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Tag: Android TV

  • Big Blue Marble launches managed TV-as-a-service for global operators

    Big Blue Marble launches managed TV-as-a-service for global operators

    MUMBAI: Big Blue Marble, the international media technology brand formed by Austria’s ORS group and video streaming experts Insys VT, has unveiled a new managed end-to-end TV-as-a-service platform designed for cable operators and OTT service providers worldwide.

    The platform is built to empower Tier 2 and Tier 3 operators with a ready-to-deploy, multi-tenant service model that allows customisation to reflect each operator’s brand and offering, while delivering a seamless and modern entertainment experience to viewers.

    At the core of the platform lies the 3ready Framework from 3 Screen Solutions (3SS), which powers the viewer-centric Android TV custom launcher and applications for Android TV, Samsung, and LG Smart TV platforms. Meanwhile, SEI Robotics provides the hardware foundation with its cost-effective Android TV-based set-top boxes (STBs).

    “We are so excited to launch our new TV-as-a-Service platform and empower more and more service providers to take their TV service businesses to the next level,” said Big Blue Marble Group chief customer officer Thomas Langsenlehner.

    The newly introduced Android TV STB from SEI Robotics is designed for reliability and essential functionality, featuring an Amlogic 5th generation Soc, 3gb RAM, and 16gb flash storage. Together, these components enable a smooth, high-performance viewing experience.

    The platform’s comprehensive configuration capabilities allow service providers to tailor the user interface and functionality to their brand. Smaller operators can benefit from economies of scale while gaining access to proven technology across both hardware and software. Subscribers, in turn, can expect intuitive navigation, rich content discovery, and consistent streaming performance.

    The collaboration also marks a continuation of Big Blue Marble’s partnership with 3SS, which began five years ago. “We’re extremely proud that Big Blue Marble continues to trust the 3SS team to help deliver superior OTT entertainment to operators all around the globe,” said 3SS managing director Kai-Christian Borchers.

    Adding to that, SEI Robotics CEO Jeff Yin, commented, “Both regional and local operators are now gaining a powerful opportunity to differentiate and provide their service providers with advanced and proven set-top box technology that enhances first-rate entertainment experiences.”

    With this new venture, Big Blue Marble is positioning itself as a global enabler for next-generation television services, combining the strengths of content, technology, and innovation into a single, managed ecosystem.

     

  • Panja packs a punch as Season 2 locks arms with FanCode once again

    Panja packs a punch as Season 2 locks arms with FanCode once again

    MUMBAI: Get ready to grip your screens, India’s fiercest arm battles are back and bolder than ever. The Pro Panja League is flexing for a powerful comeback as Season 2 kicks off on 5 August , streaming live on Fancode. After a knockout debut that turned armwrestling into a must-watch phenomenon, the league is once again teaming up with India’s go-to digital sports platform to deliver unfiltered strength, strategy and spectacle to fans across the country.

    Returning in an IPL-style franchise format, the tournament will see elite athletes from across the nation collide in high-voltage matchups over 17 action-packed days in Gwalior known as much for its heritage as, now, for hosting this homegrown showdown.

    While the Kochi KD’s will defend their title, all eyes are also on the fresh crop of contenders eager to shake up the pecking order at the Panja table.

    “Our aim has always been to make armwrestling accessible to every Indian household,” said Pro Panja League co-founder Parvin Dabas. “Fancode’s reach in Season 1 gave us the perfect platform and we’re ready to dial it up again for Season 2.”

    Fancode co-founder Yannick Colaco added, “We’re proud to continue supporting the growth of indigenous sports. Panja isn’t just a contest of strength, it’s a celebration of pride and passion. And we’re excited to bring it to screens across India.”

    Fans can catch all the action live on the Fancode app (Android and Ios), on TV via Amazon Fire TV Stick, Android TV, Samsung TV, Jio STB, and on the Fancode website.

    Whether you’re a diehard fan or new to the grip-and-rip game, the Pro Panja League promises a second season that’s bigger, bolder, and guaranteed to leave viewers hooked.

