March 14, 2024

Proximus Launches New STB, Apple TV and Multiscreen Apps Enabled by 3SS 3Ready Framework

Highlights

Proximus, a provider of future-proof connectivity, IT and digital services, operating in the Benelux and global markets, goes live with new Wi-Fi-enabled Vantiva Quartz set-top box, based on latest Android 12, to deliver super-aggregated entertainment service Pickx, featuring multiple award-winning user experience architected by 3SS

Netflix is seamlessly integrated on the Android TV Operator Tier STB, as is a new Disney+pre-app experience for enhanced content discovery

3SS has designed and delivered new Pickx apps for Apple TV, and iOS and Android mobile devices, based on 3Ready leveraging React Native cross-platform framework

With multiple new apps, Proximus demonstrates its ongoing trust in 3SS development, the 3Ready platform, and its commitment to providing flexibility and choice to customers

Stuttgart, Germany – 14 March, 20243 Screen Solutions (3SS), leading provider of software solutions for set-top boxes (STB), smart TV, multiscreen and in-vehicle entertainment, announces that Belgium’s largest telco Proximus has launched several new apps to further enhance reach and device variety for its super-aggregated Pickx service.

3SS has designed and delivered new Pickx apps for Apple TV, and iOS and Android tablets and smartphones.

The new multiscreen offerings expand Proximus’ Pickx STB-based next-generation IPTV+OTT TV service, based on Android TV™ Operator Tier, and available to all Proximus’ TV subscriber base, comprising over 1.65 million homes.

“Proximus’ partnership with 3SS now spans many years, and we welcome the high level of creative input and innovation that 3SS brings to help ensure Pickx remains world-class,” said Jim Casteele, Consumer Market Lead at Proximus. “Embracing 3Ready as the service foundation helps us deliver very best experience quality; furthermore, adopting a cross-platform development approach with React Native enables us to ship much quicker with more frequent releases than previously, allowing Proximus to deliver more, faster,” he added.

“The ongoing expansion of Pickx, and the delight and flexibility we’re providing to our customers, are a true testament to what can be achieved with our shared vision and highly collaborative approach with 3SS,” said Casteele.


Powerful and energy-efficient set-top box, with integrated Wi-Fi 6 technology

Proximus will gradually start distributing the new V7c (or V7 compact) STB – the Quartz from Vantiva. The new receiver delivers an even better user experience and provides several significant features including integrated Wi-Fi 6 technology.

The V7c incorporates more powerful hardware than its predecessors. 3 GB RAM, integration of the latest chip technology and the latest version of the Android operating system (Android12) result in smoother switching between applications and an overall better user experience.

The new decoder is made from recycled plastic and is 40% smaller than earlier deployed STBs, making transport more efficient and environmentally friendly. With 12W power, the V7c uses about 25% less electricity. Integrated Wi-Fi 6 means the customer can connect wirelessly to their home network without an external booster. The STB will initially be distributed to new subscribers, but older models in existing customers’ homes will gradually be replaced for free.

Delivering award winning 3Ready-enabled user experience

Netflix is seamlessly integrated on the STB, as is a new Disney+ pre-app experience enabling content discovery from the home page. The STB user experience aligns with the established, multiple award-winning Pickx UX, powered by 3SS’ 3Ready product platform.

3Ready is the business-enhancing solution that enables service providers to rapidly deploy and evolve highly engaging and content-rich entertainment offerings. Today, 3Ready powers over 28 operator and carmaker services in 51 markets with a total user reach of over 68 million users.

Super-aggregated Pickx offers more than 100 live TV channels. Netflix, Disney+ and in-house sports offering Pickx Sports are bundled and deeply integrated. Subscriptions can be fully managed directly via the STB, and viewers can discover trending content of a service before subscribing, making it easier to decide to add it to their bundle.


React Native for efficient cross-platform launch & evolution

3SS designed and delivered the new mobile and Apple TV apps using React Native processes. React Native enables cross-platform development, with a single codebase used for multiple operating systems and device platforms. Integration of devices with the back end and other system components is much more efficient with React Native. Proximus is now in the position to further scale the experience to more platforms.

3Ready-enabled React Native developments benefit from higher alignment between platforms at no visible performance loss, far greater resource efficiency, and faster time to market.

“Proximus’ drive to deliver ever more quality and choice to its customers is unwavering,” said Kai-Christian Borchers, 3SS Managing Director. “We are extremely honored that Proximus continues to trust 3SS in its long-term roadmap for award-winning Pickx.”

Lean-agile project delivery practices including SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework), originally facilitated by 3SS, now infuse Proximus’ TV business. Agile methodologies include working closely with trusted third-party providers, with a high level of collaboration and communication in development processes. The result is dramatically reduced lead time between definition and delivery of a product, less waste, higher product quality and accelerated time to market.

Proximus selected 3SS to deliver its multiscreen offerings in April 2022. This followed launch on Android TV Operator Tier STB in September 2020.

Since its 2020 launch, Pickx has been honored with several prestigious industry accolades, including winning the CSI Award for Best TV User Experience 2020 and the UX Award at VideoTech Innovation Awards 2021.


About 3 Screen Solutions (3SS)

3SS delivers experiences people love. We enable seamless entertainment experiences across all screens, for and together with service providers worldwide. Founded in 2009, we are an acknowledged leader in system integration, software engineering, UI/UX design innovation and solution architecture. We created 3Ready, the world's leading product platform, to accelerate launches of entertainment services on all devices, co-create and enable customer-centric innovation. The award-winning 3Ready product platform counts 24 operators with 68+ million users reach, and four automotive projects. These include 4iG, A1 Telekom Austria Group, Allente, Altibox, Astro, Elisa Estonia, Eutelsat, Liberty Global, Norlys, O2/Telefonica, ORS, Proximus, SES, Swisscom, TCC Uruguay, Tele2, TELUS, Vodafone and Yes. Broadcast customers include Blockbuster, Joyn (ProSiebenSat.1/Discovery), n-tv, ProSiebenSat.1, SUPER RTL (TOGGO), and Viacom, among others. Please visit 3ss.tv for more information and follow us on LinkedIn.


About Vantiva

Pushing the Edge

Vantiva shares are admitted to trading on the regulated market of Euronext Paris (VANTI).

Vantiva, formerly known as Technicolor, is headquartered in Paris, France. It is an independent company which is a global technology leader in designing, developing and supplying innovative products and solutions that connect consumers around the world to the content and services they love – whether at home, at work or in other smart spaces. Vantiva has also earned a solid reputation for optimizing supply chain performance by leveraging its decades-long expertise in high-precision manufacturing, logistics, fulfilment and distribution. With operations throughout the Americas, Asia Pacific and EMEA, Vantiva is recognized as a strategic partner by leading firms across various vertical industries, including network service providers, software companies and video game creators for over 25 years. The group’s relationships with the film and entertainment industry go back over 100 years by providing end-to-end solutions for its clients.

Following the acquisition of CommScope’s Home Networks in January 2024, Vantiva continues its 130-year legacy as a global leader in the connected home market.

Vantiva is committed to the highest standards of corporate social responsibility and sustainability across all aspects of their operations.

For more information, please visit vantiva.com and follow Vantiva on LinkedIn andTwitter.

For media information, please contact:

For Vantiva

Vantiva Press Relations                                                

press.relations@vantiva.com                                        

Thatcher+Co.for Vantiva

vantiva@thatcherandco.com

For media information:

Cyntia Ritchie

cynthia@whitetigercommunications.net+44 20 45187555

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