In a choice-filled landscape chockfull of set-tops, streamers, and apps, what consumers really want is quick access to all their content in the most straightforward way − no matter the technology used to deliver it. They don’t like fiddling with TV inputs or multiple login screens.
ESPN put out news on Wednesday it’s looking to take that on, at least for DirecTV subscribers. ESPN reports it began a rollout of an app on DirecTV set-tops last week that lets subs switch between all ESPN live and on-demand video to their TVs through a hybrid interface. ESPN says it is the first time it has made this app-like service combining both linear and streaming content available on set-tops. Customers in Alabama, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, and South Carolina have access, and expansion to other states is expected in early 2017, according to ESPN.
In addition to ESPN’s linear networks, DirecTV customers with a broadband-enabled box can stream live events from ESPN3, SEC Network+, and ACC Network Extra, plus short-form, on-demand clips, and highlights from ESPN.com. Customers reportedly don’t need to log in since they are automatically authenticated.
“In today’s dynamic media landscape, simplicity is key,” Sean Breen, SVP of affiliate sales, Disney & ESPN Media Networks, says. “This hybrid experience seamlessly blends what customers traditionally get from a set-top box with the features and content of standalone streaming devices.”
Mike Andrews, VP, media engineering at ESPN, reports that the sports programmer’s technology team worked closely with DirecTV to develop the solution for the set-top. “Fans want to turn on their television and watch great sports content with as little friction as possible,” Andrews observes. “With the ESPN App on the DirecTV box, they get exactly that – a dynamic user interface, seamless automatic subscriber recognition, and all of ESPN’s networks and streaming content presented in one place, all without the need to change television inputs or log in.”
DirecTV customers will receive an automatic firmware update to access the new app as it becomes available during the rollout phase.
