Helsinki, 18.06.2024 – The Terveyskylä.fi service ecosystem, developed and maintained through collaboration by Finland’s university hospitals, has successfully transitioned to the Icareus Video Cloud. This nationwide service will now have its media content managed and distributed via the Icareus Video Cloud. As part of this transition, more than 260 hours of video and audio content, along with over 4,000 media files, have found a new home.

Terveyskylä.fi has established itself as a key digital health service platform in Finland, offering a wide range of content such as the Terveyskylä Houses, Omapolku services, and various mobile and online applications. Video and audio files play a crucial role in these services and are actively utilized.

Icareus Video Cloud met the needs of HUS (and Terveyskylä) by providing a comprehensive solution for editing, subtitling, managing, and publishing video and audio media across various services and platforms.

Icareus CEO, Toni Leiponen, commented on the delivery:

“We are very pleased to offer even more comprehensive online video services to Terveyskylä, whose content is produced by experienced professionals in eServices. For years, we have been providing video solutions for the New Children's Hospital, and it's great that our service now also covers Terveyskylä’s video services. We’re proud to contribute to the well-being of society.”
Toni Leiponen
CEO, Icareus

Thanks to Icareus Video Cloud, Terveyskylä’s digital video services are now accessible to a broader audience, meeting the WCAG 2.1 AA-level accessibility requirements.

During the extensive implementation, Icareus Video Cloud was tailored to meet HUS’s needs, and existing media content was smoothly migrated to the new system. Video embeds and links were also updated.

Soile Tammelin, Product Manager for HUS eHealth Development Services, commented on the start of the collaboration between Terveyskylä and Icareus:

“Instructional videos for patients, training videos for professionals, and video-based peer stories are an important part of Terveyskylä’s content. I am delighted that, through excellent collaboration with Icareus, we have been able to release accessible versions of our videos in more languages. The Icareus project team has worked weekly on building and developing the services.”
Soile Tammelin
Product Manager, HUS

Training was conducted in two phases, first for key users and then for general users, ensuring all user groups can make the most of the new software service.

The partnership with Icareus enabled a smooth and rapid implementation, ensuring an improved video user experience for Terveyskylä.fi.

Terveyskylä’s services are developed in collaboration with Finland’s university hospitals, with the Helsinki University Hospital (HUS) providing ICT services. In addition to university hospitals, the service ecosystem is also utilized by several well-being areas, where Terveyskylä forms an integral part of their service chains.

Founded in 2001, Icareus Ltd is a growing, profitable Finnish company that offers SaaS video cloud services. We serve customers in over 60 countries. Our main product, the customizable Icareus Video Cloud service, enables organizations to launch professional video services. It is suitable for both internal and external use in various contexts, such as content services, virtual and hybrid events, communication, marketing, and training—easily and affordably from the cloud, accessible on all devices.

Helsinki, 04.09.2024 – Icareus is pleased to announce that it has been selected to provide its Icareus Playout platform for the DVB-T2 rollout in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in partnership with Odašiljači i veze (OIV) of Croatia.

OIV was contracted for the Project of Digitization of Public Broadcasting Services in Bosnia and Herzegovina, marking a significant step forward in completing the country’s Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) project, which has faced delays for nearly a decade. Icareus’ Playout technology will ensure reliable and efficient network management across the region, supporting the transition to modern broadcasting standards.

Following the successful completion of the first phase by OIV in 2016, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s DTT project is now entering its final stages. This long-awaited continuation will complete the second and third phases of digitization, enabling all citizens to access Public RTV services via the DVB-T2 digital platform. The entire system is expected to be operational by mid-2025, with most citizens gaining access to the new digital signal by the end of 2024.

Croatia’s OIV has been an Icareus Playout customer since 2016, making it a natural choice to continue the long-term partnership for this project. Icareus’ Playout EPG Platform will be used to manage the PSI/SI and EPG for the entire network.

“Relying on Icareus Playout was a logical decision, as OIV has already verified the Icareus Playout EPG server. It enables OIV to offer a better TV experience by efficiently managing channel line-ups and network parameters.”
Mr Nikola Perković
Head of Video Services Management Department, OIV
"We are proud to have partnered again with OIV to deliver a state-of-the-art EPG solution for the latest DVB-T2 deployment in Europe. This project exemplifies our commitment to innovation and quality in the broadcasting industry. By leveraging our Icareus Playout platform, the public broadcasters of Bosnia Herzegovina are finally taken into digital era!”
Mr Mikko Karppinen
Director, Icareus

Icareus Playout Platform has been in production since 2004 and is trusted by leading operators and broadcasters serving customers in 50 countries.  Icareus Playout product family includes Icareus Playout EP PSI/SI and EPG server, Icareus CS DSM-CC Carousel server for HbbTV and other Interactive TV standards, Icareus Playout DVB SSU server for over-the-air updates and Icareus Playout Compact Lab solution for research, development and testing TV services. For more information about solution visit: https://icareus.com/products/icareus-playout-broadcast-service-management-platform/  

Icareus Playout offers a versatile solution for monitoring and managing Electronic Program Guide (EPG) content, enhancing the overall television experience for viewers. Seamlessly integrated into the customer’s systems, the platform ensures high-quality, real-time EPG workflows that operate continuously, 24/7. 

