SmartCast is providing managed TV channel playout services to CinemaWorld’s pay-TV linear channels and a portal to manage VOD file delivery. CinemaWorld, a pay channel operator based in Singapore, will migrate to the SmartCast-managed TV playout platform from January 1, 2014. SmartCast will operate the new playout centre from ST Teleport, where the signal will be uplinked to ApSTAR 5. 

SmartCast will also handle all the VOD file transcoding and delivery in SmartMAM, the Media Asset Management portal, and increase efficiency and productivity of the TV channel operation. 

CEO of CinemaWorld Suarina Chua said: “After evaluating different solutions provided by various service providers, we decided on SmartCast because of its rich features, quality delivery, flexibility and user-friendliness. The ability to control all key services and access information and feedback all in one portal is a huge plus. Smartcast meets our growing needs and requirements perfectly.” 

Christian Brenner, CEO of SmartCast said: “We are very happy and proud to start the server CinemaWorld now. SmartCast’s growth the last 12 month especially in Asia shows that our super flexible Managed Playout Services is the right answer to the current tasks in the Media Industry. Having 15 software developers gives us the strength of tailor-made solutions for our clients in the best way.

SmartCast is also partnering with APT to provide end-to-end services to the Bai Ke group to launch two channels from the Hong Kong APT uplink earth station to APSTAR 5 and 7, reaching the Asia Pacific market and as far as Africa. Hong Kong satellite operator APT is working with SmartCast to provide end-to-end linear TV channel playout services, satellite uplink and MCPC broadcast platforms to Bai Ke Groupto launch Bai Ke Hua Ren Tai and Bai Ke Gou Wu Tai.

SmartCast’s CEO, Christian Brenner said: “We are pleased to work with APT to develop the Chinese market and these are the first two channels we are serving from Beijing, China. SmartCast’s platform supports multi-lingual and our international staff strength makes us effective in the China market.” 

APT’s Deputy Director Ricky Yiu also commented: “APT is delighted to work with SmartCast as their professional support and comprehensive services act as a one-stop-shop solution provider so we can focus on our transponder sales and value-added services.” 

Bai Ke Hua Ren Tai soft launched on October 1, 2013 and Bai Ke Gou Wu Tai launched on October 26, 2013. 

In addition, SmartCast has been selected by Multi Channels Asia (MCA) as playout and media asset management service provider for Outdoor Channel Asia HD. SmartCast will provide integrated services from content ingest and quality control to traffic, scheduling and playout, as well as media asset management. 

SmartCast’s test signal for Outdoor Channel HD will launch on November 1, 2013, while the full service roll-out will go live on December 1, 2013.

Christian Brenner, CEO of SmartCast, said: “We are excited to welcome Outdoor Channel among our growing customer base in Asia. The solution with several tailor-made features that we are providing for Outdoor Channel lays the foundation for efficiency and flexibility in delivering its high quality content. 

Gregg Creevey, Managing Director of MCA, adds: “As a company we are always looking to innovate. We have reached a stage in the growth of Outdoor Channel in Asia where our scheduling needs has become more complex and the need for additional flexibility to continue our geographic expansion. SmartCast provides us with that flexibility and enables us to efficiently manage our increasingly customised Asia schedule”.