Cox Taps itaas to Support Development of EBIF and tru2way Applications

Atlanta-based interactive TV technologies and services company, itaas, says that it has been selected by Cox Communications to provide support for developers creating, testing and launching ITV applications for the cable MSO’s tru2way and ETV-EBIF implementation, via its flagship itaas istart Developer Program. The program is currently providing support services for EBIF applications using the Aptiv guide on both Motorola and Cisco (Scientific-Atlanta) set-top boxes, and will at some point in the future also provide support for tru2way applications using Cox’s own EPG, itaas says.

According to itaas, developers who join the istart Cox video services platform support program gain access to development tools, documentation, software upgrades and support for the Cox platform. Developers also have the option of hiring itaas for assistance with architecting, designing, developing and testing new applications. “itaas is able to quickly provide us with support for developers, which will help Cox deliver new services quickly,” Craig Smithpeters, Cox’s executive director for interactive services engineering, said in a prepared statement. “itaas’ broad experience in application development, and support expertise across multiple platforms, makes them the ideal choice to help expedite the EBIF and tru2way initiatives for Cox.”

According to itaas, the addition of support for the Cox video services platform means that the istart Developer Program now offers a total of eight programs, including SDK’s and support for Time Warner Cable’s MDN, ODN and MAS software, Cisco’s SARA/PowerTV and OCAP Axiom, and the BIAP and TVWorks ETV platform.

Cox Now Offering TV-Based Caller ID

Cox Communications, the third-largest cable MSO in the US, has launched TV-based caller ID in Oklahoma City. The service–which is slated to roll out in additional markets next year (Cox says it will be available to 90% of its eligible customer base by the end of the year)–is being offered at no additional cost to Cox customers who subscribe to both the operator’s Cox Digital Cable and Cox Digital Telephone with Caller ID products. “TV Caller ID is an example of the continued evolution and convergence of communications platforms,” Steve Necessary, Cox’s VP of video strategy and product management, said in a prepared statement. “Customers prefer to bundle voice, Internet and video services from one trusted provider, but, more importantly, they want these services to work together to help enhance their lives.”

Cox now offers a range of interactive services, accessed through the “menu” button on the remote control, including the ability to view email (for customers of the company’s high-speed Internet service), call logs, local and national weather forecasts, news headlines, movie theater listings, horoscopes and lottery results; as well as the ability to view and pay one’s bill, order new services and access customer support.

Cox Names Pickelsimer Executive Director of Video Product Development

Cox Communications, the third-largest cable MSO in the US, has promoted Lisa Pickelsimer to executive director of video product development. Pickelsimer, who will report to Steve Necessary, Cox’s VP of video strategy and product management, will be tasked with driving the development of all new product initiatives that encompass video, including initiatives related to TV, the PC and wireless devices. Specific areas she will be focusing on, according to the company, include Cox’s set-top receiver video user interface, interactive TV, VOD, PVR, video mobility, and the company’s implementation of the tru2way standard. “Lisa has demonstrated superior leadership in our most important undertakings over the past few years and is the right person to take our video product development activities to the next level,” Necessary said in a prepared statement. “I have the utmost respect for her talent and perseverance and trust her to lead this important part of the organization.”

Pickelsimer joined Cox in 1999 as senior analyst for new media development at the company’s Cox Enterprises arm, and was promoted to manager of new media development in 2000. She became manager of video product development for Cox Communications in 2001, and was promoted to director of video product development in 2003. Prior to joining Cox, she worked in product management at Scientific-Atlanta. She has a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Clemson University, a master’s in electrical engineering from MIT, and an MBA from Emory University.