ICTV and YooMedia enter into 3G video content market
November 7, 2005
YooMedia, the AIM traded interactive content and services provider, and ICTV have expanded their joint venture agreement to develop and exclusively market rich media interactive content solutions and services for the worldwide 3G mobile market. The joint venture company, BroadbandTV Group, utilizes YooMedia's cross platform interactive media gateway and services and ICTV's HeadendWare technology, which have already been successfully integrated for digital television and are currently under trial in the UK with ntl.
BroadbandTV Group aims to operate and provide a unique enhanced 3G interactive video gateway for 3G network operators, television broadcasters, content publishers, content producers and advertisers.
ICTV's HeadendWare enables a content delivery network that brings broadband web delivery techniques and tools to 3G including Flash and Shockwave animation, high quality streaming audio and full motion video. YooMedia's proprietary interactive services include the Dateline Mobile service, the world's first mobile phone video dating service to deliver live video matching for singles, which recently was named Best Mobile TV Channel or Service at MIPCOM's inaugural Mobile Day.
BroadbandTV Group has already developed and aggregated a wide-ranging interactive UK programming package through its Content Partner Programme, including ITN, MTV Networks, Emap, Turner Broadcasting, Sesame Workshop and UKTV.
The Directors believe that this partnership is an important strategic step for the Company and anticipate that the relationship will make a growing contribution to its financial results during the year ending 31 December 2006 and beyond.
YooMedia's Group Managing Director, Neil MacDonald, said "This is another exciting step in the development of cutting edge and compelling products and services for the YooMedia interactive portfolio. There is tremendous market potential, for example, in the ability of our YooMedia Dating services to reach singles across a combination of mobile, PC and digital television devices."
One of the fastest growing technologies worldwide, 3G service is currently offered over more than 75 networks in 36 countries, with subscriber numbers estimated to grow to approximately 240 million in the next four years. A total of 26 hardware suppliers manufacture and distribute more than 170 3G handsets and devices.
Jeff Miller, President and Chief Executive Officer of ICTV, added: "While 3G represents a large potential market, the diversity of devices and networks and the need to reach across other media underscores the need for a unified solution. By combining the power of HeadendWare with YooMedia's innovative applications, Broadband TV is able to rapidly and cost-effectively deliver rich media services across PCs, mobile devices and advanced digital television."
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