chellomedia announces interactive partnership with Ascent Media Network Services.

chellomedia interactive services and Ascent Media Network Services Europe (AMNSE) have announced a partnership to offer interactive TV (iTV) capabilities at AMNSE’s London-based playout facilities, thereby enabling simple, cost-effective deployment of iTV content to UK digital satellite and cable networks.
By locating its chello mistral solution at AMNSE’s central London facilities, chellomedia interactive services can offer UK customers a turnkey solution whereby interactive content can be encoded for multiple platforms and inserted at the point of playout.
This gives broadcasters the full benefits of outsourcing; no capital investment on equipment, a scaleable solution, and more time to concentrate on content whilst someone else takes care of the playout.
This offering, which will be available from November 2005, makes interactivity a real possibility for all broadcasters, not just the major ones that are already offering 24/7 interactive content, as well as interactive advertising and sponsorship.
Specific solutions will be tailored to customer requirements, but the over-arching principle will be to focus on usage-based terms.
Noel Leslie, Executive Vice President of chellomedia interactive services, said: “We want to make it easy and affordable for channels of any size to deploy iTV and empower them to focus on creative and commercial opportunities. By working with ourselves and Ascent Media, customers can be confident they are dealing with established market leaders who will provide quality support and innovative solutions.”
Bob Gentry, Senior Vice President, Ascent Media Network Services Europe, said: “We’re delighted to work in conjunction with chellomedia interactive services to help roll out services to UK broadcasters. iTV is a hot topic at the moment as broadcasters are continually looking for ways to strengthen relationships with their audience – it’s great to be involved at the forefront of these developments.”
AMNSE and chellomedia interactive services will work together over the coming months to present current and future customers with this new interactive offering.
(GB)