DISH opens up Hopper DVR API
July 16, 2013
In a move designed to deliver new customer experiences and to spur innovation among smartphone and tablet app developers, satellite platform DISH has opened its third-party application programming interface (API) to developers.
Trusted partners can now access many of the same second-screen APIs that DISH uses for its own DISH Explorer mobile app on its Hopper Whole-Home HD DVR, a program designed to replace a traditional remote control with a tablet-based device.
With the DISH APIs, developers can offer new ways for customers to discover shows that are available on the programme guide, recorded to the DVR and accessible on demand. Their apps will also be able to control the Hopper by changing channels, setting recordings and playing back DVR and on-demand shows.
“DISH wants to evolve the Hopper experience for customers and foster innovation among the developer community,” said Vivek Khemka, senior vice president of Product Management for DISH. “DISH already has its own suite of mobile apps designed to work with the Hopper, but we want to see what other experiences trusted partners might create if given the opportunity. By tapping into a deeper well of creativity, I’m confident we will discover ideas we’ve never dreamed of to improve upon an already unique customer experience.”
Thuuz Sports is the first developer to incorporate DISH’s APIs into its app, enabling DISH customers to control their Hopper receiver directly from Android or iOS smartphones. Thuuz Sports uses real-time analytics and social signaling to alert viewers to exciting sporting events. Fans can customize the app based on their favourite teams and sports leagues, including NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, NCAAF and NCAABB.
By pairing the Thuuz app on mobile devices with Hopper, DISH subscribers can automatically jump to the most exciting games on their TV. The Thuuz Sports app also enables one-click recording of live or upcoming matches on the Hopper if a customer is away from their TV.
“Our goal is to make sure sports enthusiasts never miss an exciting game,” said Warren Packard, CEO and co-founder of Thuuz. “Our apps already alert users to the best matches in their favourite sports. Integrating with DISH’s Hopper receivers lets us take viewers immediately into the live action. For those times when they can’t watch the game live, we make sure they can record it to enjoy later.”