Foxtel is poised to accelerate its plans for an IPTV service following the launch of its heavily revamped website, created by digital services company Hyro.
Foxtel quietly launched the new web platform over the weekend which is built on the Oracle UCM Platform and leverages Adobe Flash for the rich media presentation layer. The site supports the management and delivery of video and other rich media assets across the broadcasters’ content catalogue and provides fully integrated e-commerce capability and online customer service.
While Foxtel has remained tight lipped on its IPTV launch plans, it has confirmed that it will launch full –length program downloads in October and provide subscribers with catch-up TV and exclusive screening options. Foxtel also plans to launch video streaming of the Olympics in February.
Hyro CMO Richard Lord confirmed that the platform supports IPTV requirements. “We are working with the client in support of their publicly stated timelines. As you can imagine, the demands of large-scale, sophisticated, HD video distribution online are significant and we have been able to work with the client and our technology partners to implement a platform which delivers a high-quality, commercial grade service without compromise to user experience or site effectiveness.”
The website also features a recommendation function that is designed to assist viewers find new programs and those they currently watch. The 14-day online TV guide features the recommendation technology which enables it to send selected shows directly to the Foxtel IQ or IQ2 set-top unit planner to be viewed on TV at any time. According to Hyro, The Foxtel EPG was integrated to Foxtel’s production scheduling system using custom built technology from Hyro and includes the ability for Foxtel Subscribers to “remote record” shows through the website to their Foxtel IQ box at home.
It also integrates to the Foxtel Mobile EPG which was developed by Hyro and was a finalist in the 2009 AIMIA Awards.
“Foxtel’s new site brings TV to the net. We’ve taken a huge amount of video clips and promos and put them online to watch at ay time. The entire screen comes alive with video and the website framework is available underneath,” said Patrick Delany, executive director of sales and product development at Foxtel.
The platform has been integrated to Foxtel’s Identity Management platform and their commercial CRM systems