Read more about the PSI/SI & EPG Generator: https://icareus.com/products/icareus-playout-broadcast-service-management-platform/epg-generator-server/

Read more about EPG monitoring: https://icareus.com/products/icareus-playout-broadcast-service-management-platform/epg-monitor/

Renowned globally as a broadcast solution, Icareus Playout has been selected by leading broadcasters and DVB operators across Europe and the MENA region. Notable customers include Arabsat, Asharq News, Arqiva, BVN, Dialog TV, DU, France24, Freesat, Mediaset, Persidera, Telefonica, Telenet, Telespazio, and RAI. The platform is praised for its modularity, security, and robustness, which enable seamless multichannel and network EPG data management. Icareus Playout supports unique configurations, including EPG data sources, EIT tables, PSI/SI descriptors, and bespoke setups tailored to specific operational needs.

Icareus Ltd is established 2001 and has a headquarters in Helsinki, Finland. Combining online and broadcast technologies have been the core of our activities over two decades, true pioneers some say. We’ve been making the change from linear TV to today’s multi-screen experience. Millions of consumers enjoy Icareus solutions via our broadcaster, operator, OTT and OVP customers in over 60 countries.

Icareus TV & Video Cloud and Icareus Playout, a trusted broadcast platform for EPG, Data carousels and OTA support solutions for HbbTV, OTT, TV Everywhere, Addressable TV advertising and Audience Measurement. More information: https://www.icareus.com

Odašiljači i veze d.o.o. (OIV) – With more than 95 years of tradition and experience OIV operates in the core of broadcasting and telecommunication industries, providing complete radio and television broadcasting services, audio-visual content and data distribution, fibre-optic lease, co-location as well as modern media services. More information: https://www.oiv.hr/

For more Information:  

Ms. Jessica Glad 
Marketing 
Icareus Ltd 

Email: [email protected] 
Telephone: +358 (0)9 2289 0801 

 

Follow Icareus on:  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/icareus-ltd- 

 

Helsinki, 15.08,2024:  Icareus, a leading provider of HbbTV (Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV) solutions, has partnered with Persidera, the premier network operator in Italy, and Video Progetti, Italy’s #1 broadcast systems integrator, to bring state-of-the-art HbbTV-based services to broadcasters and publishers across the Italian market. This strategic collaboration aims to enhance the viewing experience for audiences and offer Persidera customers innovative tools to better engage their viewers.

The joint solution from Icareus, Video Progetti and Persidera leverages cutting-edge HbbTV technology, which seamlessly integrates broadcast and broadband content. This enables broadcasters to deliver a richer, more interactive experience to their audiences. This real-time access to viewing data allows operators and broadcasters to make informed decisions without the delay of waiting several days for panel-based metrics.

The offering includes a comprehensive suite of HbbTV applications and solutions, such as:

  • Audience Measurement: Accurate and real-time data collection to help broadcasters understand viewer behaviour and preferences, enabling more targeted and effective programming and advertising.
  • Electronic Program Guides (EPGs): Interactive and user-friendly program guides that make it easier for viewers to discover and access content.
  • Launchers: Customized launch interfaces that provide a gateway to various broadcast and on-demand services, offering viewers a personalized and streamlined content discovery experience.
  • Live Streaming: High-quality, uninterrupted live streaming capabilities, allowing broadcasters to reach their audiences on multiple devices, anytime and anywhere. In addition, niche audience and events can be served better via HbbTV channels instead of consuming broadcast capacity.
  • Radio: Integration of radio services within the HbbTV framework, offering users a one-stop solution for both visual and audio content.
  • HbbTV signalling: Persidera’s capability to provide advanced signalling to ensure accurate and versatile HbbTV application management as well as synchronization is guaranteed with Icareus Playout platform.

Central to the collaboration is the Icareus Video Cloud, a powerful OTT platform designed to manage and optimize the all the Live and on-demand video services including also tools e.g. for user experience (UX), Electronic Program Guides (EPGs), and HbbTV and other video applications. In this project it will empower broadcasters with:

  • User Experience (UX) Management: Tools to create and manage seamless, user-friendly interfaces that enhance viewer engagement and satisfaction. This allows broadcasters to design personalized experiences tailored to different audience segments.
  • EPG Management: A robust solution for managing EPGs, enabling broadcasters to effortlessly update program schedules and deliver real-time information to viewers. The Icareus Suite supports rich metadata and integrates seamlessly with other broadcast systems.
  • Application Management: A comprehensive platform for developing, deploying, and managing HbbTV applications, ensuring broadcasters can quickly and efficiently roll out new services and features. This includes the ability to launch and manage interactive applications such as quizzes, voting, and targeted advertising, enhancing viewer interaction.
"We are thrilled to introduce our advanced HbbTV solutions to the broader Italian market through this collaboration with Persidera and Video Progetti. By joining forces, we will equip broadcasters with the tools needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive media environment, while elevating the viewing experience for audiences across Italy."
Toni Leiponen
CEO, Icareus

Persidera, with its extensive network infrastructure and deep understanding of the Italian broadcasting market, is the ideal partner to bring these innovative solutions to life.

