ITV

Tag: pay TV

  • Digital TV Research forecasts North America to add five million Pay-TV subs by 2020

    Digital TV Research forecasts North America to add five million Pay-TV subs by 2020

    MUMBAI: Digital TV penetration reached 94.2 per cent at the end of 2013, and will increase to 100 per cent by 2017 is the forecast that has been made by Digital TV Research. Of the 17 million digital homes to be added between 2013 and 2020, 5.5 million will come from cable, 5.9 million from IPTV, 4.6 million from DTT and 0.9 million from satellite TV added the research.

     

    Despite a small decline in 2013, the number of pay-TV subscribers in North America is expected to witness a spike, with Digital TV in North America forecasted to make five million additions by 2020.

     

    However, pay-TV penetration is expected to drop from 87 per cent in 2010 to 83.8 per cent by 2020, as pay-TV penetration has peaked in Canada and US subscribers fell slightly in 2013; most of the pay-TV subscriber losses over the last few years have been analogue cable subs. With 18.39 million analogue cable subscribers still prevalent at the end of 2010, the number is expected to fall to 3.75 million by the end of this year.

     

    According to the study, satellite TV is expected to overtake cable to become the largest pay-TV platform revenue generator in 2015. However, satellite TV revenues will increase by only $1.2 billion between 2013 and 2020, to $42.8 billion. Cable revenues will fall by nearly $13 billion in the same period (dropping by $2.5 billion this year alone) the study added.

  • Most Millennials still pay for TV

    Most Millennials still pay for TV

    MUMBAI: While it’s not startling that Millennials (consumers in the 16-24 year-old age group) watch a lot of TV online, it might be more unexpected that the vast majority of them haven’t cut the cord, according to a new study (PDF) from Verizon Digital Media Services (VDMS), the company’s cloud video unit.

     

    As a group that translates to multiple screens and represents about 21 per cent of total consumer spending, Millennials spend three times as much of their TV time watching online – 34 per cent versus 12 per cent among non-Millennials, VDMS found in a study that surveyed 1,000 consumers (800 Millennials and 200 non-Millennials) and based its findings in part to in-home interviews with eight selected Millennials.

     

    But 75 per cent of the Millennials surveyed haven’t cut the cord and still pay for TV through a traditional MVPD, the study revealed.  And most (64 per cent) also pay for an online streaming subscription, versus 33 per cent of surveyed non-Millennials. Only 14 per cent of the Millennials surveyed said they had never watched TV from an online source, versus 44 per cent among non-Millennials.

     

    Here is a look at how the Millennials surveyed broke down their total TV distribution time, 41 per cent was for live TV, 34 per cent online, 15 per cent on the DVR, and 10 per cent using VOD.

     

    But broadcasters could have some reason for concern. While Millennials are generally brand loyal, not a single broadcast network made the top ten list of brand loyalties among the Millennials surveyed, VDMS said.

     

    According to the survey, the top 10 brands among Millennials were: Amazon, YouTube, Facebook, Google, Walmart, Netflix, Apple, Microsoft, McDonald’s, and Samsung. Verizon was 16th.

     

    Among other findings:  40 per cent of Millennials want access to live TV online, 40 per cent want 4K/Ultra HD video, 25 per cent want device and session shifting, and 19 per cent want interactive TV.

  • Tata Sky Everywhere TV now on Android

    Tata Sky Everywhere TV now on Android

    MUMBAI: Tata Sky, the leading DTH player, has launched its popular application Everywhere TV for Android users. The application, giving Tata Sky subscribers access to view their favorite TV shows on their mobile phones was launched in October 2013 on the iOS platform.
     

    Available to Tata Sky subscribers, this service could be availed by downloading Tata Sky’s Mobile app from the Apple and Android stores. The Mobile app supports a host of free features, while to avail Everywhere TV service, the subscriber will have to pay Rs. 60 pm.

