Showtime is offering samples of its content over-the-top, teaming with Brightcove and Roku in launching a Showtime interactive application for Roku devices.
The offering includes promotional content from its series Shameless and its new comedy series House of Lies. Programming will feature free sample episodes and other content delivered directly to Roku devices via the Brightcove Video Cloud online video platform.
The project leverages Brightcove's Video Cloud platform, which allowed Showtime to quickly create an app that enables Roku consumers to sample Showtime programming. While not a full-fledged OTT play, it is indicative of how traditional content providers are using new means to go direct to consumers.
"Our strong relationship with Brightcove and use of the Video Cloud platform makes it easy for us to bring our video content to new platforms like Roku and expand the reach of our initiatives," said David Preisman, vice president of Interactive TV, Showtime Networks.
Showtime is the first organization to take advantage of the sample reference application built by Brightcove, Roku and A Different Engine, a leading San Francisco-based interactive agency. The app reduces the amount of time involved with user interface design, development and QA, enabling organizations to quickly take advantage of the fast-growing audience using the Roku platform. It also provides a simple user interface that follows Roku's navigation conventions and built-in connections to Video Cloud playlists. Publishers can also sell their apps, if desired, using Roku's subscription system.
Roku has sold some 2.5 million of its connected TV devices since 2008.
In October, it scored a win with HBO, offering HBO Go content to customers through its device with the caveat that viewers must also be subs to HBO through a pay-TV provider.
Nonetheless, the deal gives Roku owners access to shows directly on their TVs, which means that, after authenticating, they'll be able to watch on additional TV sets without having to add additional STBs from their providers.
Roku has a line of devices that starts at $50.
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