Synapse to bring free-to-view TVPlayer and Planet Knowledge channels to Freeview HD compatible Internet-connected homes
Tuesday 18th March 2014 (TV Connect, London): OTT solutions provider Synapse TV announced today that they will soon be launching two new free-to-view channels on Freeview. TVPlayer – a free-to-air live TV streaming service – and Planet Knowledge – an on-
London(18 Mar 2014)
The TVPlayer mobile app has already received an impressive 500,000 downloads since it was launched by Simplestream in December 2013. Listed in The Guardian as one of January’s ‘Best Android apps and games from January 2014’, TVPlayer has also been described in Bauer’s new magazine The Debrief as ‘one of 2014’s biggest success stories in the App world (so far).’
Planet Knowledge, which launched in February 2014, is the first branded channel developed by VOD365. It is an exciting development delivering a wide range of on-demand, premium factual 3D, HD and SD documentaries and similar content across categories: history, nature, people and culture, science and technology, kids and travel. Each category will include over 40 hours of content with a refresh of between 10-20 hours each month per category.
David Cutts, Director of Synapse TV and MD of Strategy & Technology (S&T), outlined the idea of bringing TVPlayer to Freeview. “We will use the technology we have developed to connect TV sets directly to streamed content, to bring TVPlayer to homes that have compatible Internet-connected Freeview HD TVs or boxes. We will deliver a whole range of streamed channels through a ‘portal’ application – much like the one we developed for VuTV – but in this case all the services will be free-to-view. Some of the channels delivered to mobile devices through TVPlayer are already on the Freeview platform as traditional broadcast channels, so we will not duplicate those. We expect that this service will enable a lot of advertising supported and subsidised channels to join the Freeview platform at very low cost. Channels that are BARB rated will get recognition of their extended reach through TVPlayer on Freeview, and we will also be able to deliver detailed usage data to each channel provider.”
Adam Smith, Director of Synapse and CEO of Simplestream commented, “We are very pleased with the rapid success of TVPlayer on mobile devices. Adding delivery to TVs through Synapse is a great enhancement that will expand channel owners’ reach to a slightly different market. Freeview delivery through Synapse is very economical and consumers will get a whole new range of choice of TV.”
On Planet Knowledge, David Cutts said, “The technology developed by S&T over many years, and available via Synapse, is very flexible and capable of quickly delivering both linear and on-demand video applications to MHEG Interaction Channel (MHEG-IC) platforms, such as Freeview HD in the UK. This is allowing us to cost-effectively and rapidly deliver a dedicated channel on Freeview for Planet Knowledge.”
Paul Coster, Director of VOD365, said, “We’re incredibly excited that we’ll soon be able to provide our Planet Knowledge service to the rapidly growing population of connected Freeview HD devices in the UK. Planet Knowledge will be the first advertising-supported, free-to-view video on demand service on Freeview in the UK and we know that our offering is of great interest to the Freeview demographic.”
VuTV – a great-value Pay TV streaming service for Freeview HD Internet Connected homes – was launched via Channel 238 on Freeview in November 2013, delivered using technology and infrastructure provided by Synapse TV. An impressive line-up of premium channels currently feature on VuTV, which include Lifetime®, Comedy Central, MTV, CNN, HISTORY®, H2®, Crime & Investigation Network, Nickelodeon, Nicktoons, Nick Jr., Carton Network, Boomerang and Cartoonito.
Synapse TV is exhibiting on stand 34 at TV Connect 18-20th March 2014.
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Notes to Editors
About Synapse:
Synapse TV combines the expertise of interactive TV specialists S&T and industry-leading streaming solutions provider Simplestream, to collectively provide a comprehensive “over-the-top” (OTT) solution, capable of simultaneous delivery of content – both linear and on-demand – to the popular Freeview platform as well as tablets, smartphones and other connected devices. Synapse technology allows broadcasters, media owners and content aggregators to cost-effectively reach millions of UK homes, providing an integrated, end-to-end solution for both encrypted and unencrypted delivery, with secure access control and payment mechanisms. For further information, please go to www.synapsetv.com.
About Simplestream:
Simplestream, founded in 2010, has grown to become a leading provider of multi-platform live streaming and catch-up TV services to broadcast and media companies. Its Media Manager, Media Hub and Media Player technologies simplify over-the-top (OTT) video operations and workflows. Offering a cost-effective SaaS pricing model, Simplestream’s services are optimised for the sports, music, news, entertainment and retail sectors. Please go to www.simplestream.com for further information.
About Strategy & Technology:
S&T is an independent software technology company focused on delivering solutions for the development and deployment of interactive TV services based on open international standards. In particular, S&T has been a leader in the specification and use of the MHEG-5 interactive TV standard for over 15 years. S&T provide a broad range of interactive TV solutions, including hybrid broadband/TV and connected TV applications. S&T operates internationally with offices in London (UK), Boulder (Colorado, USA) and Hong Kong. For more information on S&T, please go to www.s-and-t.com.
About VOD365:
VOD365 was founded in 2012 by Paul Coster and Neill McWilliams to develop and deliver leading branded channels available through Smart TV, Freeview HD UK, Game Consoles, Tablets and Smart Phones, offering a variety of premium content in SD and HD. VOD365’s first channel, launched in February 2014 is Planet Knowledge, delivering a wide range of premium factual documentaries. Planet Knowledge is the first channel to provide such content available on demand for free.
About VuTV:
VuTV is a great-value subscription Pay TV service available via Freeview in the UK. Subscribers with compatible and connected Freeview HD receivers are able to enjoy a range of premium content via a dedicated channel listed in the normal Freeview electronic programme guide (EPG) and accessed via their standard remote control. VuTV channels are delivered “over-the-top” (OTT) and currently include Lifetime®, Comedy Central, MTV, CNN, HISTORY®, H2®, Crime & Investigation Network®, Nickelodeon, Nicktoons, Nick Jr., Cartoon Network, Boomerang and Cartoonito.The VuTV service is owned by S&T and Simplestream, and operated by Synapse TV. For further information on VuTV, visit www.vutv.com.
About TVPlayer:
TVPlayer is a new OTT platform launched in the UK by Simplestream, which streams live TV across multiple devices from some of the UK’s favourite free-to-air broadcasters.
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Media Enquiries:
Marie Ellis, Marketing Manager (Synapse TV, Simplestream, TVPlayer, VuTV)
marie.ellis@tvplayer.com | T: +44 (0)20 7292 4928 | M: +44 (0)7780 995080
Mike Alexander, Business Manager (Synapse TV, S&T, VuTV)
mike.alexander@s-and-t.com| T: +44 (0)20 3286 9521 | M: +44 (0)7768 508521
Paul Coster, Director (VOD365)
paul@bchannel.co.uk | M: +44 (0) 7785 725584