Swisscom taps THEOplayer for blue TV

Swsscom is using technology from video streaming tech specialist THEO Technologies to deliver the blue TV service – previously known as TV Air and will now use THEOplayer across its web clients as well as on connected TVs.

The partnership between Swisscom and THEO started back in 2016, when Swisscom adopted THEOplayer across its TV Air’s web platforms. The streaming service carries a wide selection of premium live and VOD content, including top-flight football from the English Premier League (EPL) and Switzerland’s Raiffeisen Super League, shows from the BBC and National Geographic, Hollywood blockbusters and more.

Viewers will now be able to watch blue TV content across all major connected TV platforms, adding to desktop and mobile web devices that were already supported via THEOplayer.

According to THEOplayer, connected TV viewers will benefit from fast start-up times, rapid switching between channels and the ability to cast from mobile and tablet devices to the TV.

As well as potentially reaching a broader audience, Swisscom will be able to apply a single workflow across all devices, in part due to the adoption of THEOplayer’s SDKs across major smart and connected TV devices.

Samuel Schaerli, senior product owner at Swisscom, said: “From the very beginning of our partnership, THEO Technologies has enabled our subscribers to enjoy a seamless high-quality viewing experience of our content across multiple devices and browsers. Through its reliable support and high-quality playback solutions, THEO has proven itself to be a valuable extension of our technical team. By leveraging THEOplayer SDKs, we are able to speed up our go-to market time and significantly reduce the complexity and development overhead, while ultimately providing the best Lean Back TV experience.”

Steven Tielemans, CEO at THEO Technologies, said: “We are delighted to announce a significant extension to our long-running partnership with Swisscom, which is rightfully viewed as a true market innovator. We’re proud to have been a part of the TV Air story up to now, and are excited to be an important part of the blue TV story moving forward as it is now truly coming home to consumers on connected TV.”