  • TGM brings Swift TV to Big Screens, Partners with Android TV,Amazon Fire Stick, DorTV and Cloud OS to Transform Free Live TV Streaming

    TGM brings Swift TV to Big Screens, Partners with Android TV,Amazon Fire Stick, DorTV and Cloud OS to Transform Free Live TV Streaming

    Swift TV, a prominent name in the Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) market, has officially launched on Android TV and Amazon Firestick. This strategic move is set to reshape the Indian streaming scene by offering over 125+ live TV channels completely free of charge. The platform caters to a wide range of preferences with content spanning movies, news, music, lifestyle, and regional entertainment, ensuring there’s something for every viewer.

    Expanding Reach: Swift TV Now on Android TV and Amazon Firestick
    By launching on Android TV and Amazon Firestick, Swift TV becomes accessible to a larger audience, delivering smooth entertainment experiences across devices. It features an easy-to-use interface and optimized streaming quality tailored to the needs of today’s digital-savvy viewers. This expansion lets users enjoy high-quality content on their preferred devices, changing how Indians engage with entertainment.

    Strategic Collaborations: Enhancing Content and Technology
    To strengthen its content lineup and technological framework, Swift TV has joined forces with prominent players like DorTV and Cloud OS.

    DorTV: This partnership brings an exclusive mix of regional and international content, enriching Swift TV’s diverse channel selection. Viewers can now explore a wider variety of shows, from local favorites to global hits, all curated to resonate with Indian audiences.

    Cloud OS: To provide a seamless streaming experience, Swift TV uses Cloud OS’s advanced technology. This collaboration ensures fast, secure streaming without interruptions, even during peak hours, showcasing Swift TV’s dedication to delivering top-notch service.

    A New Chapter in Free Entertainment
    The growth of Connected TV (CTV) viewership in India is reshaping the way audiences consume content, and Swift TV is perfectly positioned to lead this change. With the Indian CTV user base expected to reach 80 million by 2025, the demand for premium, on-demand entertainment on large screens is at an all-time high. The FAST model is uniquely suited to serve this audience, delivering a high-quality TV experience without subscription fees.

    Advertisers are also recognizing the power of CTV and FAST platforms, with ad spend on CTV in India projected to grow by over 40% annually. This surge reflects a shift in consumer behavior, as viewers increasingly prefer the flexibility and premium feel of streaming on larger screens. Swift TV capitalizes on this trend, offering a vast range of live TV channels for free, perfectly catering to the evolving entertainment needs of Indian households.

    By embracing the FAST model and leveraging the rapid growth of CTV in India, Swift TV is not just providing free entertainment—it’s revolutionizing the viewing experience, making premium content accessible to all while creating valuable opportunities for advertisers.

    Why Swift TV Stands Out
    100+ Live Channels: Covering entertainment, news, lifestyle, and regional programming, Swift TV provides a comprehensive lineup suitable for all age groups.

    User-Friendly Design: The platform is crafted for an intuitive viewing experience, ensuring easy navigation across devices.

    Exclusive Programming: Thanks to its partnership with unique channel partners like History connect, Filetcopy, Raaj Jones etc. features unique regional and international shows, bringing fresh and exciting content to Indian viewers.

    Advanced Streaming Technology: Powered by Cloud OS, the platform offers fast, secure streaming with minimal buffering, ensuring a superior viewing experience.

    Redefining Digital Entertainment
    Swift TV’s debut on Android and Amazon Firestick isn’t just about expanding its reach; it’s about revolutionizing how Indian audiences consume content. As a Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television platform, Swift TV bridges the gap between traditional TV and digital streaming, meeting the growing demand for flexible, on-demand entertainment.

    About Swift TV
    Swift TV is a trailblazing Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) platform featuring an eclectic mix of live TV channels. With a rapidly growing user base and strategic partnerships, Swift TV leads the digital entertainment wave in India. Its commitment to quality programming and seamless streaming makes it one of the most promising entertainment platforms in the country.

    Looking Forward
    Swift TV is set to launch the app on Tizen, Web OS, Roku and Vidaa etc. followed by a web app. By delivering premium content and always expanding content Library for free and ensuring a high-quality streaming experience, Swift TV is raising the bar for digital entertainment.

    Discover the Future of Entertainment Today! Swift TV is now available on Android and Amazon Firestick. Download it today and start a new entertainment journey.
     

