Ooyala Turns on Universal Video Syndication for Connected TVs With Industry-Leading Panasonic VIERA Connect Platform

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. and LAS VEGAS, Jan. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Ooyala, a leader in digital video technology, analytics and services, this week enabled video publishers to easily reach viewing audiences directly through the Panasonic VIERA Connect smart television platform. Building on its universal syndication solution, which quickly and cost-effectively delivers content to smartphones, tablets and other devices, Ooyala now gives premium video publishers seamless access to connected living rooms. Ooyala's syndication platform also enables connected TV providers to easily scale distribution of new direct-to-consumer content offerings.

Panasonic will be the first smart TV maker to offer entertainment powered by Ooyala, and The Country Network (TCN) will be the first publisher to take advantage of the power of Ooyala's Universal Syndication on a smart TV platform. This month, TCN will begin giving VIERA Connect customers access to content from TCN's rich catalog of country music artists and channels, including a simulcast of the network's live TV broadcast channel. Many more video publishers are expected to offer a broad range of content directly to connected TVs through Ooyala's Universal Syndication in early 2012.

Forrester Research estimates that connected TVs will reach one third of U.S. homes by 2015, and Ooyala's recent quarterly Video Index Report illustrates the rapid pace at which publishers are already moving to new direct-to-consumer models. Ooyala's one-click syndication is the simplest way to take advantage of this large and growing opportunity for digital distribution, using Universal Syndication to broadcast digital video content across a range of devices. TV programmers can use the Ooyala technology to easily connect with huge audiences on smart TVs such as the Panasonic's SMART VIERA HDTVs or any other device including smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles and laptops.

"This will be a huge year for hyper-selective, cross-device entertainment," said Chris Wong, senior vice president of corporate and business development for Ooyala. "The industry clearly recognizes the urgency of connected cloud services in the living room as viewers become more discriminating about what they watch and where they can access video. With their fast adoption of Ooyala's connected TV syndication, Panasonic and TCN are demonstrating our shared commitment to innovation that moves the television experience into the future."

"Panasonic's VIERA Connect Smart VIERA TV platform is focused on offering consumers a wide and robust range of compelling video content and engaging apps," said Merwan Mereby, Panasonic's vice president of alliances and corporate development.  "We are very excited to partner with Ooyala to bring consumers an incredible range of entertainment options on VIERA Connect."

Warren Hansen, founder and chief executive officer of The Country Network, said, "The partnership between Ooyala and Panasonic is the first real step into the world of connected television. Broadcasters, like TCN, need to look beyond linear distribution for more monetization opportunities. Only Ooyala enables publishers to reach viewers through connected TVs and any other kind of device this easily, with a single push."

About Ooyala
Ooyala is the leader in online video management, publishing, analytics and monetization. Our integrated suite of technologies and services give content owners the power to expand audiences and the deep insights that drive increased revenue from video. Ooyala serves hundreds of global media companies and consumer brands including Dell, ESPN, Fremantle Media, News International, Sephora, Telegraph Media Group, Vans, Whole Foods and Yahoo! Japan. For more information visit www.ooyala.com or connect on Facebook and LinkedIn, follow @Ooyala on Twitter and read our blog.

About Panasonic Consumer Marketing Company of North America
Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Marketing Company of North America, a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American Subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC) and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations, offers a wide-range of consumer solutions in the U.S. and Canada.  The Company's portfolio of innovative consumer products ranges from VIERA Full HD 3D Televisions, Blu-ray players, LUMIX Digital Cameras, Camcorders, Home Audio, Cordless Phones, Home Appliances, Wellness and Personal Care products and more. 

Panasonic is pledged to practice prudent, sustainable use of the earth's natural resources and protect our environment through the company's Eco Ideas programs. Panasonic was the only Consumer Electronics company to be listed in the top ten brands on the Interbrand Best Global Green Brands 2011 ranking. Follow Panasonic on Twitter@panasonicdirect, and additional company information for media is available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.

About The Country Network
The Country Network ("TCN") is an innovative music video network dedicated to providing today's country music enthusiasts more choices in televised and digital programming. The Country Network is more than just broadcast TV... It's a philosophy.  It is the belief that music channels should show music videos, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, every single day of the year.  No reality shows, no filler nonsense just the great country music videos our audience demands.  The Country Network with "all Country Music Videos, all the time" gives country music fans what they want: the best in country music "any where - any time - any device."  

The Country Network: It's Your Country!  www.tcncountry.com

SOURCE Panasonic