SMC Launches Nationwide Internet TV Service
Netease Tech, 3/17/11
Southern Media Corporation (SMC) yesterday announced that it has obtained operating licenses for its internet TV integrated service and internet TV content service platforms from China's State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT), and launched its internet TV service nationwide on March 16.
According to a SARFT representative, SMC is now licensed to provide internet TV programming to users nationwide via the internet using its integrated platform, including video-on-demand (VOD) and broadcast TV channels.
SMC has appointed Guangdong-based subsidiary Southern Media Technology Development Co., Ltd. as operator of the service. Zhang Xiaodi, chairman of Southern Media Technology Development, said the company aims to surpass 10 mln users and annual revenue of RMB 2 bln within five years. Zhang added that SMC has already built its platform, deployed a content distribution network (CDN), acquired programming content, and developed all-in-one internet TV terminals in coordination with TV set manufacturers, all prerequisites for large-scale national operations.
SMC has a two-part plan regarding content: in the first stage, SMC will mainly offer 720p HD licensed VOD programming in partnership with Chinese online video-on-demand operator Voole. Li Chong, GM of Southern Media Technology Development, said only a 2 MB broadband connection will be required for the service. In the second stage, SMC will enter into more partnerships with a focus on combining broadband internet and smart TVs to develop an operating system platform for smart TVs, so that users can not only watch TV and films, but can also shop online, chat, microblog, use social networking sites, play games, and enjoy other online activities.
Editor's Note: For more information on this topic, please see "SARFT Approves SMC Internet TV Platform," MD 12/23/10 issue.
Keywords: Zhang Xiaodi Li Chong Internet revenue television users online video VOD Voole Internet TV SARFT TV set HD Southern Media Corporation
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