Inuk's igloo offers virtual set-top box

[BGonaSTICK]

Inuk Networks, the internet protocol television (IPTV) platform operator, has launched a virtual set-top box. Inuk said the software product, known as igloo, would allow IPTV service providers to deliver "a true television set-top-box experience to a desktop or laptop computer or Mac".

The igloo software emulates the operation and user interface of a standard television set-top box on a Windows or Apple-based PC platform. On-screen information and controls are displayed as a graphical overlay on top of the video image, enabling operators to offer their subscribers exactly the same service and user experience as they would get with a TV but on their PC or Mac.

Inuk said igloo supported both MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 encoded viewing, in both windowed and full screen modes. It also has a built in infra-red USB remote control capability, and features an electronic programming guide (EPG). In addition, it enables PVR features using a PC's existing internal hard disk to securely store content.

Marcus Liassides, CEO of Inuk Networks said: "To date, the middleware for delivering IPTV services to the PC platform has been severely restricted, having to rely on multiple client software products, embedding a video player into web pages or delivering proprietary solutions. Igloo enables IPTV platform operators to provide compelling services on multiple devices, handing the choice of how and where to watch TV over to their subscribers."

In July telecommunications group Cable & Wireless announced plans to offer a nationwide IPTV service in the UK with Inuk Networks. Inuk currently offers triple-play services to UK students in collaboration with JANET, the university backbone network.