GINX eSports relies on Zixi platform for secure channel distribution over IP

International channel GINX eSports TV has adopted the Zixi platform for secure broadcast-quality delivery over IP for its global live eSports coverage.

GINX Esports TV offers linear channels to the UK, France, South Africa, USA, Canada and several international cable operators. Content is produced and recorded in GINX eSports TV’s studios in central London and distributed throughout the world in more than ten languages. Already available in over 55-million homes across the globe, GINX Esports TV’s reach is increasing every month.

Head of technical operations Sebastian Gomez said, “As a linear channel, distribution is a key ingredient. Without getting to the head ends of pay TV platforms our business model wouldn’t work. Our distribution used to be managed externally and done via satellite, but moving to Zixi has allowed us to have a very cost effective distribution system that can be managed in-house – it has given us independence and control of all our feeds.”

Gomez cites security, reliability, cost and ease of use as the main requirements when the broadcaster was looking for a satellite  alternative distribution solution. “Zixi met all these requirements,” he said. “It was also quick and easy to get started. After very little training, the platform becomes very self-explanatory.”

GINX eSports TV’s linear channels all have a dedicated personalised feed, plus there are two international feeds — one based in European time and one set to the Asia Pacific region. These playout facilities are set in two geographically diverse sites, and are linked via Zixi.

“Our uptime increased since we started using Zixi. If we have maintenance issues on one of our playouts, coverage is unaffected because all our distribution end points get the streams from both locations simultaneously,” Gomez stated. “The platform also gives us information on what’s wrong, which helps with troubleshooting.”

The Zixi platform has also improved channel distribution in other ways for GINX eSports TV. “Setting a distribution now only takes 5-10 minutes if all the conditions are good. If the customer is in a rush, we can set the Zixi receiver remotely, so it gives us a lot of flexibility that we did not have when using a satellite platform. It is also very secure as all the links we use are point to point,” Gomez said. “Overall we are extremely satisfied with the performance of Zixi.”

“Esports is growing at an unprecedented rate, and the audiences are very demanding in terms of the viewing experience, so a poor quality feed is not an option,” said Michael Poppler, director of international sales, Zixi. “With the Zixi Platform, GINX eSports TV can rely on secure, broadcast quality delivery of its content around the world, 24/7.”