MUMBAI: Mediapool Content Services, a provider of foreign language channels in Germany, is entering into marketing its content offering via the new hybrid TV standard HbbTV early this summer. On occasion of the industry congress and exhibition ANGA Cable, Mediapool’s first content partnership for its new international TV portal is with Star TV in India. Star’s four Hindi language channels will be distributed via Mediapool’s new HbbTV-based platform.
Within the framework of the new partnership, Star TV for the first time provides four of its TV channels from India Star Plus, Star Gold, Star News and Star One to the German audience.
With the combination of these four channels, viewers enjoy a comprehensive entertainment offering, including programming such as news, comedy, soap operas, innovative entertainment events and the latest Bollywood films all with English subtitles. These channels are marketed directly to owners of HbbTV-compliant consumer devices, such as set top boxes or TV sets. A broadband internet connection is required to fully access HbbTV-based services.
Mediapool Content Services managing director Dr. Ralf Heublein said, "We are delighted to be able to launch our new ‚International TV’ portal with a prestigious provider of high quality content. Star TV is a market leader in India, but also extremely popular in the UK. Together, we will now be able to provide Star TV’s programmes to German citizens with Indian and Pakistani roots."
Star TV head of UK & European business Yeshpal Sharma added, "Our co-operation with Mediapool allows us for the first time to reach customers in Germany with our market-leading TV channels. The use of the HbbTV technology also opens up a new opportunity to address the many open-minded German TV viewers, that are interested in culture, news and entertainment from India."
In Germany, Mediapool distributes more than 50 international TV programmes via cable TV networks and DSL. The new hybrid TV standard HbbTV now allows Mediapool to provide specialised premium content to a specialised TV audience in a cost-efficient way. It also allows viewers, that today are unable to access value-added services such as VOD and EPGs via conventional distribution platforms, to enjoy a new world of entertainment. HbbTV is a new hybrid TV standard that combines traditional TV reception with new, internet-based content offerings.
