Synamedia unveils Astro partnership, renews with Bharti Airtel

Synamedia and Malaysian TV/OTT platform Astro have entered into a strategic partnership that will see Synamedia technology deployed to deliver a seamless premium video experience to Astro subscribers across all devices.

Synamedia’s cloud-based Infinite video platform will enable Astro to secure, distribute and monetise video experiences across all screens while deepening viewer engagement. Importantly, Infinite will deliver the same high-quality viewing experience on one-way and two-way connected devices, and Astro customers will continue to have access to all stored and scheduled recordings on the new platform.

Yves Padrines, CEO, Synamedia, said, “We understand how important it is for Astro to embrace the cloud while protecting its existing hybrid broadcast technology investments and ensuring the customer experience remains second to none. Our systems integration team is doing just that – delivering a smooth transition path that will allow Astro to embrace the myriad new opportunities that Infinite offers.”

Henry Tan, CEO of Astro added, “The adoption of a seamless user interface and the deployment of the new 4K UHD set-top-boxes with cloud-based recording will improve the customer experience substantially. We believe this improvement will spur growth opportunities in our SVOD, TVOD and OTT services.”

In a separate development, Synamedia has also extended its relationship with telecoms operator Bharti Airtel in India. The new multi-year contract builds on Airtel’s 12-year partnership with Synamedia and the two firms’ shared focus on driving digital TV innovation while protecting content and revenues. The extended contract will see Synamedia work with Airtel on enhancements to its multi-lingual EPG and additional features and functionality that will boost the experience for Airtel customers.