Megacable taps Oregan Networks for set-top upcycling

Mexican cable operator Megacable has tapped video technology outfit Oregan Networks to lead a major set-top box upcycling project.

Oregan says that the latest release of the Linux-based Zenterio OS enables UX performance gains, as well as enabling access to premium content applications such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video on the installed base of set-tops.

UK-based Oregan acquired the assets of Swedish middleware outfit Zenterio in 2019.

Megacable operates across 250 cities in 25 states of Mexico. The set-top software upgrade will address approximately 1.5 million hybrid cable TV devices in the field, delivering linear content over the existing cable infrastructure, whilst adding new services from cloud-based OTT sources, according to Oregan.

The implementation aims to harmonise the content offering and UX across Megacable’s new-generation Android TV CPE and the widely deployed Linux boxs, which have been updated by Oregan with a faster UX engine and up-to-date security enhancements to securely deliver premium SVOD applications, the company said.

Oregan said its ugrade would increase the life expectancy of the existing boxes in consumer’s homes, in line with sustainable computing initiatives adopted by Megacable as part of its environmental preservation mandates.

Oregan’s CEO Mark Perry said: “As a specialist video platform systems integrator, we are pleased with the achievements we’ve made in optimising and enhancing Megacable’s STB software architecture, in close collaboration with Netflix and Amazon. Our objective is to utilise Oregan’s unique skills and experience to revitalise the Pay TV offering and elevate Megacable’s position in the market, without incurring the financial and environmental costs associated with purchasing and shipping new devices.”

Gerardo Seifert, the CMO of Megacable said: “Our recent service update with Oregan’s software enhancements delivers on Megacable’s commitment to providing an exceptional user experience and popular content, particularly enriching the non-linear experience. The ability to deliver a consistent video offering across incumbent Linux STBs which represent the majority of our deployment today, and the next-gen Android TV devices, allows us to address the issue of rapid hardware obsolescence and contributes to our corporate green technology stance, which goes beyond a simple cost saving paradigm.”