Freesat has announced plans to offer a version of its TV Guide to international operators and manufacturers. The first client to use the system, branded ‘Metaphor’, is the Italian Tivùsat.
Although both members, the announcement falls outside the remit of the Free TV Alliance, first unveiled at IBC 2014.
Matthew Huntington, Freesat’s chief technology officer, said: “I’m delighted and proud to offer Freesat’s connected TV Guide solution beyond the UK to terrestrial, cable and satellite TV operators and manufacturers. It has proven to deliver a fantastic user experience for our customers in the UK and I’m looking forward to offering manufacturers and operators the unique opportunity to take advantage of this award winning innovation.”
Metaphor is based on the award-winning Freetime service in the UK. It’s planned to tailor the service to fit with the needs of the operator.
Tivùsat will use Metaphor for its new OTT service tivùon.
Freesat first launched its connected TV Guide in the UK in 2012. Since then, the service has been incorporated into product from Humax, Panasonic, Vestel and Manhattan.
Metaphor includes a companion application available across iOS and Android that can be integrated with the TV service, recognising the importance of companion apps in our smartphone society.
The first commercial agreement has been finalised with Italian free satellite operator tivùsat, for its new OTT service, tivùon!. The tivùsat deal demonstrates the hybrid approach of the business to sell customised design and technical specifications based on the needs and requirements of each commercial partner.
Metaphor includes a companion application available across iOS and Android that can be integrated with the TV service.
