Sky-backed OnPrime TV now available in Germany, Italy and UK on Apple TV

OnPrime TV, the Sky and Cisco-backed OTT TV service targeting migrant groups in the pay TV operator’s home markets, is now live in the UK, Germany and Italy.

The app-based streaming service is currently available on the Apple TV platform. It can be downloaded via the app store on Apple TV4, or by searching for OnPrime TV on Apple TV3. All channel packs offer a 30-day free trial, and range in price from £8.99 to £17.99 a month.

Cisco said it plans to expand the service to more devices and additional European countries during 2017.

The service currently offers three ‘Sky packs’ aimed at Russia, Arabic and South Asian audiences respectively.

The Russian pack comprises THT, Bestseller, Moolt, Planeta HD, 1+1 International, CTC International, Domashniy, Peretz and TV1000 Russian Kino. A number of other channels – Channel One Russia, Carousel, Vremya, Dom Kino, Muzika and Pervogo – are currently available in the UK and Italy, but not Germany.

The latest broadcaster to sign up for the Russian pack is Viasat World, the formerly Modern Times Group-owned outfit whose TV1000 Russian Kino will bring a selection of Russian movies including Soulless 2 Friday and Wolves and Sheep to a new audience.

Emma Jones, Viasat World vice president commercial affairs said: “We are delighted to be part of the OnPrime TV offering and are eager to bring the best Russian movies to new audiences across multiple territories and devices. TV1000 Russian Kino is our most popular channel both in Russia and abroad and we are excited to welcome our new viewers in Germany,Italy and the UK.”

The Arabic pack comprises Rotana Aflam, Rotana Cinema, LBC, Rotana Clip, Rotana Mousica, Rotana Classic and Rotana Khalijia.

The South Asian pack includes Sony Entertainment TV Asia, Sony Max, Zee TV, Zee Cinema, Zee Punjabi and B4U. Star channels –  Star Plus, Star Life Ok and Star Gold – are included in Germany and Italy, bujt sold as a separate Star TV pack in the UK.

Cisco has tapped Encompass Digital Media to provide encoding technology for the service.

“OnPrime TV fills the gap in the market for high-quality foreign entertainment available to non- European expatriate communities living in Europe,” said Rajeev Raman, vice president, strategy and product management, SP applications and platforms, Cisco.

“Sky has worked closely with Cisco for years, and we’re pleased to be partnering with them on this innovative new service,” said Emma Lloyd, group director of business development and strategic partnerships, Sky. 

“Cisco’s technological expertise and Encompass’ long-standing history of delivering reliable broadcast solutions, combined with Sky’s strong track record on curating content and streaming to millions of customers, has created an exciting new service.”

Cisco first revealed details about the service in December, when it indicated that OnPrime TV would also be available on iPads, iPhones, Android phones and tablets, Roku streaming media devices, and Sony PS3/4 and Microsoft Xbox One game consoles. Sky has not publicised its involvement in the project widely.