GMA deploys Synamedia’s PowerVu for better GMA Pinoy TV viewing experience

LONDON – 13 September 2023 – Leading video software provider Synamedia announced that GMA Network, Inc., a major broadcaster in Asia Pacific, has deployed PowerVu to move distribution of its global GMA Pinoy TV service from satellite to the cloud. This migration has already resulted in a better viewing experience for subscribers in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), with improved reliability and latency.

By using PowerVu to distribute its content over AWS cloud, GMA has lowered operating costs, removed complexity, and created new monetisation opportunities. And, by moving to cloud distribution, GMA has eliminated the threat of disruption to its subscribers’ viewing experience from 5G spectrum interference with satellite downlink.

In partnership with AWS, Synamedia overcame one of GMA’s major challenges: like many operators in Asia Pacific, GMA has struggled to get video into the cloud reliably due to internet connectivity issues. By deploying Synamedia virtual Digital Content Manager (vDCM), GMA benefited from a secure gateway for reliable video delivery into the cloud.

GMA had to accelerate its strategy of moving distribution to IP when one of the satellite providers in the Middle East shut down its service in March 2023. Synamedia deployed PowerVu in under six hours and transitioned GMA’s services to cloud-based distribution, ensuring continuous broadcasting. With the transition to IP cloud connectivity, GMA can easily scale and extend distribution to overseas Filipinos – known as “Pinoys” globally.

GMA Pinoy TV is GMA’s flagship international channel, bringing the best of Filipino entertainment and news to Global Filipinos in over 100 countries through partnerships with major pay-TV operators on cable, direct-to-home, IPTV and OTT distribution platforms.

Joseph Francia, First Vice President and Head of International Operations at GMA said, “GMA Pinoy TV is committed to provide exceptional content to the Global Filipino audience. With Synamedia’s PowerVu cloud-based distribution solution, we hope to further elevate the viewing experience of our audience in the Middle East and North Africa.”

Allan Cruz, Assistant Vice President and Head of Facilities Management Division at GMA added, “Synamedia has a reputation in the industry for reliability and excellent customer service and we have seen this first-hand as we transition our content delivery in MENA to IP and the cloud. The team went above and beyond to ensure we could go live in record time.”

Marc Baillavoine, CTO of Video Network at Synamedia, commented, “GMA has a loyal subscriber base around the world who rely on GMA Pinoy TV to keep up with news and entertainment from home. Using our PowerVu cloud-based distribution solution, GMA has overcome many persistent industry issues and is now reaping the benefits of reduced operating costs, business agility and scalability to extend its distribution globally while enhancing the viewer experience.”

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About GMA Network, Inc.

GMA Network, Inc. is the Philippines’ leading broadcasting company, which produces the most innovative, most trusted, and top-rating TV programs.

Also known as the Kapuso Network, GMA brings superior entertainment and responsible, unbiased, and timely delivery of comprehensive and accurate News and Information to Filipinos anywhere in the world through its TV, radio, online platforms and wide array of other media-related ventures: program syndication, film production, music publishing and distribution, set design, audio-visual production, and new media.

Based on Nielsen TV Audience Measurement data from January to December 2022, GMA Network’s combined people net reach including GTV and its other digital channels was at 96 percent or 78 million viewers in total Philippines. Headquartered in Quezon City, GMA operates a network of 101 TV stations and 21 radio stations throughout the country.

Officially listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange in 2007, GMA Network, Inc. is regarded as one of the most notable organizations that promote sustainability in the country, being the first media and broadcasting company in the Philippines to sign with the United Nations (UN) Global Compact.

For more stories about the Kapuso Network, visit https://www.GMANetwork.com