  • Fastway Transmissions launches a new android TV set top box

    Fastway Transmissions launches a new android TV set top box

    Mumbai: Fastway Transmissions, a subsidiary of the Jujhar group and a cable network provider in India, has launched a Dolby Vision and Dolby Audio enabled android TV based hybrid and OTT set-top box, the FW+ ultra 4K STB. Plans start at Rs 699.

    Powered by Netplus Broadband, the internet arm of Fastway Transmissions, the set-top box will be preloaded with a bundled plan that offers access to ultra-high-definition (UHD) content and is affordably priced. Access to unlimited internet, premium OTT content, and free voice calls will be included in the bundle plans. The hybrid cable box can also be used to pair linear TV with playback services in HDR quality.

    The Fastway STB provides users with access to Prime Video, YouTube, and Google Play through direct links and a remote with a single click. The STB is equipped with features, including Dolby Vision, Dolby Audio, HDMI 2.1, dual band, bluetooth, USB3.0, micro SDXC (expandable up to 1TB), and a built-in chromecast.

    According to a report, the worldwide set-top box market is anticipated to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than four per cent in terms of volume from 2021 to 2028. Rising internet and broadband penetration, as well as increased preference for high-quality channels and on-demand video services in 4K HDR, are expected to drive this market’s growth.

    The consumers of today, the company said, are seeking premium entertainment experiences. To cater to this evolving demand and to ensure customer delight, the set-top box comes equipped with Dolby Vision and Dolby Audio.

    Jujhar Group chairman S. Gurdeep Singh said, “This is a very significant step towards delivering comprehensive services to our existing as well as potential user base. With the launch of this exciting new product with Dolby vision and Dolby audio technology, we want to target a substantial share of users in the tier one and tier two regions of the country. The subscribers will be able to enjoy the ultra-smart hub with an easy-to-use interface through play store services. Further, users can also customise their smart boxes using the apps that can be downloaded from the play store.

    “As android TV grows in popularity, the number of monthly active users is on a significant rise, indicating an increase in popularity and trust for the company. We are looking forward to utilising our extensive broadband and cable network experience to deliver a premium OTT viewing experience.”

    Dolby Laboratories’ senior director of commercial partnerships, India, Middle East and Africa Karan Grover said, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Fastway Transmissions to deliver a premium entertainment experience to consumers across streaming and cable networks. At Dolby, it is our constant pursuit to elevate the audio-visual entertainment quotient for our audience and make sure they are immersed completely in a life-like experience. Fastway subscribers will be able to experience their favourite entertainment like never before in Dolby Vision and Dolby Audio with Fastways new set-top box.”

  • Conviva data shows 10% streaming growth worldwide in Q1

    Conviva data shows 10% streaming growth worldwide in Q1

    Mumbai: Global streaming grew 10 percent globally, including continued growth in mature markets like North America (5 percent) and Europe (9 percent), during the Q1 of 2022 as compared to 2021, according to the latest Conviva’s State of Streaming report, the continuous measurement analytics platform for streaming media.

    “Despite recent news of Netflix’s subscriber contraction, streaming continues to grow worldwide, encompassing an ever-growing stable of platforms offering unique and original content. In mature markets like the US and Europe, viewers are upscreening from small devices to Smart TVs, setting the foundation for streaming to overtake linear TV on the big screen” said Conviva president, CEO Keith Zubchevich.

    Conviva’s Q1 2022 report found big screens (which includes connected TVs, smart TVs and gaming consoles) continue to be the streaming device of choice, responsible for 77 percent of all streamed minutes globally in Q1 2022. Within the big screen category, smart TV viewing time grew by 34 percent while desktops and gaming consoles declined by 15 percent versus Q1 2021. Connected TV device viewing slightly declined again this quarter, down 1 percent YOY. Within the connected TV category, Roku maintained the largest share of viewing time (31 percent) with Amazon Fire coming in second at 16 percent.

    When it came to actual minutes streamed, Android TV was the big leader in growth across all the top big screens—up 78 percent. In yet another win for smart TVs, LG TV, Samsung TV, and Vizio TV all also had double-digit growth, up about 20 percent.

