Clearleap, RCDb Clear Way for Cable VOD on Blu-ray

18 Aug, 2010 By: Chris Tribbey

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Early 2011 could see connected Blu-ray Disc players, including the PlayStation 3, feature VOD content for subscribers from cable companies, thanks to a joint solution developed by Related Content Database (RCDb) and Web-based TV technology company Clearleap.

Several cable companies are already testing the solution, which combines Clearleap’s cloud-based content management and delivery platform with RCDb’s Blu-ray Disc software and data services, according to RCDb CEO Zane Vella.

“I was surprised by the level of interest from cable operators,” he said. “Cable is grossly underestimated. So many say ‘It’s so yesterday,’ but cable is the incumbent and it wants to protect its customers.”

Much like how a disc is initially required to enable Netflix on the PS3 and Nintendo Wii, cable operators such as Time Warner and Comcast could send Blu-ray set-top owners a disc that would allow subscribers to access VOD directly from their players. Eventually, Blu-ray set-top manufacturers could embed Clearleap and RCDb’s solution directly on the players.

“With very little upfront costs or investment of time, the pay TV industry can now easily create new revenue streams, offer new package plans and reduce the cost of delivering VOD to the home,” said Clearleap CEO Braxton Jarratt. “As direct-to-consumer TV and movie offerings continue to gain market share and siphon off what were traditionally cable dollars, the industry can now move quickly with a more compelling counter offer.”

Colin Dixon, senior partner at research firm The Diffusion Group, said the solution answers a growing need from cable operators to expand where and how subscribers access content.

“Our research shows that cable customers are looking for the flexibility to watch TV shows where and when they want,” he said. “The Clearleap-RCDb solution delivers this by freeing VOD from the set-top box and allowing subscribers to watch it from any Blu-ray player in the house.”

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