    Vikram Mehra, Chief Commercial Officer at Tata Sky, said,“The demand for Everywhere TV has been spectacular since its launch. People are spending a lot of time outside homes and are today experimenting with options to consume videos using different screens. Everywhere TV, is the solution to have easy access to all their favorite television shows on their mobile handsets, anywhere and everywhere.”

    Number of downloads for Tata Sky’s Mobile app for Everywhere TV saw staggering heights with over 1 lakh subscribers within 2 weeks of its launch. Today it stands at close to 5 lakh downloads already. It was rated as the No.1 app on the Apple store in Nov 2013. The highest number of downloads have been recorded of close to 10,000 in a day.

    Everywhere TV revolutionized the Pay-TV industry with its offerings on mobile handsets. Tata Sky is currently working on making Everywhere TV available on Android Tablets.

    The android mobile handsets compatible to this app currently are:

    •Samsung Galaxy S II with OS version 4.1.2

    •Samsung Galaxy S III with OS version 4.1.1 & 4.3

    •Samsung Galaxy S 4 with OS version 4.2.2 &4.3

    •Samsung Galaxy Note II with OS version 4.1.2 & 4.3

    •Samsung Galaxy Note 3 with OS version 4.3

    •HTC One X with OS version 4.2.2

    •HTC One with OS version 4.2.2

    •Nexus 4 VOS 4.3.

    •Samsung grand duos with OS version 4.2.2

     

  • Fashion One’s Latest Expansion Strengthens Dominance and Locks-in New Markets

    Fashion One’s Latest Expansion Strengthens Dominance and Locks-in New Markets

    MUMBAI: Fashion One LLC, has further enhanced its position as the premier international fashion, entertainment and lifestyle television broadcaster globally with the announcement today of ten new carriage agreements in nine countries.

     
    In Southeast Asia, Fashion One began broadcasting a localized feed in Thai with TrueVisions, a leading pay TV platform in Thailand. The channel also announces today the launch of the channel in BigTV, the latest entrant and one of the largest satellite pay TV in Indonesia.

     
    Fashion One’s CEO, Ashley Jordan, said, “These agreements strengthen our position across five continents including, Europe, Africa, Asia, Middle East and Latin America. Our agreements with TrueVisions in Thailand, Orange TV in France, and with Belgacom TV and Telenet in Belgium, are major milestones in our expansion. This showcase our high quality, original content approach clearly appeals in these markets.”

     
    Fashion One also secured a partnership with Sanoma Group’s Marie Claire and Feeling magazines to produce local content in Flemish for the local female audience about local fashion in the Belgium feed for Belgacom TV and Telenet. “The agreement with Sanoma is part of our considerable investment in local market. We look forward to apply the same model in different regions,” she added.

     
    “We heavily invest in localization. Fashion is ‘global’ but audiences want to receive programming that relates to their region, culture and unique style, and is in their native language,” said Ms Jordan.

     
    In South Africa, the network just renewed a multi-year deal with StarSat in South Africa, who receives the local African feed on the basic package, and the channel also announces today their expansion into Latin America with the launch of their Spanish feed on Cablevision in Mexico.
     

    Other agreements announced today include Bulgaria, with VioRa Interactive; Poland, with Inea; Iceland through 365 Media; BigTV in Indonesia, and DU TV+ in the United Arab Emirates.

     
    The international television network caters to the worldwide female audience, covering the very latest fashion, entertainment, and lifestyle news, profiles of A-list celebrities, luxury brands, holiday destinations and red carpet events. Fashion One also delivers a strong lineup of original programming from reality shows, documentaries, beauty tips and street styling.

    Details of the new carriage agreements:

    Indonesia: BigTV, the latest entrant and the largest satellite pay TV in Indonesia that provides the most HD channels in the country, carries Fashion One in all basic packages. Operating more than 153 SD channels and 24 HD channels, Big TV covers the whole country.

