Amino To Buy Tilgin Set-Top Box Unit

In a middleware access play, in-home video equipment giant Amino Technologies plc (AMO.L), today announced it has signed an agreement to buy the IPTV set-top box division of rival Tilgin AB (TILGIN).

The deal is but the latest in the evolution of Amino beyond a purely STB device vendor, to more of a software-driven firm. Also this year, Amino bought AssetHouse, whose technology lets operators package, personalize and refresh extra revenue-generating services to viewers.

Amino emphasizes that the deal will give it immediate access to additional middleware solutions – such as Ericsson and Nokia Siemens Networks – as well as extending the group’s customer reach.

Ericsson recently announced and demonstrated what it calls the first IMS-based IPTV middleware package.

The purchase provides a range of H.264 HD IPTV STBs within its “Mood” product line, will further enhance Amino’s own STB and related device product portfolio, and add new software functionality across its entire range, according to Amino.

New features stemming from the acquisition will include picture-in-picture, whole-home connectivity and green-power: all designed to satisfy a growing market demand.

“Tilgin IPTV is the perfect acquisition for Amino, delivering an extended product portfolio with exciting leading-edge features as well as valuable middleware partners and wider customer reach,” said Andrew Burke, CEO of Amino, and former top exec at BT, in prepared comments. “The market is demanding consolidation coupled with innovation and Amino is ideally placed to deliver this elusive mix as the shape and nature of the IPTV industry evolves.”

Based in Kista, Sweden, Tilgin IPTV is a big player in the European IPTV market with a proven record in delivering large quantities of products and advanced systems, claiming to have sold and delivered almost 500,000 STBs.

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