With limited broadband capacity affecting television consumption across Africa, the region will soon have access to far more content and customised services by using satellite broadcast capacity to provide Video on Demand (VOD). Global connected set-top box manufacturer Dune HD has partnered with French VOD technology provider Quadrille to create a receiver able to download content by means of “Push VOD”, giving operators in developing regions the means to offer unprecedented content choice even where broadband access is limited.

Through the relationship, the companies will offer Quadrille’s QuadriFast™ Push VOD technology on the new Dune HD TV-252 hybrid set-top box. The customisable Dune HD next-generation set-top box allows Quadrille to offer an extremely powerful content delivery platform with operator-branded graphical user interface. The solution gives operators in the region a competitive edge through low-cost extra capacity while expanding entertainment options to both consumer households and hospitality providers. Schools in rural areas with limited broadband access can also make use of QuadriFast to bring a wider range of educational content to students at low cost.

The QuadriFast solution supports hybrid and one way-networks using Push technology to broadcast VOD content onto storage devices such as hard disks and USB sticks. The system allows operators to dynamically manage the distribution, update and remove content on Dune HD devices, and offer their customers immediate access to content stored on the device without the need for an internet connection.

“With so many new operators entering developing regions such as Africa, combined with strong satellite capacity, now is an excellent time to deliver affordable VOD services to the region,” said Konstantin Dyshlevoy, Dune HD CEO. “Our devices are designed to be extremely flexible for technology partners while giving operators a fast, affordable, high quality solution for their customers. We’re very happy to support the growth of content distribution in the region through our partnership with Quadrille.”

“We believe that the Dune HD TV-252 is a fantastic platform to offer our QuadriFast solution as it is provides the latest in HTML5 browser and chipset technology in a very cost effective device,” said Xavier Battas, CEO of Quadrille. “It will allow us to jointly propose flexible solutions to operators and hospitality providers wishing to offer VOD to customers with limited or no access to broadband.”

“With the move from analogue to digital terrestrial TV and the increase in satellite capacity over Africa, we believe that our QuadriFast technology using set-top boxes such as the Dune HD TV-252 will allow African operators to provide non-linear content on an On Demand basis to their subscribers,” said Jean-Philippe Plantevin, Chief Commercial Officer of Quadrille.

Quadrille has deployed its QuadriFast solution using MultiCast IP technology at la “Française des Jeux”, the French Lottery provider, for display at its points of sales, as well as at DigitAlb, a satellite and digital terrestrial Pay TV operator in Albania.