The German cable operator Tele Columbus says the initial phase of the field trial of its next-generation TV service, known as ‘Advanced TV’ has been successful. The new platform is based on RDK, the shared-source initiative to improve STB innovation. It combines linear, on-demand and DVR, onboards OTT content (maxdome will be integrated), comes with in-home multiscreen TV and will be 4K/UHD ready. It is based on key Espial video solutions and integrated by the Espial Elite systems integration team.
The custom-designed, on-screen content guide, known as ‘Premium EPG’, includes an intuitive search capability. Viewers can search by programme name, genre, actor and other information. There are also intelligent recommendations. Trial participants have showed high approval ratings for the EPG content (78% favourable) and the overall clarity of the user experience (83% favourable).
As a result, almost 70% of trial participants regularly use the system to discover content and learn about the TV programme they ultimately choose to watch.
The Advanced TV platform leverages Espial’s G4 STB Client based on RDK, the Espial Media Service Platform Backoffice and the Canadian vendor’s multi-screen solutions.
“The first phase of our Advanced TV platform trial has been an unqualified success, with viewer feedback on the new video services extremely positive,” says Stefan Beberweil, Chief Marketing Officer at Tele Columbus. “Espial’s expertise in integrating best-in-class video technologies enabled us to get to first field trial stage in record time.”
“Given the highly competitive video environment in Germany and worldwide, Tele Columbus has seized the initiative by creating and launching a new set of advanced IP video services that their viewers love,” declares Jaison Dolvane, President and CEO at Espial. “We are proud to help Tele Columbus transform their business.â€
