The Finnish telco, DNA, is to launch an Android-based open ecosystem 4K-enabled box, the DNA TV-hubi. The launch will be in the spring, and will enable users to bring online video services to their TVs. The box can also be used to watch linear TV channels from DNA’s cable network and the Finnish digital-terrestrial network. The box includes two HD tuners, which enables simultaneous viewing and recording and includes software-based decryption for pay-TV channels.
The new DNA box is compatible with the applications of Finland’s three largest TV channels, Katsomo, Yle Areena and Ruutu, along with YouTube, Netflix and Viaplay. Subscribers can download applications from the Google Play store. Other services that do not have Android apps, can be streamed to the TV via the box’s Googlecast functionality.
The DNA box is manufactured by Sagemcom, and has Bluetooth support for wireless game controllers as well as voice recognition support. The box can be connected to an external hard drive for recording content and be controlled with an application on smart phones, tablets or smart watches. The device also includes voice input.
Following the change, 85% of the Finnish population will live within the coverage of all terrestrial-network pay-TV channels. Customers outside the coverage area can still watch the channels over a broadband connection with the DNA TV application or with the DNA TV-hubi device. The majority of terrestrial-network pay-TV and all HD channels are already being broadcast in the newer format.
Separately, DNA has announced that the remaining DVB-T pay TV services in its digital-terrestrial platform will switch to DVB-T2 on 17th May.
DNA to launch Android-based UltraHD service
