Cox Communications has chosen NDS’ IEX system as the operator’s preferred automated set-top box (STB) testing solution, which will replace manual testing equipment.

After successfully testing an IEX server for the past year on the Scientific Atlanta platform, Cox has decided to expand its automated testing program using IEX and to extend automation to include Motorola STBs, as well, according to NDS.

NDS’ solution combines hardware and software to automatically test all interactive applications on STBs operating in both cable and telecom environments. It connects to the STB and runs interactive applications, testing and rating their performance.

The system can test a range of interactive applications, from changing the channel to launching an electronic program guide (EPG), ordering a PPV movie or playing an interactive game through the remote control, NDS said.

"NDS' automated IEX testing system turns around fast and accurate results, which we are using to increase our efficiency and to decrease turnaround time in launching new services," said Bjorn Andersson, lead QA system engineer for Cox.

"IEX allows us to test applications on an array of set-top boxes faster and more accurately than we ever have before,” Andersson continued. “We anticipate operational benefits that will result in Cox being a more agile competitor and look forward to rolling out new services and features to our customers more quickly."

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