    Quality Improves with One Exception: Globally, bitrate/picture quality (up 17.3 percent), buffering (down nearly 1 percent) and video start failures (down 17.6 percent) all improved significantly. Video start times were the one negative mark in terms of quality, as the wait for videos to start increased in every region, up 30 percent globally. Viewers in Africa waited the longest (8 seconds) while Europe had the fastest start time, waiting just four seconds on average.

    In Q4 2021, the streaming industry saw advertising delays and increased buffering, but streaming advertising bounced back nicely in Q1 2022. Ad impressions were up 18 percent and ad attempts were up 14 percent, thanks in part to big, live sporting events like the Super Bowl, March Madness and the Winter Olympics.

    TikTok Reigns for Sports Leagues: Streaming on social platforms continues to be a key way for sports leagues to engage fans, and according to Conviva, TikTok was the only platform to grow its streaming audience share for every sports league measured. Bundesliga, Serie A, and the Premier League increased their audience share for streaming videos on TikTok the most at 6 percent each with the NFL coming right behind them with 4 percent growth on TikTok YOY. In fact, both Superbowl teams – the Rams and the Bengals – gained over 100k TikTok followers in a single day (Feb 13-14).

    Methodology: Conviva’s data is primarily collected using proprietary sensor technology with a global footprint of more than 500 million unique viewers watching 200 billion streams per year across nearly four billion applications streaming on devices. Embedded directly within streaming video applications, the sensor measures across content and ads to analyze nearly three trillion real-time transactions per day for its customers. In the State of Streaming report, the year-over-year data from Q1 2022 as compared to Q1 2021 was normalized based on Conviva’s customer base. The social media data consists of data from over 2800 accounts, over 1.8 million posts, and over 10 billion engagements across Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube in Q1 2022. Social data for professional sports leagues was collected from individual leaderboard lists for each sports league that totaled 262 individual team accounts and tallied over five billion cross-platform engagements in Q1 2022.

  • Synamedia launches pre-integrated security & business solutions for Android TV

    Synamedia launches pre-integrated security & business solutions for Android TV

    Mumbai: Independent video software provider Synamedia on Wednesday announced that it has integrated a broad range of its video offerings with Android TV and has extended its Infinite cloud TV platform to support Android TV devices.

    Using Google’s Broadcast Stack for hybrid set-top boxes (STBs) powered by Android TV, Synamedia has developed pre-integrated solutions including user interfaces, watermarking and broadcast/OTT security, Clarissa business insights, and Synamedia Iris addressable advertising, the company said in a statement.

    Launched in October 2020, Google’s Broadcast Stack is designed to accelerate the reach of the Android TV operating system by providing the video technology providers with clarity and direction about how hybrid services can be deployed rapidly and economically.

    Video service providers can now pick and mix from these pre-integrated services to build an Android TV solution that best meets their needs, while also having the option to use the entire bundle for a complete end-to-end package. Each service is tested and proven to work with a choice of STB hardware, said the statement.

    “Our agnostic approach is designed to bring the best of Synamedia innovation to all platform eco-systems. Now, with this Android TV initiative, we are delivering on that commitment,” said Synamedia’s CTO, Nick Thexton. “For many years we have worked on Android TV applications and bespoke security integrations. With these latest solutions, we are making it easy and affordable for customers to realise all the benefits of the Android TV ecosystem, including its wealth of applications, voice control, and smart integration.”

    “Using these pre-integrated Synamedia solutions – either individually or as a bundle – operators can go live in just six months while cutting development costs,” Thexton added.

    Synamedia said it is also working to define new interfaces and integration points for advanced features so that operators can select best-in-class products for their hybrid Android TV solution.

  • In hybrid push, Siti Networks launches Siti PlayTop Android TV set top box

    In hybrid push, Siti Networks launches Siti PlayTop Android TV set top box

    New DELHI: In a bid to cement its place in the hybrid set-top box space, multi-system operator (MSO) Siti Networks has launched Siti PlayTop Magic, a 4K HDR STB which offers Android TV features along with linear TV. For a superior next-generation entertainment experience, the STB uses NAGRA’s card-less content security solution. This represents NAGRA’s first Android TV project in India based on the Google MediaCAS framework for Android TV deployments.

