Panasonic, looking pull content more easily into its Internet-connected HDTVs, is plugging Ooyala's syndication platform into its Viera Connect platform, with The Country Network as the first publisher to take advantage of the partnership.
Panasonic is the first smart TV manufacturer to use Ooyala's universal syndication system, which delivers content to smartphones, tablets and other devices. Later this month, The Country Network (TCN) will begin delivering music videos and other content -- including a simulcast of the network's live TV broadcast channel -- to Panasonic TVs.
"Panasonic's Viera Connect [smart TV] platform is focused on offering consumers a wide and robust range of compelling video content and engaging apps," Panasonic vice president of alliances and corporate development Merwan Mereby said in a statement. "We are very excited to partner with Ooyala to bring consumers an incredible range of entertainment options on Viera Connect."
TCN, which broadcasts country music videos around the clock, is available on digital simulcast channels through 41 TV stations nationwide through deals with Sinclair Broadcasting, Newport Television and others.
Warren Hansen, founder and CEO of The Country Network, commented, "The partnership between Ooyala and Panasonic is the first real step into the world of connected television. Broadcasters, like TCN, need to look beyond linear distribution for more monetization opportunities. Only Ooyala enables publishers to reach viewers through connected TVs and any other kind of device this easily, with a single push."
Ooyala has raised $42 million from investors including Motorola Mobility, The CID Group and ITOCHU Technology Ventures, Sierra Ventures and Rembrandt Venture Partners.
Mountain View, Calif.-based Ooyala says it has more than 1,000 customers, including Bloomberg, Dell, ESPN, Fremantle Media, Sephora, Telegraph Media Group, Whole Foods and Yahoo Japan. The company was founded in 2007.
