Volia launches hybrid Smart HD, chooses Dune HD as second STB supplier

Ukrainian cable operator Volia has launched the hybrid version of its Volia Smart HD offering in Kyiv and Kharkov and is expanding the number of suppliers of boxes for the Smart HD service after signing a deal with set-top supplier Dune HD. 

Volia said it had signed up the first 100 customers for the hybrid offering in August. The launch marks the beginning of the second phase of rollout for Volia Smart HD. In March, the operator began making a pure OTT version of the service available via partner networks and to consumers outside its own network areas. The latest phase will see the rollout of hybrid DVB-C/IP receivers to existing cable homes, enabling Volia cable customers to receive interactive services via IP.

Dune will expand the range of suppliers of boxes for Volia, which expects to complete integration work and begin offering Dune HD receivers by the end of this year. Volia had previously announced Entone as its initial supplier of set-top boxes.

“In developing set-top boxes, we’re always focused on various parameters such as compactness, quality of hardware and performance,” said Igor Kovalev, vice-president of Dune HD. “All Dune HD set-top boxes are exemplary in each of these parameters, and our Ukrainian software development team based in Kyiv allows us to create not only reliable, but truly unique devices that are unparalleled in the market. We are very happy that Dune HD set-top boxes have been chosen by Volia, the largest digital TV and Internet services provider in Ukraine.”