RealNetworks to Launch Helix OnlineTV for Mobile Carriers, Signs Cingular

RealNetworks unveiled its "Helix OnlineTV" application for mobile and broadband providers. Real also announced a contract to supply the solution to Cingular, the largest wireless carrier in the U.S.


Powered by the Helix Media Delivery System, Real's Helix OnlineTV application enables mobile carriers and broadband operators the ability to deliver multichannel video to the handset or the PC. The solution is an end-to-end, open, extensible, cross-platform system enabling service providers to offer customizable, interactive video services to consumers. By integrating the Helix components, operators can manage and stream media traffic across their 2.5 and 3G networks to deliver value-added content such as news, sports and entertainment in RealAudio and RealVideo, as well as in 3GPP compliant formats.


Cingular has selected RealNetworks as its end-to-end solution provider for the development and delivery of the carrier's next generation video service.


Specifically, Real will provide Cingular with a comprehensive video solution including application development for packaging mobile content, hosting the mobile video service and delivering the streaming content to a variety of new handsets for the carrier's 3G UMTS/HSDPA network. Cingular is scheduled to roll out its 3G video later this year.


The launch with Cingular will include the following system components: Helix Mobile Server for streaming video content, Helix Universal Gateway for content delivery, the Helix Mobile Producer for content integration, in addition to the Helix DNA Client, a universal media playback engine that can support decoding and playback of any data type on any compatible device.


RealNetworks said components of the Helix Media Delivery System are currently deployed by more than 70 mobile carriers in over 40 countries around the globe.
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