Ericsson Unveils IPTV Remote to Control All Home-Based Media Devices

Ericsson has developed a new IPTV Remote that controls the TV and other media devices throughout the connected home using a single device. The remote is a single interface for controlling Internet video, the TV, both live and on-demand, the PC and the mobile phone in the home. It also provides a second screen for previewing content, exploring program guides, browsing the web and chatting with friends and family without a distracting window on the TV screen.

“The Ericsson IPTV Remote redefines the category and puts even greater control in the hands of our customers’ subscribers,” says Jan Wäreby, head of Business Unit Multimedia at Ericsson. “Initially, we will focus on TV services but going forward it will be possible to add applications such as enhanced video communications, remote healthcare and home surveillance.”

The device is part of Ericsson’s IPTV solution and will be managed and provisioned by the consumer’s IPTV service provider. The device can also function as a portable TV in a WiFi-enabled home.

A prototype and interactive demonstration of the device will be presented at Ericsson’s exhibition area during the GSMA MWC in Barcelona, Spain.

IPTV is expected to grow from 40 million to some 120 million subscriptions globally over the next five years. Ericsson has signed more than 250 IPTV contracts worldwide covering complete solutions, integration projects and infrastructure.