FRANSAT Launches "FRANSAT Connect" its New Connected TV Service Portal

PARIS, September 13, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

FRANSAT, the French DTH platform operated by Eutelsat, is unveiling its "FRANSAT Connect" interactive portal using the HbbTV standard at IBC Amsterdam. The portal is designed for connected TV sets and decoders compatible with the FRANSAT satellite platform. It will be displayed on Eutelsat's stand at IBC (Hall 1 - stand D59).

In addition to linear television and radio channels, FRANSAT Connect will provide viewers with a wide range of interactive services including programme guides, infotainment, access to catch-up services and video on demand.

Viewers can select to display the portal on their TV screen in full-screen mode and through the "FRANSAT Info" channel  or as a banner displayed on any channel by pressing a dedicated button on the remote control (depending on equipment installed).

Using the HbbTV standard FRANSAT Connect provides improved access to interactive applications provided by the channels available in the FRANSAT platform by referencing them within the portal. Direct access to interactive services provided by the channels is also available via the red button that appears on screen as a pop-up once a channel is selected.

FRANSAT's CEO Jean-Luc Deroudilhe said: "Starting from a base of subscription-free digital channels for French homes beyond range of DTT reception FRANSAT is transforming into a fully fledged platform able to offer linear and non-linear services. Our vision is to provide users with an intuitive and straightforward interface that matches viewer expectations for a broader television experience."

FRANSAT Connect is available via a new range of HbbTV-compatible satellite receivers referenced by FRANSAT. This range includes an external decoder model "XENA HD Twin CONNECT" produced and distributed by ASTON (see presentation below), and a large selection of TV displays^[1] with an integrated satellite tuner fitted with a FRANSAT CAM module. This new generation of hybrid satellite receivers combines reception of linear channels via satellite with interactive non-linear content transmitted to the TV set via a broadband connection.

In addition to the new portal designed for display on TV screens, FRANSAT is launching a companion application to enable viewers to access the FRANSAT Connect programme guide on smartphones and tablets^[2]. This application will also act as a virtual remote control and enable viewers to manage programme alerts and easily set recordings.

The FRANSAT Connect portal has been developed with the support of the Dotscreen agency.

XENA HD Twin CONNECT

XENA® HD Twin Connect: The first Hybrid satellite receiver, Viaccess 5.0, HbbTV 1.5 with embedded DRM on the market!

The latest product in the ASTON FRANSAT HD range, the XENA^® HD Twin Connect receiver is the first Viaccess 5.0 satellite receiver on the market to include HbbTV 1.5 and DRM (Digital Rights Management). This connected receiver provides all the functionalities of the FRANSAT Connect  portal and additional TV channel interactive content combined with optimum security, thanks to ASTON's decision to incorporate Marlin DRM. This standard ensures secure downloading of broadcast and broadband content available on the channels. It also provides operators with security, encryption and DRM for VOD packages.

Designed in under a year under the strong impetus of the ASTON and FRANSAT teams, XENA® HD Twin Connect is strikingly fluid and quick to use. Based on MStar's K2-MSD 7862 processor, the receiver concentrates the best of today's technology: HbbTV 1.5, Marlin DRM, double tuner, multi-satellites, 2 card readers, PVR-Ready function via the 2 USB ports (recording on external disk drive), PUSH VOD function and the innovative and secure multi-room function that does not require a smart card in secondary receivers. XENA® HD Twin Connect will be marketed as of November 2013.

Demonstration of the XENA® HD Twin Connect receiver on the ASTON stand (Hall 2 - Stand B39) and the Eutelsat stand (Hall1 - Stand D59)

Photos available on request

About FRANSAT

FRANSAT is a simple and fast solution for subscription-free satellite reception of France's 25 DTT channels of which 10 broadcast in HD, the 24 regional channels of France 3, additional local and thematic channels, radio stations and Connected TV services FRANSAT also enables access to pay offers provided by BIS TV, beIN SPORT and La Chaîne Théâtres. The platform is available in metropolitan France and broadcasts via the EUTELSAT 5 West A satellite located at 5° West. FRANSAT is a 100% subsidiary of Eutelsat.

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1. See list at http://www.fransat.fr/tv-compatibles/

2. Available now on Iphone, Ipad and Ipod

For more information visit http://www.fransat.fr

SOURCE FRANSAT