Darren Fawcett, Pace’s chief technical engineer, told the IBC E-Daily, “We signed a first client device deal with Get in Norway to combine the clients with our recently announced Media Gateway. We are also in dialogue with a number of DTH operators who see this as part of their offering going forward. With one DTH operator, we are actually in the product development phase.”

   Pace, which works with a number of major DTH operators around the world, is showcasing a brand new range of advanced set-top boxes at IBC. Fawcett believes the new technology that Pace is showcasing here is really “coming of age.” Looking at the technology being deployed in these new boxes, Fawcett says, “We now have got a compelling device that can seamlessly connect to server technologies and decode video using multiple home networking technologies. These particular devices have enough about them to act as a traditional HD zapper. A lot of customers see this as a particular niche, but there is this new market which is centered in on an HD package. They want the whole works. They want an entry-level proposition that gives them cable, satellite, HD zapper functionality in a very small form factor. There is enough head room in these devices that can provide an over-the-top experience so you can run a much more sophisticated service. You can run much more sophisticated Internet technologies. I can offer 3-D graphics. There is enough technology in there to support Internet browsing technologies.”

   In terms of why these new set-top boxes are so different, Fawcett adds, “These have much more sophisticated processing engines. You are looking at a step change in terms of processing power performance in an incredibly small form factor. There is 3-D graphics support. I have got the ability to decode 3-D content. These devices are home networking ready and will support Ethernet, Wi-Fi, co-axial, etc.”

   The new devices are really catered to households that have multiple TVs in the home. Catering to home networking requirements is the key. “This doesn’t replace the PVR. This is an HD client device. What we are finding is that a lot of operators are buying into this idea of lighting up the home. The average home in the United Kingdom has multiple TVs so operators want to get their service onto the second and third TV. There is still a huge populous of people who want content on a second or third TV. In order to do that, I need a home networking client at the right price point. You also need an offer of an extension of services. You need a much more powerful device in order to do that. So, the technology is now there. The price point is now there to deploy an HD zapper that can be tailored to peoples’ home networking requirements,” says Fawcett.

   Combining broadcast and broadband will be at the heart of the experience going forward. “The next step is to offer a much sophisticated broadband and broadcast experience. In order to that, you need a step change in performance in terms of processing power, graphics power and the video engine. All this will give me the ability to do HD, HD 3-D, HD UI’s, applications, etc.,” adds Fawcett.