iWedia, one of the leading providers of software components and solutions for TV devices for major service operators and consumer electronics manufacturers, announced today that it is working on a new deployment with CANAL+ International, providing software services as the broadcaster consolidates its rapid growth in multiple territories with an additional set-top box (STB) supplier.
CANAL+ International, international subsidiary of the CANAL+ Group, provides satellite, DTT and OTT TV services for more than 40 countries in Africa, Poland, Vietnam, Myanmar, and French Overseas. M7, a CANAL+ Group company and one of Europe’s leading Pay-TV operators, also provides services across Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania and Hungary.
With major growth in satellite broadcast markets particularly in the French-speaking African nations, and specific growth for CANAL+ International through acquisition and partnerships, CANAL+ International recently made the decision to engage a second STB supplier in order to fully control the supply chain.
This raised numerous challenges for the organisation, including the necessity of providing the same quality of service across both suppliers of STBs; the number of global territories which would require individual adaptations for issues of language, security, connectivity and other elements.
Jerome Trift, CANAL+ International CTO, said, “It was clear that this project, while necessary, would add significant complexity to our existing software solution, and we needed a reliable partner to help us. With iWedia’s extensive software integration experience in the market, we were confident that they could work with us to solve any challenges and ensure a smooth launch of our expanded service, as well as provide continued software maintenance across both STBs in the years ahead.”
Many of the target territories do not have internet connectivity, so Linux-based STB system – so-called ‘zapper solution’ – are used to maintain a consistent service. Porting the software solution to the new STB supplier, iWedia has ensured that security requirements are in place, PVR solutions are accesible, and connected services can be made available via 3G dongles, so that the service will be identical on both STBs. After launch, iWedia will continue to work with CANAL+ International and both STB suppliers on all software updates and maintenance.
Hans-Jürgen Desor, CEO, iWedia, said, “iWedia’s work on this project has certainly been complex, not least due to the diverse needs of many territories to consider, but we are extremely proud of the work we have done and continue to do to enable CANAL+ International to support its viewers around the world. CANAL+ International invests heavily in its diverse territories, with local content that supports local cultures and affordable bouquets of services available in financially disadvantaged regions. Its customers will continue to receive a high quality and reliable service experience, whichever STB they choose.”
The new hardware will be available in African territories in early 2022, with other territories following.