SBS/Sanoma selects Ericsson for live and VOD OTT services

Ericsson has announced that it has been selected to deliver a managed over-the-top (OTT) live and on-demand TV platform for SBS/Sanoma, one of the leading media organisations in the Netherlands.

The multi-year deal will see Ericsson providing a complete end-to-end online video service, including content management and preparation, digital rights management and advertising insertion for multiple devices and platforms.

The next-generation TV service will roll out in the Netherlands in October 2015 and will be available via the web, mobile apps, smart TVs and game consoles. From launch, audiences will be able to watch a broad range of SBS/Sanoma content – including sports, drama series, news and entertainment – anytime and anywhere, via a single entertainment hub.

David Vink, chief digital officer of SBS Broadcasting Netherlands and the strategic business owner of the SBS/Sanoma video projects in the Netherlands, says: “The way our audiences watch content is changing dramatically and we want to ensure we remain ahead of the game and deliver our content in the most relevant and innovative ways. We want to be pioneers, by adapting existing technologies and adopting new ones, to deliver new business models quickly.”

Thorsten Sauer, head of broadcast and media dervices at Ericsson, says: “With the multitude of devices available to consumers today, content must be readily available, anywhere and at any time. Our managed service takes away the complexities and challenges of deploying internet-delivered catch-up and online TV services to every connected device, and lets broadcasters focus on the core of their businesses – quality content and engaged audiences. SBS/Sanoma’s plans are bold and forward-thinking, and we are proud to work with them to deliver their next generation of TV services.”

Ericsson’s Online Video Service masters the combination of OTT delivery and playout to deliver content efficiently to consumers. It is powered by Ericsson Mediaroom Reach, a highly scalable adaptive bitrate-based technology platform for intelligent OTT video delivery to cross-platform connected devices.

Ericsson has a long-standing relationship with SBS/Sanoma. Over the last few years, Ericsson has provided a range of managed broadcast and media services to SBS/Sanoma such as playout, live translation and captioning, as well as business continuity services.