i3 has licensed a new Web browser for its latest Linux set-top box (STB) for IPTV (Internet protocol television). The Mood3 will use Espial's Escape browser, which adapts Web and Flash content for TV viewing. The combined solution targets telcos offering IPTV.

(Click for larger view of Mood Box)

The third-generation i3 Mood Box runs Linux on an unspecified RISC processor, in conjunction with TI's TMS320DM642 DSP-based programmable digital media processor. The DSP's programmability provides the device with the capability to load CODECs on the fly, for future-proofing and internationalization. CODEC options include Windows Media Audio series 9, MP3, MPEG2, MPEG4, MPEG4-AVC (H.264), and MPEG2 HD.

Espial's Escape browser supports a number of international TV standards, including MHP, OCAP, and ARIB. It uses fit-to-width and font flooring, among other techniques, to adapt Web content to television displays. It has a customizable interface that supports internationalization for North America, the Middle East, the Far East, and Europe, Espial says, and is available for a broad range of processor architectures and embedded OSes.

“Escape [provides] a quality interface with an extensibility that allows us to add IPTV applications, whether developed by Espial or by i3,” stated i3 CTO Chris Chalkitis.

The i3/Espial solution is currently being deployed by an “international carrier,” according to Espial, and will be demonstrated by i3 at the IBC2004 International Broadcasters Convention in Amsterdam, Sept. 9-14.

 
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