← back
Content distribution via HbbTV: Mediapool signs co-operation agreement with Star TVMediapool to launch foreign language portal for HbbTV-compliant devices
  • Star TV’s four leading TV channels from India, for the first time available in Germany
  • Mediapool’s novel HbbTV-portal allows cost-efficient distribution of TV content to specific target audiences

Hamburg, May 3rd, 2011Mediapool Content Services, leading provider of foreign language channels in Germany, is entering into marketing its content offering via the new hybrid TV standard HbbTV early this summer. On occasion of the industry congress and exhibition ANGA Cable, Mediapool announces the first content partnership for its new international TV portal: Star TV, a wholly owned subsidiary of News Corporation and the leading media and entertainment network in India, is going to distribute four of its most popular Hindi language channels via Mediapool’s new HbbTV-based platform.

In Germany, Mediapool today distributes more than 50 international TV programmes via cable TV networks and DSL. The new hybrid TV standard HbbTV now allows Mediapool to provide specialised premium content to a specialised TV audience in a cost-efficient way. It also allows viewers, that today are unable to access value-added services such as VOD and EPGs via conventional distribution platforms, to enjoy a new world of entertainment. HbbTV is a new hybrid TV standard that combines traditional TV reception with new, internet-based content offerings.

Within the framework of the new partnership, Star TV for the first time provides four of the most popular TV channels from India “Star Plus”, “Star Gold”, “Star News” and “Star One” to the German audience. With the combination of these four channels, viewers enjoy a comprehensive entertainment offering, including award-winning programming such as news, comedy, soap operas, innovative entertainment events and the latest Bollywood blockbusters all with English subtitles. These channels are marketed directly to owners of HbbTV-compliant consumer devices, such as set top boxes or TV sets. A broadband internet connection is required to fully access HbbTV-based services.

Dr. Ralf Heublein, Managing Director, Mediapool Content Services, commented: “We are delighted to be able to launch our new ‚International TV’ portal with a prestigious provider of high quality content. Star TV is a market leader in India, but also extremely popular in the UK. Together, we will now be able to provide Star TV’s programmes to German citizens with Indian and Pakistani roots.“

Star’s Head of UK & European Business Yeshpal Sharma commented: “Our co-operation with Mediapool allows us for the first time to reach customers in Germany with our market-leading TV channels. The use of the HbbTV technology also opens up a new opportunity to address the many open-minded German TV viewers, that are interested in culture, news and entertainment from India.“

Mediapool is to present its new “International TV Portal” at the exhibition booth of its partner company TEVEO, hall 10.1, booth S40.

About Mediapool
Mediapool Content Services, the leading content aggregator for foreign language TV programmes in Germany, is represented with more than 50 international channels on German cable- and IPTV platforms. Mediapool provides foreign language programmes to German cable operators since 2001. In addition Mediapool holds a broadcast licence for its own foreign language channel package "International TV". Key target groups of International TV are immigrants living in Germany, but also cosmopolitan Germans interested in cultivating their language skills. www.mediapool-content.de

About Star
STAR is a leading media and entertainment company broadcasting over 60 television services in 10 languages to more than 300 million viewers across 53 countries. STAR channels cover all genres including general entertainment, sports, movies, music and news and current affairs. STAR controls over 20,000 hours of Indian and Chinese programming. In partnership with leading companies, STAR businesses extend to filmed entertainment, television production, cable systems and distribution, direct-to-home services, terrestrial TV broadcasting, wireless and digital services.
Twitter ShareThis
03.05.2011