Ericsson Inks Deals With Netherlands’ SBS/Sanoma, UK’s Channel 5
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Ericsson has been selected to deliver a managed over-the-top (OTT) live and on-demand TV platform for SBS/Sanoma, one of the leading media organizations in the Netherlands.
The multi-year deal will see Ericsson providing a complete end-to-end online video service, including content management and preparation, digital rights management and advertising insertion for multiple devices and platforms.
The next-generation TV service will roll out in the Netherlands in October 2015 and will be available via the web, mobile apps, smart TVs and game consoles. From launch, audiences will be able to watch a broad range of SBS/Sanoma content – including sports, drama series, news and entertainment – anytime and anywhere, via a single entertainment hub.
David Vink, Chief Digital Officer of SBS Broadcasting Netherlands and the strategic business owner of the SBS/Sanoma video projects in the Netherlands, says: “The way our audiences watch content is changing dramatically and we want to ensure we remain ahead of the game and deliver our content in the most relevant and innovative ways. We want to be pioneers, by adapting existing technologies and adopting new ones, to deliver new business models quickly.”
Thorsten Sauer, Head of Broadcast and Media Services at Ericsson, says: “With the multitude of devices available to consumers today, content must be readily available, anywhere and at any time. Our managed service takes away the complexities and challenges of deploying internet-delivered catch-up and online TV services to every connected device, and lets broadcasters focus on the core of their businesses – quality content and engaged audiences. SBS/Sanoma’s plans are bold and forward-thinking, and we are proud to work with them to deliver their next generation of TV services.”
Ericsson’s Online Video Service masters the combination of OTT delivery and playout to deliver content efficiently to consumers. It is powered by Ericsson Mediaroom Reach, a highly scalable adaptive bitrate-based technology platform for intelligent OTT video delivery to cross-platform connected devices.
Ericsson has a long-standing relationship with SBS/Sanoma. Over the last few years, Ericsson has provided a range of managed broadcast and media services to SBS/Sanoma such as playout, live translation and captioning, as well as business continuity services.
Ericsson has also signed an exclusive multi-year broadcast and media services deal with leading UK broadcaster, Channel 5, which is owned by Viacom.
The deal, which was won following a competitive tender process, includes playout, media management, metadata, access services (captioning, audio description and sign language interpretation) and business continuity services. Ericsson will provide these services for Channel 5’s entire portfolio of terrestrial and digital channels (Channel 5, 5*, Spike and 5USA), as well as for its catch up offerings, including Channel 5+1 and Channel 5+24. Ericsson will also deliver media management services for the broadcaster’s Demand 5 video-on-demand platform. All services will commence in May 2016.
Paul Dunthorne, Chief Operating Officer at Channel 5, says: “Ericsson showed a clear understanding of our complex playout requirements, including the extra demands of live and fast-turnaround shows, such as Big Brother, which are a crucial part of our schedule. And they promise to offer us the robust and flexible support we need as we continue to roll out our highly popular Demand 5 player, which is already available across more than 25 different video-on-demand platforms in the UK. We look forward to working with them over the coming years.”
Thorsten Sauer, Head of Broadcast and Media Services at Ericsson, says: “We are delighted to be chosen by Channel 5 to provide these critical services for their portfolio of channels in the UK. This multi-faceted deal is a significant win for Ericsson and really illustrates our ability to provide a truly world-class, end-to-end offering. The industry is undergoing a huge transformation, driven by consumer demand and enabled by technology. Our aim is to help our clients stay ahead of the curve and ensure they continue to provide their audiences with the very best TV experience anytime, anywhere.”
Ericsson delivers the premium TV around the globe, powers some of the world’s largest and most complex video platforms, and helps the world’s strongest content brands to deliver personalized, high-quality programming to consumers 24/7. The company enables content owners, broadcasters, and TV service providers across cable, satellite and telecom to accelerate their transformation journey towards TV in the Networked Society. With many expansive solutions that include Media Delivery Network, Mediaroom Reach and Cloud DVR, Ericsson has shaped evolutions in TV for over 20 years such as digital TV, IPTV, shift to HD, and soon UHDTV and HDR. Ericsson is recognized with many patents and holds five Technical Emmy awards.