"By combining our network capabilities with Icareus' expertise in HbbTV, we are enabling broadcasters to offer more interactive and engaging content to their viewers. This partnership represents a significant step forward in the evolution of television in Italy."
Guido Fermetti
COO, Persidera
"We are excited to play a crucial role in this partnership, leveraging our experience in broadcasting technology to help deliver these advanced solutions to the Italian market with our integration and post-sales support services."
Francesco Struzzi
Sales Director, Video Progetti

The alliance between these companies underscores a shared commitment to innovation and excellence in broadcasting. Together, they are poised to set a new standard for HbbTV services in Italy, driving the future of television and offering broadcasters the tools to stay ahead in an ever-evolving industry.

Icareus Playout Platform has been in production since 2004 and is trusted by leading operators and broadcasters serving customers in 50 countries.  Icareus Playout product family includes Icareus Playout EP PSI/SI and EPG server, Icareus CS DSM-CC Carousel server for HbbTV and other Interactive TV standards, Icareus Playout DVB SSU server for over-the-air updates and Icareus Playout Compact Lab solution for research, development and testing TV services. For more information about solution visit: https://icareus.com/products/icareus-playout-broadcast-service-management-platform/  

Read more about the PSI/SI & EPG Generator: https://icareus.com/products/icareus-playout-broadcast-service-management-platform/epg-generator-server/

Read more about EPG monitoring: https://icareus.com/products/icareus-playout-broadcast-service-management-platform/epg-monitor/

Icareus Ltd is established 2001 and has a headquarters in Helsinki, Finland. Combining online and broadcast technologies have been the core of our activities over two decades, true pioneers some say. We’ve been making the change from linear TV to today’s multi-screen experience. Millions of consumers enjoy Icareus solutions via our broadcaster, operator, OTT and OVP customers in over 60 countries.

Icareus TV & Video Cloud and Icareus Playout, a trusted broadcast platform for EPG, Data carousels and OTA support solutions for HbbTV, OTT, TV Everywhere, Addressable TV advertising and Audience Measurement. More information: https://www.icareus.com

Persidera – Persidera is the leader in the Italian market of media services for independent publishers. 100% of the share capital is held by the sole shareholder F2i TLC 2 SpA. The Company’s core business is the provision of DTT Network Transmission Service, hosting more than 50 Radio/TV channels on its 3 national Networks which cover more than 96% of the national population. The channel management services broadcast on its Networks are provided through a proprietary Headend infrastructure, constantly maintained at the most advanced state of technology and with reliability standards at the top of the market. For more information, visit: https://persidera.it/.

Video Progetti S.r.l. is a leading Italian company which has been working for over 20 years in the distribution and integration of professional equipment for television, cinema and telecommunications. Having offices both in Rome and Milan, Video Progetti is constantly in touch with the key players in these fields and participates in the development of the broadcast industry by offering our clients the most up-to-date production technology. For more information, visit http://www.videoprogetti.it.

For more Information:  

Ms. Jessica Glad 
Marketing 
Icareus Ltd 

Email: [email protected] 
Telephone: +358 (0)9 2289 0801 

 

Follow Icareus on:  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/icareus-ltd- 

 

Helsinki, 15.08,2024:  Icareus is happy to announce its new version of Audience Measurement solution at IBC2024. It will be showcased at the IBC2024 exhibition held in September in Amsterdam and is immediately  available as cloud service to our customers.

Connectivity is transforming audience measurement by enabling real-time data collection and more accurate insights into viewer behaviour. Icareus Audience Measurement solution offers TV operators, broadcasters, and other service providers tools to gather detailed information on how audiences are engaging with their TV channels. This data is collected in real-time directly from Smart TVs and set-top boxes. The solution supports multiple standards, including interactive TV environments like MHP and HbbTV, and is compatible with all major TV brands such as Samsung, LG, and Sony.

Traditional audience panels should be complemented, or even replaced, with direct, real-time data collection systems like Icareus Audience measurement, because they often rely on a limited number of devices, and thus can miss key insights. Icareus Audience Measurement collects data from all connected devices in the TV network, offering real-time insights that are far more comprehensive and reliable, even for niche channels on e.g. satellite platforms.

This real-time access to viewing data allows operators and broadcasters to make informed decisions without the delay of waiting several days for panel-based metrics. Additionally, Icareus can fine-tune panel sizes as needed to meet different cost and operational requirements, providing flexibility and efficiency.

All the data is presented in flexible, customizable Icareus Audience Dashboards that allows data analysists to customize their experience by modifying and building their own KPIs and dashboards. For full transparency and data management, all collected data can be exported to third-party data management platforms or enriched with additional third-party data, enhancing the usability, depth and value of the system. Our Analytics APIs help 3rd parties to exploit the platform to its full extend with their existing and in-house solutions.

Icareus Audience Measurement can be used in multiple use-cases to improve broadcasters and operators’ operations, viewer engagement and revenues:

  • Improving Viewer Experience by understanding viewer preferences
  • Advertising Revenue Optimization via improved viewer data for more precise ads targeting
  • Competitive Benchmarking to understand market share and channel performance
  • Content Development, Programming and Scheduling decisions by providing understanding which shows, genres and time slots attract the most viewers
  • Audience Engagement and Retention by analyzing the demographics, geographic and behaviours of audiences

Read more about the solution: https://icareus.com/products/audience-measurement/

Or if you are coming to IBC2024, please book a meeting with us: https://icareus.com/events-ibc-2024/

Icareus Ltd is established 2001 and has a headquarters in Helsinki, Finland. Combining online and broadcast technologies have been the core of our activities over two decades, true pioneers some say. We’ve been making the change from linear TV to today’s multi-screen experience. Icareus solutions are enjoyed by millions of consumers via our broadcaster, operator, OTT and OVP customers in over 60 countries.

