iWedia is to provide software services for Canal+ International as the platform goes through a significant growth period across multiple territories.
Canal, which runs DTT and OTT TV services for more than 40 countries in Africa, Poland, Vietnam, Myanmar, and French Overseas, in addition to its M7 operations, is adding an unnamed additional set-top box supplier.
Running two set-top box inventories raised a number of issues, including the need to provide the same quality of service across both suppliers of STBs and the number of global territories which would require individual adaptations for issues of language, security, connectivity and other elements.
Jerome Trift, CANAL+ International CTO, said, “It was clear that this project, while necessary, would add significant complexity to our existing software solution, and we needed a reliable partner to help us. With iWedia’s extensive software integration experience in the market, we were confident that they could work with us to solve any challenges and ensure a smooth launch of our expanded service, as well as provide continued software maintenance across both STBs in the years ahead.”
Many of the territories concerned do not have internet connectivity, so Linux-based STB system – so-called ‘zapper solution’ – are used to maintain a consistent service. iWedia has ported its software solution to the new supplier, ensuring security requirements are in place, PVR solutions accessible, and connected services can be made available via 3G dongles so that the service will be identical on both STBs.
After launch, iWedia will continue to work with Canal+ International and both STB suppliers on all software updates and maintenance.
Hans-Jürgen Desor, CEO, iWedia, said, “iWedia’s work on this project has certainly been complex, not least due to the diverse needs of many territories to consider, but we are extremely proud of the work we have done and continue to do to enable Canal+ International to support its viewers around the world.”
The new hardware will be available in African territories in early 2022, with other territories following.
