Zee New Media launches India's first OTT distribution platform

Zee New Media forays into the OTT segment with Ditto TV

The digital arm of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEE), Zee New Media, launched India’s first and only OTT (Over-The-Top TV) distribution platform, Ditto TV, with an aim to offer LIVE TV Channels and On Demand Video Content to consumers on their Mobile Phones, Tablets, Laptops, Desktops, Entertainment Boxes and Connected TVs. This offering heralds a welcome breakaway from appointment TV viewing to a more flexible, customizable way of enjoying TV and VOD content- my screen, my time, my video, a concept that has fundamentally turned appointment TV viewing on its head. With access to the largest collection of premium content, spread across leading content genres like GEC, Sports, Lifestyle, Regional and News, along with rich on-demand video capabilities, Ditto TV offers a unique and compelling experience, delivering seamless video viewing experience to a range of Internet-enabled devices. Along with this India launch, Ditto TV will also be available in the global markets of UK, UAE, New Zealand and Australia with US soon to follow by the end of this quarter.

Currently hosting a total of 21 channels, Ditto TV has already partnered for content with Multi Screen Media (Sony Entertainment Television), TV Today Network, BBC, and ZEE. Ditto TV expects to offer a complete set of 50 channels shortly. Another amongst industry firsts, Ditto TV offers features such as adaptive streaming, an elaborative electronic programme guide, a content recommendation engine and an elegant user interface, all of which will be integral to enhance the user experience. Moreover, it allows for complete customization, both in cost as well as choice of content- users are given the option to handpick a basket of channels as per their own personal preferences. Different price points offer absolute control of channel selection, with prices starting as low as INR 49.

Commenting on the launch of this all new revolutionary content distribution platform, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEE), Punit Goenka said, “The over-the-top (OTT) category presents a powerhouse of potential and adds an exciting new dimension to Zee’s business model. As a pioneer in the entertainment and content business, we have been systemically investing in our digital outreach; Ditto TV was created to bring cutting-edge wireless broadband digital services to customers across the world. Over the years, we have launched many industry-firsts, but this is a launch that I am especially excited about; I believe that Ditto TV will transform the way content is consumed, and monetized and we are thrilled to be at the helm of this revolution.”

Vishal Malhotra, Business Head – New Media at Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd further elaborates, “Ditto TV offers extreme versatility- both, in terms of content as well as device and bandwidth compatibility. With the increasing number of smart phone users, Ditto TV will allow subscribers to access premium content from across the world, at the simple click of a button. For partners, it will create unique revenue generation opportunities- namely, for content owners, distributors, retail, OEMs, and service providers.”

Ditto TV has partnered with Siemens Communication and Media Technology to develop a strong technology platform that will offer adaptive streaming. This technology ensures an optimal feed basis the available bandwidth strength and allows users to select the feed based on their data connection which includes 3G, Wi-Fi and Fixed line broadband connections.

Ditto TV, as an application, is available on leading application stores viz. Apple App Store, Android Market, and BlackBerry Application World; Ditto TV’s prepaid cards will be retailed at high footfall outlets like Croma and Vijay Sales with whom Ditto TV has entered a distribution alliance. For Windows and MAC PCs the same can be downloaded from www.dittotv.com.