Flemish TV channels launch viewing app
A consortium of public and commercial broadcasters last week launched Stievie, a new application that will allow viewers to watch TV programmes up to 36 hours after their scheduled broadcast. The app, currently only available for iPad and iPhone, will be tested by 10,000 volunteers over the next four months.
Volunteers sought for region-wide testing of app that will let you watch shows later
The consortium includes the Flemish public broadcaster VRT together with commercial media owners SBS Belgium and VMMa, who together account for 10 channels, including Eén, VTM, Canvas and Ketnet/OP12. The app allows users to watch TV programmes as they air and up to 36 hours after broadcast, without recording them.
In the case of deferred programmes, the app also allows viewers to skip advertisements – a possibility also offered by Telenet’s digicorder, and the cause of a continuing dispute between the cable company and commercial broadcasters.
“Co-operation between media houses in Flanders is essential in anticipating developments in an increasingly digital and international media landscape,” commented Flemish media minister Ingrid Lieten at the launch of the app. “It will also allow more flexibility for the viewer to make the best of the quality that Flemish TV has to offer.” Volunteers to test the app were still being invited to take part as Flanders Today went to press. Candidates can sign up at the app website.
Meanwhile Telenet last week launched its own app, an extension to its existing Yelo service that allows viewers to watch TV programmes as they air on mobile devices. Yelo does not allow deferred viewing, but does allow programmes recorded on the digicorder to be viewed on phones and tablets.
http://stievie.insites.be
