(Telecompaper) US cable operator Charter Communications formed a joint venture with equipment supplier Arris in order to buy the company ActiveVideo for USD 135 million. ActiveVideo's CloudTV platform helps TV service providers virtualise their customer premises equipment and deliver services such as user interface, online content and interactive ads from the cloud. Charter uses the platform to deliver its Spectrum Guide to customers, which is being rolled out on the Worldbox and other legacy set-top boxes in the Charter footprint. Arris will own 65 percent of the joint venture company and will be the sales channel for ActiveVideo's CloudTV platform. The company will market ActiveVideo to its existing portfolio of CPE customers, alongside its own cloud products. ActiveVideo's customer base already includes Cablevision, Liberty Global, Deutsche Telekom, Time Warner Cable, J:Com, Philips and Roku. Pending regulatory approval, the takeover is expected to close in Q2. Jeff Miller will continue to lead ActiveVideo as CEO.