1 Mainstream Launches Digital TV Platform For Leading Connected Devices

CUPERTINO, Calif., Dec. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Internet TV platform 1 Mainstream™ today announced the company's official launch having successfully established a partnership with British Sky Broadcasting (Sky), the UK and Ireland's leading home entertainment and communications company.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131219/SF36150)

Built from the ground-up using highly-scalable and cost-optimized cloud technologies, 1 Mainstream provides rich native application experiences on a wide variety of high-engagement device platforms and multiple content delivery networks. 1 Mainstream is the first software-as-a-service platform that automates not only app creation and streaming, but also manages ad serving and billing for Internet TV devices. Supported devices include Apple® TV, Google® TV, Samsung® Smart TVs, Roku™, Xbox®, iPad®, Kindle® Fire™, and Android® Tablets.

By using 1 Mainstream, content programmers, networks and distributors are able to minimize the time and resource investment in apps, devices, streaming and billing while maximizing their focus on content and customers.

1 Mainstream was founded in 2012 by a team of Apple, Roku and Tivo® veterans looking to change costly and lengthy application development, inconsistent user experiences and hardware-based video technologies for the better. 1 Mainstream is backed by DCM, Menlo Ventures and Sky.

Sky Uses 1 Mainstream to Extend Potential Reach to 18M International Viewers:

Sky selected 1 Mainstream as the most efficient and high-performance platform to create its Sky News app experience for Apple TV and Roku and launched with live, high-quality HD content streaming within just weeks from initial concept. The launch of Sky News on these leading TV-connected devices has meant up to half a million new viewers per month, many tuning in 3 times or more per week in the US and Canada, as well as expanded reach in the UK and Ireland.

The Sky News app is also available on the NOW TV IP streaming box using 1 Mainstream.

"News consumption is changing fast and our goal at Sky News is to set the bar for innovative and creative content distribution. We have been delighted with the response to Sky News in North America following our partnership with 1 Mainstream," said Andrew Hawken, Editorial Director, Sky News. "We look forward to continuing to embrace new platforms and devices as we continue to extend the reach of our award-winning news coverage."

In addition to Sky, 1 Mainstream counts more than 20 content companies as partners including several as yet announced tier-1 satellite TV and Web content providers.

"1 Mainstream is a great example of an enterprise platform designed and built by a consumer team. I am glad to see the platform receiving strong market validation and support from Sky and leading platforms like Apple TV," said Jason Krikorian, venture capitalist at DCM Ventures, founder of Sling® Media and an early investor in the company.

"Our work with Sky, Apple TV and Roku demonstrates that innovation is still very much alive and well in TV – instant global distribution to a highly-engaged digital audience is now here," said Rajeev Raman, CEO, 1 Mainstream.  "It also demonstrates that VOD is no longer the only game for IPTV. With the Sky News live service on Apple TV and Roku, we are blurring the lines between traditional and Internet delivery.  1 Mainstream is uniquely qualified to be on the leading edge of this trend and we look forward to bringing more world-class content to audiences everywhere."

About 1 Mainstream

1 Mainstream (Cupertino, CA) is a cloud-based digital TV distribution platform for broadcasters and operators optimized for deploying HD services in weeks across the most popular TV, game console, tablet and Web devices. Leading broadcasters and operators, such as BSkyB, use 1 Mainstream to automate native app creation, content delivery and protection, and monetization. 1 Mainstream is backed by DCM, Menlo Ventures and BSkyB.  For more information, visit www.1mainstream.com.

About Sky

Sky is the UK and Ireland's leading home entertainment and Communications Company.  Around 40% of all homes have a direct relationship with Sky through its range of TV, broadband and home telephony services.

Sky is the UK's biggest investor in television content, last year investing £2.5 billion in channels such as Sky 1, Sky Atlantic, Sky Living, Sky Arts, Sky Sports, Sky Movies and Sky News.   Around two-thirds of Sky's content spend is invested in the UK and Sky is the fastest-growing source of investment in original British programmes.  More than 30 million people watch Sky content each week.

Alongside its commitment to offering customers a greater choice of high-quality content, Sky is a leading innovator.  Customers enjoy total control and flexibility over their favourite TV through Sky+, watch TV on the move through Sky Go, and enjoy the best quality TV experience at home through High Definition and 3D. 

Sky distributes its content broadly over several platforms, including satellite, cable, IPTV, mobile and WiFi.  NOW TV, Sky's second consumer brand, builds on the company's leadership in internet TV.  Sky is also the UK's fastest-growing home communications company and favourite 'triple-play' provider of TV, broadband and home phone.

Sky believes in making a positive contribution to society, taking responsibility for doing the right thing day-to-day and reaching beyond the business to inspire people to take action. Sky Academy is creating opportunities for up to one million young people, helping them build skills, experience and self-belief. Through Sky's partnership with British Cycling, Sky is using the inspiration of elite success to encourage millions more people to get on their bikes.

Sky employs 24,000 people, has annual revenues of £7.2 billion and is estimated to support a £5.9 billion contribution to UK GDP.  Sky is listed on the London Stock Exchange (BSY).

All trademarks and registered trademarks previously cited are the property of their respective owners and are hereby recognized and acknowledged.

For further information, please contact Jonathan Hirshon, PR Counsel for 1 Mainstream at [email protected]

SOURCE 1 Mainstream