Tandberg Television, a division of the Ericsson Group, is bringing search to the multi-screen experience with its launch of the MediaModeler Content Management System, a platform for operators to offer online video and search over their web portals. As more consumers spend time watching broadband over-the-top video in place of or addition to traditional TV content, the MediaModeler allows broadband users to search, discover and schedule both content from the TV service provider and the open web.

Through a customizable user interface, consumers can select the content they want to watch and where they want to watch it – the PC, TV or mobile device. The MediaModeler includes a database of fully customizable metadata profiles capable of interfacing with third party metadata services and Web 2.0 sources. Through the databases, operators can build search and discovery video portals by extending support to their metadata on the Web.

Brian Ring, senior director of business development and sales for Tandberg, said that operators in the U.S. today are grappling with the new and ever-changing environment of telcos, cablecos, and app cos and even wireless companies as competitors, and they are fashioning their TV strategies to remain competitive. A primary way they are doing this is through leveraging the power of the triple play by adding on compelling use cases that are strengthened by offering all three layers of TV, PC and wireless.

“Each of the three screens have a unique set of strengths and weaknesses with respect to the TV experience,” Ring said. “The Web is best for search and discover. The set-top box is ill suited to do that. So we are taking advantage of the Web model to figure out what video on-demand content is available and connect with the set-top box through a play-list feature. The system tags from the PC to what is needed on the TV.”

Remote digital video recording and VOD play listings will be the first features to exploit the multi-screen environment when it becomes more of a reality, Ring added. The MediaModeler, which will be commercially available in Q4 of this year, also includes asset creation, content and feed ingest, library management, custom metadata definition and enhancement from third party sources, line-up management, search and filter, advertising and video playout.