The player: Jeff Miller, CEO and president of ActiveVideo Networks
The play: ActiveVideo brings Web programming from television networks and Internet television providers to the TV using the remote control. “We have a network-based technology that makes it possible for us to convert Web technology, Web services and Web content to any digital set-top box using the existing technologies of TV,” Mr. Miller said. To get the Web programming to the TV set, ActiveVideo inks deals with service providers, such as cable operators, telephone companies and consumer electronics device makers.
The pitch: ActiveVideo is different from other “over-the-top” plays like Apple TV or the Roku box from Netflix because users don’t need to buy an additional set-top box to watch ActiveVideo-enabled programming. Mr. Miller said operators like the offering because the ActiveVideo content keeps consumers tuned to the TV set who otherwise would turn it off to jump online. “If you are a programmer and you want to drive people to consume your content, we are a way for that, and we solve the old fragmentation of the user device,” he said.
In the mix: ActiveVideo strikes deals with both programmers and providers. On the content side, ActiveVideo has deals with CNN, Fox Reality, HSN, Reuters, AccuWeather and the video-on-demand gaming service TAG Networks. Viewers navigate the content using a standard remote control. In addition, ActiveVideo has struck distribution deals with PCCW in Hong Kong and Grande Communications in Texas. Also, Mr. Miller said ActiveVideo has launched trials with a number of cable operators in the United States. ActiveVideo competes with services such as Apple TV, Vudu and other companies routing Internet content to the TV.
The money guys: ActiveVideo is a venture-backed firm that has been funded by Lauder Partners. Mr. Miller declined to disclose the amount of cash the company has raised, but said he’s targeting profitability in 2009. ActiveVideo makes money via a fee paid by the programmers that use the service.
Backstory: ActiveVideo was founded 18 years ago but transitioned into the digital TV business in 2003, when it was still known as ICTV. In 2005 ActiveVideo shifted to its current focus of delivering network-based Web content and interactivity to the TV. The company changed its name to ActiveVideo in May. Mr. Miller has been CEO since 2005.
Cons: The challenge facing ActiveVideo is getting access to TV viewers. Currently, ActiveVideo reaches about 1.3 million viewers via its deals. To become a meaningful player in the delivery of Web programming to the TV, the company will need to ink deals with major cable providers. Mr. Miller said he expects to close deals with several large operators this year.
Pros: Consumers who have interacted with ActiveVideo-enabled content seem to like it. About 90% of viewers who try the service use it again.
Background: Mr. Miller was born in Fresno, Calif., and raised in that area. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of California at Santa Barbra and a master’s in systems management from the University of Southern California. Before joining ActiveVideo, he was president of a computer manufacturer. He was the senior VP of engineering at ActiveVideo for five years before being named CEO. He lives in Fremont, Calif., with his wife and two children.
Who knew: Mr. Miller is a pilot and is building an airplane in his garage.