Russia’s leading pay-TV operator Tricolor TV has launched an internet broadcasting platform.
Initially operating on a test basis, the service, known as Online TV, will be offered free of charge to subscribers of Tricolor’s basic ‘One’ package.
It consists of 100 TV channels, including additional packages previously only available for a paid subscription.
Online TV allows viewers to switch from satellite broadcasting to internet browsing at the user’s request. It requires a minimum internet connection of 5Mbps.
The technical coverage of the service is around 3 million households and its trial operation will start in the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, the list of satellite receivers provding access to the service will be expanxded from 13 to 21 by the beginning of next year.
Tricolor TV says it is already negotiating the rights to films and TV series which will be offered to subscribers as part of the main service or on an à la carte basis. It expects Online TV to accelerate the developmemt of legal online video services throught Russia.
Commenting on the service, Andrei Kholodny, deputy DG for development of non-linear services at Tricolor TV, said that it has been created specifically for its subscribers, taking into account the changing model of TV content consumption. He added that the number of subscribers to which the service is available will be increased from 3 million to 5 million by the end of the year.
