Bitmovin, Accedo power Television New Zealand sports streaming hub
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Editor
| 11 September 2023
Television New Zealand (TVNZ) has engaged broadcast technology firms Bitmovin and Accedo to enable it to bring sports content to viewers across New Zealand to deliver what is said to be superior viewing experiences to sports fans in the country.
Bitmovin TVNZ 11 Sep20223
The project will see Accedo integrate the Bitmovin Player to guarantee what is described as “flawless” playback across most devices, coupled with Digital Rights Management Content protection for Smart TVs. TVNZ is using Accedo’s end-to-end streaming solution integrated with the Bitmovin Player for its newly launched sports streaming hub, which includes the broadcasting rights to domestic coverage of the New Zealand cricket team.

End-to-end video streaming solutions provider Accedo chose to integrate the Bitmovin Player to support the launch of TVNZ’s sports streaming hub. It selected the Bitmovin Player because of its proven ability to deliver high-quality streams accompanied by Digital Rights Management content protection to most devices, including smart TVs. The two companies say their combined technology means TVNZ can deliver highly sought-after sports content to viewers across New Zealand seamlessly and securely.

“We needed to launch a comprehensive streaming platform in a short time frame after securing a selection of premium sports rights,” explained TVNZ’s chief product and information officer Kym Niblock. “Partnering with Bitmovin and Accedo ensured we were able to put in place a high-quality video streaming solution with the appropriate content protections. Importantly, our viewers were able to watch their favourite sports uninterrupted and with ease from day one. The feedback we’ve received has been fantastic and we’re looking forward to a big summer of cricket ahead of us.”

Sustainability will also be central to the collaboration. Currently, video processing and streaming generate 306 million tons of CO2, 20% of digital technology’s total GHG emissions and nearly 1% of worldwide GHG emissions. As a result, Accedo will integrate the Bitmovin Player, accompanied by ECO Mode, a newly released feature that helps the player deliver more sustainable video streams.

"Sustainability is a top business priority for us, and it encompasses everything from our own solutions to the partners we work with so we can deliver a positive impact to our customers and the world,” added Michael Lantz, CEO at Accedo. "Bitmovin perfectly aligns with our ethos of building sustainable next-generation video services, which is why we chose to partner with them on this project. We will also feature them on our soon to be launched Sustainable Marketplace - where media companies will be provided guidance on sustainable vendors, technologies and initiatives.”