ActiveVideo Networks

Formerly known as ICTV, ActiveVideo Networks was founded in 1988 and focused on a compelling idea: moving the processing for television user interfaces and interactive content from the set-top box into the cloud. This network-centric approach allowed cable providers to deliver advanced services, like interactive guides, web content, and even games, to any digital set-top box without requiring expensive hardware upgrades for the consumer. The company developed a platform called CloudTV, which rendered user experiences in the network and streamed them as a standard video feed, making a "thin client" approach viable for millions of subscribers. Throughout its journey, ActiveVideo grew by acquiring smaller tech companies to enhance its offerings, such as Avinity Systems in 2009 and TAG Networks in 2010. These acquisitions bolstered its technology and expanded its footprint, particularly in the realm of cloud-based gaming and interactive applications. The company attracted significant investment, including an $87 million round from major industry players like Motorola and Cox Communications. The pivotal moment for ActiveVideo came in May 2015. The company was acquired in a joint venture by ARRIS Group and Charter Communications for approximately $135 million. ARRIS took a 65% stake, and Charter took 35%. This deal validated ActiveVideo's cloud-based vision, integrating its technology directly into the next-generation plans of two industry giants, with Charter using the CloudTV platform to power its Spectrum Guide.