Charter Presents Search and Discovery for OTT Content
At TelcoTV last week, executives were talking about ways to make money or retain customers by organizing and presenting online content. Today, Charter Communications announced it was going to do just that. Charter is organizing online content from Netflix, Amazon Instant Video and Hulu into a single online directory on Charter.net. Leveraging its broadband network, Charter will provide a comprehensive search and discovery experience, including entitled cable content and over the top (OTT) content. (For more, see Live From TelcoTV: Operators Ride Shotgun, Consumers Drive). Initially available online, the enhanced functionality will be available on tablets and mobile devices next year.
Charter’s Internet customers already have access to a variety of movies, shows and sports coverage on Charter.net.
Pointers to content offered by Netflix, Amazon Instant Video and Hulu will be integrated with links to content already available on Charter.net through a unified search and discovery experience. Customers will have the ability to search the full library of content available from a variety of distributors, and choose the source of the content with a few clicks.
"Consumers are watching streaming video from a variety of content providers on multiple devices at an increasing rate," said Rich DiGeronimo, Charter’s senior vice president/Product and Strategy, in a statement. "Charter is embracing this change in landscape, and making the search and discovery for all types of content easier and more convenient for consumers by integrating content from numerous sources into a single online directory. We’re starting by expanding our online functionality, but this is just the beginning of our aspiration to deliver the best customer experience."
Charter is providing access for its customers to search the additional content for free. Customers must have appropriate rights to view the movies and shows by maintaining relationships directly with Netflix, Hulu or Amazon Instant Video in accordance with each services member agreements.
