November 13, 2008 - Nokia Siemens Networks has launched its latest IPTV software release, Home Entertainment Release 3.0, intended to enable operators to differentiate their service while adopting a more open model to overcome the constraints of proprietary vendor development timelines.

The new release is designed to enable development of a service by the operator's own staff, third party developers or the vendor community, while also including such features as HDTV, DVR, VOD and Caller ID as standard. Nokia Siemens Networks is offering a Software Development Kit (SDK) to allow for third-party customisable user interface development on HTML and Java platforms.

“The IPTV industry must take a leap forward beyond a proprietary, vendor-only development model, and leverage the proven Internet model for introducing open and flexible applications and services,” said Brook Longdon, Global Head of IPTV Solutions, Nokia Siemens Networks. “The industry is at a crossroad of being able to blend the world of Web2.0 with that of traditional linear broadcast offerings, and the next generation IPTV solution we are launching today will help accelerate that reality.”

Home Entertainment Release 3.0 is scheduled to be available in North America from the first quarter of next year.