RTL+

The RTL+ broadcast related app is Germany's first HbbTV app to offer linear TV viewers a subscription-based VoD service via HbbTV. All content, including TV CatchUp VoD content or livestreams of NFL or UEFA Europa League matches, is DRM protected and streamed via DASH. A wide range of HbbTV devices is covered via a tested access allow list, starting with HbbTV 1.5 devices from 2016.

Description

With around 4.5 million subscribers, RTL+ is the leading German streaming service on the market. RTL+ is the first German provider to bundle series, reality shows, live sports, movies, music, audio books, podcasts, and magazine titles from Gruner + Jahr in an all-inclusive entertainment app.

In the video area, RTL+ offers more than 50,000 hours of programming in various genres. Diversity is a top priority. In addition to numerous TV highlights from its own portfolio, RTL+ also offers its customers a wide range of exclusive content: originals produced by and for RTL+ from the show, real life and comedy segments, documentaries and fiction. In addition, RTL+ includes an extensive feature film package, exclusive series highlights, live sports and a constantly growing Family & Kids section. This extensive portfolio is being expanded on an ongoing basis.

Impact

The RTL+ HbbTV broadcast related app opens up a new direct access to the target group of TV viewers for RTL+, who can be addressed via Red Button on the linear signal. On the broadcast channels of RTL Deutschland, TV viewers can be offered additional channel content via RTL+, such as 7-day catchup or pre-TV VoD, or content that complements linear programming, e.g. all the games of a soccer match day, whereas only one match of them is broadcasted, as well as exclusive RTL+ content beyond the linear program.

The RTL+ HbbTV app offers TV viewers easy access to on-demand use of broadcast content and the wide range of RTL+ exclusive content. The simple and user-friendly interface of the HbbTV app allows even inexperienced Smart TV owners and users to easily access and use the VoD offer.

As a result, and in combination with the steadily growing device coverage, the RTL+ HbbTV app has seen a remarkable 60% increase in video usage compared to the same month last year.