Icareus TV & Video Cloud and Icareus Playout, a trusted broadcast platform for EPG, Data carousels and OTA support solutions for HbbTV, OTT, TV Everywhere, Addressable TV advertising and Audience Measurement.

For more Information:                                                                                                  

Ms. Jessica Glad
Marketing
Icareus Ltd

Email: [email protected]
Telephone: +358 (0)9 2289 0801

Follow Icareus on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/icareus-ltd-

Helsinki, 02.05,2024:  Telefónica Servicios Audiovisuales (TSA), the Telefónica Group company specializing in broadcast audiovisual services and solutions, has decided to enhance their operations by renewing their legacy EPG platform with Icareus Playout. As the largest privately-owned satellite teleport in Spain, TSA recognized the need for a modern, flexible solution to elevate their workflows, operations, and ultimately, customer satisfaction. 

The existing PSI/SI and EPG platform, integral to TSA’s terrestrial broadcasting services, reached its end-of-life phase, necessitating an advanced replacement. After a meticulous selection process, TSA enlisted the expertise of Icareus and their Spanish partner, QinMedia, to orchestrate a seamless migration and implement an optimized EPG workflow. 

Collaboratively, QinMedia and Icareus took on the challenge, constructing integrated workflows for TSA’s operations team. This strategic approach empowers TSA to center their focus on nurturing customer success and to furher develop their operations. 

"Partnering Icareus in this project has been a pleasure. TSA is a key customer for QinMedia and we had no other choice than offering them the undisputed leader solution in the EPG servers market. It has been proved to be the right choice."
Mr Roberto Martínez Morán
CTO at QinMedia

The Icareus Playout platform, a renowned global broadcast solution, has been chosen by prominent broadcasters and DVB operators across Europe and MENA, including notable names like Arabsat, Asharq News, Arqiva, BVN, Dialog TV, DU, France24, Freesat, Mediaset, Persidera, Telefonica, Telenet, Telespazio, and RAI. Renowned for its modularity, security, and robustness, Icareus Playout facilitates the seamless management of multichannel and -network EPG data. The platform facilitates unique configurations of EPG data sources, EIT tables, PSI/SI descriptors, and even bespoke setups to meet specific needs. 

"Icareus Playout has streamlined the process of creating services in a tree structure, as well as the customized configuration of other services such as text encoding, individual time setting or TTL for each transport, amongst others. This project has granted us greater flexibility, as well as an important personalized attention and professionalism from Qin Media team”.
Mr Julio López Pérez
Internal Support and Implementation Department at TSA

With the adoption of Icareus Playout, TSA takes a significant leap forward in optimizing their operations, streamlining workflows, and delivering enhanced customer experiences. This transformation underscores Icareus’ commitment to fostering excellence in the broadcasting landscape, solidifying TSA’s position as a leader in the industry.

Icareus Playout provides TSA with a versatile solution for managing its Electronic Program Guide, ultimately enhancing the television experience for viewers. Seamlessly integrated into TSA’s systems, Icareus Playout ensures a continuous, fully automated EPG content workflow, operating 24/7.

“At Icareus, we are thrilled to be part of Telefónica Servicios Audiovisuales' transformative journey as they renew their EPG platform with Icareus Playout. Collaborating with our partner QinMedia, we have ensured a seamless migration, enabling TSA to focus on customer success. The Icareus Playout platform, empowers TSA to efficiently manage EPG data, delivering a superior TV experience. This partnership exemplifies our dedication to elevating broadcasting standards and we are excited to continue contributing to TSA's leadership in the industry.”
Mr Toni Leiponen
Icareus’ Managing Director

Icareus Playout Platform has been in production since 2004 and is trusted by leading operators and broadcasters serving customers in 50 countries. Icareus Playout product family includes Icareus Playout EP PSI/SI and EPG server, Icareus CS DSM-CC Carousel server for HbbTV and other Interactive TV standards, Icareus Playout DVB SSU server for over-the-air updates and Icareus Playout Compact Lab solution for research, development and testing TV services.

More information: https://icareus.com/products/icareus-playout-broadcast-service-management-platform/  

Icareus Ltd is established 2001 and has a headquarters in Helsinki, Finland. Combining online and broadcast technologies have been the core of our activities over two decades, true pioneers some say. We’ve been making the change from linear TV to today’s multi-screen experience. Icareus solutions are enjoyed by millions of consumers via our broadcaster, operator, OTT and OVP customers in over 60 countries. 

Icareus TV & Video Cloud and Icareus Playout, a trusted broadcast platform for EPG, Data carousels and OTA support solutions for HbbTV, OTT, TV Everywhere, Addressable TV advertising and Audience Measurement.

More information: https://www.icareus.com  

QinMedia QinMedia represents the commitment of a group of professionals with a vast experience in the Broadcast and Telco market to fulfill the needs of an evolving market demanding the most technologically advanced and highest technical skills to support them. 

QinMedia is positioned as a Software and Hardware solutions provider wherever the added value constitutes a differentiating factor over other market alternatives. 

To the proven quality of the products distributed, QinMedia’s team tacks on consulting, implementation, commissioning, training and after-sales support. This approach entitles us to cover all aspects needed to ensure the success of systems or subsystems deployment projects within the broadcast environment. 

