IFA, Berlin,
August 31, 2007 –
Modern, high-quality, comprehensive and easy to use: ZDF, Europe's largest television network, launches the all-new ZDF-Mediathek today. The new TV media library service is one of the world's most wide-ranging and modern video portals. TV-on-demand becomes reality with video in TV broadcast quality regardless of whether the content is accessed via computer, a television set or a mobile telephone. The ZDF-Mediathek is simply the better way to watch TV – anytime and anywhere. The new media library service is based on the CoreMedia content management system (CMS). The Berlin-based Internet agency, Aperto AG, is responsible for the technical implementation. Following their successful tender, Aperto began work on the complex project, with support from CoreMedia and under the direction of ZDF. Among the key tasks were the introduction of the new CoreMedia CMS, the development of interfaces with ZDF's existing system and the migration of existing content. After just four months the implementation was complete. Innovative features make the ZDF-Mediathek unique. Users can browse through library content even while playing other content. A preview informs viewers about what TV show will follow the one currently playing. Convenient search functions make accessing content extremely simple while the clear structure of the navigation further enhances usability. Most videos remain available on the site for seven days following broadcast; selected items are offered for much longer periods. Missing a show is no longer a problem, as the ZDF-Mediathek puts TV content at viewers' fingertips – even on their mobile telephones. The ZDF-Mediathek can be accessed via the Internet with most standard computers and operating systems. At the IFA in Berlin, the world's largest consumer electronics trade fair, ZDF will present not only the Windows Media version of the media library, but also the open-standard H.264 version which enables Apple and Linux users to access ZDF content on the site. Dirk Buddensiek, managing director of Aperto AG, states: "With the ZDF-Mediathek, ZDF offers its viewers the freedom to choose what, when, how and where they watch TV and inform themselves. We're delighted to have the opportunity to apply our technology to make this ground-breaking multi-channel application a reality. And we agree with ZDF: The computer is a damn good television." Sören Stamer, co-founder and CEO of CoreMedia, adds: "The future of television is more individual and more personal. On-demand services offer every viewer unprecedented freedom regarding where and when they wish to view television. This new media library puts ZDF at the front of the field in European IP-TV. We're very impressed by this step and we're proud that we were able to support it as a partner of ZDF." Aperto
Aperto is one of Germany's leading multimedia service agencies based in Berlin. We provide integrated solutions in the areas of strategy, content, design and technology. Founded in 1995, Aperto´s more than 75 clients include various federal ministries, Siemens, Volkswagen and the daily Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (F.A.Z.) newspaper. Aperto has held the ISO certification for Quality Management since 1999. |