Oregan Networks Ltd, a leading supplier of embedded software building blocks for IPTV and multi-room entertainment platforms, and ZyXEL Communications Corp., the world's largest DSL router provider (Gartner, July 2004), today announced that the two companies have concluded a partnership agreement, aiming to cater for the fast-developing Tripleplay-to-TV market.

Under the agreement, Oregan Networks supplies its user interface, as well as IPTV and VOD streaming control technology for ZyXEL P-3000 series IP set top boxes (IP-STB). Oregan TV Browser, the core functional module of the Oregan Media Browser software suite, will enable an interactive user interface for device settings and services, internet news, shopping, interactive advertising and gaming. Oregan's software will also facilitate access to Video on Demand through an Electronic Programming Guide (EPG).

Designed for Telcos and ISPs planning to deploy IPTV and VOD services, ZyXEL P-3000 series of IP-STBs natively support advanced audio and video codecs such as H.264 and WMV9, as well as MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-1 Audio Layers 1 & 2, MP3, AAC, AC-3 and WMA. The new Digital Signal Processor (DSP) based platform employs flexible architecture that resolves any future interoperability issues, resulting from the emergence of new standards, as well as extending the product life to accommodate additional codec and feature requirements. The STB can be easily customized to suit the service providers' needs and deployment schedules.

"ZyXEL has a long-standing expertise in developing robust and technically advanced broadband products," said Albert Ju, assistant VP of Telco/ISP CPE Business Unit at ZyXEL. He added, "Oregan Media Browser enriches the functionality of our IP set top box, making it easy to satisfy our customers' requirements for unique user interface design and IPTV applications."

Oregan's CEO Mark G Perry said, "We are very pleased to announce our relationship with ZyXEL. The Oregan-ZyXEL range of CPE is a superior product line, benefiting from robust hardware, powerful processor characteristics and rich end-user functionalities. Oregan Media Browser, with its integrated TV user interface module, is a product of scrupulous development that takes into account all the minute details that are responsible for delivering the most satisfying visual and interactive experience, such as on-screen transparencies, animations, audio effects, and intuitive menu navigation."