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Samsung teams up with StarHub on set-top boxes

SINGAPORE — Samsung Electronics has formed an alliance with local telcoStarHub to launch a line of next-generation set-top boxes that cable TV viewers can soon choose from.

The Samsung HD Interactive set-top box. Photo: StarHub

The Samsung HD Interactive set-top box. Photo: StarHub

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SINGAPORE — Samsung Electronics has formed an alliance with local telcoStarHub to launch a line of next-generation set-top boxes that cable TV viewers can soon choose from.

The first of the three new high-definition (HD) interactive set-top boxes, all produced by Samsung Electronics, was launched yesterday.

Samsung has previously collaborated with other telcos in Europe and the United States to produce set-top boxes. The firm has no plans currently to collaborate with the other local pay-TV provider, SingTel, for its set-top boxes, said a Samsung spokesman without providing further details.

“We are thrilled to partner with Samsung,” said StarHub’s Head of Entertainment and Smart Life, Ms Lin Shu Fen. “We recognise that, today, TV viewing goes beyond a passivelean-back experience. People now demand a more responsive and intuitive user experience when they search for content.”

StarHub claimed the newly-launched set-top box would be able to load videos on demand up to four times faster than current models and would include recording capabilities and a search function. Users can access 4D results, check traffic conditions and access the SGX Finance service.

It is also a hybrid box, meaning it can be used to access content via fibre broadband, in addition to cable. StarHub is planning to deliver some TV content via fibre broadband services by the second half of this year.

Of the other two set-top boxes due to be launched in “the near future”, one will offer recording and multi-screen capabilities, while the other will be Internet Protocol (IP) TV-enabled. StarHub said a recording function has been among the top requests from customers.

“The interface is designed to make it more seamless, more IP-like. Most of our customers are on cable platform, so our focus is on enhancing service on the cable platform. But we are future-proofing our boxes, so all our boxes will be IP-ready,” said Ms Lin.

Customers can opt to switch to the first of the new set-top boxes from April 15.

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