Elisa Estonia Picks NAGRA, Technicolor, 3SS to Launch Hybrid Android TV Service

NAGRA, Technicolor Connected Home, t4h. (Tech4home) and 3 Screen Solutions (3SS) together announce that Estonian multiservice provider Elisa has gone live with its next-generation super-aggregated Elisa Elamus service.

The new hybrid multiscreen offering, based on Android TV™ OS Operator Tier, is available via DVB-C (cable), DVB-T (terrestrial), IPTV and on all OTT platforms.

Elisa Elamus is a super-aggregated offering which features Google Play Movies and TV, Amazon Prime Video, Viaplay and YouTube among a total of 150+ channels. The service is enabled by 3SS’ 3READY Product Framework, Technicolor PEARL STB (set-top box), with t4h. (Tech4home) NOTUS Custom Cover Remote Control and content and revenue protection from NAGRA Cardless CAS.

For this major project, 3SS delivered a unified experience on all apps supporting a wide range of devices with PEARL STB at the nexus. Further apps enable viewing on Web, Android TV sets, as well as Android and iOS mobile phones and tablets. 3SS-engineered apps for Samsung Tizen and LG webOS smart TVs will launch soon.

Thanks to 3READY Control Center, this wide array of Elisa Elamus apps can be managed in a unified way, including content curation, all from a single location. Meanwhile, subscribers are benefitting from 3READY-powered UX (user experience) harmonised across all their devices.

“We are hugely excited to launch next-generation Elisa Elamus,” said Andrus Hiiepuu, Head of Elisa Estonia's private customer unit. “With the partnership of 3SS, Technicolor, NAGRA, t4h and 3SS, we are delivering truly world-class video entertainment to Estonia’s consumers.”

Elisa appointed 3SS as prime integrator for the project in 2019. Elisa Elamus is built on 3SS’ award-winning 3READY Product Framework, enabling Elisa to deliver a leading-edge service to its subscribers on whatever device they choose. 3SS and Elisa co-defined, co-designed and co-developed the UX, which features a fully branded, intuitive and feature-rich UI with the Custom Launcher as the center of the overall experience.

Elisa selected the Technicolor PEARL STB platform, which provides premium 4K Ultra HD 2160p/60 and High Dynamic Range (HDR) Over-The-Top TV services in a small and customizable design. This advanced hybrid DVB/IPTV/OTT device benefits from the latest technologies, including a powerful dual-core processor, ready to support enriched services. Technicolor Connected Home has deployed over 10 million Android TV STBs since 2016.

The PEARL STB solution embeds Technicolor TV Data Analytics agent, providing Elisa with a detailed view of the operational STB performance covering the hardware, software and apps usage aspects.

“To meet demand for the latest entertainment and content services, cable, telco and other pay-TV operators around the world continue to rapidly deploy Android TV STBs. PEARL STB supports the seamless delivery of video, music streaming services, online gaming applications, combined with live broadcasting services,” said Mounir Toutah, Video Product Director for Technicolor Connected Home.

“With operators around the world now offering a broad range of content-based services from set-top boxes, the requirement for premium security is paramount,” commented Thierry Legrand, SVP Sales for NAGRA. “We congratulate Elisa on the launch of this innovative service and are proud to be providing them with NAGRA Protect, our latest-generation cardless CAS solution.”

The Red Dot Award-winning NOTUS custom cover remote control from t4h. (Tech4home) is part of the all-embracing Elisa Elamus solution. NOTUS offers exchangeable RCU covers (in an array of natural textile designs, metal optic, and more), patented t4h. smart swap function, built-in Google Assistant button and premium back-lit keys.

“Through our experience of over 30 Android TV Operator Tier projects, we understand the importance of excellence in a complete end-to-end user experience,” said Graça Candido, Commercial Director at t4h. (Tech4home). ”We’re delighted to be a part of Elisa Elamus' collaborative hybrid next-gen TV solution, and look forward to helping raise the bar when it comes to digital entertainment UX.”

Feature Highlights of Elisa Elamus

Elisa Elamus includes the functions today’s customers are looking for in an entertainment service. Alongside other 3READY Framework-powered features, the UX provides easy access to all Live TV, catchup and recordings via mini EPG and backwards EPG.

Elisa Elamus also includes several new service innovations. With its upsell function, the subscriber can browse an appealingly showcased array of VOD content to purchase or subscribe to. Service bundles, a la carte channels, thematic packages and promotions can be displayed for the user to buy within the UI. This encourages uptake and enhances monetization potential.

Subscribers can conveniently populate a favorites watchlist with selected movies and series, and via tailored UI displays, they can also browse, bookmark and add video assets based on actor or director.

YouTube recommendations and Google Play Movies and TV are seamlessly integrated within the UI to provide all the latest content from one place.

3READY Control Center – Unified UX Management & Content Curation

3READY Control Center is the powerful highly automated user experience management system that provides real-time control over presentation of content, features and branding of all apps from one unified location. As a result, Elisa can efficiently A/B test, adapt and improve the product based on feedback. It can evaluate audience reaction to mobile vs STB vs smart TV apps individually or even by customer segment.

Benefits of SAFe

Elisa has also benefited from 3SS’ expertise and certification in modern agile development methodologies, including SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework).

SAFe makes delivery a more iterative process than seen in traditional development, and involves frequent communication, cross-party planning and common risk management. With SAFe, all those involved in a project benefit from a clear understanding of their responsibilities and their inter-dependencies. The results are a highly motivated and productive team, more efficient development and better product quality.

“Elisa is pushing the boundaries of innovation, and demonstrating its dedication to subscriber satisfaction, in delivering all the ground-breaking features in Elisa Elamus,” said Kai-Christian Borchers, Managing Director of 3SS. “We congratulate Elisa for the remarkable achievement in bringing this ambitious project to life, and providing world-class entertainment to Estonia’s consumers.”