    Through its partnership with NAGRA, Siti Networks hopes to rapidly deploy both secure and market-leading Android TV services across its three-million strong subscriber base in India including a comprehensive content offering and access to a large library of applications.

    Additionally, Siti PlayTop Magic's mobile app, available on both iOS and Android platforms, brings a single subscription for multiple OTT apps like Hungama Play, Shemaroo Me and Adda Times in customers’ palms.

    The roll-out of Siti PlayTop STB and iOS/Android apps is a crucial part of the MSO’s expansion strategy in India, remarked Indian Cable Net Company Ltd (JV partner of Siti) director Suresh Sethiya.

    "We are delighted to partner with Nagra, who provides comprehensive support for Android TV through an end-to-end content protection ecosystem. This box will make any TV Smart while bringing Siti HD+ digital cable television's ultimate viewing experience with a DVR facility,” shared Siti Networks CEO Anil Malhotra.

    The NAGRA solution provides comprehensive support for Android TV through an end-to-end content protection ecosystem that can be extended at a time of an operator’s choosing through additional options such as forensic watermarking and/or anti-piracy services.

    Deployed “as a service,” it enables operators to take advantage of reduced total cost of ownership and regular modular and cloud-driven updates and frameworks for both CAS and DRM integration, while ensuring the ecosystem remains protected from pirates.

    “We’re proud to partner with Siti Networks on its continued expansion within the Indian market,” said NAGRA SVP – sales APAC Stephane Le Dreau. “The strength, level of innovation and unique features of NAGRA’s content and service protection services for Android TV provides operators around the world with the tools they need to protect their content and rapidly deploy and protect their next-generation services against piracy.”

  • Skyworth and 3SS partner to create Netflix-ready platform

    Skyworth and 3SS partner to create Netflix-ready platform

    KOLKATA: 3 Screen Solutions (3SS), a leading provider of software solutions for set top boxes (STB) and multiscreen entertainment, and Skyworth Digital, leading manufacturer of connected home products and solutions, announced that they have integrated their technologies to create a new STB platform optimized to enable faster android TV service launches with world-class viewing experiences.

    The Skyworth HP40A STB (with embedded Amlogic chipset) and middleware are now pre-integrated with 3SS’ 3READY Custom Launcher to create a powerful end-to-end android TV solution.

    The partners’ fundamental aims for this pre-integration are to help operators more rapidly and easily secure Netflix certification and to smooth the journey to becoming a super-aggregator.

    Skyworth is a leading partner in the Netflix Scaling Program, which Netflix created to help OEMs (original equipment manufacturer) including STB providers to obtain technical pre-certification. By choosing Netflix-ready hardware, an operator’s Netflix certification can be fast-tracked, and the process of reaching commercial agreement with Netflix can potentially be eased. With these Netflix compliance elements in place early, operators have the opportunity to accelerate the introduction of their new android TV services to the marketplace.

    In parallel, as part of multiple android TV deployments, 3SS’ 3READY Custom Launcher – at the heart of the 3READY product framework, now driving the UX in more than 10 million homes – has successfully received Netflix UI certification.

    “With Skyworth’s and 3SS’ hardware+middleware+launcher pre-certified platform combination, Netflix, the aspiring operator, and ultimately subscribers, can all be confident of a high-quality experience including Netflix viewing,” commented Srithar Bala, head of Video Solutions & Services, Skyworth Digital.

    Furthermore, with 3READY Control Center, the Netflix launch points – namely, the locations within the UX where Netflix is to appear – can be configured to align with the specific terms of the operator’s Netflix agreement. This can further shorten time to market.

    Access to Netflix is one of the pre-eminent drivers behind the growing popularity of the android TV solution among service providers, as is the shift to super-aggregation. As the scale of a super-aggregator’s reach grows, however, particular attention and management is needed to ensure that all subscribers get a seamless experience on an ever-increasing population of devices – an assurance and high standard that Netflix strongly insists on.

    With the Skyworth+3READY-pre-integrated reference hybrid STB hardware platform, operators can get to certification more quickly, and 3SS’ android TV-centric custom launcher is ready for the operator to tailor and brand for their DVB-S, -T, -C, IPTV and/or OTT services. “With certification by Google, Netflix and other content partners all taken care of even before unboxing, operators can get a significant head-start as they plan and launch their Android TV products,” Bala added.