With a new technologies oriented vocation applied to the changing media consumption patterns, QinMedia stands for a trusted partner to join the customers in its technology migration journey.

More information: https://qinmedia.com/  

Telefonica Servicios Audiovisioales (TSA) is the Telefónica Group company that has been creating broadcast audiovisual solutions since 1993. With its headquarters in Spain and an office in Latin America, TSA stands out for its international character, offering broadcast and multimedia services and solutions worldwide. 

We provide end-to-end consulting, design, and integration for audiovisual projects. Our comprehensive solutions cover television production, innovative projects (including those based on AI), and services for video platforms such as DTH, IPTV, OTT, and channel broadcasting. In addition to project and services work, we offer training, coaching, and support at various service levels.  

Notably, we manage Spain’s largest fully private teleport, distributing over 700 television and radio channels, as well as providing internet access, Starlink, LAN, VoIP, and data services. 

Our extensive experience has been shaped over the years through the design, execution, and support of numerous projects for both our own company and our clients. We believe in customer orientation, innovation, and flexibility. Our commitment is to promote technological solutions that adapt to the ever-changing needs of the dynamic audiovisual world. 

More information: https://www.telefonicaserviciosaudiovisuales.com/en/ 

For more Information:  

Ms. Jessica Glad 
Marketing 
Icareus Ltd 

Email: [email protected] 

Telephone: +358 (0)9 2289 0801 

 

Follow Icareus on:  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/icareus-ltd- 

 

Telefónica Servicios Audiovisuales  

Noemí Pérez Villanueva 
MKT & COM 
Email: [email protected] 
Telephone: +34 630 95 30 89  

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Icareus Playout EPG

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Helsinki, 02.05.2024 – IRR-TV, a leading pan-Christian media organization, is thrilled to announce the launch of its direct-to-consumer OTT service through the innovative platform, Permanto.fi. This step allows IRR-TV to seamlessly integrate its TV channel and other broadcasting endeavors into a dynamic, interactive, and user-centric digital space. Permanto.fi, the brand-new video portal, serves a diverse array of both live and on-demand content.

To achieve this remarkable milestone, IRR-TV joined forces with two industry veterans: Icareus and Digita. Icareus, an experienced player in the field of online video and TV solutions, partnered with Finland’s national terrestrial TV operator, Digita, to craft a comprehensive and cutting-edge solution for both live and on-demand content delivery. Digita, known for its exceptional performance in managing critical network infrastructure, effectively bolsters IRR-TV’s broadcasting and OTT services. The OTT video portal, hosted on the robust Icareus Video Cloud, is a pivotal component of this collaboration.

"We are proud to partner with IRR-TV in delivering an unparalleled OTT experience through Permanto.fi. Our Icareus Video Cloud, coupled with Digita's operational excellence, empower IRR-TV to connect with their audience in innovative ways."
Toni Leiponen
CEO of Icareus

Key benefits that Icareus Video Cloud offers to IRR-TV include:

1

Peace of Mind

The long-standing and successful collaboration between Icareus and Digita ensures that IRR-TV can deliver an uninterrupted, smooth, and reliable viewing experience for its audience around the clock.

2

Streamlined Operations

Leveraging Digita’s operational center and network expertise, IRR-TV benefits from a well-oiled machinery that keeps the content delivery process hassle-free.

3

Reliability

The platform’s robust architecture guarantees a reliable and stable streaming experience, minimizing disruptions for viewers.

4

Tailored & Comprehensive Solution

Icareus Video Cloud empowers IRR-TV with the flexibility to adapt to evolving audience preferences and market dynamics. The integration of Icareus Video Cloud enables IRR-TV to handle every aspect of content delivery, from VOD ingestion and transcoding to live channel management and EPG integration. The platform is optimized to cater to Tier 2 and Tier 3 TV channels and content owners, providing tailor-made solutions that fit unique requirements.

5

Cutting-Edge Technology

Permanto.fi’s OTT end-user portal boasts the latest technological advancements and advanced features, including features such as Airplay, Chromecast, and picture-in-picture capabilities, enriching the viewer experience.

The launch of Permanto.fi marks a significant milestone in IRR-TV’s journey towards expanding it’s audience beyond traditional terrestrial, cable and satellite networks. This pioneering venture exemplifies the organization’s commitment to providing unmatched quality, accessibility, and engagement for its cherished viewers across Finland and Internationally.

IRR-TV is a visionary pan-Christian media organization founded in 1986 and dedicated to delivering high-quality content that fosters spiritual growth, education, and entertainment. With a rich history of serving diverse communities, IRR-TV continues to redefine the way faith-based content is created, curated, and consumed. IRR-TV produces almost 1000 TV programs annually and broadcasts these through 16 satellite channels to different parts of the world. The programs appear e.g. in North Africa, the Middle East, and Central and South Asia. IRR-TV has printed a total of more than 8 million books, in 30 languages on 4 continents. More information: https://irr-tv.fi/

Icareus is a leading provider of advanced multimedia solutions, specializing in empowering broadcasters and content owners to deliver exceptional viewing experiences across a variety of platforms. With cutting-edge technology and a commitment to innovation, Icareus is at the forefront of shaping the future of video consumption via its Icareus Video Cloud. More information: https://www.icareus.com

Digita is Finland’s premier national terrestrial TV operator, renowned for its expertise in network infrastructure management and operational excellence. Partnering with key industry players, Digita delivers seamless broadcasting solutions that enrich the lives of millions of viewers nationwide. More information: https://www.digita.fi/

Permanto.fi is an OTT video portal developed through a collaboration between IRR-TV, Icareus, and Digita. This platform offers both live and on-demand content, re-defining the way audiences interact with Christian media content in Finland and internationally. More information:  https://www.permanto.fi/

Icareus Video Cloud is a turnkey white-label video cloud solution for media, TV and content owners. It offers versatile tools for the production, management, publication and (optionally) commercialization of live streaming, videos and events.

