Hoping to lower one of the historic barriers to consumer adoption of TV Everywhere services, Synacor has launched what it claims is the first white-label auto authentication system that can be accessed by a customer in the home or on the go.
Synacor said its auto-authentication system recognizes a user’s broadband network-based pay-TV account for at-home mobile access or, if users are on the go, connects them via their existing social networking accounts, including Facebook Twitter, and Google+. Synacor said both are part of its Cloud ID offering, and are expected out by the first quarter of 2014.
This automated feature hits on a wider trend the pay-TV industry is pursuing as it seeks ways to boost usage of TV Everywhere Services. Comcast, for example, recently introduced Home Pass, an in-home authentication system that was initially supported by the MSO’s Web-based TV Everywhere portal, Xfinity.com/tv. Comcast has also launched Facebook Connect, an element that lets cutomers link their Comcast.net accounts to their Facebook accounts.
Looking ahead, Synacor said it plans to add several new features to its Cloud ID Social Login, including the TV Everywhere fraud prevention via video stream limiting and session throttling.
“In this era of hyper accessibility, the promise of TV Everywhere is seamless access to all the content and services consumers can imagine, anytime, anywhere and on the device of their choosing. Cloud ID Social Login helps make that happen, all through one simple, familiar login,” said Michael Bishara, Synacor’s SVP of product and GM of TV Everywhere, in a statement. “As we continue to roll-out white-label innovations for Cloud ID like auto authentication in the home or via Social Login, we are excited to continue our behind-the-scenes work accelerating TV Everywhere adoption.”
Bishara is scheduled to join the panel – Making TV Everywhere a Reality – on Wednesday at 11:55 a.m. ET at the Multichannel News/Broadcasting & Cable/National Association of Broadcasters NYC Television Week event. Other scheduled panelists include Cathy Hetzel, corporate president, Rentrak; and Chris Wong, SVP of business development, Ooyala.
Synacor’s service provider customers include BendBroadband, Buckeye CableSystem, Google Fiber, CenturyLink, CableOne, Charter Communications, Suddenlink Communications, WideOpenWest, Surewest Communications and Verizon Communications.
