[SatNews] Thaicom, one of Asia’s leading satellite operators, alongside a joint venture between Kantana Group and Intouch Holdings, has just announced the launch of its first 2nd Screen platform deployment in Thailand.
The service will first be used to air Gossip Girl, licensed from the Gossip Girl TV series in the USA, on one of Thailand’s biggest broadcasters: the Channel 3 Television Network.
“2nd Screen is the future trend of the broadcasting business,” said Patompob Suwansiri, Chief Marketing Officer at Thaicom. “We developed this 2nd Screen platform as part of Thaicom’s Broadband & Broadcast convergence platform which will help us progress towards our goal of being an end-to-end service provider to our customers in the media industry and broadcasting.”
Whether it be for emailing, texting, shopping, social networking or web browsing, tablet and smartphone owners are often using their mobile devices while watching television. The 2nd screen service will actually encourage viewers to use their smartphones while watching the show.
“Gossip Girl is an ideal program for the 2nd screen launch due the shows appeal to younger, tech-savvy viewers,” said Sasikorn Chansate, CEO, Television Business, Kantana Group Public Company Limited. “Viewers will be able to watch the program when and where they want, as much as they want, and will also be able to interact with other fans online. We are especially excited to hear viewers’ feedback on the service.”
The second screen platform will enhance users’ viewing experience by giving them access to additional content on a mobile device while watching the show on their television. Additional content will include on-demand video including uncensored versions of the show and bonus scenes, additional information about characters, actors and plot lines, as well as games, quizzes, shopping and social networking opportunities.
Kim Siritaweechai, EVP, Portfolio Management, Intouch Holding Public Company Limited, believes the service will not only benefit viewers, but also participating networks and sponsors by opening up new revenue streams and driving m-commerce.
The 2nd screen service will be available to download in Apple Store & Play Store at the end of June. The 18-episode series of Gossip Girl will air in early July on Thailand’s Channel 3 Television Network at 11:00 p.m. every Thursday.