More information: https://icareus.com/solutions/broadcasters-media-ott/

Ms. Jessica Glad
Marketing
Icareus Ltd
Phone: +358 (0)9 2289 0801
Email: [email protected]

 

Follow Icareus on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/icareus-ltd-

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Icareus OTT Platform

Read more about our market leading Icareus OTT Platform from our website

Helsinki, 31.01.2024: Telenet, a leading innovator in the broadcasting industry and the largest cable broadband services provider in Belgium, has embarked on a transformative project, choosing to replace its existing DVB-MHP carousel playout system with Icareus Playout. The project is facilitated and managed by Icareus’ System Integration partner Divitel and the solution is now in production.

With a vision of providing an unparalleled viewing experience, Telenet’s new carousel system is projected to remain operational for a substantial span of at least 6 years, a commitment Icareus and Divitel were happy to make. This commitment to longevity underlines Telenet’s dedication to consistent excellence and customer satisfaction.

In pursuit of a tailored solution that meets Telenet’s unique needs, the company has chosen Icareus Playout. The decision to go with Icareus was preceded by meticulous testing to ensure seamless technological compatibility. Icareus Playout aligns seamlessly with Telenet’s customised middleware and update mechanisms, as well as its complex broadcasting ecosystem.

"We are proud to have led the project management, bringing our specialized technical expertise in digital video broadcasting to this critical initiative. This project was not just important, significantly extending the lifespan of Telenet’s legacy set-top boxes. As we transition this project into its production phase, Divitel will continue to play a crucial role, offering steadfast support and coordination with Icareus, ensuring ongoing success and reliability."

Hans Kornmann
Divitel’s CEO and founder

One of the main considerations for Telenet was the preservation of its finely tuned set-top-box middleware environment. The new solution had to flawlessly integrate with the four models and their respective middleware without any modifications. Telenet’s rigorous requirements also mandated e.g. the ability to real-time update files without causing disruptions to both the set-top boxes and the server.

Key factors that played a pivotal role in Telenet’s selection of Icareus Playout include:

  • Tight Integration: Icareus Playout boasts a seamless integration with Telenet’s set-top boxes and their customised middleware. This integration ensures that viewers continue to enjoy an optimal user experience. 
  • Technological Compatibility: The comprehensive testing phase confirmed that Icareus Playout harmoniously syncs with Telenet’s broadcasting setup, ensuring no disruptions to operations. 
  • Long-Term Commitment: The dedication of Icareus to continuous product development, coupled with the local support offered through Divitel, solidified the partnership. This commitment promises ongoing enhancement and troubleshooting. 

"We are honored to be a part of Telenet's journey toward technological advancement. Our Playout solution aligns perfectly with Telenet's vision, and we are eager to contribute to their success."

Toni Leiponen
Toni Leiponen
CEO, Icareus Ltd

Icareus Playout is a modular, secure and robust broadcast platform for managing multichannel and -network datacasting needs.

Icareus Playout allows Telenet to manage its datacasting, MHP applications and middware upgrades with ease. Icareus Playout is tightly integrated to Telenet’s systems to provide a seamless 24/7 fully automated content workflow.

Icareus Playout Platform has been in production since 2004 and is trusted by leading operators and broadcasters serving customers in 50 countries.  Icareus Playout product family includes Icareus Playout EP PSI/SI and EPG server, Icareus CS DSM-CC Carousel server for HbbTV and other Interactive TV standards, Icareus Playout DVB SSU server for over-the-air updates and Icareus Playout Compact Lab solution for research, development and testing TV services.

Icareus Ltd was established in 2001 and is headquartered in Helsinki, Finland. Combining online and broadcast technologies has been the core of our activities for over two decades, making us true pioneers, some say. We have navigated the transition from linear TV to today’s multi-screen experience. Icareus solutions are enjoyed by millions of consumers through our broadcaster, operator, OTT, and OVP customers in over 60 countries.

Our offerings include Icareus TV & Video Cloud and Icareus Playout, a trusted broadcast platform for EPG, Data carousels, and OTA support solutions for HbbTV, OTT, TV Everywhere, Addressable TV advertising, and Audience Measurement.

Divitel excels in video distribution system integration and management, utilizing sophisticated automated technology and Artificial Intelligence to quickly address viewing issues for a diverse range of global cable, broadcast, and IP operators. Their approach, rooted in observability, ensures exceptional Quality of Experience (QoE), Quality of Service (QoS), and security across various platforms and devices. This strategy allows pay TV operators to concentrate on other critical areas, as Divitel’s advanced data mining, automation, and intelligent processes enable them to scale efficiently and fully capitalize on their video delivery investments. With Divitel, operators can effortlessly navigate the complexities of video distribution, eliminating operational stress. 

