Greece’s ERT launches updated OTT service

Greek public broadcaster ERT has launched an updated version of its ERTFlix OTT offering.

The broadcaster tapped the expertise of Greek systems specialist Telmaco and tech provider Insys Video Technologies to supply the backend implementation and updated interface for the streaming service.

ERTFlix provides users with access to five live channels and movies, series, and other on-demand content through its VOD zone.

The OTT platform is built on the InsysGO solution created by Insys Video Technologies. The service is available to all viewers across the region.

Registered users are also able to access premium features, like Continue watching and Favourites. The platform is also protected with geo-blocking restrictions that make the content unavailable outside a selected area.

Viewers across Greece can access ERT’s entire library, while content with international rights is also available internationally. ERTFlix can be accessed via web browsers, mobile devices – Android, iOS, Huawei App Gallery – and Android TV, and is available in Greek or English. The Insys OTT backend was also integrated with the existing HbbTV, Tizen and WebOS apps.

Ioannis Vougiouklakis, CTO of ERT, said: “We aim to give the Greek viewers the best possible experience. As a state broadcaster, we are always trying to take advantage of the latest technologies in the field. With this project, our goal was to make the new ERTFlix similar to other successful OTT products, despite the fact that we offer our content without subscriptions. With Telmaco and Insys Video Technologies, we managed to launch the new ERTFlix in a short period of time and successfully supported the fresh new season content with an improved user experience and new features.”

Ernest Kałaczyński, project and key account manager at Insys Video Technologies, said: “The ERTFlix platform is a popular Greek OTT service with several thousand users per month. By cooperating with Telmaco, we have created a scalable solution that is able to handle high peaks. That way, it remains efficient even as many users are using the platform simultaneously. We are glad this partnership has allowed us to expand our reach, and we are looking forward to next projects.”

Constantinos Moraitis, CTO of Telmaco, said:  “We have committed to making ERTFlix as easy to use as possible, delivering a unified experience and features across the different networks and devices. Project integration included many tasks alignment, such as content transcoding, origin, packaging, or enhancements to the video quality. We are delighted to be working with ERT and Insys Video Technologies, delivering products that can further monetize its content investments. ERT has succeeded to expand the brand name with this implementation. We believe that other FTA TV stations will follow this example.”