Complete Solution for streamed content available to Freeview and Freesat consumers

AMSTERDAM — IBC 2012, Stand 1.B30 — It is now possible to stream television channels to Freeview set-top-boxes and connected TVs, typically at a fraction of the cost of traditional broadcasting.

Synapse TV brings together SimpleStream, Strategy & Technology (S&T) and Vision21(V21) to deliver a one-stop solution to integrate over the top internet video into digital broadcasting systems.

“All the research shows that consumers want to watch television programmes on a television,” said David Cutts, CEO, S&T. “With Synapse we offer a complete solution to add video on demand and catch-up content which is accessed from the EPG, not through separate browsers or on separate devices.”

The system is dependent upon the open standard MHEG, and so needs no specific hardware or software in the receiver or set-top box. The viewer navigates through the remote control and the content which, delivered online, appears as a channel in the EPG. The S&T technology is already proven in the UK with THESPACE, the virtual channel promoted by Arts Council England and BBC (Freeview 117 or Freesat 908).

The Synapse joint venture uses MHEG applications, security and mediator servers from S&T. SimpleStream provides content and metadata processing, the content delivery network and integration with back-end payment systems. Vision21, a provider of strategic development resources across the TV Everywhere sector, is establishing and marketing the new services.

“Because this is a complete system it is ideal for channels and content owners who want to get a service online as quickly as possible, and particularly for smaller operators who do not have the resources to build a system themselves,” said Adam Smith Founder of SimpleStream. “This uses the latest standard technology, so recent connected, MHEG-ready receivers or set-top boxes can access the content as soon as the service is established.

“By working together with S&T and Vision21 we can provide the complete service from end to end,” he added. “It is an attractive proposition for anyone who wants further opportunities to earn revenue and audience recognition for their content.”

Synapse is the only organisation that can also integrate SimpleStream’s Media Manager that includes catchup TV and second screen synchronised capability, detailed user behaviour analytics and individual user targeted advertising.

Simon Burgess Director V21, Vii & SimpleStream “Although the brave new world of OTT TV Everywhere presents extraordinary opportunities to existing and future broadcasters, current technology and services offerings are largely fractured and disparate. Synapse TV continues our philosophy of providing integrated technology solutions.”

Synapse will be launched at IBC 2012 on the S&T stand, 1.B30. David Cutts, CEO, S&T will be speaking at the session “Is Hybrid the New Pay-TV?” on Saturday, 8 September at 2pm in the RAI.