Com Hem, Boxer launch Android TV Tv Hub
April 12, 2018
Swedish multiplay operator Com Hem is launching its Android tv-based platform Tv Hub, for its customers as well as those of pay-DTT service Boxer.
The Tv Hub combines linear tv with play services in HDR and 4K quality. Users can navigate between their linear TV channels and their play services and also customise the Tv Hub with their own apps downloaded from the Google Play store. On the remote control there are exclusive shortcuts to SVT Play, TV4 Play and Netflix that make it easy to access the most popular streaming services.
The Tv Hub is designed to simplify the user experience for customers who increasingly combine their linear tv-viewing with on-demand and streaming services. The user can select from and download more than 2,000 apps from Google Play, including play services, games, and music.
“One of the strengths of Tv Hub is our cooperation with some of the most popular play-services,” suggested Jessica Andersson, Product Director TV at Com Hem Group. “In addition to SVT Play and TV4 Play, we are delighted that Netflix, the world’s largest streaming service will be available in Tv Hub at launch and that our customers can easily access their content via the button on the remote control.”
“Com Hem is one of our longest standing operator partners and has been at the forefront of embracing streaming services,” noted Maria Ferreras, Vice President Business Development EMEA at Netflix. “We are excited about the TV Hub which will make our Netflix originals which includes hundreds of hours in 4K and HDR quality even more accessible for Swedes. By seamlessly pressing the Netflix button, customers can reach their favourite content like Stranger Things, Narcos or Bright even faster than before.”
Com Hem has designed the Tv Hub and developed both the hardware, user interface and the software together with partners such as Google, Technicolor and 3SS.
“When we have developed Tv Hub, the most important thing has been to listen to our customers to understand their needs regarding their tv-viewing,” added Anderson. “We see a clear shift consumption in content today compared to earlier. According to a recent survey from Kantar Sifo, Swedes want a mix of traditional linear television viewing combined with on-demand or streaming services. With the Tv Hub we have a product that meets their expectations.”
“Our partnership with Com Hem is emblematic of our efforts bringing Android and Google services to TV screens,” commented Marec-Nicholas Gasiun, Head of Android Partnerships, Nordics. “With Com Hem focusing on what they do best creating a unique TV viewing experience for their users, we believe the TV Hub will be a very exciting product.”
With the voice control on the Tv Hub, based on Google Technology, users can search for tv channels, movies, actors or music by using their voice and talk to the remote control. The search results are retrieved from the content in any of the installed apps, whether it’s movies, TV shows, YouTube clips or songs.
The linear tv content in the Tv Hub can be used for customers via FibreLAN, FibreCoax and with standard antenna.
The list price for Tv Hub is SEK 1,695 (€164) including VAT. Both new and existing Com Hem customers can, during the launch campaign, also choose to rent the Tv Hub for a one-off fee of SEK 500 including VAT, plus shipping fee.
The Tv Hub is available immediately at Com Hem and later in 2018 for Boxer. It will also be available at the major electronics retail stores later in 2018.