NetRange launches cloud-powered CTV platform for emerging markets

Hamburg-based white-labelled turnkey smart TV and OTT ecosystem provider NetRange has announced the launch of its cloud-powered VISNOS platform.

Standing for Virtual Smart TV NetRange OS, the platform promises to cut CE device manufacturers’ Smart TV costs and add CTV capabilities to existing low-powered TVs.

A way that the VISNOS achieves cost-cutting is by removing the requirement for a browser in the TV – a requirement which typically comes at a major integration effort and cost for CE device manufacturers who are targeting emerging markets.

Instead, the VISNOS software sends remote clicks to a cloud platform and then sends the smart TV UI back to the TV as graphics. Everything is done via a server, and when a user starts video playback VISNOS routes the video back to the TV without the need for high-level processing.

In addition, VISNOS also supports the casting of YouTube from mobile devices, with the company promising the addition of further casting support in the future.

Tim Schröder, CEO of NetRange, said: “In developing countries, many of the existing TVs and those being built for these regions right now have been designed to remove every single non-essential element. This means that even the cost of the browser required for a TV to receive standard Smart TV is a major barrier to market adoption. By removing the requirement for a browser, we’re opening up Smart TV support for the lowest-specification TVs in the developing world, to meet the increasing demand for connected services in these regions.

“We believe VISNOS has the potential to considerably narrow the gap between current non-smart entry-level DTV and traditional Smart TV, creating unique opportunities for operators and manufacturers of TVs, SoCs and boards. In our discussions with key industry players, we have not only seen a huge interest in exploring and utilizing VISNOS, but also a clear commitment to bringing VISNOS to these devices.”