Broadband

SKY Brasil, Technicolor Connected Home roll out Google Assistant far-field voice activated set-top boxes

July 15, 2021

The SKY Connect STBs can be used with both satellite and IPTV connections to access both linear and streaming content.

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Technicolor Connected Home and SKY Brasil say they have collaborated to deploy the latter’s new SKY Connect set-top boxes (STBs). The Android TV enabled STBs integrate Google Assistant far-field voice technology to enable content access via voice commands.

The SKY Connect STBs can be used with both satellite and IPTV connections to access both linear and streaming content. “We believe SKY Connect and its far-field voice capabilities will provide an opportunity for Brazilian subscribers to enjoy an integrated digital home experience. The technology enables SKY Brasil to address current consumer needs as we anticipate emerging desires and develop plans for future services,” said Andre Ribeiro, marketing vice-president of SKY Brasil. “The roll out of this STB is future evidence of our commitment to continue delivering joy and entertainment to our clients, in a complete pay-TV experience.”

“This deployment represents a giant step forward in giving Brazilian subscribers greater freedom and control over their home video and entertainment experiences,” added Brian Jentz, vice president of the Video Product Unit at Technicolor. “STBs with far-field voice enable subscribers to control their TVs and STBs without a remote control. They will be able to talk to their devices to seamlessly switch channels and choose their favorite movies, games, music, and other information resources. It will also allow them to directly interact with Google Assistant.”

“We chose an Android TV platform to provide subscribers with access to the latest applications whether it is the latest video entertainment content or gaming. The SKY Connect STB provides subscribers with access to more integrated digital experiences that are supported and backed by SKY Brasil’s renowned customer service,” concluded Ribeiro.

About the Author

Stephen Hardy | Editorial Director & Associate Publisher

Stephen Hardy is editorial director and associate publisher of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report, part of the Lighting & Technology Group at Endeavor Business Media. Stephen is responsible for establishing and executing editorial strategy across the both brands’ websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products. He has covered the fiber-optics space for more than 20 years, and communications and technology for more than 35 years. During his tenure, Lightwave has received awards from Folio: and the American Society of Business Press Editors (ASBPE) for editorial excellence. Prior to joining Lightwave in 1997, Stephen worked for Telecommunications magazine and the Journal of Electronic Defense.

Stephen has moderated panels at numerous events, including the Optica Executive Forum, ECOC, and SCTE Cable-Tec Expo. He also is program director for the Lightwave Innovation Reviews and the Diamond Technology Reviews.

He has written numerous articles in all aspects of optical communications and fiber-optic networks, including fiber to the home (FTTH), PON, optical components, DWDM, fiber cables, packet optical transport, optical transceivers, lasers, fiber optic testing, DOCSIS technology, and more.