By Stuart Thomson
Media industry for playout, head-end, and digital platforms specialist Cognacq-Jay Image (CJI) and video technology software outfit Alpha Networks have revealed that they supported beIN Media Group in the broadcast of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Cognacq-Jay Image, as global system integrator for beIN in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, developed the beIN Connect OTT platform ecosystem, including support for headend services, streams securisation, contents transformation and 24/7 operation services.
During the FIFA World Cup, Cognacq-Jay Image provided linear channel playout, retrieved content, transformed, and distributed it to all OTT channels.
Partner Alpha Networks provided video software for content management, B2B subscription and offer management, integrated with different third-party systems and SSO authentication with operators in the MENA region such as Ooredoo Qatar, Etisalat UAE, and Cable Network Egypt. Its flagship product Tucano video software supports the beIN Connet OTT platform.
beIN Connect also tapped Content Animation, a module of Tucano which enables to configure the way video content is displayed for the end users on their devices.
New features powered by Alpha Networks’ Tucano introduced for the World Cup included: Dynamic rails, to highlight the matches of the Competition with captivating images; Customised thumbnails on the Programme Guide, to display information coming from OPTA sports (teams, competitions and the different stadiums); Push Notifications on mobile, to inform the end-user that a specific match was about to start; and Mini-matches on replay available already a few hours after each match.
