NETVIGATOR and NOW TV launch 4K all-in-one TV appliance

NETVIGATOR and NOW TV customers first to experience “Now One” 4K all-in-one appliance

HONG KONG — NETVIGATOR and NOW TV are introducing “Now One”, a new integrated 4K all-in-one appliance for which customers may from today place orders.

Jointly developed by HKT, which operates NETVIGATOR, and PCCW Media, operator of NOW TV, Now One delivers a wide range of features including true 4K ultra high definition (UHD), Internet Protocol TV (IPTV), Digital Terrestrial TV (DTT), Over-the-Top (OTT), Personal Video Recording (PVR) and Near Field Communication (NFC)# . Combined with the technology and expertise of the appliance manufacturer, Samsung, this complete set of features makes Now One just the one choice customers need to make.

Throughout the years, HKT has invested heavily in building Hong Kong’s most extensive fiber broadband network. This network carries both Internet content delivered via NETVIGATOR broadband service and IPTV content delivered for partners such as NOW TV. NETVIGATOR’s Internet traffic has been growing steadily over the years. In 2015, its average monthly data usage per line increased 50% year-on-year reaching 175GB. The traffic has even surpassed South Korea as a global leader. In addition, another 145GB per month is delivered for IPTV.

The massive growth in traffic is being fueled by more and more video applications due to the increasing number of OTT service providers as well as the emergence of higher definition video. With the development of the 4K standard and the upgrade that consumers will be making to their entertainment systems at home, the explosion in broadband traffic is set to continue. HKT has anticipated this trend and has invested in its network to facilitate meeting consumer’s demands, i.e. HKT has been “Building for Tomorrow, Today”.

HKT and PCCW Media have also anticipated that the emergence of so many set-top-boxes and consumer home appliances is not necessarily a consumer-friendly experience. To make the consumer experience more enjoyable, HKT and PCCW Media have created Now One to integrate the delivery of Internet and video to consumers. In 2016, NOW TV will also be progressively rolling out a range of 4K content for customers to complement its full suite of exclusive, express and live sports, movies, entertainment, news and kids content from over 200 leading partners and brands worldwide.

Mr. Alex Arena, Group Managing Director of HKT, said, “Now One is part of our strategy to simplify the consumer experience and meet the demand for increasing broadband traffic, especially for video streaming services. Powered by HKT’s ultra-fast fiber broadband network, the appliance is designed with cutting-edge technology and is built to accommodate new features for emerging technological evolution. Also, it is supported by HKT’s extensive after-sales and customer care services.”

Ms. Janice Lee, Managing Director of PCCW Media, said, “As the largest pay-TV and a leading OTT service provider in Hong Kong, NOW TV understands customer needs and continually innovates to meet customers’ different viewing habits. Now One, the centerpiece of home entertainment comprising all features in one appliance, demonstrates our firm commitment to offering breadth and depth of video content and entertainment via multi-platforms. With Now One, customers will be able to watch not only the best-in-class local and international programs from NOW TV IPTV platform, but also DTT program channels including the soon-to-broadcast ViuTV (Ch 99) and Internet content from OTT service providers.”

“In addition, Now One is equipped with an integrated next generation user interface enabling customers to access rich content offerings with greater ease. To provide extra convenience for content viewing anytime, the built-in recording feature also enables customers to record and review favorite programs at their convenience. We are excited to develop jointly with HKT this all-in-one appliance that continues to assure NOW TV customers of a viewing experience that is second to none,” she added.

Mr. Arena concluded, “Now One is the only appliance to meet customers’ needs for quality home entertainment. Hong Kong is a most advanced telecom market and HKT’s innovation and investments are intended to keep us at the forefront globally.”

NETVIGATOR and NOW TV customers will be the first to enjoy the true 4K UHD service through this appliance. Furthermore, NETVIGATOR customers subscribing 500M or higher speed service plans may have the opportunity to take Now One home free of charge while NOW TV customers can rent the appliance at an attractive rate.

The appliance will be available starting in April. NETVIGATOR and NOW TV customers may pre-order the appliance from today (March 14) by calling Sales Hotline 2888 0008 (press “* ” for NETVIGATOR customers and press “2” for NOW TV customers).

HKT is the first operator to introduce 10Gbps broadband service in Hong Kong, offering ultra-fast fiber broadband service under HKT’s FTTH (fiber-to-the-home) footprint to cater customer needs. Its existing network is ready to support massive data consumption from forthcoming applications such as video and virtual reality.

# Some features such as OTT, PVR and NFC will be launched in phases in the coming months through firmware upgrade.