Telenet is the largest cable broadband connectivity provider in Belgium with 1,8 million video subscribers. Telenet is committed to helping people and businesses to stay one step ahead in the digital age. They want to build a society in which people enjoy living and working together, embracing the endless possibilities of the digital world to the fullest. For a better quality of life. Telenet is committed to offering customers the best connectivity, the best entertainment experience and the best business solutions, on the device of their choice, anytime, anywhere.

Technology is just technology, until we start to change the world with it. Telenet believes that technology can be used for the better. Strengthening what have already been achieved, and using it to enable deeper, more meaningful relationships with its customers and society.

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Helsinki, 16.01.2024, The Finnish National Audiovisual Institute (KAVI), in collaboration with Icareus, has launched Elonet, a new streaming service called Elonet+. This service is designed to offer an even wider range of possibilities to enjoy Finnish film production anywhere and anytime, completely free of charge for the viewer.

The Elonet+ streaming service is hosted on Icareus Video Cloud, making use of its wide range of features. The ease of cloud computing allows KAVI’s experts to focus entirely on curating the content themselves. Icareus Video Cloud enables content owners, public organisations and businesses to deliver their own branded video services securely, quickly and cost-effectively. In addition to the video platform, Icareus designed and implemented Elonet+ applications and user interfaces for various devices, including iOS and Android mobile apps and AppleTV, AndroidTV, LG and Samsung SmartTV apps.Thanks to Icareus Video Cloud’s API interfaces, the challenging migration project, during which thousands of Elonet+ video content and metadata were imported from KAVI’s various video platforms, was completed with minimal human resources.

"It has been important for KAVI to improve the accessibility of its films. The Elonet+, implemented in partnership with the Icareus people, meets a need expressed by customers and we at KAVI are proud of this achievement."

Pekka Tähtinen
Head of Digital Services at KAVI

"We are honoured that KAVI chose Icareus Video Cloud as the solution for the new Elonet+ service. It's great to see how it brings together a vast amount of national film, TV and other content history in one place, and makes it available to all Finns."

Toni Leiponen
Toni Leiponen
CEO, Icareus Ltd

The new video service is off to an impressive start – the collection already contains more than 350 feature films, with 20-30 new titles being added every year. Among the films on offer are the old, familiar Pekka Puupää comedy films, the 1955 Unknown Soldier, Pojat (1962), based on Paavo Rintala’s famous novel, and the true crime film Fraud (1988). TV series will not be ignored either, with a remastered 4K version of the Winter War TV series as its first taste. With around 3000 commercials, documentaries and short films, there’s plenty to keep you busy for a long time.
Elonet+ can be found at http://elonetplus.fi and in app stores under the same name.

Elonet+ devices

The National Audiovisual Institute (KAVI) preserves and makes available Finland’s audiovisual cultural heritage: films, television and radio programmes. The National Audiovisual Institute (KAVI) is a government agency under the Ministry of Education and Culture, whose activities are based on legislation. KAVI’s statutory tasks include the preservation of films and television and radio programmes, as well as related research, the supervision of the provision of image programmes and the promotion of media education.

Icareus Oy, founded in 2001, is a growing and profitable Finnish company providing SaaS video cloud services. Our company serves customers from over 60 countries. Our main product, the customisable Icareus Video Cloud Service, enables the publishing of professional video services for organisations. The service is suitable for both internal and external use in various contexts, such as content services, virtual and hybrid events, communication, marketing and training. All this easily and affordably from the cloud, for all terminals.

Icareus Suite is the most versatile online SaaS video cloud service in Europe, used by a wide range of actors such as sports organisations, companies, 3rd sector operators, TV channels, operators and public organisations. We offer a wide range of features such as Live streaming broadcasts, Video-on-demand streaming services, customisable video portals, events, social media integrations, subscriber management, ad management, paywalls and a handy mobile app to upload videos from your mobile phone to the service. All Icareus video services are always brand-safe and can be customised to look like the customer with selected features.

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Presentation with further information about the service and its numerous applications.

Read more about the customizable Icareus Video Cloud on our website.

Discover the evolving world of television technology as we delve into the insights from the 11th HbbTV Symposium in Naples, Italy. From advancements in TV standards to innovations in addressable TV advertising, this post explores how these developments benefit TV viewers, enhancing their content discovery, user experience, and overall engagement. Join us in uncovering the practical advantages that these technological strides bring to the forefront of the television landscape. 

1

Broadcasters pushing direct to consumer business models 

The 11th HbbTV Symposium unfolded in Naples, Italy. In his opening remarks, Mr. Vincent Grivet set the tone by addressing a crucial industry trend: broadcasters are rapidly adopting both OTT delivery and direct-to-consumer models for big screens.  an example of FTA channels new way to reach consumers is Freely’s (https://www.everyonetv.co.uk/news/press-release/new-free-tv-service-via-ip) collaborative approach where they unite forces for a premium content offering. 

2

HbbTV Standard Advancements 

Moving on to advancements in the HbbTV standard, two new specifications are introduced: 2.0.4 and OppApp. Notably, the latter powers Freely’s success. Additionally, updates on reference applications and the test suite are to be highlighted. 

3

TV Sales Steady and Changing Revenue Streams 

Paul Gray’s (OMDIA) market review notes positive developments. He emphasizes robust TV sales and CE manufacturers exploring new revenue streams from advertising and subscription services, following the example of Roku and Vizio. However, challenges persist, because up to 70% of SmartTV advertising spending concentrated in the US. 

