TRLabs Interactive TV Application Development Contest Announces Winners

October 07, 2011 -- Winnipeg – TRLabs’ Internet Protocol (IPTV) application development contest has selected two winners.

Winnipeg-based C3A Inc. (www.c3a.ca) is developing an interactive television (iTV) portal for TV network broadcasters whose programming is distributed by IPTV service providers using the Mediaroom software platform. The portal will integrate real-time and near real-time information, electronic program guide information sources, live or recorded video, and website information, into an attractive, easy to navigate user interface. Programming could be sorted by what’s popular, new, or a personal favourite, program information could be previewed or seen in more detail in multimedia format, and intelligence would suggest similar programs a viewer might be interested in…all with one-button push social sharing capability. In addition, C3A is also working on development of a multi-platform mobile wireless application that will allow companion devices (e.g. iPad, iPhone, Android-based smartphones and tablet devices) to interact with IPTV channels as a touch/voice command remote control, to display programming-relevant web-based content, and to share content using social media.

“We look forward to working with Canadian telcos along with TRLabs to deploy world-class, commercially successful convergent media applications," said Wing Kwong, President, C3A Inc. “C3A is a strong supporter of TRLabs and is proud to be selected as one of the winners of this TRLabs initiative to promote innovation in converged digital media.”

Winnipeg-based IMT (www.imt.ca) is developing an interactive IPTV Health Channel that integrates access to health, fitness and lifestyle related video, personal health information, and active care management, via an easy to use TV or computer interface. The Channel will allow people to access appropriate, targeted video information related to their condition and care. The Channel will also facilitate interaction with coaches and care providers in a clinically useful way, including exercise and clinical data measurement. IMT is developing the Channel in partnership with a leading fitness organization, with a current focus on supporting and empowering people to monitor and manage their fitness, wellness, and health. The Health Channel extends the traditional TV paradigm by collating health and wellness information, including video and clinical data, on a personal level.

“The contest has brought an entirely new facet to our solution – one that everyone is extremely excited about seeing completed and commercialized,” said Brian Eckhardt, CEO, IMT. “The collaboration with TRLabs and the telco partners has given us experience, relationships, and knowledge that will contribute to our future success.”

The two companies are currently working with TRLabs and its partner IPTV Service Providers TELUS, SaskTel and MTS Allstream on product development. TELUS, SaskTel, and MTS Allstream hosted the contest to accelerate development of IPTV integration and companion device solutions. C3A and IMT will benefit from their visibility as IPTV application developers, and from direct interaction with Service Providers. Winners are also awarded a one-year TRLabs partner membership valued at $2,500.

“The IPTV contest is a reflection of TRLabs’ effort to align its service offering with industry and near-market opportunities that can benefit from our technical assistance,” said Robert Tasker, President and CEO, TRLabs. “We break through a tough barrier for small companies with our ability to nurture the interaction of small application development companies with large Service Providers, accelerating commercialization and helping western Canadian companies establish a market lead in the IPTV space.”

IPTV is a system through which television services are delivered via the Internet vs. traditional radio frequency, satellite, and cable formats. Today, IPTV is typically seen in the form of video on demand or time-shifted TV programming. In the future, the TV will adopt more interactive Internet capabilities, converging commerce, multimedia, and social, data, and program interactivity into a completely new form and function of TV experience. Market opportunity lies in TV use that is core to culture, and size of TV screens.

About C3A
C3A Inc. is a Converged Digital Media company that specializes in creating practical Media Convergence solutions that work for businesses and organizations today. C3A Inc. brings together world-class, interactive multimedia designers, experienced TV producers, seasoned telecom executives and telecom engineers and computer scientists to create compelling and effective multiple-screen experiences for businesses to reach and transact with their customers and business partners across the media convergence landscape. The C3A team possesses broad industry knowledge and extensive working experience in broadcast television, video production, web design, media sales and Telco operations and management. C3A is the developer of the Ultimate Events CalendarTM interactive TV application.

About IMT
IMT (Inc. 1991) is an agile software engineering corporation headquartered in Winnipeg that has worked extensively in healthcare - providing architecture, system development and implementation services across North America. IMT is a founding TRLabs partner, and has worked in partnership with TRLabs on many research and development projects over the years.

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