Subject: VuTV to offer mini-pay channels ove

VuTV to offer mini-pay channels over DTT
By Julian Clover

IBC 2013: Stand 1.B22. Channels from A+E Networks, Viacom International Media Networks and Turner Broadcasting will be available in DTT homes this autumn following the launch of the latest service to take advantage of the MHEG-Interaction Channel (MHEG-IC).

VuTV, powered by Synapse TV, a joint venture between Simplestream and Strategy & Technology, has taken Freeview channel 238.

Subscribers will be able to use internet connected Freeview HD receivers to view channels including Comedy Central, BIO, MTV, CNN, History, H2, Crime & Investigation Network, Nickelodeon, Nicktoons, Nick Jr., Cartoon Network, Boomerang and Cartoonito.

Dan Finch, Director of Simplestream, commented “We work with a wide range of broadcasters to stream their linear and on-demand TV to multiple devices. The content owners we engaged with embraced the idea of targeting the Freeview HD market with their portfolio of channels. As the public get wiser to connecting up their TVs, and the TV’s get smarter, it’s a great opportunity for channel providers to tap into the Freeview market and gain access to real time viewing data of their channels that can be used to help shape their own marketing strategy”.

Synapse is working with leading manufacturers to ensure maximum receiver compatibility and deliver the quality of user experience demanded by consumers. David Cutts, Managing Director of S&T, says, “The underlying technology is complex, with specialist knowledge and experience required to deliver an integrated, end-to-end, solution. However, we have worked to provide a viewing experience for VuTV that is simple, already familiar to consumers, and just works.” Content will be streamed to subscribers via Synapse TV’s secure Content Delivery Network (CDN), built using Amazon Web Services, which will ensure that VuTV can adapt to any scale that the market demands.

A similar operation is run by Arqiva’s Connect TV.

The interactive application sits behind an MHEG-5 ‘barker channel’. If the viewer has a connected device they are presented with a menu enabling them to pull in selected content over the internet.