Intelsat has launched an EPG to help viewers better navigate satellite TV programming while creating more value for broadcasters by increasing viewer-engagement opportunities.
According to Intelsat, VideoNow, in conjunction with EasyBroadcast, is a service for viewers looking for FTA content DTH platforms. The first Intelsat satellite to be included in the service is Galaxy 19 (G-19), a multicultural and ethnic-content neighbourhood over North America.
G-19 delivers cultural and faith-based programming from the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and Africa to millions of viewers in the US, Canada and Mexico. These viewers represent diverse groups looking for high-quality content from their home countries.
VideoNow enables these viewers to easily find and discover new content specific to their interests. Visitors to VideoNow will experience an easy-to-navigate interface that highlights the list of channels available on G-19 as well as descriptions, logos, genres, languages, and countries of origin.
Commenting on the development, Bill O’Hara, VP, and GM of Media Services, Intelsat, said: “By providing G-19 viewers with easy access to their favourite content, we’re also creating new monetisation opportunities for our customers by increasing the visibility of channel line-ups and providing more engagement and promotion opportunities”.
Some of these engagement opportunities will include the chance for advertisement and promotion on the site directly, as well as consumer analytics.
Alex Beach, VP, business & product development, EasyBroadcast, added: “VideoNow is designed to drive viewership for broadcasters on Galaxy 19 and other satellites by providing a platform for content discovery and viewer-level analytics, as well as a foundation for future monetisation opportunities.
“We are excited to assist in the development of VideoNow, as well as other future projects in partnership with Intelsat”.
Intelsat concludes by saying that more of its satellites will be rolled out with VideoNow later this year.
VideoNow is available online at VideoNow.TV as well as in iOS and Android app stores.