SUWANEE, Ga., Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- ARRIS
International plc (NASDAQ: ARRS) and Charter Communications
(NASDAQ: CHTR) today announced plans for ARRIS to be a key
participant in the development of WorldBox 2.0, Charter's
next-generation video platform to be deployed on traditional
television sets across Charter's footprint. ARRIS and Charter also
recently entered into a warrant agreement, providing Charter with
the opportunity to acquire ordinary shares of ARRIS based on
specific sales targets of ARRIS equipment to Charter in 2016, 2017
and 2018.
WorldBox is a hybrid IP/QAM video platform that enables
traditional and cloud-based user interfaces, content, and new video
features to Charter subscribers. Worldbox 2.0 expands on Charter's
current downloadable conditional access ("DCAS") capabilities,
enhancing legacy hardware-based CAS systems across Charter's new
footprint, allowing for faster and even more cost-effective
deployment. This is made possible through the built-in security
processing capabilities now available in generic chipsets. Worldbox
2.0 also adds more advanced graphics capabilities and processing
power, leveraging the ever-growing capabilities of today's
chipsets.
ARRIS and Charter's new warrant agreement builds on the two
companies' long-standing relationship. The companies recently
joined forces to acquire ActiveVideo, the cloud-based technology
platform that enables Charter's cloud-based Spectrum Guide on prior
generation set-top boxes to Charter subscribers today.
"While Charter is focused on providing a secure video product on
all devices, WorldBox 2.0 provides the same advanced video
experience consumers are demanding on traditional television sets,
and gives Charter the flexibility to deploy a single platform
across our entire expanded network," said Jim Blackley, Charter EVP, Engineering and IT.
"Our ongoing work with ARRIS – in developing this platform,
including the downloadable security component – and the
establishment of the warrant program, speaks to the strength of our
long-standing relationship and the value of ARRIS's expertise in
large-scale, next-generation deployments."
"We share Charter's vision for a new era of entertainment
technology that leverages the power of the network and cloud to
adapt to its subscribers' evolving needs," said Bruce McClelland, ARRIS CEO. "With WorldBox 2.0,
we're bringing to bear our expertise and scale to help Charter
deliver next-gen entertainment experiences that will transform the
way that its millions of subscribers will watch TV and access their
favorite content on traditional television sets."
About Charter
Charter (NASDAQ: CHTR) is a leading
broadband communications company and the second largest cable
operator in the United
States. Charter provides a full range of advanced broadband
services, including Spectrum TV™ video entertainment programming,
Spectrum Internet™ access, and Spectrum Voice™. Spectrum Business™
similarly provides scalable, tailored, and cost-effective broadband
communications solutions to business organizations, such as
business-to-business Internet access, data networking, business
telephone, video and music entertainment services, and wireless
backhaul. Charter's advertising sales and production services are
sold under the Spectrum Reach™ brand. More information about
Charter can be found at www.charter.com.
About ARRIS
ARRIS International plc. (NASDAQ: ARRS) is
a world leader in entertainment and communications technology. Our
innovations combine hardware, software, and services across the
cloud, network, and home to power TV and Internet for millions of
people around the globe. The people of ARRIS collaborate with the
world's top service providers, content providers, and retailers to
advance the state of our industry and pioneer tomorrow's connected
world. For more information, visit www.arris.com.
For the latest ARRIS news:
- Check out our blog: ARRIS EVERYWHERE
- Follow us on Twitter: @ARRIS
ARRIS and the ARRIS Logo are trademarks or registered
trademarks of ARRIS Enterprises, LLC. All other
trademarks are the property of their respective owners © 2016 ARRIS
Enterprises LLC. All rights reserved.
Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161012/427824LOGO
To view the original version on PR Newswire,
visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/charter-and-arris-announce-worldbox-20-development-agreement-300343563.html
SOURCE ARRIS