Universal Electronics (NASDAQ:UEIC) announced that Comcast (NASDAQ:CMCSA) is the first service provider to deploy the vendor's QuickSet Cloud product for customer premises equipment (CPE) setup.
The software addition is now integrated with Comcast's cloud-based X1 Entertainment Operating System to enable automated setup for the X1 Voice Remote, also provided by UEI. X1 will now immediately detect the model of the TV set the consumer is using and program the remote to control things like TV power, volume and input. Within seconds, X1 will display an on-screen message that the remote is ready to go.
QuickSet Cloud offers a database of nearly all consumer entertainment devices so they can be automatically recognized and controlled with a software handshake, rather than requiring the consumer to look up and manually enter a device code. Unlike previous versions of QuickSet, which require integration of embedded software in a set-top box or other device, QuickSet Cloud is accessed by X1 through Web APIs to speed implementation of the application and utilize real-time access to services.
System features include automated device setup that enables automatic discovery and configuration of control interfaces for most HDMI-connected devices. An X1 user's TV is immediately recognized and automatically set up for universal control by the X1 Voice Remote. Cloud access to Universal Electronics' device control database allows direct connectivity to device control codes, updated in real-time, to ensure that Xfinity subscribers have immediate access to the latest control codes for almost every entertainment device. Web APIs enable server-to-server integration for the X1 cloud video delivery platform.
"What excites us about this feature is that it brings our customers closer to the experiences they love. Instead of fumbling with remote codes and instructions, they can just unbox a new remote and start discovering great content right away," said Jonathan Palmatier, vice president, product development and consumer devices at Comcast. "Universal Electronics is an innovator in this space and consistently develops technology that helps us deliver world-class experiences to customers."