TV Works, a joint venture between leading cable companies Comcast Corporation and Cox Communications, has acquired interactive TV software services provider MetaTV.
The joint venture between the two cable companies has hired the employees of MetaTV, based in Mill Valley, California, who will continue to develop interactive television applications. These will include OCAP compatible applications that can be integrated into the GuideWorks interactive program guide platform, a joint venture between Comcast and Gemstar-TV Guide International.
Comcast and Cox were both previously investors in MetaTV. Additional details of the deal were not disclosed.
TV Works, also known as Double C Technologies, is majority owned and operated by Comcast, the leading cable company in the United States, with a minority investment by Cox, the third-largest cable provider.
The two companies formed the business earlier this year to buy interactive television patents and license agreements from Liberate Technologies.
“Acquiring the assets of MetaTV, combined with our investment in GuideWorks and our VOD platform, will help us continue to provide customers with a more interactive television experience,” said Steve Silva, responsible for new business development at Comcast. “This is part of our continued focus on driving innovation for advanced digital cable services and strengthening cable’s position as the provider of choice for home entertainment and information.”
MetaTV had developed applications currently in use by several cable operators, including information, games, caller ID and customer service features. The MetaTV information application is integrated with the Microsoft TV Foundation platform that Comcast has deployed in Washington State. The recent interactive deployment by Cox in its Gulf Coast Florida system also includes MetaTV applications.