The MediaFirst Client enables Mediaroom operators to re-use their deployed STB hardware. This reportedly removes the need to provide additional hardware, delivery, and customer support.
MediaKind has launched MediaFirst Client for Mediaroom, a new solution that enables existing Mediaroom operators to upgrade to the MediaFirst TV Platform. Mediaroom is an IPTV platform with more than 40 million STBs deployed worldwide, the release stated.
The introduction of MediaFirst Client with a cloud-based SaaS platform enables current Mediaroom operators to deliver a converged multiscreen experience and respond to the fast-paced nature of the video delivery market. The release stated that MediaFirst provides the economics, agility, and innovation at web speed using the latest cloud technologies, Continuous Delivery, and DevOps.
The MediaFirst Client enables Mediaroom operators to re-use their deployed STB hardware. This removes the need to provide additional hardware, delivery, and customer support, which can cost in excess of $150 per STB replacement. Through a software upgrade to this new client, operators can deliver a converged multiscreen experience, which includes Pay TV in-home, TV Everywhere and over-the-top (OTT) services. The MediaFirst TV Platform unifies the consumer experience between the different devices without any additional integration effort.
Commenting on the launch, Gowton Achaibar, COO and Head of R&D, MediaKind said: In this new media age, viewers are constantly seeking more immersive and personalized ways to experience the media content that enriches their lives. For TV providers with legacy STBs, the challenge has always been how to evolve their offering and provide the rich content experiences that consumers expect today, across all their devices. With MediaFirst Client for Mediaroom we have created a simple way for our Mediaroom customers to make this transition and gain the benefits of the MediaFirst TV Platform, with minimal disruption to existing subscriber bases.
Consumers will also reportedly benefit from media features such as personalised content. MediaFirst provides quick access to the consumers own content, as well as providing recommendations across all sources and genres. It reportedly enables operators to monetise through smart promotions, engage consumers with A/B testing, and provide insights for pre-emptive operational needs. It provides consumers with new ways to find content and engage with the TV experience with ease through voice enabled remotes, smart speakers and smartphones. And it supports 3PP integrations (such as Netflix and YouTube) to expand the consumers experience on the platform.
Several Mediaroom operators already have the client in their labs, plan to launch friendly user trials and bring the new client to their markets soon. The first MediaFirst Client for Mediaroom customer is set to roll out its service in 2019.
