With Dutch cable operator Ziggo the first, most prominent MSO to back the new Common Interface Plus (CI+), the upcoming IBC show in the Netherlands is a great place to demonstrate interactive television applications, and ActiveVideo is jumping on the opportunity.

CI+ adds to the common interface spec in the DVB standard and is promulgated by Panasonic, Philips, Samsung and Sony as a means of connecting various consumer electronics (CE) products, including TVs and set-tops. 

ActiveVideo said it plans to demonstrate how video service providers can make use of resources in the network cloud to increase the interactive capabilities of the new CI+ standard and provide a uniform environment across CI+ supported TVs, digital and IPTV set-top boxes and broadband-connected CE devices.

The demo will feature VOD menus, rich navigational mosaics, brand-name channels and other services.

With the demo, ActiveVideo will be showing off the combination of its products and those of Avinity Systems, a Dutch interactive TV provider that ActiveVideo bought in May.

“Service providers and programmers are seeking ways to deliver compelling services to the installed base of set-top boxes, as well as to the CI+ generation of televisions that is now coming to market,” said Ronald Brockmann, managing director of Europe for ActiveVideo. “ActiveVideo’s network-based approach overcomes the limitations of existing STBs and CI+ devices to enable the richness of interactivity and consistent user experience that can engage and monetize viewers.”