SPI International’s streaming service FilmBox+ has launched Smart Channels, specially curated playlists of on-demand content that play back-to-back in a similar fashion to traditional linear channels.
These channels are fully digital and are exclusive to the FilmBox+ platform. In addition to FilmBox+’s VOD catalogue and linear channels, subscribers can now stream Smart Channels that are genre-specific or dedicated to particular content, actors or directors.
FilmBox+ has rolled out 157 smart channels so far globally as well as across SPI’s core territories such as Europe, Adria region, Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania and Turkey, with channel availability varying by territory. More Smart Channels will be made available in the months to come.
Commneting on the development, Haymi Behar, CMO & CDO at SPI International, said: “People love watching linear channels worldwide. This is because audiences cherish the serendipity of stumbling onto a good movie that’s reminiscent of the traditional TV zapping experience. Smart Channels combine the best aspects of on-demand and linear viewing by enabling viewers to discover content that they might otherwise miss by scrolling through a vast library of programming”.
Smart Channels that are currently available include genre-specific services like FilmBox Kids, FilmBox Comedy, FilmBox Crime, FilmBox Horror, FilmBox Romance, FilmBox Documentary and more vertical movie channels that broadcast cinema classics by the masters of cinema or from the 1940s and 1950s. Viewers can also access thematic channels dedicated to various lifestyle programming including water sports and mixed martial arts.
Behar added: “Smart Channels is an innovation that helps us create new and dedicated streaming channels through our CMS within minutes which is an added value for the operators that are integrated with FilmBox+. Whether the customer likes sailing competitions or Tarkovsky movies, they can now find a channel curated for their taste without a hassle within the platform”.
FilmBox+ enhanced its lean-back user experience by introducing EPG functionality for linear channels that emulates the TV zapping experience. Now, the Smart Channel feature builds on this functionality with more dedicated channel selections.
Source: https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2023/02/20/filmbox-unveils-smart-channels/