Being rolled out under the name Over-the-Top (OTT), the new service promises to ‘revolutionise the way users watch television and use internet-enabled devices’, with free news, radio and social networking apps, as well as offering ‘premium’ content for a fee.
Though OTT, viewers will be able to access MediaCorp’s TV, radio, print and online content, as well as third-party content. Premium content will include ‘live’ TV channels with interactive elements such as behind-the-scenes footage and synopses. The service will also be optimised for viewing and navigating on large high-definition TV screens. The service will support access to social network applications such as Facebook and allow users to watch YouTube videos on the interactive service. ‘We want users to enjoy this interactivity and stay engaged wherever they are, whether they are using a set-top box, mobile phone or tablet,’ says MediaCorp CEO Lucas Chow.
The contract with Ericsson is being regarded as helping MediaCorp to build direct, interactive relationships with its customers, with Ericsson supplying, integrating, managing and operating the end-to-end technical solution over a five-year period.
‘MediaCorp is pleased to have Ericsson as our solutions provider and partner, as we embark on this very important and strategic initiative,’ Chow adds. ‘Together, we are confident in providing an unprecedented interactivity and innovation, by offering a suite of exciting services on multiple platforms to our local consumers. We will set the future direction of interactive TV in Singapore by riding on the next generation national broadband network, and herald a new era of TV experience.’
‘This contract marks the beginning of a new partnership between Ericsson and MediaCorp, says Ericsson Head of Sales & Marketing, Jan Wäreby. ‘It demonstrates Ericsson's leadership in the TV and managed services space, as well as our commitment to offer even more innovative solutions to our customers – we have the complete suite of building blocks needed to meet MediaCorp's exact requirements regarding technology, as well as systems integration and managed services capabilities.’
Stock trading via television may join the package, as MediaCorp is also set to roll out an interactive TV via broadband in the second half of this year. Already available in Hong Kong – where subscribers of PCCW’s nowTV service can use their Hang Seng Bank trading accounts to buy and sell stocks – this will allow the stock trades using a TV remote control.
MediaCorp operates seven television channels and 13 radio stations, as well as newspapers, magazines, movies, digital and out-of-home media. Its TV viewers comprise most of the Singapore market and its Channel NewsAsia International has a pan-regional outreach.
Mr Chow describes the introduction of coming OTT service as ‘the most exciting time since we introduced colour television broadcast’.
More: www.mediacorp.sg
