BoxOffice365 begins Freesat trial

BoxOffice365 has launched a trial video on demand service over on Freesat. It is the first subscription-based IPTV service to operate on the otherwise free-to-air platform.
A selection of movies on demand from Picturebox is being made available to owners of Humax receivers that are connected to broadband for a monthly £4.99 (€5.81). Humax owners have previously been treated to early versions of the BBC iPlayer and ITV Player before they were made available to Freesat’s two million homes.

The optional service, which is in beta, is available to Freesat customers who have a Humax box that is connected to broadband.

Like the BBC iPlayer and ITV Player, BoxOffice365 is taking advantage of the MHEG Interaction Channel. It is understood the version in use has been supplied by London-based Strategy & Technology.

The BBC-ITV owned satcaster has been looking to extend its offer beyond that of the Astra/Eutelsat delivered satellite service.

Early next year Freesat will introduce a new set-top box, which will use both MHEG and HbbTV, and manufactured by Sagemcom.

BoxOffice365 is operated by BIBC; the ten year old company already runs services on Philips and Samsung devices.

source: broadbandtvnews.com/2011/12/06/boxoffice365-begins-freesat-trial/