Skyworth, 3SS partner to create Netflix-ready platform
October 30, 2020
3 Screen Solutions (3SS), a provider of software solutions for STB and multiscreen entertainment, and Skyworth Digital, a manufacturer of connected home products and solutions, have integrated their technologies to create a new STB platform optimised to enable faster Android TV service launches.
The Skyworth HP40A STB (with embedded Amlogic chipset) and middleware are now pre-integrated with 3SS’ 3READY Custom Launcher to create what the companies describe as a “powerful end-to-end Android TV solution”.
The partners say their fundamental aims for this pre-integration are to help operators more rapidly and easily secure Netflix certification and to smooth the journey to becoming a super-aggregator.
“With Skyworth’s and 3SS’ hardware+middleware+launcher pre-certified platform combination, Netflix, the aspiring operator, and ultimately subscribers, can all be confident of a high-quality experience including Netflix viewing,” commented Srithar Bala, Head of Video Solutions & Services, Skyworth Digital.
Furthermore, with 3READY Control Center, the Netflix launch points – namely, the locations within the UX where Netflix is to appear – can be configured to align with the specific terms of the operator’s Netflix agreement. This can further shorten time to market.
Access to Netflix is one of the pre-eminent drivers behind the growing popularity of the Android TV solution among service providers, as is the shift to super-aggregation. As the scale of a super-aggregator’s reach grows, however, particular attention and management is needed to ensure that all subscribers get a seamless experience on an ever-increasing population of devices – an assurance and high standard that Netflix strongly insists on.
With the Skyworth+3READY-pre-integrated reference hybrid STB hardware platform, operators can get to certification more quickly, and 3SS’ Android TV-centric custom launcher is ready for the operator to tailor and brand for their DVB-S, -T, -C, IPTV and/or OTT services. “With certification by Google, Netflix and other content partners all taken care of even before unboxing, operators can get a significant head-start as they plan and launch their Android TV products,” Bala added.
Skyworth and 3SS are collaborating to deliver a hybrid Android TV project for an as-yet-undisclosed European operator which will launch soon.
“Through pre-integration, by choosing the Skyworth+3SS platform, service providers can benefit from a proven solution, and earlier service launches with minimised technical integration cost and risk,” said Kai-Christian Borchers, 3SS Managing Director. “The service launch process is further accelerated by Netflix and other pre-certifications. The result is that operators can differentiate earlier, and start earning revenues faster, with their next-gen Android TV offerings.”