     
    Thailand: TrueVisions, the country’s leading subscription-based television operator, signed a deal to carry Fashion One in HD with a dedicated Thai feed. The channel (channel number 146) is available on the New PlatinumHD, New GoldHD, New SuperFamily and New SuperKnowledge packages.

     
    Belgium: After the free trial period in summer, Telenet, the digital TV platform in Belgium, launched Fashion One on Rex & Rio packs with dedicated Flemish feed. Fashion One is also available on multiple devices with an uninterrupted and engaging viewing experience to the subscribers. This is the first time Fashion One has entered the Belgium market.

     
    Belgacom TV, the IPTV platform of Belgium telco Belgacom, agrees to carry Fashion One on Digital Basic package for the Flanders and Brussels. The channel will deliver a dedicated Flemish feed.

     
    Bulgaria: TiVi, the digital interactive TV platform provided by VioRa Interactive Company in Bulgaria, signed a deal to carry Fashion One. Fashion One’s SD channel is available on basic package and HD channel is available on extended package.

     
    France: French IPTV operator Orange TV will broadcast Fashion One. The channel will be available on channel 160 and is available to all ASDL and Fibre subscribers starting January 2014. (To be confirmed)

     
    Iceland: 365 Media, the mass media company operating TV channels, Pay TV, radio, newspaper and website, signed a deal to carry Fashion One in high-definition in “Veröld & 365 HD” package after the free trial period. This is the first time Fashion One has been available in the Icelandic market. “We are delighted to bring Fashion One to Iceland, through 365 Media, the largest multichannel operator in Iceland,” says Holmgeir Baldursson, CEO Video International, the representative for Fashion One in Iceland and the Republic of Ireland. “This is a very competitive market for channels, and the quality of the content is simply outstanding.”

    Mexico: CableVision Monterrey carried Fashion One in Mexico. The Spanish localized HD feed launched on channel 956 starting February 2014.

     
    Poland: Tesat, cable TV platform operating more than 130 digital channels and up to 20 HD channels, agreed to carry Fashion One in extended basic thematic package available in both SD and HD standard. The launch marks the channel’s further expansion in the country. Tesat merged with INEA (also carrying Fashion One) late last year.
     

    United Arab Emirates: DU TV+ of DU, the United Arab Emirates’ second-biggest telecoms operator, agreed to carry Fashion One in the basic package. The platform offers more than 200 local and international channels and offers on-demand and multi-platform digital TV services.

  • India is driving Pay TV growth: Infonetics Research

    India is driving Pay TV growth: Infonetics Research

    MUMBAI: The emerging markets are driving growth in the pay-TV market. That is what a recent paper released by Infonetics Research says. Markets such as India, China and Latin America are the ones adding to the pay-TV growth.

     

    The research that was conducted by tracking the cable TV, satellite TV and IPTV subscribers of over 150 service providers across the globe states that India and Latin America are adding satellite and cable subscribers while China is experiencing an increase in IPTV subscribers.

     

    Infonetics Research principal analyst for broadband access and pay TV Jeff Heynen says, “Latin America’s economy, in particular, is performing well, with companies investing in Brazil ahead of the FIFA World Cup and consumers signing up for pay-TV services to the tune of 9% growth in the third quarter of 2013 from the year-ago period.”

     

    India’s Tata Sky, which has close to 11 million subscribers, finds a place in the top five satellite providers by subscribers list at number four just behind DirecTV US, DISH Network and DirecTV Latin America. The world’s leading provider of cable TV services Comcast lost out on 3,55,000 subscribers over a year, retaining 21.6 million subscribers as of Q3 2013.

     

    India is in its last two phases of digitisation. In the first two, about 25 million subscribers from analogue switched to digital. Another 75 million will be added to the list by the end of 2014 adding more to the growth of pay-TV.

     

    Hopefully by the end of the year, India would have more reasons to make its mark on the global map.

