Discovery to Roll Out Streaming Service Dplay in Europe

PARIS: Discovery Communications is launching the video streaming service Dplay in Europe, delivering general entertainment, live sports and nonfiction programming.

First launched in Norway last year, a new version of Dplay is now available as a beta product in Denmark, Italy and Sweden. There are plans to extend the service into additional European markets before the end of the year.

Dplay is the second OTT service Discovery has in the OTT space, following on Eurosport Player. Available in 52 markets, Eurosport Player offers unlimited access to live streaming of Eurosport's channels, bonus channels and second-screen experiences. A more immersive version of Eurosport Player, including simulcast of Eurosport channels on full screen, intuitive channel navigation, more statistics and highlights and the opportunity to choose your own camera angles, will launch on June 10.

JB Perrette, the president of Discovery Networks International, said: “Discovery Communications has a 30-year history of nurturing viewers with the highest quality entertainment that the whole family can enjoy together. Building on our leadership in pay-TV channels, which are still growing at a strong pace, we are also aggressively launching digital, direct-to-consumer products in key markets, with a goal of reaching one million subscribers by 2017. With an average of ten channels in 220 markets, Discovery invests significantly in content, formats and IP to grow market share, extend our reach in new markets and platforms, and nurture our passionate viewers.”
 
Dave Schafer, the senior VP of digital at Discovery Networks International, added: “Dplay is Discovery’s second OTT product and we are laser focused on delivering direct-to-consumer, multiplatform experiences that offer must-see content at a fixed price. We have the pedal to the metal as we look to launch new offerings in strategic markets at lightning speed.”