Virgin Media, the UK telecoms and Pay TV provider, has introduced a line-up of themed FAST channels on Virgin TV, fully integrated into the EPG and available across a variety of CPE devices already in the field. An initial selection of 14 channels have been rolled-out to Virgin Media’s V6, TV 360, and Stream set-top boxes running the RDK and Opera operating systems. Consumers benefit from an extended range of content, which is monetised through advertising.
No changes were made to existing STB configurations during the deployment, which harnesses the Appstage application framework within the 24i Mod Studio streaming platform from 24i. This solution is pre-integrated with playout solutions provided by Amagi, a FAST solution leader known for its cloud-based SaaS technology for broadcast and connected TV. “The app was configured to perfectly align with Virgin Media’s UX, facilitating a seamless integration of channels into Virgin Media’s EPG,” the two vendors point out.
Srinivasan KA, Co-Founder and CRO at Amagi says: “Our achievement in integrating multiple FAST channels into Virgin Media’s STB environment through a unified gateway has significantly enriched user choice and paved the way for incremental revenues.”
Donald McGarva, CEO of 24i and its parent company Aferian plc, adds: “This has been a real team effort to give Virgin Media’s customers access to a range of exciting new streamed content with a great user experience. The successful and seamless roll-out to a variety of device models already in the field is a testament to the powerful and flexible combination of 24i’s Appstage Big Screen client, cloud-based Backstage content management system, and Amagi’s unrivalled FAST solutions.”
Amagi provides a complete suite of solutions for channel creation, distribution, and monetisation. Amagi’s clients include ABS-CBN, A+E Networks UK, beIN Sports, Curiosity Stream, Cinedigm, Warner Bros. Discovery, Fox Networks, Fremantle, Gannett, Gusto TV, NBCUniversal, Tastemade, and Tegna, among others.
Virgin Media was one of the first Pay TV providers in the world to onboard Netflix as an app, kicking off the ‘super-aggregator’ era, and is now pioneering the integration of FAST within the Pay TV user experience. Earlier this month it announced the arrival of NextUp – the comedy SVOD that combines a catalogue of stand-up shows with livestreamed events – as a FAST channel, with the adventure sports and entertainment provider EXTREME as a facilitator.
“Partnering with EXTREME and Virgin Media O2 to bring our live comedy content to new audiences enables huge growth, not only for the channel but the acts, agents and venue partners who we work with,” said Sarah Henley, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of NextUp. Mark Dodd, Managing Director Media Network for EXTREME, added: “NextUp LIVE Comedy is one of the most exciting producers of programming we have encountered in ages and alongside Virgin Media O2, as a major player in the entertainment industry, we can soon offer millions of Virgin Media O2 homes the best live comedy has to offer, all at no extra cost.”
