James R | On 10, Sep 2014

Roku is offering is streaming platform to Pay TV providers with its Roku Powered programme. The scheme, which is aimed at providers outside of the US, will license the technology that powers Roku’s set top boxes to companies to help them deliver entertainment over the web to viewers.

“There has been incredible demand from Pay TV providers for a simple way to address the increasing consumer interest in Internet-delivered entertainment,” said Steve Shannon, general manager of content and services at Roku. “Our world-class software, cost-effective hardware design, and broad content selection make Roku the ideal strategic partner for Pay TV providers to work with to transform their user experience and set the stage for success in this fast-changing world of Internet-delivered video.”

The Roku Powered programme allows Pay TV services to customise and integrate their content with Roku’s signature user experience and low-cost hardware. The Roku Powered programme also includes access to ongoing software upgrades so customers always have the latest user experience and interface.

The streaming media device market is becoming increasingly crowded, as companies rush to provide apps for customers without a Smart TV. Indeed, Roku has already pioneered its Roku Powered scheme with Sky, licensing its operating system to the broadcaster in 2012 to develop the NOW Box, which allows Sky to extend its audience in the over-the-top video sector.

“The innovative licensing approach we developed with Roku dramatically reduced our time to market, enabling us to capitalise on the growing demand for Internet TV by launching a powerful and great value streaming box,” said Emma Lloyd, Director of Corporate Business Development at Sky. “The NOW Box is already a key component in our over-the-top leadership, giving customers another simple way of accessing Sky content.”

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