Tvinci, the pay OTT platform provider, has announced that it is powering Filmotech’s Dutch online video portal, Ximon.nl. The service offers a variety of recent and classic films, documentaries and TV dramas. However, the portal suffered a set-back with the announcement of the NPO that it prohibits the showing of content from the Dutch public broadcasters on the service.
Ximon.nl streams content to PC and Mac, with a further expansion expected to other devices including mobile and connected TV. An additional 1,500 hours of content is also due to be added to the service within the next 12 months.
“Through Ximon, the Dutch audience is provided with a constantly expanding, unmatched library of high-quality local video content in a first-of-its-kind service in the Netherlands,” said Marc Jurgens, CEO, Ximon. “Using Tvinci’s platform, we are able to offer multiple payment methods and combine a variety of business models suited to the service, including discounted packages for particular films and TV collections, as well as special offers such as ‘movie of the week.’ Thanks to the vast content library we gathered and the user-friendly interface and business models we’re using, I believe that Ximon users find it easier and more convenient to find, purchase and watch their favourite content.”
The Ximon service combines Tvinci’s interactive social engagement features together with the integration of a widely held local payment method in The Netherlands called iDeal which, alongside usage of other payment methods such credit cards and PayPal, provides consumers with greater flexibility. thereby maximizing sales of content.
The announcement comes at the time that NPO, the umbrella organisation of the Dutch pubic broadcasters, has vetoed the use of productions from the Dutch public broadcasters, including those from third-party producers. The ban includes all drama productions, TV series, made for TV movies and documentaries.
although the rights of the productions are owned by the individual broadcasters, the NPO has to give clearance for use of other media such as DVD and online. Until now, NPO always granted permission for DVD releases, but now the organisation has banned the VOD service.
Ximon.nl claims all public broadcasters and production companies have agreed to supply material to the portal, which will operate the service on a payment per transaction basis. The NPO said it is not grating permission, because pubic broadcasters are not allowed by law to be part of profit-making organisations.