TVB.COM in Kong Kong to Simplify Video On-Demand

TVB Ltd, a Hong Kong broadcasting and digital media company, provides around-the-clock entertainment and news services to more than 7 million people, including television and mobile viewers, and operates international licensing and distribution businesses.

“TVB.COM’s leading position in the video on-demand market is contingent on our ability to deliver a variety of instantly accessible content,” said Rex Ching, head of technical engineering, TVB.COM. “NetApp FAS storage has given us the ability to simplify and modernize our infrastructure, differentiating ourselves from competitors.“

TVB.COM delivers content of over 40 broadcast channels to approximately 2 million set-top-boxes and mobile devices. Additionally, to differentiate itself from competitors, it also makes its 400TB content library acquired from international sources available online 24/7. To do this, they must store their assets indefinitely and make them immediately accessible. As a result, their content library grows by 5-10% per month, doubling every 9 months.

In a recent move to further strengthen its position within Hong Kong’s online video market, TVB introduced myTV SUPER, an OTT platform in Hong Kong, which is delivered via a TVB branded set-top box and mobile application. Offering picture quality and catch-up, vast selections of VOD offerings from TVB’s library and third party content providers are available to customers.

As the success of TVB.COM’s VOD service depends on providing viewers with immediate access to ever increasing amounts of content across multiple channels and devices, the company chose NetApp, Inc. FAS storage for its origin server. In addition, TVB.COM implemented NetApp ONTAP, which enables them to upgrade software and even add scale-out storage nodes, as needed, without impacting their always-on television service. And, by leveraging NetApp SnapMirror software, it can replicate data between its two storage sites. As a result, they have the storage performance, scalability, and resiliency to make their growing library of content available on-demand to a diverse and increasing customer base. In addition, they are confident in their ability to offer uninterrupted service and well-positioned for future growth.

With its solution, TVB.COM can: