Three cable television operators representing over 600,000 subscribers are collaborating to deliver on-demand services based on systems and software from SeaChange International, Inc.. C-Tech Corp., Chubu Cable and CTY Co. Ltd. are running a market trial of on-demand television prior to rolling out full commercial service to 20 cities in Japan 's Aichi, Gifu and Mie prefectures later this year.

SeaChange's IPTV System has been deployed at C-Tech in Nagoya for a single, centralized on-demand operation that serves the three cable systems over fiber-optic lines. SeaChange, working with its regional integration partner Itochu Cable Systems, has developed subscriber navigation for each of the three cable operators based on the company's VODlink application platform, which is integrated with Humax digital settop boxes. The trial phase already includes on-demand options with more than 2,000 movies, local programs, music videos, animation, sports and special interest programs, including subscription and free services.

"Japan is making rapid advances in broadband, and operators C-Tech, Chubu and CTY have collaborated to deliver some of the most compelling television services available," said Bill Styslinger, president and CEO, SeaChange. "Although SeaChange is the single-source on-demand solution, we're working with a range of talented companies and individuals who are all making this a showcase for advanced television services."

The SeaChange IPTV System
SeaChange's IPTV System automates entire on-demand services from content intake right down to settop applications. It combines fault-resilient and highly-scalable SeaChange MediaCluster servers with SeaChange Axiom video operation system software. Axiom manages sessions and resources for all video network functions, including streaming and application network services, thereby ensuring that bandwidth is optimized and providing seamless access for settop applications.

SeaChange's market-proven VODlink application platform – deployed on millions of settops worldwide – addresses operators' core on-demand requirements for portals and navigation and sets the stage for a host of VODlink's exclusive revenue-generating applications like DVD-on-demand and games-on-demand. VODlink is integrated with a wide range of third-party electronic program guides and settop browsers; offers a Software Developer's Kit for custom on-demand applications; and ports to a range of on-demand platforms.