Verismo Networks, Sonic Solutions Target India with Over-the-Top-TV Deal

Verismo Networks, a company that offers an over-the-top-TV platform called VuNow (note: the platform has traditionally been offered in conjunction with a small set-top box device called the PoD; however, back in February, Verismo announced the launch of a global OEM initiative targeting consumer OEM's, content aggregators and ISP's--see the article published on itvt.com, May 8th), and Sonic Solutions announced Friday that content from the latter's Roxio CinemaNow service will be available on Indian implementations of the VuNow service, including the implementation currently being deployed to 100,000 homes in Bangalore as part of ACT Television's IPTV offering. "Teaming with Sonic enables us to expand and enhance our already rich line-up of instantly accessible digital entertainment that includes linear-TV channels as well as a range of Web-based content," Verismo CEO, Prakash Bhalerao, said in a prepared statement. "With the addition of on-demand premium entertainment from Roxio CinemaNow, our platform becomes a next-generation cable box capable of delivering the broad assortment of content that consumers crave." Added Sonic Solutions EVP of strategy, Mark Ely: "This latest agreement, along with our previously announced partnership with Zip.ca in Canada, is part of our broader strategy to make anytime, anywhere access to high-quality entertainment a reality for more consumers in more regions."

Sonic bills VuNow as an end-to-end solution comprised of a compact set-top box, middleware and a VOD server, and as combining IPTV with over-the-top Internet video to enable viewing of both linear TV and Web-based content. The company claims to have relationships in place with over 250 content providers and to have a content portfolio that includes titles from all major Hollywood studios and independent producers. Sonic Solutions claims that Roxio CinemaNow is available on PC's, connected TV's, DVR's, and Blu-ray disc and mobile media players from such manufacturers as Archos, Dell, HP, LG, Microsoft, Nintendo, Pioneer, Samsung and TiVo. The company also powers Internet movie services for Lionsgate, Warner Bros and Blockbuster, and its content can be accessed through Bestbuy.com.