TrueVisions subscribers down 17,000 in 1Q 2014

True Corporation PLC has released results for the first quarter of 2014.

TrueVisions

TrueVisions’ service revenue decreased 10.2% QoQ on a seasonal decline in advertising revenues and 9.7% YoY to Bt 2.4 bn due to lower subscription and installation revenues following weakening economy and political uncertainty. Nevertheless, the decline in subscription revenue became more stabilized.

TrueVisions’ customer base was 2.4 mn at the end of 1Q14 while ARPU declined to Bt 774 in 1Q14 from Bt 802 in 4Q13 due to a change in subscriber mix with higher proportion of standard customers following positive response to the Group’s convergence campaigns.

In April, TrueVisions acquired the two digital terrestrial TV licenses for news and variety channels and started trial broadcasting these channels, the “TNN 24” and “True4U”, in the same month. Meanwhile, the business continued to enhance its portfolio with more top international and local content. This puts TrueVisions in a strong position to capture growth from the digital TV roll out while broadening its marketing opportunity to broadcast its content to a larger audience.

TrueVisions customers (000s):

                         4Q12   1Q13   2Q13   3Q13   4Q13   1Q14
                        -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----
Total                   2,042  2,175  2,274  2,368  2,371  2,354
 Premium                  435    429    393    360    343    327
 Standard                 308    312    340    387    419    450
 Free View                564    616    683    741    740    700
 Free to air box          735    816    859    881    870    876

Verimatrix provides revenue security for Thailand's TrueVision

Verimatrix Provides Robust Revenue Security for TrueVision’s Multi-Network and Multi-Screen Service Offering

• Leading Thai Operator Selects VCAS for Internet TV for Proven Ability to Provide Complete Protection of Premium Content Assets

SAN DIEGO, CA — Verimatrix, the specialist in securing and enhancing revenue for multi-network, multi-screen digital TV services around the globe, today announced that TrueVision Plc has selected the Verimatrix Video Content Authority System (VCAS™) architecture to provide revenue security for its premium content service offerings. TrueVision is Thailand’s largest cable television provider.

VCAS for Internet TV was deployed to protect the TrueVision Anywhere, True Movie, and H Movie service offerings. The services are delivered via a hybrid network comprised of both broadcast/linear and over-the-top (OTT) components using a single digital rights management (DRM) head-end. The head-end is shared by multiple TrueVision companies, each providing their own pay-TV services. Such an approach ensures a unified and consistent subscriber user experience (UX).

The services can be accessed through a multitude of devices, including iOS and Android tablets and phones, a USB/HDMI Android dongle, as well as Macs and PCs. The Goldenduck Group (GDG), a leading visual and audio cinema and broadcast system integrator in Southeast Asia, served as the systems integrator for the project, and NXP Software provided the player.

“The reputation of VCAS in the market was one of the leading reasons we chose to partner with Verimatrix on this project,” said Ms. Nantanee Wongumnitkul, director of business development, True Vision Cable Public Company Limited. “Collaborating with Verimatrix provided us with access to a studio-trusted revenue security solution that will support our quest to provide our subscribers with the content they crave within a seamless brand experience across platforms.”

“TrueVision’s unique deployment highlights the many advantages of taking a unified approach to revenue security,” said Steve Oetegenn, chief sales and marketing officer, Verimatrix.”We are delighted to have partnered with TrueVision on this important project, as it underscores the importance of having a robust multi-screen strategy to create a truly integrated consumer experience, which can be a critical competitive differentiator.”

VCAS for Internet TV provides a complete digital TV security solution for OTT services over multiple networks. Featuring enhanced HLS security, VCAS for Internet TV secures pay-OTT services to multiple screens and across multiple network types, including both broadcast (linear) and VoD delivery modes. Specifically, VCAS for Internet TV provides pay-TV security features otherwise only found in managed DVB and IPTV networks, thus enabling the use of premium content for OTT services.