    Skyworth and 3SS are collaborating to deliver a hybrid Android TV project for an as-yet-undisclosed European operator which will launch soon.

    “Through pre-integration, by choosing the Skyworth+3SS platform, service providers can benefit from a proven solution and earlier service launches with minimized technical integration cost and risk,” said 3SS managing director Kai-Christian Borchers. “The service launch process is further accelerated by Netflix and other pre-certifications. The result is that operators can differentiate earlier, and start earning revenues faster, with their next-gen Android TV offerings,” he added.

  • MX Player now on Amazon Fire TV Stick and Android TV

    MX Player now on Amazon Fire TV Stick and Android TV

    MUMBAI: Emerging as the one-stop-shop for all things entertainment, MX Player – India’s leading streaming platform is now going beyond your mobile phones and will feature on Amazon Fire TV Stick and Android TV.  The entertainment app offers viewers an online content library with multi-genre and multilingual MX Original series’, the best in class offline video playing capabilities and audio music all on one common platform.

    Elaborating on the app being available on the bigger screen via these streaming devices, Karan Bedi – CEO, MX Player said, “With entertainment at the core of our product, our vision is to bring viewers content that can be streamed anytime, anywhere and at a screen of their choosing – be it on their handheld devices or on the large screen. Also, featuring on Amazon Fire TV Stick and Android TV helps us to both, consolidate and expand our existing consumer base.”

    With the recent boom in the sales of high definition TVs across Tier II and Tier III markets, content consumption patterns have evolved with an increased appreciation of an immersive viewing experience. More so, OTT content is poised to grow with innovative technology that will make for immersive, experiential and engaging viewing.

    Speaking about the same, Karan said, “Our Originals are curated keeping in mind production values par excellence, stories that are relevant and a talent pool which brings alive the narrative – be it the actors, directors or writers. The cinematic experience that we bring viewers for free combined with the sheer scale of our content will further be amplified on the big screen and we are glad to be present on these streaming devices.”

  • hoichoi is now available on Android TV globally and Roku in the US

    hoichoi is now available on Android TV globally and Roku in the US

    MUMBAI: hoichoi, the world’s largest digital content platform exclusively for Bengali’s announced they are now available across Android TV and Roku with seamless streaming of their content.  

    Recently, hoichoi celebrated their one-year completion on 19th September 2018 where they committed to uplift Bengali Digital entertainment by putting forward plans like adding an additional 100+ hours of Originals with 30 web series and 12 digital only films, which will increase the library to 2,800 hours of content, along with adding more films to the movie catalogue taking the number from 500 to 800+ movies. They have lived up to their promise of giving two Originals per month along with acquired movies, either old classics or new ones via World Digital Premiere (Durga Puja 2018 blockbusters Byomkesh Gowtro and Ek Je Chhilo Raja each got a World Digital Premiere this month).  

    Last year, hoichoi reached out to users who wanted to stream content on their TV by launching the Amazon Fire TV App and the Apple TV App and it already had enabled Chromecast. This year hoichoi looks to expand its audience base by introducing the hoichoi Android TV and the hoichoi Roku App. 

    Android TV is a version of the Android operating system where OTT platforms can stream their exclusive and shared content on their television like Sony among others, with voice-enabled search and more features. hoichoi’s Android TV App is available on the Google Play Store. Users can open the Google Play Store from their TV and download it. 

    Roku, is another streaming device which allows users to stream content on their TV and is very popular in the US Market. hoichoi launched its Roku App to target its ever-growing US Subscription Audience base. Among international markets, US has always been one of the top markets for the Bengali OTT platform. hoichoi will offer all its movies and original series in its Roku App. Users who have the Roku device can download the hoichoi App from it and can even purchase a hoichoi subscription within the App. 

    Vishnu Mohta, Co-Founder of hoichoi, commented: “This partnership with Android TV and Roku will enable our national and global audience to enjoy content from any medium as it marks a seamless integration of over-the-top content, digital video formats and connected TVs. Audience will consume content irrespective of whether it is on web, mobile, TV or OTT as long as it’s on a device of their choice.”