  • Paramount Channel sets sail for Russia and Hungary

    Paramount Channel sets sail for Russia and Hungary

    MUMBAI: After its launch in Spain and France, Paramount Channel is now looking at making inroads into the Russian and Hungarian market this month.

     

    In Russia, Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) has secured carriage for the service with Rostelecom, which operates the country’s largest cable TV network. The deal is for a Russian-language version of Paramount Channel to be available to Interactive TV subscribers as part of the Movie and Maximum packages. Paramount Channel HD will also be available to Rostelecom viewers.

     

    In Hungary, a distribution agreement has been signed with affiliate partners Tarr Kft., P R Telekom, Invitel and Magyar Telekom to launch a localised feed of the channel.

     

    Paramount Channel launched in Spain in 2012 and in France in 2013. The channel offers a selection of films from the Paramount Pictures library. In Hungary, the lineup will be expanded to include contemporary classics from other American film studios and some of the best in European movies from the last few decades.

     

    The channel is delighted that Russia and Hungary will be amongst the first markets globally to introduce the brand and its world class lineup of films to pay-TV audiences. The market will be a strong and complementary addition to the channel portfolio and will help it continue to grow its share of key audiences in these important European markets.

  • TRAI says 44% of DTH subscribers inactive

    TRAI says 44% of DTH subscribers inactive

    MUMBAI: Direct-to-home television service providers appear to be having a tough time retaining their subscribers. A large portion of their registered subscribers are inactive.

     

    Of the total registered subscriber base of 60.71 million of the six DTH companies as on 30 September, 2013, the number of active subscribers was just 34.26 million (or 56 per cent), according to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s quarterly report titled ‘The Indian Telecom Services Performance Indicators’.

     

    The DTH subscriber base as on 30 September 2013 was three per cent more than a quarter ago.

     

    The report said the number of internet subscribers (excluding internet access by mobile devices) has increased 1.38 per cent  from 21.89 million at the end of June 2013 to 22.19 million at the end of September 2013.

     

    The number of broadband subscribers has also risen. The figure went up from 15.20 million in June to 15.35 million in September, thus registering a quarterly growth of 0.99 per cent and year-on-year (y-o-y) growth of 4.52 per cent. That apart, the number of narrowband subscribers (except internet access by mobile devices) increased from 6.69 million to 6.84 million, registering a quarterly growth of 2.25 per cent from a quarter ago.

     

    The report also mentions that the number of private satellite TV channels as permitted by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry is 784, of which 187 are pay channels. The maximum number of TV channels (Pay, FTA and Local) being carried by any of the reported Multi System Operators (MSOs) is 218 whereas in the conventional analogue form, maximum number of channels being carried by any of the reported MSOs is 100 channels.

     

    As per the report, the number of telephone subscribers has decreased from 903.09 million at the end of June 2013 to 899.86 million at the end of September 2013, thus registering a negative growth of 0.36 per cent over the previous quarter. “This reflects y-o-y negative growth of 4.03 per cent over the same quarter last year,” states the TRAI report.

     

    The report also highlights a net decline of 2.78 million telephone subscribers during the quarter. “The total wireless (GSM + CDMA) subscriber base has decreased from 873.36 million to 870.58 million, registering a negative growth rate of 0.32 per cent over the previous quarter. The y-o-y negative growth rate of wireless subscribers for September is 3.97 per cent,” says the report.

     

     The number of subscribers who accessed internet using a mobile device is 188.20 million during the quarter ending September 2013.

  • Discovery to acquire TF1 Group’s controlling interest in Eurosport

    Discovery to acquire TF1 Group’s controlling interest in Eurosport

    (Silver Spring, Maryland and Paris, France):  Discovery Communications and TF1 Group today announced that the former  would acquire a controlling interest in Eurosport International through an extension of their larger strategic partnership first announced in December 2012. The deal will increase Discovery’s interest from 20 to 51 per cent,  accelerating what was in the original agreement by nearly one year.

