Sky has picked Cisco video software solutions to power its next-generation home entertainment system, Sky Q.
Available in 2016, Sky Q is a family of products which connect wirelessly with the aim of creating a system which makes it easier for customers to access their favourite TV.
Sky Q will allow customers to watch on up to five screens simultaneously while recording four other channels, and watch shows from the set-top box, whether live, recorded or on-demand, anywhere around the home. Viewers can pause on one screen and continue viewing on another, and for the first time, take their recordings with them to watch on a tablet.
Sky is using the Cisco VideoGuard Everywhere security solution to support all the services in the Sky Q offering, including broadcast, streaming and downloading of video.
In addition, Cisco is providing a suite of headend components to orchestrate delivery of the service, along with dedicated middleware for set-top boxes.
“Sky Q will reinvent how our customers watch TV, allowing them to access their favourite shows across multiple screens, in and out of the home,” said Andrew Olson, director of new products, Sky.
“Our work with Sky on this project spans the full spectrum of Cisco video solutions,” said Yves Padrines (pictured), vice president, global service provider, Cisco EMEAR. “Together we are supporting video delivery, content sharing, device compatibility and rights management to create the one-of-a-kind Sky Q.”