4

Diversifying Recurring Revenues 

In the pursuit of diversifying recurring revenues, TV platforms are starting to prioritize them over hardware sales. This involves exploring revenue avenues such as video advertising, revenue sharing with broadcasters/OTT VOD services, audience data, service placements on home screens, and selling custom remote control buttons for OTT providers. 

Smart TV advertising has already surpassed TV hardware sales, underscoring the growing importance of recurring revenues over one-time TV device sales.

5

Software’s Rising Importance

A noteworthy shift is observed as consumers increasingly prioritize the quality of TV platforms when purchasing new TVs. This prompts TV manufacturers to adopt a “razor blades or printer cartridge” business models, 75′ TV costs 400€ and recurring revenue possibly up to 100€/year for a single device. Simultaneously, the battle between operating systems, including Android, Tizen, and WebOS, intensifies. 

6

Content Discoverability and HbbTV’s Role 

From a consumer perspective, this raises the question of content discoverability — how many apps do I need to have installed on my SmartTV to access the content I want: FAST, catch-up, or VOD? In my opinion, HbbTV can address the discoverability of TV services, not by relying on the TV manufacturer, but as an integral part of TV channels. With the rise of OppApp, it can also become an integral part of the TV device itself.

7

DVB-I’s Potential for FAST Channels 

DVB-I is making strides with technical trials in Italy, Spain, and Germany, aiming to seamlessly integrate broadcast and broadband channels into one user interface, significantly enhancing content discovery.

However, a crucial question remains regarding the regulation, legislation, and certification regime needed to define roles and responsibilities in its management. The seamless combination of broadcast and broadband services is highly lucrative for content owners, providing cost-effective means for even niche channels to reach larger screens.

Another consideration is how to develop and distribute DVB-I compliant client apps to devices like set-top boxes, streaming sticks, and mobile devices. Nevertheless, progress in technical, business, and legislative realms continues, and we anticipate real production deployments of DVB-I in Europe soon. This addresses the future of TV, where broadcast, OTT, and multicast deliver mainstream content to large audiences, alongside niche thematic and local content in both linear and on-demand offerings.

The challenge lies in defining the regulatory framework for its effective management.

8

Addressable Advertising and DVB-TA Compliant TVs 

Addressable advertising is deemed a crucial feature for generating increased revenue from the same ad inventory, emerging as one of the hot topics once again in Naples. While display advertising still has its place, there’s a noticeable shift in focus and high expectations toward dynamic ad substitution. In Italy, Linear Ad replacement has become a daily norm, experiencing a 30% YoY growth with over 100 campaigns in 2023. The most prominent advertiser segments are retail, beverages, and Telco. Two main models have been adopted: replacing the entire ad break with online ads and changing only 1-2 ads within the ad break. Technically, most broadcasters rely on client-side ad replacement and custom pre-buffering of manifests to ensure a seamless transition from broadcast to broadband and back.

What holds great promise is the release of the very first DVB-TA compliant TVs by Samsung, utilized by Mediaset in their dynamic ad substitution business. This development not only makes technical implementation easier but also provides a broader horizontal technology platform for utilization.

9

Promoting HbbTV Engagement for Targeted Advertising 

To launch successful targeted advertising in any country, HbbTV should be mandated as the default setting. However, channels must also offer additional beneficial HbbTV services to keep viewers engaged, as seeing only ads may result into reluctance in keeping HbbTV activated on their TVs. 

10

Audience Measurement Challenges 

A significant focus during the unconference, evident from the substantial audience participation, revolved around audience measurement. Exploring how entities like Barb, GfK, Kantar, and others compare to real-time measurement via HbbTV sparked interesting discussions. Particularly for smaller channels facing zero ratings, HbbTV measurement has proven invaluable. The data from HbbTV audiences clearly demonstrates their presence, even when panel data falls short. However, a challenge persists in persuading advertisers of this reality, given their reliance on official TV ratings. This poses a political question requiring resolution, and it’s crucial to involve both media agencies and official panels—often the gatekeepers between TV and media buyers in many countries. While data collection can be costly, channels must assess whether they can justify the expense with the potential for a larger ad inventory and enhanced visibility into how their programming is consumed.

11

Developer Tools and Industry Support 

Concluding on another positive note, Samsung’s release of developer tools for 2024 models is highlighted as a step forward, fostering efforts to enhance UX and cross-platform support within the industry. I hope this paves road for other manufacturers to follow. 

HbbTV is a global initiative aimed at harmonizing the delivery of broadcast and broadband services through connected TVs and set-top boxes. It enables broadcasters to deliver interactive content, such as on-demand videos, catch-up TV, and interactive applications, alongside traditional broadcast services.

Read about Icareus’ HbbTV platform: https://icareus.com/products/hbbtv-solutions/

HbbTV symposiums are events where industry professionals, stakeholders, and experts gather to discuss the latest developments, trends, and challenges in the field of hybrid TV. These symposiums often include keynote presentations, panel discussions, technical sessions, and demonstrations of new HbbTV technologies. Participants may include representatives from broadcasting companies, technology providers, regulatory bodies, and other relevant organizations.

More information:
https://www.hbbtv.org/11th-hbbtv-symposium-and-awards-2023/