UK broadcaster Channel 4 has continued its long-standing relationship with Piksel to support the launch of All 4, which replaces Channel 4’s existing 4oD online video offering. Developed with support from Piksel, All 4 leverages the cloud to deliver a portal consistent user experience creating a digital hub for its 11 million registered users. All 4 initially launches on iOS and browsers; with the plan to extend to other digital platforms in the future.
“We continued our partnership with Piksel for this project because of their technical expertise in developing iOS applications and back-end services,” explained Martin Gee, IS programme manager at Channel 4. “Piksel helped us build the All 4 iOS app and a number of key services around a managed cloud framework so we can launch new features more rapidly. All 4 will deliver a more personalised range of content to our registered users.”
Channel 4’s Annual Report 2013 reported a 24 per cent rise in digital viewing on apps, and the broadcaster’s content can now be viewed on multiple platforms such as iOS, Android and Windows mobile devices, along with Xbox 360 and Xbox One. In addition to building an intuitive interface for All 4 alongside an advanced feature-set, the iOS app also includes analytics to support Channel 4’s targeted advertising strategy.
“Having worked with Channel 4 since 2006 and delivering the UK’s first digital video platform, 4oD, we have grown to understand its viewers and the TV experiences that they want. This means entertainment which is easier to navigate and access, and experiences more aligned with the unique preferences of the individual,” commented Mark Christie, CTO, Piksel. “We’re delighted to work with Channel 4 to deliver its biggest new media project this year and use our specialist expertise to help Channel 4 execute this trailblazing, data-driven strategy.”
All 4 leverages a services-orientated architecture (SOA) based framework, with Piksel helping Channel 4 build out key components of the solution.
