DigiSoft has partnered with Sun Microsystems for the distribution of an IPTV set-top box (STB) software stack based on the Java Platform Micro Edition (Java ME).

Sun's Java-based media client will be combined with DigiSoft’s IPTV middleware to deliver HD services including video on demand, karaoke, home shopping, network-based recording, time-shifted TV, music and games using STBs with H.264 HD and SD video. The offering also supports encryption and watermarking technologies from third-party partners.

“Service providers are now seeking more open and scalable middleware platforms that enable them to launch high-quality HD applications and services to meet customer demand across large client bases,” John Allen, DigiSoft’s CEO, said in a prepared statement. “This will become a bigger issue as the mass adoption of HDTV sets worldwide means that operators and customers alike will demand services that make maximum use of this new format. The combination of Sun's Java client technology and DigiSoft’s middleware means that they can now scale their TV service rollout and achieve a much faster return on investment while having more control of their middleware and applications than ever before.”

DigiSoft said it has already sold more than 1.5 million middleware licenses worldwide and expects its middleware to be deployed on Java-based STBs in 30,000 retail outlets this year.

The use of Java allows for the creation of applications that can span a range of Java-capable devices such as Blu-ray Disc players, mobile handsets, personal computers and GEM-based STBs.