RTÉ Player Getting Revamped

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RTÉ has revealed its plans to develop the next-generation RTÉ Player, with the new service slated for launch before the end of the year.

The redeveloped RTÉ Player will be RTÉ’s multi-channel TV and video platform, “designed and reimagined for how Irish audiences watch television and video content online.” The online television and video destination will seamlessly blend the audience content needs across live and on-demand with a curated, personalized service, with new features and functionality.

RTÉ’s lead partner for the delivery of the project is Fincons Group, and both will be working with the Dutch-based TV app development company 24i.

Múirne Laffan, RTÉ’s chief digital officer, said: “The delivery of the next-generation RTÉ Player is hugely important for RTÉ’s future. It is a sophisticated proposition that will position us to meet evolving audience expectations and compete within a highly competitive, globalized media environment.”

Aoife Byrne, the director of content and products for RTÉ’s digital division, said: “In order to meet the changing needs of our audiences, we are transforming RTÉ Player from being a pure catch-up TV service to being a world-class live and on-demand online TV and video platform. Irish audiences will continue to be able to catch up on their favorite show, but with the next-generation RTÉ Player we will soon be offering so much more: on-demand libraries with hundreds of great titles from across the genres, great box-sets to binge on, and brand-new short-form content, exclusive to RTÉ Player. Audiences will also be able to enjoy RTÉ’s television channels live, on any screen.”

Byrne added: “As well as delivering on our audience’s content needs, we want next-generation RTÉ Player to deliver a superb streaming experience. To achieve this, we are working with our delivery partners Fincons Group, 24i and ContentWise who are hugely experienced in delivering world-class online TV and video platforms. We are rebuilding the product from the ground up to ensure technical reliability, and we will also be adding some great new features and functionality such as live restart and autoplay to make watching great TV and video even better.”

Michele Moretti, CEO at Fincons Group, commented: “We are delighted to be bringing our tailored solutions and wealth of experience to support such a key strategic project for a national media like RTÉ, designing and integrating a future-proof OTT solution which will efficiently provide a seamless and compelling multiscreen user experience. Building on our extensive experience working with the major international players, this project further confirms our footprint in the media and broadcast sector.”