BroadVision

Customization and branding of customer premises equipment (CPE) is an important component of the operator’s brand positioning.

Customization and its tasks

The term «customization» is used in many areas of production: from clothing to electronics. This word means tailoring a product or service to the needs of specific customers. For example, customization can be applying a company logo to a batch of standard one-color mugs or T-shirts. In the telecommunications sector, customization is applied to CPE.

When planning a project, operators should not only think about the overall strategy, purchasing equipment, and finding their audience. It is equally important to consider the image, i.e., the uniqueness of your brand and what you offer. This way, you can stand out from competitors. Customized devices will help you with that.

CPE manufacturers make large batches of standard devices. To ensure that these products get a unique identity, they place visual elements that define a company: the service name, logo, colors, font, and other brand attributes.

Customization enables you to make a unique batch of set-top boxes from ordinary devices. This process offers two main stages: branding and setting up device software.

Branding CPE devices

It is in the operator’s interest to provide branded devices to users. This can include placing brand attributes on the bodies of set-top boxes, remote controls, and packaging. Let’s see how this may look, based on the example of customized set-top boxes manufactured by Infomir:

Getting started with branding

To receive a batch of unique CPE devices, operators must provide a layout, complete a form, and agree on all the customization details with us.

Branding remote controls and set-top boxes. The service logo can be placed on the remote control and the body of the CPE device. To brand these devices, the operator should provide a logo in vector format. Based on this file, designers will develop several visualization options, enabling customers to choose the most appropriate one.

Unique packaging. Box branding provides operators with more options. For this purpose, you can not only develop your unique design but also place important information for users on the box, e.g., plan terms, lists of channels and pre-installed applications, etc.

Besides, branding may include the creation of a unique set-top box passport in particular. If required, the documentation can be tailored to show the service’s logo and name using the operator’s own unique font, colors, and design.

Timeframes. The customization process is divided into two stages: approving the layout and making branded products. The first stage can last from a couple of days to several weeks. Coordination won’t take much time if operators clearly understand what they want to get as a result and promptly prepare the necessary documentation. Production can take several weeks.

Software customization

The CPE software can be customized to meet the operator’s needs. Each project is discussed with customers individually: there are no standard solutions in this area. Nevertheless, a number of elements are commonly customized. We will show several options for customizing software using the example of the Ministra TV platform middleware and explain what this gives to operators.

Logos and colors. In custom firmware, operators can create a unique boot screen containing their logo, corporate colors, slogan, and fonts. The boot screen is the first thing users see when the device starts. Of course, a good design will make a positive impression on customers and increase the operator’s status in their eyes.

Localization.* Operators can take care of customer comfort and provide them with some non-standard functions. For example, if the default set-top box menu does not contain the language required by the operator, it can be integrated (i.e., the entire menu translated into any desired language.)

Localization enables operators to provide certain services in a specific region, helping boost customer loyalty.**