Shift2Stream, a company known for its innovative technology solutions, has entered into a global technology partnership with Tolka, a leader in broadcast technology.
This collaboration marks their first project to enhance the Vélo set-top box, which is a Google-certified, hybrid OTT/OTA device operating on Android TV. Vélo will now feature Tolka’s ATSC 3.0 certified software, enhancing its capabilities.
Vélo Set-Top Box Features and Pricing
Mark Jensen from Shift2Stream elaborated on the features of the Vélo set-top box, which were chosen based on consumer feedback and trials with television broadcasters. The device merges Over-The-Top (OTT) services with Over-The-Air (OTA) broadcast TV, offering a high-performance yet affordable set-top box. The single-tuner model is priced at $99.99, while the dual-tuner model with added 4G/5G functionality will cost $129.99.
Tolka’s Role and Project Details
Alex Day, Vice President of Business Development at Tolka, expressed excitement about being chosen for the Vélo project. The product is set to be a game-changer in the industry, aiming for NextGen TV and A3SA certification with a release scheduled for the third quarter of 2024.
Technical Specifications and Additional Features
The Vélo set-top box will support 4K UHD viewing with Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision HDR. It will come pre-certified with Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, featuring built-in Google Assistant, Play Store, Chromecast, and will offer a unique PowerOn TV experience with remote management capabilities. It will also be compatible with both ATSC 3.0 and ATSC 1.0 standards, allowing for a wide range of media experiences on Android and Linux platforms.
Tolka’s ATSC 3.0 Stack is designed to integrate seamlessly into various devices, supporting multiple tuners and datacast receivers, which can be used for applications such as emergency notifications. This stack includes robust security features like A3SA digital rights management to protect against program piracy and supports third-party HTML user agents and media players for enhanced flexibility.
News source: https://www.tolka.tv/