[SatNews] "...conduit for content—for viewers as well as content owners—acting as that bridge where one simple device can handle a variety of programming needs.”

EURO World Network (EWN) and World Media International (WMI) announced today the unveiling of a truly open platform for viewers in Australia and New Zealand.  The BringYourOwnTV platform will give viewers the ability to access over 150 IPTV channels of television programming, regardless of their Internet or phone provider. Viewers will now be able to view their programming via a proprietary set-top box or through mainstream streaming devices, provided they have an Internet connection in their homes. 

“BYO TV will be a conduit for content—for viewers as well as content owners—acting as that bridge where one simple device can handle a variety of programming needs.” stated Mark Lobwein, Chairman of EWN.

This service could not be more timely as it comes on the heels of government regulations concerning piracy of television content and copyright infringement laws that were announced this week in Australia. 

Tony Ishak, Managing Director of WMI stated, “Proposed new government regulations state the following clearly:  the issue of affordability and accessibility of legitimate content is a key factor in reducing online copyright infringement—a BYO TV operation answers that challenge and is a win-win for content owners and viewers. It is affordable for all and accessible to everyone who has a decent Internet connection.”

Further research supports the following. Nielsen’s senior vice president, cross platform audience measurement, Erica Boyd has said: “Our research at Nielsen shows that Australians are consuming more video content than ever before. More content across a number of sized screens and across various digital and native channels. Consumers want to view content anywhere, anytime on the device they want. This is creating a huge opportunity for broadcasters. The highest quality content will be king in this environment.

The stats indicate there are approximately 220,000 homes in Australia on any given evening that are watching non-mainstream programs, and that number is only going to grow. People want to have more choice in how they are entertained.

Lobwein further stated, “Smart technology is the new TV neighborhood and BYO TV is ready to welcome Netflix in March 2015, and service providers like STAN, StreamCo and Presto, as well as new streaming technologies like ROKU and Amazon Fire on a ‘BYO type’ platform.  We designed the technology to be easy, with good looking hardware.  The platform is accessible and designed to accommodate international distribution.”