EBS EXPANDS CHELLO ZONE EPG DATA SERVICES FOR CHANNELS IN SOUTH AFRICA AND RUSSIA
Baldock, UK – 29th April 2014 – EBS, the leading full-service provider of EPG data for platforms and channels worldwide, has announced that it has further expanded its array of EPG data services for Chello Zone, a leading international broadcaster and creator of television channels across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. EBS now provides EPG data services for CBS Action and CBS Drama in South Africa and MGM across EMEA and MGM HD in Russia.
Channels that broadcast across multiple territories and platforms have to adhere to numerous mandatory specifications not just for file formats but for character length and type of data accepted. This is not a simple task. Using its in-house scheduling application Mediator, EBS is able to take all the scheduling information for each channel and restructure it to meet the requirements of all platforms in any territory, providing one point of contact throughout the process with a clear, defined workflow.
As well as enabling preparation and distribution services for these latest channels, EBS also provides Chello Zone with XML feeds, which allow automatic updates to the TV listings on the Chello Zone website as well as any other platforms that accept XML. Matt Smith EBS’ Business Development Manager explains, “By delivering XML feeds we provide a key benefit for broadcasters like Chello Zone because the XML feeds enable data updated by us, to automatically refresh the customer’s website for example, immediately, without reimporting and updating the whole file. Many EPG suppliers send updates via email, which is a time consuming process and increases the risk of human error.”
Brian Drinkwater, Head of Content Management, Chello Zone says, “The EPG is our primary marketing tool for territories outside the UK so we rely heavily on EBS. Quite simply, if there’s no EPG data there’s no way of viewing content and if the data is incorrect the viewer isn’t going to return. The fact that EBS is a niche company means that their service is extremely quick and has a personal touch. We can literally pick up the phone one day and the next day a new service is up and running.”
EBS has been providing EPG data services including editorial and translation for Chello Zone for more than ten years and this latest announcement further highlights their relationship.
About EBS:
EBS is a UK-based, full service provider of EPG data and metadata for platforms and channels worldwide. Founded in 1988, EBS New Media Ltd has developed the company’s flagship, in-house scheduling application, Mediator for both linear and on demand television, covering three areas: TV Channel Services, TV Platform Services and TV Listings Services. EBS has a team of experienced editors who research and write EPG synopses, and provide further editorial, translation and distribution services. Complementary to Mediator is EBS’ database of listings for over 650 UK and Irish TV and radio stations. It delivers accurate, enhanced TV schedules to publishers and developers, as well as powering the DigiGuide application, which provides industry professionals and consumers alike, with in-depth data and metadata. www.ebs.tv.
About Chello Zone
Chello Zone is a leading international broadcaster and distributor of thirteen thematic television channels across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. The diverse portfolio includes Extreme Sports Channel, Horror Channel, MGM Channel and preschool channel JimJam together with joint venture and partnership channels: Food Network & Fine Living for Scripps Networks Interactive, Outdoor Channel & PolsatJimJam, plus CBS Drama, CBS Action, CBS Reality, CBS Europa and Horror Channel with CBS Studios International.
The consolidated and joint venture channels reach audiences in more than 160 million homes across over 120 countries and in 25 languages.
Chello Zone is a business unit of Chellomedia, a leading producer and distributor of television channels distributed to more than 390 million households in 138 countries and spanning a range of genres, including movie, lifestyle, entertainment, sports, children’s and factual. Chellomedia is an international programming division of AMC Networks.
