DivX and Vestel have announced plans to release a new set-top-box (STB), the t5000, from Vestel supporting the playback of DivX video.

 

Vestel is an original design manufacturer (ODM) for consumer electronics and a prominent producer of STB solutions for the European market. The company’s DivX capable STB, the t5000, is reportedly the first device of its kind to be announced for the European market.

 

Using the t5000, consumers can play back high-quality DivX video stored on personal USB flash drives. In addition, it also complements the ecosystem of DivX Certified devices on the market such as Blu-ray players, digital televisions, mobile phones, and digital cameras.

 

Currently, the new STB is being certified by DivX. In addition, through a firmware field of upgrade, it will be capable of being updated to full DivX compatibility.

 

Kurt Scherf, vice president and principal analyst at Parks Associates, said that the ability of set-top box manufacturers to support high-quality video solutions – including DivX – will be a critical factor in their ability to offer flexible and unique viewing experience to television subscribers.

 

He also said that the new DivX capable set-top box from Vestel is a good example of the type of integration we should expect in the future.

 

“With the growing demand for devices that play back DivX video, it was natural to ensure that our latest STB was capable of supporting the standard,” said Zafer Prim, product manager for digital products at Vestel.

 

Kevin Hell, CEO at DivX, said that the STB market is an important new category for DivX and the t5000 further highlights the company’s mission of providing consumers with a high-quality media experience across any device.

 

Hell added that working with Vestel has enabled the company to continue expanding the DivX ecosystem into a new product category.

 

Digital media company DivX creates, distributes and licenses digital video technologies that span the “three screens” comprising today’s consumer media environment—the PC, the television and mobile devices.

 

DivX, along with JVC, a provider of home audio equipment, also announced the DivX Certification of a new Blu-ray home theater system from JVC. The system will be available to consumers across Europe starting in September.