Liberty Global to launch hybrid TV/Web platform

Offering a glimpse at the type of hybrid TV/Web platforms U.S. cable operators may deploy, Liberty Global (Nasdaq: LBTYA) detailed plans to launch a hybrid platform on its cable systems worldwide that incorporates digital cable programming and content from YouTube, Facebook and other Web video suppliers.

Liberty's Horizon platform, which CEO Mike Fries unveiled at the IBC convention in Amsterdam on Thursday, will run on a multimedia home gateway manufactured by Samsung that contains an Intel Atom media processor. NDS is supplying middleware, and Liberty will use a conditional access system from Nagravision.

One significant highlight from Liberty's announcement is word that will also build an app store for the platform. Liberty said it is talking to YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and other content providers about helping it build the app store, which will feature Web-based apps and widgets that will be integrated in its interactive program guide.

Comcast (Nasdaq: CMCSA) CEO Brian Roberts ran a demonstration of a similar hybrid platform that Comcast is testing during an address at The Cable Show convention in June, which included an interactive program guide that allowed subscribers to view content recommended by friends.

Verizon (NYSE: VZ) already allows its FiOS TV subscribers to access content from Facebook, YouTube and other Web content suppliers through its program guide. But the Web applications can be difficult and time consuming to navigate with a traditional cable remote control.

While Comcast and other major MSOs may deploy hybrid platforms similar to Liberty's Horizon platform, one of the biggest challenges distributors face is making Web content easier to navigate on a TV. One way the industry could address that issue is by deploying wireless keyboards or remote controls that allow a subscriber to point a cursor at the TV screen.

For more:
- see news release

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