Pixelmetrix has signed an agreement with Virgin Media to roll out the Pixelmetrix Electronic Couch Potato across its digital TV network. The ECP is a programmable test robot that monitors true customer viewing experience by providing measurements from the end point of the content delivery chain. The Automated Channel Package Auditing feature of the ECP proved effective for quality assurance and monitoring of multi-region networks with central headends and vast channel options.

The ECP connects after the STB and provides feedback on various service quality parameters to a central site. It stands out with its ability to emulate an end-user changing channels on a STB via a built-in infrared transmitter. Service plan verification, channel switching and multiple measurements on service quality for each channel reported to a central management console, give service providers valuable insight into the viewer experience and confirms the availability of subscribed-to channels.

Digi-Box, Pixelmetrix official distributor in the UK, works closely with the Pixelmetrix R&D and Support team to oversee successful deployment and operations of the ECPs on-site.

To date, the ECP has bagged the C&T Award for Innovation in Technology Development, Cable & Satellite International Product of the Year Award for Best Monitoring/Network Management Solution as well as the TV Technology STAR Award.