ZoneTV is partnering with Microsoft to apply artificial intelligence to the pay-TV experience in a way never before seen in cable TV. ZoneTV will use Video Indexer service which is part of Microsoft Cognitive Services, to automate the curation of content of a first-of-its-kind, customizable suite of linear TV channels which launches this fall.
ZoneTV has license to digital-first content. They will curate the content into specialized channels delivered to pay-TV subscribers. These channels will initially appear like any traditional TV channel. ZoneTV’s new service allows consumers to combine linear, on-demand and customized choices into a new offering called ZoneTV Dynamic Channels.
“We’re building the next generation of pay-TV services, so we need next-generation tools. With the combination of Ooyala’s platform and Microsoft Cognitive Services, the ZoneTV Programming Studio delivers an unmatched capability to enhance the TV ecosystem and translates into a one-of-a-kind viewer experience,” said Jeff Weber, CEO, ZoneTV.
ZoneTV will also utilize Ooyala’s Flex Platform for its end-to-end video workflow for both new specialized channels and its VOD assets. Flex runs on Microsoft Azure Media Services.
“ZoneTV shows what Microsoft Cognitive Services can do for TV programming. By integrating their content with Microsoft Azure, they can leverage Azure Media Analytics and Ooyala Flex for automated content indexing potentially driving more value for ZoneTV affiliates and subscribers,” said Sudheer Sirivara, general manager, enterprise video at Microsoft.