Streaming Games Service Launches In Israel
Filed Under News
Playcast Media, a Tel-Aviv based start up, and Hot, an Israeli cable network, today announced a large scale pilot of its new Playcast service. It will, they claim, allow TV viewers to play video games, on-demand, on their existing set-top-box with no lags or latency.
Playcast boast that their system will use new technology to deliver “Playstation 3- and Xbox 360-quality” games via standard cable lines.
The system is said to work with existing Cable and IPTV operators, allowing users to play games without a console or the need to change their set-top box. However, no further explanation of an interface has been given, meaning it is still unclear whether the system will be PC-centric, or will mean the launch of a whole new platform.
“This pilot unequivocally proves the viability of high end video games delivery over Cable TV networks,” said Guy De Beer, CEO of Playcast. “The vision of TV games on demand is about to come true, enabling a new gaming experience for hundreds of millions of viewers around the world. After four years of development, it’s exciting to see our technology transform in to a real user experience”
In addition, Playcast claim to be in advanced evaluation phases with leading Cable and IPTV operators and expect to reach major markets in the US, Europe and Asia during 2009 and 2010.
No details have yet been announced on specific game publishers partnering with Playcast, and no particular titles have been announced for the service.