Anevia, a next generation IPTV and VOD servers provider for telecom operators, broadcasters and integrators, today announced a breakthrough in MPEG-4 Video on Demand (VOD) solutions, with its new full featured MPEG-4 AVC / H.264 VOD server.

Based on the live-indexing technology, the new Trick Play MPEG-4 function makes the Toucan 100 and Toucan 500 the first full featured MPEG-4 AVC / H.264 VOD servers to be deployed in the IPTV world. Thanks to Trick Play and Time Shifting, the end users will be able to fast rewind and fast forward, to enjoy Program Pause and Instant Replay in MPEG-4 video or live TV programs.

"This new feature of the Toucan servers paves the way for real IPTV MPEG-4 deployments. After the MPEG-4 implementation in encoders and set-top boxes, we are proud to be the first VOD vendor to completely implement this feature. This server encounters a great success in customers' trials." said Brieuc Jeunhomme, CTO of Anevia. "The advantage of MPEG-4 is a better compression which requires less bandwidth: only 2 Mbps for simple definition stream and 8 Mbps for high definition stream. MPEG-4 is a real advantage for Telcos deploying IPTV."

This Trick Play function is being tested with main set-top box players, and has already been validated with Amino, Motorola and Sagem set-top boxes as well as streams from Allegro DVT, GrassValley, Harmonic and Tandberg TV encoders and streams processed through Terayon statistical remultiplexer.

"Amino has successfully worked with Anevia for many years and views them as a strong provider of IPTV technology" said Roy Kirsopp, VP and General Manager, Amino Communications. "Anevia's VOD server matched with the AmiNET124, our MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 set-top box, is a cost-effective solution for delivering IPTV, which I'm certain will prove attractive to operators."

This new function for MPEG-4 VOD and live IPTV expands the current features of Toucan 100 and Toucan 500. The Toucan hybrid server is now able to offer VOD, nPVR, Trick Play, Time Shifting, in both MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 formats as well as in SD and HD.