Vestel and DIVA AG sign universal Viewster VOD deal

Digital movie content distributor DIVA AG has announced a global deal with Europe’s largest manufacturer of TV sets and related consumer electronics devices, Vestel Group (Istanbul: VESTL).

Under the deal Vestel, which manufactures around 7 million units a year under some 100 retail brand names, will carry DIVA’s Viewster VoD application in over 100 different territories.

“We are delighted to partner with Vestel Group,”, said Richard Ganter, SVP Partner Alliances at DIVA AG. “Vestel has an unrivalled portfolio of consumer electronics brands offering connected devices, and we will be making available DIVA’s very best multi-language video on demand TV content to them. All of Vestel Groups TV consumer segments and brands will benefit from Viewster’s high quality day and date releases and outstanding catalogue movie content.”

Viewster first VoD partner for Vestel

The Viewster deal makes DIVA AG Vestel Group’s first VoD partner, at a key strategic time for the company.

Vestel will ship DIVA’s Viewster offering on its branded connected devices as of January 2011 in more than 40 countries across Europe, where Vestel’s goods account for some 16% of the LCD TV market and some 25% of the digital set-top-box market.

Hakan Kutlu, Deputy Director for Vestel Group commented, “This agreement with DIVA AG offers us immediate access to high quality, multi-language movie and TV content across all relevant territories. DIVA is an outstanding and fast moving company that will ensure our customers can enjoy the very best content whenever they wish, and wherever they are.”

Viewster’s impressive benefits set for Vestel customers.

DIVA controls an extensive catalogue of classic and current Hollywood movies and award-winning independent films and TV series, adding action, comedy, thriller and other popular genre new release movies (along with further TV series) on a continuous basis. The company refreshes some 20 percent of its catalogue each year, with each title being offered for at least 3 months, promising a consistently varied and exciting choice of viewing for Vestel customers.

Wherever possible, consumers purchasing branded connected TV’s, set top boxes and other devices made by Vestel will also be able to enjoy Viewster’s day and date releases and free, advertising supported, content.

Additionally, Vestel connected equipment users belonging to expatriate communities will now be able to locate and view favourite minority content, with Viewster providing access to the best Turkish, Russian and Arabic movies and drama series.