Arqiva plans VoD launch with Kangaroo technology

Arqiva has unveiled plans to launch a new consumer video-on-demand service following its acquisition of Project Kangaroo’s technology.

The broadcast transmission company hopes to launch a new platform with free and paid-for content from broadcasters and independent content providers, according to reports.

BBC Worldwide, Channel 4 and ITV – the partners behind the failed broadband TV venture – have been looking to offload Kangaroo’s assets, including the technology behind the service, since the project was blocked for being a threat to the UK broadband TV market (see Competition Commission “stops” Kangaroo).

Arqiva became the frontrunner to buy the assets, which comprise of hardware and software technology as well as related intellectual property, when its rival contender Orange pulled out of the bidding process.

The company is now looking to do deals with broadcasters and content providers to supply the video material, which will be offered to online users.

The new VoD service could launch within the next few months, according to Arqiva, which said: “The platform will aim to host top-end quality content from leading broadcasters and independent content providers to provide a broad range of user experiences to its audiences.”

Steve Holebrook, managing director for Terrestrial Broadcast at Arqiva, said: “We believe that online video-on-demand is an exciting and complementary development, and a natural extension to our traditional broadcast business.”

Arqiva currently owns two of the six Freeview multiplexes, via which bundles of digital terrestrial TV channels are broadcast, and has been dubbed as a potential bidder for a third, SDN.

The company also became the sole owner of the national digital radio multiplex Digital One on Wednesday, taking over the majority stake from Global Radio, the owner of Classic FM and Capital Radio.