nCUBE Powers In-Cabin Video-on-Demand for Queen Mary 2

Strategic Insights -

nCUBE has been selected by IDF, the leader in supplying digital interactive TV solutions for the cruise industry, to power in-cabin video-on-demand (VOD) services aboard the Queen Mary 2, the new flagship of the Cunard Fleet. The integrated system combines IDF's fully digital Communication Infotainment Network (CIN(TM)) version 2 and nCUBE's video server to deliver on-demand programming for guests traveling aboard the luxury ocean liner. This cutting-edge system allows guests to access movies and other on-demand features in their suites at their convenience, with the ability to start, stop, pause and restart the movies whenever they wish.

Key Takeaways:

  • nCUBE will provide VOD services to over 2,600 guests per voyage aboard the Queen Mary 2.
  • The integrated system combines IDF's CIN(TM) version 2 and nCUBE's video server to deliver on-demand programming.
  • The CIN(TM) system allows customization of hardware and software components according to customer requirements.
  • nCUBE's proven ability to deploy VOD in a timely and cost-effective manner made them an obvious choice for this project.
  • The Queen Mary 2 features the largest, longest, tallest, widest, and most expensive liner ever built, with a maiden voyage on January 12, 2004.
  • nCUBE offers a scalable server architecture capable of delivering up to 61,000 simultaneous streams from a single site.
  • IDF is a worldwide leader in the field of full digital "infotainment" systems for the cruise industry, providing consultation, development, and installation of integrated technology components and graphic design of display screens.
  • The Queen Mary 2 is operated by Cunard Line Limited, a member of the exclusive World's Leading alliance, which includes Carnival Corporation, Holland America Line, and Princess Cruises.

Statistics:

  • Queen Mary 2 - largest (151,400 tons), longest (1,132 feet/345 meters), tallest (236 feet/72 meters), widest (135 feet/41 meters), and most expensive ($800 million) liner ever built.
  • nCUBE's scalability: up to 61,000 simultaneous streams from a single site.
  • Number of guests per voyage: over 2,600.
  • Number of years IDF and nCUBE have successfully deployed interactive television services in prestigious cruise ships: five years.

Sources:

  • http://www.prnewswire.com/ (PR Newswire)
  • http://www.ncube.com/ (nCUBE Corporation)
  • http://www.cunard.com/ (Cunard Line Limited)