RTL Deutschland expands FAST channel offering with Harmonic and Netorium

German broadcaster RTL Deutschland has added eight new free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channels to its video streaming service, expanding the number of viewing options for customers of its streaming service RTL+. The new FAST channels are powered by Harmonic’s VOS®360 Media SaaS, which simplifies all stages of media processing, including advanced playout, powerful graphics insertion, premium OTT encoding and distribution.

Integrating additional FAST channels into RTL Deutschland’s existing ecosystem was successfully handled by netorium, an application integrator from Wiesbaden. netorium ensured a smooth deployment leveraging its deep knowledge of RTL’s technical infrastructure and longstanding partnership with Harmonic.

During the integration, it was necessary to consider existing adjacent systems and ensure compatibility with various end devices. The implementation was carried out as an iterative process, allowing for flexible adjustments and testing. netorium provided consultancy, design, implementation and project management services, and continues to support the system.

Andre Prahl, chief distribution officer at RTL Deutschland, commented, “What particularly impressed us was the ability to easily launch eight channels. We had no high investment costs, as we operate the channels entirely on a software as a service model. This allows us to adapt the offering very flexibly to viewer preferences.”

RTL Deutschland uses the new channels as themed offerings for some of its most successful content formats, enabling the broadcaster to effectively target specific customer groups.

“For video streaming services to thrive, they must be precisely targeted to relevant viewers,” said Gil Rudge, senior vice president, products and Americas sales, video business at Harmonic. “With our VOS360 Media SaaS, RTL Deutschland can rapidly create and deliver FAST channels to retain existing customers and attract new ones.”

Running on the public cloud, Harmonic’s end-to-end video platform provides agility, resiliency, security and scalability. Leveraging the VOS360 Media platform, RTL can easily create and deploy additional FAST channels at scale. The VOS360 Media platform is based on a flexible business model that allows RTL Deutschland to only pay for what they use.

Harmonic will showcase the latest innovations in video streaming and broadcast delivery at IBC2024, Sept. 13-16 in Amsterdam. To schedule a meeting with Harmonic at stand 1.B20, visit www.harmonicinc.com/video-streaming/events/ibc/. Further information about Harmonic and the company’s solutions is available at www.harmonicinc.com. Additional information about netorium is available at www.netorium.de. Harmonic Inc