IBC 2019: Tempow CEO Vincent Nallatamby Describes How Building a Better Set- Top Box with Bluetooth Creates New Opportunities for NSPs

AMSTERDAM - Sept. 14, 2019 - PRLog -- #IBC2019 -- For network service providers (NSPs) the set-top box (STB) offers a robust opportunity to engage with consumers in new and compelling ways. If NSPs can optimize their STBs to offer services that go beyond the delivery of high-fidelity video, they can build closer relationships with their subscribers and create lasting "stickier" relationships, even as consumers continue to cut the cord in favour of over-the-top (OTT) services. So says Vincent Nallatamby, CEO of Tempow in a podcast interview for journalists.

"That is why manufacturers like Technicolor are making their STBs more open, offering NSPs an opportunity to incorporate functionalities from third parties that add value to existing offerings, create new services and lay the foundation for establishing differentiation from the growing competition for the hearts and minds of consumers," says Nallatamby.

Tempow believes audio services that are enabled by Bluetooth represent one such potential differentiator; one that will become an increasingly important feature for STBs.

"Tempow is a startup created in 2016 in Paris. Our mission is to take Bluetooth audio technology beyond the conventional wisdom of its limitations to create new experiences for consumers. We are developing software for STBs, smartphones and Bluetooth speakers to create new functionalities that will be appreciated by subscribers and create new opportunities for NSPs to offer more value and generate new revenue streams," he explains.

Examples of use cases that Tempow is working on include:

● A project that makes it possible for any Bluetooth headsets to be directly connected to the STB, enabling multiple members of a household to watch TV quietly late at night without disturbing the rest of the family.

● Enhancing the technology so that sound from movies and/or TV programs can be simultaneously delivered in different languages.

● Harnessing Bluetooth technology in the STB to power 5.1 wireless Bluetooth sound systems. This would make it possible for cost efficient Bluetooth speakers to be deployed throughout the home to provide consumers with a high-quality surround-sound experiences.

● Integrating Bluetooth technology to expand how voice interfaces can be used to communicate with AI-enabled devices like Alexa and Google Assistant.

Technicolor HERO Program Brings Tempow Innovation to NSPs

"Technicolor Connected Home recognized the growing opportunities associated with moving away from closed proprietary customer premises equipment (CPE) platforms. It has opened a range of new functionalities that can be delivered at the application layer of the technology stack," says Nallatamby.

So when Technicolor launched its HERO Partner Program in 2018, Tempow was eager to participate in the initiative. The program enables NSPs to identify developers of innovations that can be leveraged to improve network performance and operating margins while offering new, profitable services that generate top line growth and build customer loyalty.

"For companies like Tempow, the HERO Program provides access to Technicolor Connected Home devices and engineering. It enables us to interact with Technicolor's customer facing teams to better understand and address the requirements of NSPs around the world," he says.

"It is a critically important partnership because Technicolor has the broadest portfolio and largest installed base of broadband gateways and related CPE in consumers' homes around the world."

To that end, Technicolor has integrated Tempow technology into their STBs as a technical reference design and the two companies are now jointly introducing NSPs to the benefits associated with the expanded array of Bluetooth functionality that can be delivered to connected home subscribers.

EDITOR'S NOTE: To listen to the podcast interview for journalists with Tempow CEO, Vincent Nallatamby visit:

https://bit.ly/2OVDBXA

To view a brief video on how Tempow and Technicolor are working together visit:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpnWV8-zDXE&feature=youtu.be