Czech Television Partners with Harmonic to Enhance Streaming Quality and Control

Czech Television Partners with Harmonic to Enhance Streaming Quality

In a significant move towards modernizing its streaming capabilities, Czech Television (Czech TV) has joined forces with Harmonic, a leading company specializing in broadband and video delivery solutions. This partnership aims to revamp Czech TV's video streaming workflow by adopting the innovative XOS Advanced Media Processor, heralding a new era of superior video quality and enhanced viewer engagement.

Czech Television, the primary public broadcaster in the Czech Republic, has recognized the limitations of outdated outsourcing processes for media processing. As Jan Dvořák, the head of IT and digital services at Czech TV, articulates, “After years of relying on outsourced solutions, we recognized the need to bring media processing in-house.” The shift to Harmonic's XOS media processor is pivotal in achieving this goal, leveraging advanced AI-powered content-aware encoding technology to significantly boost the quality of video streaming across various devices.

The transition to in-house operations not only enhances quality but also grants Czech TV improved control over its media output. This allows for the seamless delivery of high-definition content to millions of viewers. Dvořák further emphasizes the benefits stating, “This shift has allowed us to streamline operations, gain efficiency, reduce costs and boost engagement, while offering the highest video quality to our audiences.”

Harmonic's XOS media processor stands out due to its cloud-native architecture and comprehensive feature set. It supports mobile, web app, and HbbTV delivery, allowing Czech TV to create multiple video profiles, embed subtitles, and insert logos for pop-up channels. Such functionality not only enhances viewer engagement but also elevates the overall viewing experience by making content more accessible and customizable.

Moreover, the XOS solution offers state-of-the-art audio mixing capabilities, including the provision of descriptive audio for viewers with impairments, ensuring an inclusive streaming experience for all. This focus on inclusivity reflects the growing trend in the industry towards creating accessible content for diverse audiences.

Tony Berthaud, Senior Vice President of Sales for APAC and EMEA at Harmonic, praised the forward-thinking approach taken by Czech TV. He noted, “As a long-standing Harmonic customer, Czech TV continues to demonstrate forward-thinking leadership by embracing innovation and leveraging software efficiencies.” The XOS media processor not only provides Czech TV with the tools needed to improve streaming experiences but also positions it as a competitive player in the marketplace of video content delivery.

Czech Television's collaboration with Harmonic is a strategic move to cater to the evolving expectations of viewers who demand high-quality streaming experiences in an increasingly digital world. The enhancement through the use of AI capabilities and in-house control marks a significant advancement in their operations, promising to revolutionize how content is delivered and consumed.

As the partnership unfolds, the impact on Czech TV's audience engagement will be closely monitored by industry observers. With the help of local partner Smart Informatics, the deployment process has been smooth, ensuring that all technological upgrades are seamlessly integrated into the existing framework.

In conclusion, the partnership between Czech Television and Harmonic signifies a major step in the evolution of television broadcasting in the Czech Republic. It highlights how traditional media can embrace modern technology to meet the demands of contemporary viewers, ultimately raising the standards of what audiences can expect from their public broadcasters.