thePlatform is expanding its role with BT to provide cloud-based video management into its YouView set-tops.
The Comcast-backed company’s mpx system will serve as the cloud-based, central video publishing system for BT TV, and support other video-related initiatives.
Previously, thePlatform served as the back-end video management system for BT’s IP-based TV services, which now serve over one million subscribers in the UK. Under the new multiyear agreement, thePlatform will continue that role for BT’s new YouView+ box, and host the service via thePlatform’s European datacenter.
This is a minor shift for thePlatform, which traditionally assists media companies in publishing video to the Web, tablets, and mobile devices.
“At BT, we’re committed to bringing UK subscribers an exceptional in-home video experience, and thePlatform plays a critical role behind-the-scenes to make that happen,” said Greg McCall, Chief Operating Officer for television and content at BT. “By expanding our relationship with thePlatform, we are leveraging their locally hosted infrastructure and secure cloud-based software to give us the speed, flexibility and scalability required to meet our evolving needs.”
“BT remains a global pioneer by adopting a cloud-based video architecture for its next-generation TV service,” said Marty Roberts, co-CEO of thePlatform. “We’re extremely proud to sign this new multiyear agreement with BT to help manage their video publishing efforts. BT’s approach serves as a model for other global pay TV operators that are seeking more efficient and scalable ways to centralize video publishing via IP-based devices.”
thePlatform’s mpx provides easy workflow management of video ingest; metadata management; data coordination with recommendations engines; subscriber management; viewing rights enforcement; and automated video publishing to set-top boxes.