The National Cable Television Cooperative has enabled some 80 smaller cable operators with a TV Everywhere authentication solution, which is based on a system developed by Ohio-based Massillon Cable TV.
The platform, dubbed Watch TV Everywhere (WTVE), lets independent cable operators offer subscribers authenticated programming content across multiple screens, with support for a variety of member billing system solutions. The NCTC has set up a log-in portal at WatchTVEverywhere.com for users to access online video by selecting their provider.
Earlier this week NCTC announced an agreement to offer Clearleap's forthcoming ClearPlay Authentication system as an option for members. "Members now have two platform choices: WTVE, already being used by 80 members, or they can select Clearleap," said NCTC vice president of communications Dan Mulvenon.
NCTC created a member advisory committee to help define the near-term priorities for enabling TV Everywhere services and evaluate different technical solutions. The co-op said it was able to accelerate the development and deployment by leveraging work already being done by member company Massillon Cable TV, which agreed to contribute its efforts to an NCTC overall solution.
"Our customers now have access to TVE content through an inexpensive platform that has the ability to change as the TVE market evolves," Massillon president Bob Gessner said in a statement. "The partnership with NCTC has allowed us to be even more innovative and responsive in the market. Helping other members of the NCTC cooperate by sharing work we were already doing will help us as well in the long term."
The NCTC said it plans to provide expanded TV Everywhere capabilities for members, including solutions for originating content and enhancing navigation for multiscreen access.
According to the purchasing co-op, most members were able to launch the WTVE solution in a few weeks with "very little initial investment." NCTC said WTVE is integrated with most major programmers that have launched authenticated content offerings.
"This project is a great example of how mid and smaller operators working collaboratively can create very innovative and cost effective solutions," NCTC CEO Rich Fickle said in a statement.
Lenexa, Kan.-based NCTC counts about 950 members across the U.S.
