Philo is nowhere near the size of Comcast, but the scrappy startup has managed to stay a step ahead when it comes to notching IP-powered, multiscreen on-campus video deals with universities and colleges.
Heading into the new school year, Philo said it has added 15 new schools to the mix, extending its total past 40. Those joining the mix include Clemson University, University of Houston, University of North Carolina Asheville, University or South Florida, University of Texas El Paso, University of Utah, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Washington State University (see below for the full list of Philo-powered universities).
Philo’s announcement comes on the heels of one from Comcast, which said that it now has 27 schools signed on for Xfinity On Campus, its IP-based multiscreen offering tailored for college students.
Philo’s platform delivers live TV and network DVR services, and access to TV Everywhere services such as HBO Go, to students over the school’s on-campus network, and supports several platforms, including Web browsers, iOS and Android tablets and smartphones, Roku players, and the Apple TV (via AirPlay).
Philo noted that it has launched a redesign of its Roku app (pictured) that will feature enhanced search and DVR functionality. It has also spruced up its Web, iOS and Android apps to allow for improved search, and a new home page that shows recent DVR recordings, shows that are trending on campus, upcoming popular shows.
San Francisco-based Philo (formerly known as Tivli) was founded in 2010, and secured a $10 million “B” round earlier this year led by New Enterprise Associates. It’s led by CEO Andrew McCollum, who was a founding member of the Facebook team.
McCollum said computers/browsers are Philo’s most widely used platform, noting that 20% to 30% of students only bring a TV to campus. However, Roku users tend to consume the most video, he said.
Though a lot of schools still rely on more traditional bulk TV deals, he said a growing number of schools are making the leap and writing RFPs, including some that are "calling out the Philo service by name."
Here’s the full list of Philo partner schools:
-Auburn University
-Brown University
-Bucknell University
-Cal Poly State University San Luis Obispo
-Clemson University
-CSU Monterey Bay
-CSU Sacramento
-DePaul University
-Duke University
-Elon University
-Fordham University
-Fort Hays State University
-Harvard University
-Jackson College
-Lawrence Technological University
-Lubbock Christian University
-Marshall University
-Miami University of Ohio
-Mount St. Mary's University
-North Carolina Central University
-Pepperdine University
-Rice University
-Roanoke College
-Sacred Heart University
-Sheridan College
-Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
-Stanford University
-SUNY University at Stony Brook
-Texas A&M University
-Trinity University
-UNC Asheville
-University of Alabama
-University of Houston
-University of Michigan
-University of South Florida
-University of Texas El Paso
-University of Utah
-University of Washington
-Virginia Commonwealth
-Washington State University
-Wesleyan University
-William Paterson University of New Jersey
