A+E Networks taps Simplestream for Blaze TV everywhere

A+E Networks UK has tapped Simplestream to provide TV everywhere distribution services for recently-launched free-to-air channel Blaze.

A+E Networks is using Simplestream’s Media Manager SAAS solution for the delivery of live TV, catch-up TV and VOD services to desktop, iOS, Android and fourth-generation Apple TV users.

The Simplestream team completed an integration with A+E’s playout provider to create a single, unified workflow that ingests the live channel and creates VOD assets directly from A+E’s media asset management system, including full management of associated metadata and media rights controls, according to Simplestream.

Blaze is A+E’s first move in the free-to-air market in the UK. A+E Networks EMEA managing director Dean Possenniskie recently told DTVE that the launch of the channel and its accompanying TV everywhere service grew out of it seeing an opportunity to use its content without damaging existing pay TV relationships.

The TV everywhere services is the first such offering from A+E in the EMEA region, providing access to Blaze content on a catch-up basis on multiple screens.