Icareus delivers EPG, over-the-air update and datacasting solution to power Openview’s free-to-air satellite platform
Helsinki, 12.3.2026, Icareus, a global leader in broadcast and streaming technology, has deployed its Icareus Playout platform for eMedia Investments, South Africa’s largest independent broadcaster. The integrated solution delivers EPG, datacasting and over-the-air (OTA) update capabilities across eMedia’s broadcast operations.
eMedia’s portfolio includes Openview, South Africa’s leading free-to-air satellite TV platform serving over 3,8 million active households with a growing bouquet of channels. To support Openview’s continued expansion, eMedia sought to upgrade its EPG and datacasting infrastructure with a flexible and proven system. The deployment required complex workflows, multiple system integrations and full compatibility with Openview’s bespoke set-top box ecosystem.
The Icareus EPG solution now serves as the central component managing Openview’s DTH platform and Online TV Guide. To meet Openview’s unique requirements, custom DVB descriptors were developed. The platform also functions as an EPG hub, feeding programme data not only to the broadcast network but also to third-party partners.
To maintain its leading market position, Openview continuously develops and upgrades its set-top boxes. The Icareus platform is tightly integrated with Openview’s set-top box management system, supporting middleware updates and the delivery of enhanced programme and channel information through datacasting.
About Icareus Playout
Icareus Playout is a robust and future-ready broadcast service management platform designed for DVB environments. Its modular architecture scales with evolving business requirements, while proven integrations with multiplexers, EPG data providers, network management systems and the Icareus Video Cloud ensure reliable deployments and operational excellence. Together with a global network of reseller and system integrator partners, Icareus helps broadcasters and operators deliver broadcast-grade services with confidence.
In continuous production since 2004, Icareus Playout is trusted by leading operators and broadcasters across 50 countries. The product family includes the Icareus Playout EP PSI/SI and EPG server, the Icareus CS DSM-CC Carousel Server for HbbTV and other interactive TV standards, the Icareus Playout DVB OTA-SSU Server for over-the-air updates, and the Icareus Playout Compact Lab solution for developing, testing and validating TV services.
More information: https://icareus.com/products/icareus-playout-broadcast-service-management-platform/
About Icareus Ltd
Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, Icareus Ltd has spent over two decades at the intersection of online and broadcast technologies. The company has played an active role in the industry’s evolution from traditional linear TV to today’s multi-screen and hybrid viewing experiences. Icareus solutions are used by millions of viewers worldwide through broadcaster, operator, OTT and video platform customers in more than 60 countries. The customer base includes organisations such as Arqiva, BBC, Cyfrowy Polsat, DU, Dialog TV, ETV, EveryoneTV, France 24, Intelsat, Persidera, RAI and Telespazio.
The Icareus portfolio includes the Icareus TV & Video Cloud and Icareus Playout, its trusted broadcast platform offering EPG, data carousel and OTA update solutions for HbbTV, OTT, TV Everywhere, Addressable TV and audience measurement.
More information: https://www.icareus.com
About eMedia Investments
eMedia Investments is South Africa’s largest independent media company and one of the most influential players in the country’s broadcasting market. eMedia’s portfolio includes Openview, South Africa’s leading free-to-air direct-to-home satellite television platform, serving over 3,8 million households with a diverse and growing bouquet of channels. Over the years, the platform has expanded into a multi-channel offering, launching channels including eMovies, eReality, eExtra and eToonz via the Openview satellite platform.
For more information visit: https://openview.co.za/