Sofia Digital Launches Multimedia Home Platform Services

by Alan Sheckter, Smart TV & Sound news editor

Helsinki, Finland-based Sofia Digital has launched new services that it says will provide digital cable providers and users with enhanced programming, entertainment, communications, shopping and advertising.

Based on the Multimedia Home Platform 1.0.1 (MHP) standard, the services, launched in Amsterdam, can be stored in set-top boxes or delivered via broadcast, the company said. The services are purported to have the ability to run on any MHP terminal in any DVB network.

Sofia AGORA includes software pertaining to interactive advertising. An AGORA software expansion is expected.

Sofia ARCADE spells entertainment. It includes a game portal
with other entertainment services. The portal can host many interactive services from different service providers. The
games presented in Amsterdam were made by Cube Entertainment in
co-operation with Sofia Digital.

Sofia AMIGO enables communication and collaboration via MHP digital TV.
The company presented chat and e-mail services in Amsterdam.

Sofia ANNEX is intended as an enhanced programming solution. It includes a theme portal and a ticker for use in providing add-on services to TV programs.

Earlier in the year, Sofia Digital launched two other services: Sofia ARENA, a super-teletext service, and the Sofia ACCESS electronic program guide. These two services are
currently in use by all 12 Finnish digital TV channels.