OTT and IPTV operators can now increase subscriptions and bring down costs through the Dune HD Connect, the world’s smallest Full HD set top box. The latest innovation from Dune HD, the compact stick format device simply plugs into a subscriber’s TV HDMI socket and streams content through its built-in Wi-Fi via a home internet connection.

Turning standard ‘dumb’ screens into smart TVs, the Dune HD Connect dramatically increases the market for operators looking to deploy streaming services – and through its small size it can be connected unobtrusively, operating invisibly to the subscriber.

The Dune HD Connect is easy to install for subscribers and cost-effective for operators to deploy and support. Due to its small size it fits through normal letterboxes and into standard mailboxes, removing the need for expensive courier services. Installation takes minutes, with subscribers simply plugging the device into the HDMI port on their TV and adding it to their existing Wi-Fi network. They can then immediately access operator OTT and IPTV streaming services without needing specialist technical support.

“The market for streaming services is growing dramatically, particularly for operators delivering consumer, hospitality and ethnic content. The Dune HD Connect enables them to deliver this content to the widest range of subscribers, without replacing their existing TVs or having to find room for bulky set top boxes,” said Konstantin Dyshlevoy, CEO, Dune HD. “The combination of its simple, plug and play design and tiny form factor make it cost-effective to install and support for operators, meaning they can generate revenues faster and with lower overheads. Like all our products, the Dune HD Connect can be easily tailored to meet individual operator needs and is built on our global reputation for innovation, reliability and engineering excellence.”

"As a long-standing Dune customer, MegaFon is excited about the HD Connect providing an even more compact and simple way to deliver our content," commented Vitaly Starodubov, COO of MegaLabs, the innovation arm of Russian mobile operator MegaFon. MegaLabs focuses on new business development, including video and other media. “We believe that with HD Connect we will strengthen our position in the Russian digital TV market.”

The Dune HD Connect is part of the company’s wide range of media players for operators and content providers. It is available with optional cable or terrestrial digital TV tuners and full 3D video support through the Dune HD Connect 3D variant. Inside compact packaging, the Dune HD Connect shares the same features as the market-leading Dune HD range of media players. As a result, it supports all major streaming standards such as HLS, and will play the widest number of digital media formats from networked files or IPTV/VoD/OTT applications in superior quality Full 1080p HD video and audio. Through its inbuilt micro SD slot and a USB port, the Dune HD Connect can also be directly connected to local media content, adding to choices for consumers.

Dune HD will also be showcasing the following models at TV Connect EurAsia:

• Dune HD TV-102, a compact sized universal media player
• Dune HD TV-202, a fully featured hybrid universal media player, including two USB ports and an SD card for easy access to content