Opera TV has introduced a new and modern EPG that manufacturers of smart TVs and STBs can use to transform their end-consumer experiences to address current market trends and requirements.
The EPG mixes broadcast and catalogue content while supporting market-specific profiles. It also supports catch-up TV in EPG, as well as upcoming content in a standard format.
Opera TV has in addition announced that the first out-of-the-box market profile to be supported is Freeview Play, the UK’s hybrid platform which brings together live and catch-up content to viewers.
The Freeview Play profile of the EPG was developed in technical collaboration with Digital UK, the company supporting Freeview Play. It fully supports Freeview Play rules and requirements, allowing device manufacturers to deploy a Freeview Play compliant product without requiring their own custom software development. The Opera TV EPG is also fully integrated with the Freeview Play meta-data service and the Freeview Play players.
According to James Jackson, technology director, Digital UK, “Freeview Play is meeting modern consumers’ desire to move seamlessly between watching live and on-demand with fully integrated guides and menus. Opera TV’s out-of-the-box solution will make it easier than ever for manufacturers to develop Freeview Play products and launch them into the UK market.”
Aneesh Rajaram, CEO, Opera TV, added: “When we analysed the market for EPGs, we saw a market that was heavily fragmented, failed to put the modern viewer first, and lacked scalability in a fast-changing industry.
“We’re proud to introduce a new breed of EPG, one that engages consumers keeping in mind their content consumption habits, while at the same time embracing industry initiatives that will continue to evolve. Manufacturers selecting our EPG can lower the cost of launching such a feature, while gaining time-to-market advantages, especially when launching Freeview Play-certified devices.”
The new EPG will be showcased jointly with Digital UK at IBC 2017 in Hall 14, Stand A20
