Cuatro launches a cutting-edge Web TV service with Flumotion technology

Coinciding with its fourth anniversary, Cuatro launches Play Cuatro, a service with a 3D interface that allows comfortable and intuitive navigation similar to that offered by a media center.

Cuatro has just launched an innovative WebTV called Play Cuatro. The new service has been developed by Flumotion, a company specialized in streaming and WebTV technology.

Cuatro already has a strong presence on the Internet and a large following on social networks and online video platforms. The 'Cuatro' YouTube channel, created in 2007, currently holds the title of being the second most viewed channel and with the most subscribers in Spain. The growing popularity of Cuatro among Internet users and the increasing interaction of the network with its online audience has led to the decision to offer an advanced WebTV that at the same time is 100% Cuatro ('branded experience'). In this way, users are ensured an excellent visual experience and access to content without restrictions.

Florence Conti, Cuatro's multimedia director, commented that "we have decided to offer our most emblematic programs through our own WebTV in order to provide users with a more flexible and interactive experience. Flumotion has understood the essence of Cuatro's brand and has been able to translate it into an absolutely cutting-edge multimedia environment."

The 3D interface allows comfortable and intuitive navigation similar to that offered by a 'media center'. And the entire application is designed to highlight video content, which is the center of WebTV above text or static images. In this sense, the presentation of content through a video wall is a natural starting point for the user and guides them in their navigation. On the other hand, in full screen mode it allows an experience similar to that of a 'media center' so that users can consume the content as if they were watching television in their living room ('lean back').

Jean Noel Saunier, CEO of Flumotion, has recognized that "we know that a good user experience builds loyalty and increases the audience, and at the same time increases the monetization potential of the content. To get the most out of it, we have created an advanced 'rich media' advertising management system. Controlling the entire value chain allows us to innovate faster at very competitive prices. In fact, we have been able to deliver the finished play four project in a record time of 2 months."

Extensive multimedia possibilities

Play Cuatro provides advertisers with a wide range of multimedia possibilities, while promoting and strengthening a community of Internet users around them. Videos are tagged based on their popularity ('most viewed'), interaction ('most voted') and their publication period ('most recent', 'about to expire'). This additional information about the video content, in addition to a search engine within the portal, makes it possible for each user to have a completely personalized experience. The player allows users to broadcast play four content thanks to the inclusion of web 2.0 tools, with which the content can be shared through social networks such as Twitter, Facebook, Yahoo, MySpace,... On the other hand, users can also stay informed of all the news by subscribing to the RSS of WebTV or the different channels.

Flumotion's complete solution improves Cuatro's workflow and allows easy management of content and advertising campaigns. Through the Media Back Office and with a few clicks you can upload a new video, change an advertisement or broadcast the Cuatro and CNN+ signal live within the Play Cuatro WebTV.