TechniSat and TechnoTrend have agreed to jointly develop digital MHP-enabled receivers. This development is to be completed by November 2004. MHP (Multimedia Home Platform) is the interactive digital platform agreed upon in the so-called Mainz Declaration, involving ARD and ZDF as well as the private providers. Part of the co-operation between TechnoTrend and TechniSat in the field of MHP-enabled digital receivers includes a solution that allows MHP applications to be speeded up.
MHP receiver will be produced jointly by TechniSat and TechnoTrend for both cable network use and for direct satellite reception. The receivers will be available in appropriate model versions, providing integrated, embedded encryption systems (CONAX and CRYPTOWORKS will be available initially) as well as an additional CI interface (Common Interface), for the insertion of CAM modules (Conditional Access Module, i.e. module for additional encryption systems, providing slots for appropriate smart access cards). In addition, the digital receivers will be fitted with an Ethernet connection for IP streaming in accordance with the new DVB-IPI standard. The MHP-enabled units also provide facilities for accessing µHTML and HTML 3.2 respectively. The new digital boxes developed in co-operation between TechniSat and TechnoTrend can be individually addressed, making it possible for these digital receivers to be produced with HTML at relatively short notice, the will thus be available for delivery in September 2004. A few months later the addressable digital receivers can then be retrofitted with the MHP software (?over air?, i.e. via the cable network for the cable box, and via satellite for the satellite boxes).
In addition, the cable MHP receiver version will provide a facility for integrating an additional analogue reception option, giving the cable user the opportunity to utilise all cable television and radio possibilities ? both analogue and digital ? with a single box. This solution is necessary at least for an interim period, since so far there is no agreement between the private TV providers and the major NE-3 network operators on the feeding of digital contents.
TechnoTrend has digital development teams in Erfurt, Augsburg and Lisbon/Portugal. TechniSat has its development centre in Dresden. TechniSat produces its products in three facilities in Germany (in Thuringia, Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt).
Dr. Kieser, chairman of the board of TechnoTrend AG, speaking on the occasion of the signing of the contract with TechniSat, that he is particularly pleased to see two medium-sized, independent German companies co-operating not only in the field of MHP integration, thus in fact carrying out a common German digital offensive in all matters concerning MHP.
Peter Lepper, executive director and chairman of TechniSat (headquarters at Daun/Eifel, with production facilities in Dippach near Eisenach in Thuringia, Schöneck in the Vogtland in Saxony, and Stassfurt near Magdeburg in Saxony-Anhalt, as well as research and development facilities in Dresden and Daun), stated that it made good sense for two German companies, each with its own development team, to jointly master the topic of MHP. This benefited not only the two companies involved, but would also support the development of a whole generation of digital MHP receivers in Germany. It was only logical, according to Lepper, that TechnoTrend and TechniSat should co-operate in the realisation of MHP-enabled digital receivers, as this would avoid costly parallel developments, giving both partners additional research capacity, to be used for additional products.
About TechniSat Digital GmbH:
The TechniSat group develops and produces, in Germany, products in the home entertainment electronics sector as well as information technology products. The digital satellite receivers (including models suitable for reception of premiere), other satellite reception products, TV sets, PC cards and car radios, all reflect the highest technical qualities as well as attractive contemporary design - all Made in Germany.
Product development: TechniSat Digital GmbH in Dresden
Production facilities: i TechniSat Elektronik Thüringen GmbH
Product development: TechniSat Vogtland GmbH
Product development: TechniSat Teledigital AG, Staßfurt/Magdeburg
For additional information, please contact:
Head Quarters:
TechniSat Digital GmbH, TechniPark, D-54550 Daun
Tel. +49 6592/712-600, Fax +49 6592/712-779
export@technisat.com, www.technisat.com
Luxembourg Office:
TechniSat Data Services S.A., MediaCenter Betzdorf
11, rue Pierre Werner, L-6832 Betzdorf/Luxembourg
Tel. +352 710 707-900, Fax +352/710 707-959
About TechnoTrend:
TechnoTrend AG is a leading provider of broadband access technologies. The focus of the company is on reception systems and platforms for digital television (DVB). The wide spectrum of products encompasses both the principal reception technologies (satellite, cable, terrestrial and DSL), as well as the two important target markets centred around the TV set and the PC. TechnoTrend platforms are in use successfully world-wide, in various projects involving network operators, broadcasters, and in a number of OEM brands.
Additional information available from:
TechnoTrend AG, Olaf Stepputat, VP Sales/Marketing, Tel +49 361 2218840
Olaf.Stepputat@TechnoTrend.de,http://www.technotrend.com