LAS VEGAS, Jan. 6, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- (International Consumer Electronics Show) – Entropic (Nasdaq:ENTR), a world leader in semiconductor solutions for the connected home, and Unitron Group announced today that the Unitron Johansson multi-switch, powered by Entropic's EN5218 channel stacking switch (CSS) technology, gives Sky subscribers in the UK and Ireland multi-dwelling units (MDUs) full access to the Sky+ PVR and multi-room services, where prior Sky+ was not previously possible.
Sky, along with Sky ASHAs, the Authorized Sky Homes Agent installer network, was looking for flexible multi-switch satellite solutions to work across a mixed class of set-top box (STB) installations. By leveraging the Johansson 9742 multi-switch, Sky and its installers can simplify whole-home deployments and allow consumers to experience entertainment their way by delivering Sky+ content to multiple rooms in their home, without affecting the homeowners or MDU's specifications for aesthetics.
Brendan Hegarty, Sky's Head of Homes and Independent Retailers commented, "Since the deployment of the new Johansson multi-switch all residents in MDUs can now enjoy the full benefits of Sky's services, including our multi-room package, which lets subscribers enjoy Sky TV channels throughout the home, so different family members can watch the shows they love at the same time."
The Johansson multi-switch leverages Entropic's CSS technology to seamlessly distribute signals for eight receivers when in legacy mode, and can expand up to 24 receivers when in Single Cable Router (SCR) mode. By cascading several 9742 switches, entire MDU systems can be supported. By enabling SCR mode in Unitron's Johansson 9742 multi-switch, Entropic's technology enabled Sky to simplify the deployment and lower the overall cost of satellite service installation.
"Our Johansson multi-switch product with Entropic's industry-proven CSS silicon gives power to the Sky subscriber – allowing them to take charge of how they watch TV with Sky+," said Willy Lamaire, general manager, Unitron Group. "Additionally, as a simplified deployment, we are lowering the capital expenditures for both Sky and the Sky ASHA network of installers, as we removed the need for expensive truck rolls or installer appointments – through the single cable run architecture."
"We're transforming the whole-home entertainment experience with our single-wire satellite solutions – from the installation method at the MDU to the way in which next-generation services are delivered into the home," said Matt Rhodes, senior vice president, Global Marketing, Entropic. "By working with Unitron we have enabled Sky to target new subscribers by simply leveraging our technology for single cable runs from the satellite dish to deliver Sky+ service where it would otherwise be impossible."
About BSkyB
Sky is the UK and Ireland's leading home entertainment and communications company. Around 40% of all homes have a direct relationship with Sky through its range of TV, broadband and home telephony services.
Sky is the UK's biggest investor in television content, investing more than £2.5 billion a year in channels such as Sky 1, Sky Atlantic, Sky Living, Sky Arts, Sky Sports, Sky Movies and Sky News. Around two-thirds of Sky's content spend is invested in the UK and Sky is the fastest-growing source of investment in original British programmes. More than 30 million people watch Sky content each week.
Alongside its commitment to offering customers a greater choice of high-quality content, Sky is a leading innovator. Customers enjoy total control and flexibility over their favourite TV through Sky+, watch TV on the move through Sky Go, and enjoy the best quality TV experience at home through High Definition and 3D.
Sky distributes its content broadly over several platforms, including satellite, cable, IPTV, mobile and WiFi. NOW TV, Sky's second consumer brand, builds on the company's leadership in internet TV. Sky is also the UK's fastest-growing home communications company and favourite 'triple-play' provider of TV, broadband and home phone.
Sky believes in making a wider contribution to the communities in which it operates by taking positive action on the environment, supporting grassroots sports and increasing access to, and participation in, the arts. Sky employs 24,000 people, has annual revenues of £7.2 billion and is estimated to support a £5.4 billion contribution to UK GDP. Sky is listed on the London Stock Exchange (BSY).
About Unitron Group
Unitron Group is an international group of companies, offering state-of-the-art headend technologies and digital TV accessories, for providing TV distribution to multi-dwelling and residential buildings. Unitron's solutions are available to many Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) customers and TV-operators, under their own brand-names. Installers and customers have access to our 'Johansson' branded products via a worldwide network of distributors.
About Entropic
Entropic™ (Nasdaq:ENTR) is a world leader in semiconductor solutions for the connected home. The Company transforms how traditional HDTV broadcast and IP-based streaming video content is seamlessly, reliably, and securely delivered, processed, and distributed into and throughout the home. Entropic's next-generation Set-top Box (STB) System-on-a-Chip (SoC) and Connectivity solutions enable Pay-TV operators to offer consumers more captivating whole-home entertainment experiences by transforming the way digital entertainment is delivered, connected and consumed – in the home and on the go. For more information, please visit Entropic at: www.entropic.com, read our blog Entropic Topics, or get social with us at @Entropic_News, or on Facebook, Google+, YouTube and LinkedIn.
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Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this press release that are not strictly historical in nature constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding Entropic's DBS ODU technologies, its related prospects and its role in the future of home networking. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause Entropic's actual results to be materially different from historical results or from any results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, competition, risks associated with Entropic's dependence on a limited number of customers and suppliers, technology risks, the risk that the market for HD video and multimedia content delivery solutions may not develop as Entropic anticipates and other factors discussed in the "Risk Factors" section of Entropic's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2013. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Entropic is providing this information as of the date of this release and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
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