Hostworks in the News: AUSTAR partners with Hostworks and Switch Media to launch Australia’s first streaming and downloadable on demand TV service

The AUSTAR AnyWhere TM service is a first in the Asia Pacific region that lets viewers stream and download TV programs on Mac and PC.

Technical Director for Switch Media Luke Durham says this is possible because of the type Digital Rights Management (DRM) chosen.

The use of DRM means that online broadcasters have controlling rights over the content permissions given to different levels of subscribers.

Luke Durham says: “The challenge was bringing together leading edge capabilities like Adobe Flash Access 2.0 DRM, protected streaming and download access into a single you beaut service.”

He says Switch Media has also been able to provide a cost effective and reliable distribution network to AUSTAR’s regional subscriber base.

Head of Technology and Innovation at Hostworks Adrian Britton says: “Hostworks is proud to be working with Switch Media on the AUSTAR Anywhere service. Hostworks utilises multiple venues, multiple carriers, an arsenal of tools and a deep knowledge of the internet landscape to deliver AUSTAR and other prominent Australia based media organisations the reach and capability they demand.”

Switch Media Chief Executive, Christopher Stenhouse says: “We are on an evolutionary path, going from leaning forward to watch online videos to a lean-back on demand internet TV experience.”

AUSTAR Chief Executive Officer, John Porter, said, “AUSTAR AnyWhere TM is the next step in making the best entertainment available to our customers whenever and however they want it. It will give our subscribers complete flexibility and control over when they view their favourite shows, as long as they have an internet connection on their PC. A key feature of AUSTAR AnyWhere TM is that it will offer the ability to both stream and download content, meaning customers can either watch the video straight away online, or download it to their PC watch later.”

The online TV portal is available only on the AUSTAR AnyWhere TM service at www.austar.com.au/onlinetv