Complete TV is supplying Simply Global TV with a DTT-IPTV set-top that will be used for the distribution of international channels to a UK audience. Julian Clover reports.
IPTV seems to come in an increasing number of flavours, but the anticipated fusion of broadband TV to the PC with the traditional linear experience of the living room has still to take place. It has already been proven there is no market in the family gathering round the TV to check their bank statements, so it follows that watching a linear channel for long periods on a desktop computer is also a non-starter.
As we’ve often reported on these pages many broadcasters are already distributing video content over the internet. For the big names it’s an add on for their audiences, but for smaller channels serving a community of interest broadband TV can be the only way to reach their market.
Complete TV this week unveiled its DTT set-top, the company calls it a set-top media centre, which has an IP connection capable of taking specific content and streaming at speeds of around 700 Kbps. The company is supplying the box to Simply Global TV, which is offering an initial package of Russian language channels including Channel 1, TNT and Muz TV. The channels are injected into the EPG giving a seamless interface which if you didn’t know would make you think they were a part of the Freeview line-up. Complete TV has been working with the Micronas-owned WISchip on the video and audio processing chip. The chip was originally developed for use with Blu-ray and HD DVD players.
“We’ve delivered an open platform that as an operator you can choose a number of configuration options,” explained Philip Smith, Chief Marketing Officer. “Our firm view of IPTV is that it has got to be a sofa situation, it’s not a Joost and it’s not a Babelgum, it’s sitting there with your knitting and your can of beer watching what you want to watch.” Smith’s belief is that IPTV will only succeed when the customer is capable of receiving their choice of content regardless of their ISP.
John Donovan, managing director, Simply Global TV said the Russian package would launch in mid-August with plans for channels from Bangladesh, Nigeria, Brazil, Turkey, Romania and the Caribbean. The monthly subscription will be £10, according to the content.
Complete TV is also looking into ad insertion and audience data ahead of announcements that are due to be made into the weeks running up to IBC.
