Frequently Asked Questions
Why should telcos offer IPTV services?
Telecommunications carriers face increasing competition from satellite and cable offerings. Offering a competitive portfolio of compelling video services will reduce subscriber churn, increase revenue, while minimizing infrastructure and operating expenses. In addition to all the standard satellite and cable TV features (PPV, VOD, DVR), an IPTV service provides a superior subscriber experience (fast channel change, customized user interfaces) and can integrate voice and text messaging and Web 2.0 applications.
Why would private networks offer IPTV services?
Private networks, such as government institutions, educational and hospitality communities, benefit greatly from providing video services to their networks. Private networks can easily offer and manage a personalized, cost-effective portfolio of video services, interactive applications and information to their subscribers.
Who deploys iTVManager IPTV middleware?
Broadband service providers, government institutions, educational and hospitality communities worldwide, use Minerva’s iTVManager to attract new subscribers and to increase their revenue by providing video services over their existing network infrastructure.
Does iTVManager support HDTV?
Yes, iTVManager supports MPEG4, MPEG2, H.264, and any IP transmitted video signal that can be decoded by the set-top box.
Does iTVManager support Digital Video Recording (DVR)?
Yes, iTVManager supports DVR function on all supported DVR set-top boxes. Users can record up to 2 channels simultaneously. Users can leverage iTVManager's Series Record feature, which will automatically record your selected TV program anytime it is being aired -- any time, any day, any channel. Never miss an episode of your favorite TV show!
How is iTVManager purchased?
Minerva has pricing models for Lab systems, Small Deployments and Large Deployments. Customers work with Minerva’s Sales team to implement the best solution for their target network and stage of deployment.
Who can I contact about an iTVManager lab system, demo, or sales order?
For iTVManager demo and sales inquiries:
Email: sales@minervanetworks.com
Phone: 1-800-806-9594 or 1-408-567-9400
I am currently evaluating different IPTV systems for my network. Can I get a lab system for evaluation purchases?
Yes, please contact our Sales team for more information on the iTVManager lab system. The lab system is essential to have in order to test and evaluate your IPTV network prior to field trials.
What do I get when I deploy Minerva’s iTVManager? What equipment is required to install/run iTVManager?
iTVManager comes pre-installed on an Intel-based Linux application server. Multiple servers may be purchased to support a large subscriber base. Oracle database is embedded with iTVManager, but the Oracle license must also be purchased.
The back-office component of iTVManager comes with the features required to manage television services, such as subscription management, channel creation, scheduling, electronic program guide (EPG) generation, and billing.
The client component of iTVManager enables viewers to access a variety of video services including live television, video-on-demand (VOD), pay-per-view (PPV), web surfing, email and interactive games.
Is iTVManager only available for deployments in the United States?
No. The iTVManager software platform is integrated in over 100 IPTV deployments in North America, Central America, South America, Europe and the Middle East. iTVManager is standards-based and supports international video standards such as NTSC and PAL. iTVManager can also be localized for French and Spanish, for non-English language countries.
I would like to deploy an IPTV service for my network, but building a network appears too complex for my operations team. Does Minerva Networks offer installation and support services?
Yes. Minerva’s Professional Services and Support Team provide the design, installation and integration services of IPTV delivery systems. Key services include system design and installation, back-office integration, client customization, and operator training. Please contact support@minervanetworks.com.
Broadband service providers should choose a professional services group with proven experience in the IPTV market. The Minerva Professional Services and Support Team have managed over 100 IPTV deployments worldwide. The team leverages its extensive experience in the IP video market to help our customers quickly deploy comprehensive IPTV solutions. Our team minimizes deployment risks and reduces time-to-market for new IPTV operators.
Where is troubleshooting and technical support available for iTVManager?
If you are a current customer or certified partner, you can contact support via phone: 1-800-9-MINERVA.
Minerva also provides a support website where our customers can submit questions and comments and can find documention to their FAQs. Please visit http://support.minervanetworks.com
Which set-top boxes does iTVManager support?
Minerva is continuously integrating and supporting iTVManager on the leading IPTV set-top boxes, including ADB, Amino, Entone, Motorola, Scientific-Atlanta. Visit our partner page.
Which conditional access vendors does Minerva partner with?
Minerva Networks partners with the top conditional access providers for IPTV, including Latens, Verimatrix and Widevine. Visit our partner page.
Which video server vendors does Minerva partner with?
Minerva Networks is continuously integrating iTVManager with leading video server vendors, including BitBand, Harmonic and Kasenna. Visit our partner page.