Server Software

The logic and direction for instructing and managing the set top box resides on the web server that is accessed by the set top box at boot. This new, sophisticated software, or Middleware, is the application that runs the show. NexTVision Middleware is a complete software solution for creating, managing and delivering media services over broadband. The Middleware is the software, both server and client, that generates the User Interface, Content Management, Subscriber Management and Electronic Programming Guide. NexTVision Middleware encompasses IPTV, VOD, PPV, Games, VoIP, and educational applications. The .NET framework, HTML/XML software interface, designed for low resolution TV display, provides complete customization for the network operator.

Unlike earlier software newer more modern server software, such as NexTVision, is written in a highly portable code such as a .NET framework for greater flexibility and for rapid, easy customization and branding by a service provider. NexTVision code is written in HTML/XML not a java based format. This produces a smaller code base for the server and requires less intensive processing by the set top box. Additionally, as almost all code is maintained only on the server the service provider has a wider choice of set top boxes. The network operator is no longer limited to only those set top boxes that have been approved by the Middleware provider. Finally, the ease in which the set top boxes,without extensive Middleware code, can be upgraded by a network server is a decided benefit, especially in times of rapidly improving technology.

NexTVision Salient Features

• NexTVision user interfaces are written in a .NET framework, an easy development format
• NexTVision has a modern, efficient XML code base that requires less processing power than a java base
• NexTVision software includes both a TV and a PC interface
• Supported data bases: MS SQL, Oracle, PostgreSQL
• Web browser interface for establishing customer accounts and for user authentication
• All transactions are captured on an individual subscriber basis
• Hardware operating systems can be either standard Windows 2003 server or Linux.
• VOD content can be streamed or downloaded
• IP based set top box content protection with encryption eliminates the requirement for Conditional
  Access systems
• All operating systems, including any Middleware code can be network upgraded
• Full DVR functionality is supported
• The server software application is only 30 MB

NexTVision Features

User Interface
• Separate interfaces for TV and PC display

User Management
• Parental controls can block either individual programs or an entire channel
• Network Upgrades
• DVR controls-Play, Stop, Pause, Record, Fast Forward, Replay
• Purchase Logs
• PIN identification settings
• Transaction reports

EPG
• IPTV
• Digital TV
• Pay Per View

Content Management
• Configure, create, and manage content metadata
• Metadata can be automatically imported or inserted manually for local channel options
• Any number of channels can be created including specific channels for an individual user
• Streaming Media
• Download Media
• PPV
• Download VOD can be either user generated (pull) or determined by the service provider (push)
• Files can be downloaded by FTP or HTTP
• In a download, the server will adjust the speed to suit the bandwidth of the network connection
• Download services resumes automatically if the network connection is broken

Subscriber Management
• Subscriber provisioning
• Create price packages
• Allocate credit and transaction limits
• Individual/Group Interfaces
• Differing interfaces for household members
• Network management of set top boxes
• Transaction reports for individuals and groups
• Summary reports for the Service Provider

Other Functions
• Games
• VoIP
• Instant Messaging
• Windows Media Connect
• Caller ID
• Emergency Alert System