Imagine Communications, Inc., a new digital video technology company, announced it has developed the broadband industry's most advanced PersonalizedTV platform for system operators, and has completed a $9.2 million first round of venture funding from Carmel Ventures and Columbia Capital.
Imagine's powerful and scalable PersonalizedTV platform allows operators to deliver advanced digital video programming and services that fulfill the essence of PersonalizedTV - giving subscribers content they want, when they want it.
Imagine's breakthrough third-generation statistical multiplexing technology and software-based infrastructure solutions cost-effectively enable tremendous bandwidth improvements, enhanced video quality, and customized service offerings such as targeted ads and personalized audio. By implementing its technology in software, Imagine is able to leverage powerful, carrier-grade, off-the-shelf hardware that is available from multiple suppliers. Imagine's technology can be used in both a stored VOD (video on demand) and real-time (switched) environment.
Paul Kagan, chairman/CEO of PK Worldmedia, Inc., said "VOD is a platform that has been waiting for its moment, in a new era of exploding platforms. The aggressive moves of content owners and broadcasters to widen their distribution patterns are wakeup calls to video operators to boost their streaming capacity. The addition of HDTV to the mix - another emerging platform - increases the competitive pressure on channel expansion."
"Expansion of VOD, HD-VOD, and other advanced services is the key to broadband operators' ability to attract and retain valuable subscribers," said Ori Bendori, general partner of Carmel Ventures. "With Imagine's technology, operators can dramatically improve VOD bandwidth efficiency within their existing infrastructure, while also making new services - such as targeted ads and IPTV - much more viable."
"The future of television involves customizing the delivery of video and related services based on subscriber demand and demographics," stated Phil Herget, partner at Columbia Capital. "Imagine has developed very unique and advanced technology that enables personalization of TV in a cost-effective and flexible manner. After extensive due diligence, we are convinced there is a large and growing demand for Imagine's solutions, and we're excited to be supporting their launch and anticipated success in this space."
Imagine's powerful and scalable PersonalizedTV platform allows operators to deliver advanced digital video programming and services that fulfill the essence of PersonalizedTV - giving subscribers content they want, when they want it.
Imagine's breakthrough third-generation statistical multiplexing technology and software-based infrastructure solutions cost-effectively enable tremendous bandwidth improvements, enhanced video quality, and customized service offerings such as targeted ads and personalized audio. By implementing its technology in software, Imagine is able to leverage powerful, carrier-grade, off-the-shelf hardware that is available from multiple suppliers. Imagine's technology can be used in both a stored VOD (video on demand) and real-time (switched) environment.
Paul Kagan, chairman/CEO of PK Worldmedia, Inc., said "VOD is a platform that has been waiting for its moment, in a new era of exploding platforms. The aggressive moves of content owners and broadcasters to widen their distribution patterns are wakeup calls to video operators to boost their streaming capacity. The addition of HDTV to the mix - another emerging platform - increases the competitive pressure on channel expansion."
"Expansion of VOD, HD-VOD, and other advanced services is the key to broadband operators' ability to attract and retain valuable subscribers," said Ori Bendori, general partner of Carmel Ventures. "With Imagine's technology, operators can dramatically improve VOD bandwidth efficiency within their existing infrastructure, while also making new services - such as targeted ads and IPTV - much more viable."
"The future of television involves customizing the delivery of video and related services based on subscriber demand and demographics," stated Phil Herget, partner at Columbia Capital. "Imagine has developed very unique and advanced technology that enables personalization of TV in a cost-effective and flexible manner. After extensive due diligence, we are convinced there is a large and growing demand for Imagine's solutions, and we're excited to be supporting their launch and anticipated success in this space."