     

    “Eurosport is one of the strongest, most dynamic sports platforms in the world.  Over the past year, as we have been working directly with our partners from TF1, it became clear that combining the power of Eurosport’s brands and audience reach with Discovery’s network portfolio, boots on the ground, and country-specific expertise creates an unrivaled and powerful offering for viewers, advertisers and affiliates,” said David Zaslav, President and CEO of Discovery Communications. 

     

    “Today’s announcement underscores Discovery’s strategy to support already strong organic growth with targeted acquisitions and partnerships. This deal will enable our industry-leading International team and its new leader, JB Perrette, to create new value for our business partners by developing and sharing programming across channel brands, and building a stronger and more diversified network portfolio. We are privileged to continue our successful relationship with TF1 Group and look forward to growing Eurosport for many years to come.”

     

     

    The flagship Eurosport network reaches 133 million homes across 54 countries in 20 languages. Eurosport’s brands and platforms also include: Eurosport 2 reaching 69 million households across 51 countries; Eurosport HD, the high definition simulcast of Eurosport, available in 32 million homes in 48 countries; Eurosport Asia-Pacific reaching 16 countries; and Eurosportnews, a 24-hour news channel and online hub, providing an up-to-the-minute sports news feed available in 48 countries.

     

     

    “With its successful track record of investing in quality content and building global brands, Discovery Communications is perfectly positioned to further expand and increase the value of Eurosport,” said Nonce Paolini, Chairman and CEO of TF1. “Eurosport’s vast sports platform coupled with Discovery’s extensive network portfolio will entertain and engage audiences and generate additional revenue streams for our business associates and distribution partners globally.”

     

    Discovery was one of the first U.S. media companies to launch channels in Europe in 1989 and has invested steadily and significantly in its international business for 25 years. The combined reach of Discovery Communications, Eurosport and the 2013 acquisition of SBS Nordics, will be 2.7 billion cumulative subscribers across nearly 200 networks spanning more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. Discovery Communications will strengthen its leadership as the #1 pay-TV programmer in the world. 

     

     

    Today’s agreement was based on an average enterprise valuation for the Eurosport Group of €902 million (approximately $1.2 billion), partly corresponding to the initial valuation and partly to a higher valuation linked to the control of the company. From this Group valuation, the value of Eurosport France (€85 million, approximately $115 million) has been deducted. TF1 expects to retain its 80% interest in Eurosport France until at least January 1, 2015. Also, today’s announcement does not impact the other two elements of the original deal – the 20% interest Discovery acquired in TV Breizh, Histoire, Ushua?a TV and Stylía channels, and a production alliance with TF1 Group. TF1 will retain the ability to exercise a put option over the remaining 49%, which would potentially increase Discovery’s ownership to 100%.

     

    The closing of the deal is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, and is expected to occur in the coming months.  

     

    Rothschild acted as financial advisor to Discovery Communications on this transaction, and DLA Piper served as its legal advisors. Darrois Villey Maillot Brochier served as legal advisors to TF1 on this transaction.

     

    About TF1

     

    TF1 (NYSE Euronext Paris: FR0000054900 / TFI) is an integrated media group with a range of businesses in high-growth segments. Its corporate mission is to inform and entertain. In freeview television, the Group’s channels are TF1 (the major events channel, no. 1 in France), TMC (no. 5 in France, and no.1 digital terrestrial channel), NT1, and HD1. The TF1 Group is also present in pay TV with Eurosport (the leading pan-European sports broadcasting platform, received by 133 million households in Europe), TV Breizh (France’s no 1 cable/satellite channel), Ushua?a TV, Histoire, Stylía and LCI. The TF1 group’s activities span the entire value chain in the broadcasting industry. TF1 has also created a broad range of merchandising spin-offs from its main channel. Harnessing the growth of the Internet and new technologies, TF1 produces, develops and publishes new interactive content and services for the Web, smartphones, tablet computers and connected TV. For more information please visit www.groupe-tf1.fr.

