Vodafone Kabel Deutschland, Germany’s largest cable operator, has dramatically streamlined the user experience for its Select Video VOD Service, enabling subscribers to acquire a programme in as few as three steps rather than seven. 3 Screen Solutions delivered the necessary software innovations, building on already-deployed system middleware.
Speaking generally about the upgrade to the VOD service, Hagen Bossert, Head of the Select Video Team at Vodafone Kabel Deutschland, says: “Select Video now operates faster and more smoothly than ever, and viewers can discover, purchase and enjoy content in a fraction of the time.”
The software developments by 3 Screen Solutions successfully enhanced the functionality and usability of the existing Vodafone Select Video VOD service, comprehensively refurbishing the video on demand application. In the first step of a staged launch, Vodafone enabled the newly enhanced VOD store to work on its legacy digital set-top boxes last month, covering approximately 1.7 million subscribers. These boxes were manufactured by multiple providers including Technicolor, Sagemcom, Humax and Samsung. Select Video will later launch on STBs that have been upgraded with newer firmware.
A top priority set for 3 Screen Solutions by Vodafone Kabel Deutschland was the need for enhancements that would greatly encourage VOD content purchasing, and therefore increase the potential for content monetisation. 3 Screen Solutions needed to deliver a more seamless and easier user process for purchasing content, the companies note.
3 Screen Solutions adds: “Vodafone set us the task of delivering a high quality VOD service that would be faster, with quicker start-up and speedier loading rates, as well as being easier and more intuitive to use, with a new state-of-the-art interface to deliver a superior viewing experience. The Select Video service includes a variety of engaging features including a catch-up service offering top class content through Vodafone’s rights agreements with leading broadcasters including RTL Group, ProSiebenSat.1, and others.”
3SS created the completely new HTML and JavaScript based front-end application. The new UI is now easier to navigate and features much more imagery, therefore affording the operator a greatly increased opportunity to cross-sell, recommend and up-sell content.
