Roku targets pay TV operators with ‘powered’ programme

Sky’s Roku-powered Now TV box

Web streaming device maker Roku is looking to expand its international reach with the launch of its Roku Powered programme – aimed at pay TV service providers outside the US.

The scheme will see Roku license the technology that powers its streaming platform, letting pay TV operators customise and integrate this into its own offerings in order to offer web-delivered content.

The Roku Powered programme will give partners access to low-cost hardware, software and on-going software upgrades, a user interface, and a selection of streaming content, said Roku.

Pay TV partners can also apply their own branding to the user experience, customise user interface themes, build in promotions and control the streaming content that is available on the platform.

“There has been incredible demand from pay TV providers for a simple way to address the increasing consumer interest in internet-delivered entertainment,” said Roku’s general manager of content and services, Steve Shannon.

“Our world-class software, cost-effective hardware design, and broad content selection make Roku the ideal strategic partner for pay TV providers to work with to transform their user experience and set the stage for success in this fast-changing world of internet-delivered video.”

The move comes after Roku partnered with BSkyB to develop the Roku-powered Now TV box, which Sky launched for customers of its Now TV OTT offering in July 2013. This was the first time that Roku licensed its streaming platform.

Last month, Roku also announced the launch of two new lines of smart TV from electronics manufacturers Hisense and TCL with Roku’s operating system built in.