SmartMEDIA CDN. Purpose & Benefits
April 24, 2024
TCA is migrating from Cable TV to 100% streaming video service with Smartlabs and Red Bee Media
July 3, 2023
Smartlabs, the leading provider of multi-screen solutions for video streaming, announces that US-based operator TCA has selected Smartlabs SmartTUBE Multiscreen Solution with EPG metadata provided by Red Bee Media, a global media services provider. This strategic decision marks TCA’s migration from its legacy cable TV service to a state-of-the-art, 100% streaming, multiscreen solution.
TCA began providing their cable TV service in 2000 through a hybrid fiber-coaxial network. Over time TCA has added high-speed internet, HD digital cable, VOIP and is now enhancing its network by rolling out fiber optics. The time was right for TCA to enhance their TV offering by offering services not only to STBs but also to mobile devices and retail devices from Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
The existing TCA headend has been enhanced with the powerful SmartMEDIA Transcoding solution that converts all NCTC National channels and local off-air channels into multi bitrate streams allowing increased reach to subscribers to receive video service over the TCA fiber and in-home wireless network connections.
Smartlabs has also implemented their SmartCARE solution to enable TCA to monitor the quality of the video service being delivered to every device and content viewing measures. SmartCARE monitors every aspect of the content delivery process in real time, providing in depth reports and personalised dashboard, keeping all SLAs in focus.
Moreover, the solution has seamlessly incorporated the exceptional EPG metadata provided by Red Bee Media, thereby enhancing its overall effectiveness. The inclusion of Red Bee Media's data and images not only enhances the user's video experience but also enriches the visual appeal of applications. Furthermore, their comprehensive metadata empowers Smartlabs' search engine to swiftly locate the desired content, ensuring utmost customer satisfaction and minimising customer churn rates.
DJ Weber, TCA General Manager, “Streaming video is here to stay, and it is a much more sustainable solution. For us, the Smartlabs multiscreen solution provides both a cable-like video experience for the older generation (which we need) as well as a more modern interface, needed for the younger generation. All future video subscriber sales will come from our younger generation”.
Gary Hamer, Smartlabs’ SVP Sales and Business Development, explains: “We are happy to offer smaller operators and service providers our proven technology, facilitating their smooth transition to the new, sustainable business models, which address customers’ needs and expectations while enabling their steady growth”.
Jason Marchese, Head of Sales, Market Area Americas: “At Red Bee Media, we believe in the power of seamless integration and enriching user experiences. Our EPG metadata, rich media content, and images enhance the visual appeal of applications, while empowering Smartlabs’ search engine to swiftly locate desired content. We are thrilled to partake in the future of streaming by assisting Smartlabs in helping TCA’s content reach its widest possible audience.”
