Volia launches off-net over-the-top TV service

Ukrainian cable operator Volia has launched a new interactive TV platform that will be available over-the-top on third-party networks as well as on its own cable network.

Volia Smart HD will offer over 130 digital channels, on-demand movies and access to other services including YouTube on the TV.

Following the initial launch of the service, Volia will introduce a hybrid set-top box in the second quarter that will give access to internet-delivered video-on-demand and catch-up TV services.

The first third-party network to sign up for the service is Datagroup, which operates residential services in Ukraine under the brand Domashniy Telecom. The company has approximately 107,000 internet customers across the country. Datagroup launched its own TV service in 2010 and has signed up just over 20,000 subscribers in Dnipropetrovsk, Zhmerynka, Nikolaev, Gadyach and Bar.

Volia’s internet-delivered content will be made available using adaptive bit-rate streaming, allowing consumption on multiple devices including smartphones and tablets as well as TVs.

Content partners for the Volia Smart HD on-demand offering will include YouTube, Oll.tv, Megogo.net and Sony.
Volia’s platform has been designed by system integrator Azdio in partnership with Ukrainian system integrator Romsat. Technology for the service is being provided by middleware provider Minerva, set-top provider Entone, conditional access specialist Verimatrix, compression specialist Envivio and OTT technology specialist Anevia.