Quote:
“Music television provider Box TV is launching a connected-TV ‘music portal’ on Freeview that will stream three extra channels via its 4Music EPG slot.
Box TV a joint venture between Channel 4 and publisher Bauer, is extending its reach to allow viewers with internet-connected Freeview boxes to access a live stream of the Kiss, Kerrang! And Magic TV channels via 4Music’s channel 18 slot on the main EPG.
The full portfolio of Box TV music channels, which include Box, Heat and Smash Hits, will also now be streamed via the central 4Music website and on their own respective sites.
The company’s strategy of extending its distribution follows its shift from premium to free packages on the Sky platform in April, and subsequent launch on Freesat.
Director of programming Dave Young said it was the first time a major broadcaster had beefed up its channel with a raft of linear services delivered via IPTV. “We’re on the verge of launching the kind of service that’s been promised for over a decade by connected TV,” said Young.
“This move will extend our reach, grow opportunities for advertisers and improve our offering to record labels as the best place to promote new artists. “We wanted to create an area that people could visit and give them options if they couldn’t find what they wanted on 4Music.”
He added that it was a much cheaper way of securing distribution for multiple channels on the Freeview platform than buying individual EPG slots. He believes live music TV remains relevant as consumers increasingly consume content on-demand. “We can act as curators and help viewers to navigate music as it becomes increasingly ubiquitous,” he said.
Box TV is working with Arqiva owned IPTV provider Connect TV, which has previously delivered streamed linear services via Freeview for niche broadcasters including CCTV, Hellenic TV and Kelvin MacKenzie’s Sports Tonight Live. Its online streaming is being supported by Simplestream.”
“Music television provider Box TV is launching a connected-TV ‘music portal’ on Freeview that will stream three extra channels via its 4Music EPG slot.
Box TV a joint venture between Channel 4 and publisher Bauer, is extending its reach to allow viewers with internet-connected Freeview boxes to access a live stream of the Kiss, Kerrang! And Magic TV channels via 4Music’s channel 18 slot on the main EPG.
The full portfolio of Box TV music channels, which include Box, Heat and Smash Hits, will also now be streamed via the central 4Music website and on their own respective sites.
The company’s strategy of extending its distribution follows its shift from premium to free packages on the Sky platform in April, and subsequent launch on Freesat.
Director of programming Dave Young said it was the first time a major broadcaster had beefed up its channel with a raft of linear services delivered via IPTV. “We’re on the verge of launching the kind of service that’s been promised for over a decade by connected TV,” said Young.
“This move will extend our reach, grow opportunities for advertisers and improve our offering to record labels as the best place to promote new artists. “We wanted to create an area that people could visit and give them options if they couldn’t find what they wanted on 4Music.”
He added that it was a much cheaper way of securing distribution for multiple channels on the Freeview platform than buying individual EPG slots. He believes live music TV remains relevant as consumers increasingly consume content on-demand. “We can act as curators and help viewers to navigate music as it becomes increasingly ubiquitous,” he said.
Box TV is working with Arqiva owned IPTV provider Connect TV, which has previously delivered streamed linear services via Freeview for niche broadcasters including CCTV, Hellenic TV and Kelvin MacKenzie’s Sports Tonight Live. Its online streaming is being supported by Simplestream.”
SOURCE: http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/news/m...056646.article




