New Delhi: RailTel has successfully launched an over-the-top (OTT) platform named WAVES for Prasar Bharati, India’s public broadcaster. The platform, unveiled at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa by the Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, aims to revolutionize digital content delivery with a wide array of entertainment, news, and hyperlocal services.
WAVES brings together archives from Doordarshan and All India Radio alongside live TV channels, movies, TV shows, podcasts, e-books, and games. Designed and developed by RailTel, the platform is now available for Android and iOS devices, connected TVs, Firestick, and Chromecast. RailTel will oversee its operations, maintenance, and user support for five years, including the establishment of a multilingual 24x7 call center.
Industry-First Features
The WAVES platform introduces several unique capabilities. It integrates hyperlocal e-commerce services, allowing users access to localized shopping platforms directly within the app. Additionally, it features app-in-app integrations, collaborating with other OTT platforms to deliver aggregated content seamlessly. The platform supports diverse media formats, including video content in standard, high-definition, and 4K resolutions, as well as e-books, podcasts, magazines, and journals. Advanced artificial intelligence (AI) powers its features, offering personalized recommendations, multilingual transcription and translation in over 20 languages, and insights through advanced usage analytics.
Robust Infrastructure and Scalability
The platform has been designed to accommodate up to 10 million concurrent users initially, with scalability up to 100 million. RailTel has implemented a cutting-edge content delivery network (CDN), a media asset management system (MAM), and a secure digital rights management (DRM) framework to ensure copyright protection. Users can benefit from subscription options that allow simultaneous logins, ad-free viewing, offline downloads, and content quality control across SD, HD, and UHD formats. Moreover, the platform’s integration with multiple ad servers and payment gateways enhances its monetization potential while offering users a seamless experience.
Multi-Device Accessibility
WAVES supports various content types, including live TV, on-demand video (AVOD, SVOD, and TVOD), live radio, and on-demand audio. It is accessible across platforms such as Google TV, Apple TV, LG, Samsung, and Roku, making it versatile and user-friendly.
A Milestone for Indian Broadcasting
WAVES represents a significant step in Prasar Bharati’s digital transformation, combining traditional and modern media to cater to diverse audience needs. With its innovative design and expansive capabilities, the platform is poised to redefine content consumption in India.
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