     

    About Discovery Communications

     

    Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) is the world’s #1 nonfiction media company reaching 2.5 billion cumulative subscribers in over 220 countries and territories. Discovery is dedicated to satisfying curiosity through more than 190 worldwide television networks, led by Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Science and Investigation Discovery, as well as U.S. joint venture networks OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network and the Hub Network. Across the Nordic region, Discovery owns and operates SBS Discovery Media, a top-three portfolio of television brands that feature leading nonfiction content, as well as locally produced entertainment programs, sports and the best scripted series and movies from major studios. Discovery also is a leading provider of educational products and services to schools, including an award-winning series of K-12 digital textbooks, and a digital leader with a diversified online portfolio, including Discovery Digital Networks. For more information, please visit www.discoverycommunications.com. 

     

    MEDIA CONTACTS

     

    For Discovery Communications:

     

    Corporate Communications

    Michelle Russo, +1 240-678-6375, Michelle_Russo@discovery.com 

     

    Elizabeth Hillman, +1 240-461-3053, Elizabeth_Hillman@discovery.com 

     

    Investor Relations

     

    Craig Felenstein, +1 212-548-5109, Craig_Felenstein@discovery.com

     

    For TF1:

     

    Corporate Communications

     

    Virginie Duval, +33 1 41 41 29 59, vduval@tf1.fr

     

    Investor Relations

     

    Christine Bellin, +33 1 41 41 27 32, comfi@tf1.fr

  • DQ Entertainment’s Method Animation gets much needed nudge

    DQ Entertainment’s Method Animation gets much needed nudge

    MUMBAI: DQ Entertainment (DQE), a leading animation, gaming, live action, entertainment production and distribution group, has announced the reorganisation of its French sister company Method Animation, in which it holds a 20 per cent equity stake. Method Animation has collaborated with Onyx Films and Chapter 2 to create ‘On Entertainment Group’ which will be the holding company for the three French subsidiary companies.

     

    With the combined portfolio that includes a huge library of titles and group revenues, the enlarged French group automatically climbs the pedestal to become one of the leading animation and film production companies in Europe. The new On Entertainment group has revenue of €34 million and an operating profit of €5.2 million. DQ Entertainment pictures will continue to hold a 20 per cent stake in Method Animation.

     

    On Entertainment is aiming to grow rapidly over the next five years for which it has even raised its investment. It will provide increased liquidity to the group and fund future productions through a fundraising of €10 million from Ohana Capital, a Canadian corporate investment fund, Gallic entrepreneur Laurent Dassault’s holding company LDRP, and AB Group, one of France’s biggest rights-brokers and the owner of 14 pay-TV channels. AB will provide minimum guarantees in future shows/TV Series, while Ohana Capital has expertise in licensing and merchandising.

     

    “The group intends to create two films per year with significant budgets that are intended for worldwide distribution,” said Chapter 2 CEO Dimitri Rassam. Method Animation CEO Aton Soumache said, “We are working on creating a catalogue of characters that can be monetised in various markets.”

     

    DQ Entertainment CEO Tapaas Charkravarti, commented: “We look forward to partnering with On entertainment on new  productions, combining the unique strengths and resources that the two groups represent.”

     

    On Entertainment’s projects for 2014 and 2015 include the feature film Paradise Lost based on the life of Pablo Escobar with Benicia DelToro and Josh Hutcherson starring in the €20 million budget film; Le Petit Prince, an animated feature film at a budget of €57 million euros has already been closed. It is directed by Mark Osborne and slated for a Global release in second half of 2015.

     

    DQ Entertainment and Method Animation have together undertaken several productions such as Le Petit Prince, Peter Pan, Prodigies, Charlie Chaplin, Le Petit Nicolas, Iron Man (a flagship series of Marvel characters) and several others at a combined production budget of about €90 million. At the same time, Robin Hood Season-1, Second season of The New Adventures of Peter Pan, English-language live­ action/animation hybrid TV Series of The Seven Dwarfs and Me, and several other famous brands are in the development.

