- New user interface to drive uptake in VOD services for Astro, providing advanced functionality
- Expands portfolio of NDS solutions for Astro
NDS today announced that they are providing an advanced user interface for Astro, Malaysia’s largest pay-TV operator, to support the launch of an enhanced video on demand (VOD) service as part of the Astro B.yond platform.
Acknowledging the demand for their on-demand service and the increasing penetration of broadband in Malaysia, Astro have chosen to upgrade their VOD service to enable advanced functionality, including the ability to purchase previously broadcast programmes, a whole series, or access subscription-based VOD services through a more advanced and user-friendly user interface.
The enhanced user interface enables subscribers to easily order VOD services without having to contact the customer service centre. This solution greatly enhances the Astro VOD service, including through their pure IPTV service.
Brian Lenz, Chief Innovation Officer, Astro commented: “We pride ourselves on providing innovative services and quality content to our subscribers and this deployment combines the two by enabling our subscribers to easily access, purchase and enjoy our on-demand content library.” He added “NDS has supported us in a number of deployments to enhance our platform and we value their ongoing commitment to enriching our service.”
Sue Taylor, SVP and GM Asia Pacific, NDS added: “The Astro platform is one of the most advanced in Asia and this development will enhance their on-demand offering to support increased ARPU from subscribers.” She added “As an innovator in the market, Astro strive to provide their subscribers with advanced services that will enhance their experience and we are proud to be their technology partner of choice.”
As part of the service enhancement, NDS provided end-to-end systems integration. Astro currently employs a number of technologies from NDS; in 2011 NDS provided the core technologies for the launch of hybrid functionality on the B.yond platform, including MediaHighway® set-top box software and progressive download technology. The Astro platform is secured by VideoGuard® Conditional Access (CA) and utilises NDS DVR technology.
About Astro Malaysia Holdings
Astro Malaysia Holdings Sdn Bhd is Malaysia’s leading integrated cross-media group with operations in 4 key businesses: Pay TV, Radio, Content and Digital. Launched in 1996, Astro today has a 50% penetration of TV homes in Malaysia or 3.1 million customers, making it a key pay TV operator in Southeast Asia. Astro broadcasts over 153 channels, of which 20 are in HD, is a leading edge innovator with its introduction of HD, 3D and PVR – a first in Malaysia, and also Video On Demand, Over the Top and IPTV service. It is the leading aggregator, creator and distributor of original multi-language content of various genres across multi-channels. Its radio network both terrestrial and digital covers all key languages cumulatively reaching 13 million listeners a week and ranked among the top 10 stations in the country. Its digital arm involved in digital publishing, applications and platforms as well as publication of entertainment and lifestyle magazines locally. For details, log on to www.astro.com.my;