Tricolor TV, operator of one of the world’s fastest-growing TV platforms, and Eutelsat Communications are collaborating on deploying the first network in Russia to use SmartBeam, Eutelsat’s new multi-screen video delivery solution.
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SmartBeam opens the door to the deployment of the first satellite network in Russia to deliver video content to mobile devices. Consumers will be able to receive Tricolor TV’s new service in public venues by downloading a user-friendly app on their mobile devices (smartphones, tablets using Android or iOS). They will pick up the channels in high-quality via a local Wi-Fi network connected to a compact low-cost satellite box that will receive the content direct from a Eutelsat satellite at 36° East, Russia’s leading position for video content.
Leveraging the inherent strength of satellites for broadcasting, the service will provide universal and immediate coverage of wide regions of Russia with guaranteed quality of service. It will enable Tricolor TV to extend its relationship with users by delivering DRM protected content to public venues (hotels, shopping centres, airport lounges, medical centres…) with no dependency on terrestrial networks.
Rodolphe Belmer, CEO of Eutelsat, said: “Eutelsat’s satellites and technology are already the backbone of distribution networks for broadcasters and pay-TV platforms around the world. Now, with SmartBeam, we are leveraging multiscreen solutions to help broadcasters extend OTT services and offer the same experience to users located beyond range of terrestrial networks. SmartBeam will also be able to circumvent user frustration with buffering and disconnection as terrestrial mobile networks saturate. We are delighted that Tricolor TV, one of our most prominent pay-TV clients, has recognised the added value of SmartBeam as a new content delivery solution.”
Alexei Kholodov, CEO of Tricolor TV, said: “As a leader in digital television services Tricolor TV is committed to deploying cutting edge technologies and services that extend our zone of reception and enhance the viewing experience for our customers. As we wait for a plane to take off, or sit in a waiting room we have all thought at one time or another that being able to watch television would be a real benefit. Now, thanks to our partnership with Eutelsat, Tricolor TV is going beyond the four walls of user homes to reach viewers on their mobile devices in public venues.”
How does it work?
Based on standard technologies and protocols (DVB-S2, IP, HTTP Live Streaming…), SmartBeam is compatible with all common portable devices as well as Smart TVs. It uses a small, low-cost satellite receiver that acts as a local Content Delivery Network (CDN) receiving high-quality TV channels and VOD content via satellite, and serving it locally to mobile phones and tablets over a Wi-Fi network. It is also flexible enough to support advanced video services such as encryption with DRM (Digital Rights Management) and non-linear TV like Catch Up TV and Push VOD.
On the transmit side:
•Native IP content is received at a satellite teleport.
•The IP streams are converted from unicast to multicast then encapsulated over a DVB transport stream and broadcast via satellite in a standard DVB-S2 transmission platform.
On the receive side:
•Content is received via a standard satellite dish connected to a compatible satellite receiver.
•The receiver decodes the DVB-S2 transport stream, extracts the original IP packets and delivers them to smartphones, tablets or other IP native devices through a regular Wi-Fi access point or home router. Live content is served on-the-fly, while VOD content is stored and can be accessed at any time.