  • Pay TV households may increase to one billion by 2018

    Pay TV households may increase to one billion by 2018

    NEW DELHI:  The growing pay TV subscriber market is set to drive further investment into the technology underpinning multi-screen and OTT TV services as the global multi-screen landscape continues to evolve.

     

    Digital TV Research predicts that the number of households that subscribe to pay TV will reach almost one billion by 2018. 

    Combined with the trend of consumers watching more long-form content on tablets and smartphones, this growth in pay TV customers will signal a further surge in multi-screen offerings as operators look to capitalise on demand, offering added value to keep and attract new subscribers.

    With competition increasing in the online video market, operators are often trapped by the complexity and pressure of implementing a successful multi-screen strategy.

     

    International entertainment broadcasting company Modern Times Group (MTG) recently reported a 25 per cent reduction in direct-to-home subscriptions; but increased subscriptions to their OTT services such as Viaplay more than compensated for this. With increasingly high consumer expectations of a quality user experience, new devices continually coming to market, evolving piracy threats and stringent content owner security requirements, many are still struggling to deliver a compelling, revenue-generating multi-screen experience.

    However, operators can no longer afford to view multi-screen as a defensive play or an experiment. Multi-screen fundamentally changes the way consumers experience media, and an offensive strategy actually propels business forward and provides a compelling alternative to new market entrants and pirated content.

     

    With all of these pressures and challenges, a report by the Europe-based Irdeto quoted by Convergence Plus sees four key building blocks to making multi-screen work successfully.

     

    The first is the need to increase customer loyalty with a personalised user experience: While many solutions focus on just “getting on a device,” the real challenge is making a personalised experience across devices that keep consumers wanting more. An intuitive design, coupled with recommendation technology and consistency of user interface and experience across devices is key.

     

    The second is to reduce risk, cost and time to market: With the fierce race to offer multi-screen services, operators must remove the risk and delay inherent in complex integration projects. Using a reference architecture that is pre-configured, templated and ready for branding will achieve these goals. In addition, cloud-based services can instantly scale and provide the high level of availability and redundancy that in-house implementations cannot match without massive investment in infrastructure.

     

    Thirdly, there is need for uncompromising content protection on any device: To ensure the success of the service, an operator must enable consumers to securely access premium content from any device of choice, including devices of tomorrow. In addition, operators must provide uncompromising security on any device to satisfy content owners and to enable them to maximise the return on their investment in premium content

     

    There is also need for monetising using different business models: Having the freedom to test market preferences and pricing is a powerful tool for operators to fine-tune their commercial models. Advertising in particular provides major opportunities for networks. Monetisation of long-form video distribution has been the purview of OTT players such as Netflix, Hulu and Amazon. Now, with the aggressive strategies of companies like Google, the monetisation curve is sure to keep climbing.

     

    Today, a successful multi-screen strategy is more than just content distribution on multiple devices if you want to compete for consumers, and indeed revenue. A more proactive approach to delivering multi-screen services is required, and elevating this service to must-have status for consumers will require development of a personalised experience that engages the viewers, provides tailored recommendations, interacts with their social networks and enhances the existing pay TV experience. 

    A truly great multi-screen solution will propel business in the right direction and give the freedom to focus on the core strength – delivering a compelling user and content experience. An offensive multi-screen strategy can help you take advantage of the opportunities in the market and drive up content consumption. Pay TV operators must look for a solution provider which will enable them to incorporate the most appropriate and effective personalisation, social connectivity and monetisation functionalities they deem appropriate to service goals. This can be achieved by leveraging managed services, cloud-based infrastructure, innovative technologies, pre-configured workflows and intuitive interfaces. Having the right technology and partners in place is what will separate those who embark on multi-screen, and those who transform this into a successful offering.