[Satellite TODAY 09-03-09] Conditional access and middleware solutions provider NDS is joining forces with Access Systems Europe Holdings to allow customers to access pay-TV and free-to-air (FTA) channels on connected TVs without the need for a set-top box, NDS announced Sept. 2.
     The two companies will integrate the NDS Infinite TV hybrid content platform with Access’ NetFront Browser to provide pay-TV and FTA broadcasters with a solution for connected-TV users.
     InfiniteTV allows consumers to view traditional linear channels, catch-up TV, and on-demand content through a single, intuitive user interface. Consumers do not need to install any software or any additional hardware. More than one million connected TVs in Japan already run Access’ NetFront Browser. NetFront Browser will be pre-installed on connected TVs from a number of manufacturers; these are expected to be available in Europe and the U.S .in 2010.
     “Internet-enabled TVs have already gained market acceptance in Japan and are expected to take off in Europe and the US next year,” Yoni Hashkes, senior vice president of advanced products and markets at NDS, said in a statement.