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Vidéotron is betting big on a new technology system that will eventually lead to the retirement of its popular Illico television terminal.

Québecor’s cable, phone and internet unit unveiled a new wireless platform on Tuesday that combines a Wi-Fi box, a TV terminal and a voice-activated remote control. Once connected, users will be able to watch, download or record TV programs, access online streaming sites or program their home air-conditioning system through a single application.

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Vidéotron spent about 18 months and “hundreds of millions of dollars” to develop the technology and strengthen its network in partnership with U.S. cable operator Comcast Corp., chief executive officer Jean-François Pruneau said Tuesday in Montreal. Vidéotron is licensing the system from Comcast, which will receive royalties, he said.

“The ecosystem we are launching is kind of a merger between online viewing platforms, the web and traditional TV content,” Pruneau told the Montreal Gazette in an interview. “It’s a one-stop shop. Commercially, Helix is the future of Vidéotron.”