UAE’s largest operator, Etisalat, has gone live with SwitchTV. The direct-to-consumer service is based on Synamedia’s Infinite cloud TV platform and its end-to-end video network portfolio.
The multiscreen service is offering customers free and premium live TV channels, catch-up and on-demand. It’s running on Synamedia’s private CDN, designed to deliver content to large audiences.
Benefits include the flexibility to offer a choice of subscription packages and different movie rental models. Users can also enjoy a personalised viewing experience, making it easy to find their favourite content.
As part pf Synamedia’s cloud DVR solution, viewers can record programs in the cloud and watch them on any of their devices. Synamedia also supports Etisalat’s multi-language requirements with channels offering Arabic, Western and Asian content.
“The SwitchTV OTT service represents a step change for the residents of UAE,” said Yves Padrines, Synamedia CEO. “Thanks to our comprehensive solution, Etisalat has a flexible offering that appeals to a broad range of audiences – from those looking for free programs, to those wanting premium live experiences or to rent movies. Users have started downloading the apps and feedback on the quality of experience and features is extremely positive.”
In addition, Etisalat is deploying Synamedia’s end-to-end video network to reduce through the video workflow – from encoding through to the CDN and player – while also minimising bandwidth requirements. This ensures that SwitchTV gives viewers a highly reliable, consistently high-quality viewing experience with no interruptions or buffering.