLu’s IPTV applications, AmigoTV and MyOwnTV, and also with the Mediaroom IPTV platform developed by Alcatel-Lucent’s IPTV partner, Microsoft Corp.

The acquisition underlines the growing importance of interactive advertising, not that base IPTV services are in place.