Vewd and Vestel partner for SaaS-based operator TV

OTT software provider Vewd has announced a partnership with TV manufacturer Vestel to introduce what it claims to be the world’s first SAAS-based operator TV.

The Vewd Operator TV combines the company’s smart TV software with Vestel’s experience of producing TVs for brands including JVC, Hitachi and Toshiba to create a product where pay TV operators can offer their own brand of TVs.

The product enables operators to remove the need for a separate set-top box and promises to integrate the full pay TV experience directly into the device itself. 

Vewd said that its Software-as-a-Service offers critical functionality as standard including: Conditional Access available to ensure broadcast and IP content security; Cloud-managed reference user experience (UX) or the Operator’s customized UI; and Content including premium OTT and video-on-demand, FAST channels, and full support for broadcast channels.

Barış Altınkaya, Vestel Vice President of Marketing and Product Management, said: “Vestel is pleased to add our expertise in building high-quality, full-featured Smart TVs to empower Vewd’s Operator TV solution. By working directly with Vewd and the Operator, we can leverage our vast manufacturing and retail distribution experience to contribute in reducing time-to-market, enabling substantial Operator CapEx savings while delivering an experience that delights subscribers, reduces churn and improves subscriber satisfaction.”

Aneesh Rajaram, CEO of Vewd, said: “Operators have tried different strategies to embrace Smart TV, but together with Vestel, we’ve made the first solution that seamlessly connects Pay TV and Smart TV. Consumers are streaming more and connecting fewer devices to the TV. As a result, Operators are forced to fight for visibility among Smart TV apps. Vewd Operator TV ensures Operators of any size can seize control from the start and win the home’s most important screen.”