Arqiva to broaden services with Capablue acquisition

The companies have already worked together on the development of pay capabilities for Arqiva’s Connect TV platform, which it acquired in September last year.

Arqiva Digital Platforms managing director Charles Constable said the company needed to broaden its offering on the back of the “rapid expansion” of highspeed broadband connections and the growth in ownership of internet-enabled TVs.

He said the technology developed by Capablue would complement long-form, linear programming rather than act as a substitute or threat.

“I am a great believer in a robust and healthy future for DTT, but we need to look for ways to modernise and add value, capabilities and function,” he said.

Arqiva attempted to crack the video-on-demand market with illfated B2C venture SeeSaw, which was born out of technology developed as part of BBC, ITV and Channel 4 venture Project Kangaroo.

SeeSaw was subsequently acquired by a consortium of investors before it was shut down in 2011, owing to a lack of funding.

Capablue chief executive Tom Cape, who was chief technology offi cer of Kangaroo before it was acquired by Arqiva, said it was “logical” for Arqiva to pursue a B2B strategy.

He said: “Years ago, [non-broadcasters] went direct, but broadcasters have strong brands and their position as editors is still strong.

“The right place for us is to provide services and let [broadcasters] handle customers.”

The company’s most recent high-profile project was providing free-to-air, seven-day catch-up players for UKTV.