September 19, 2011 – ACTON, Mass. – SeaChange International (NASDAQ: SEAC), a leading global multi-screen video software provider, today announced that integrated communications provider SureWest Communications has upgraded its SeaChange-based video-on-demand (VOD) service to VODlink 5.0, the latest generation of SeaChange’s VOD software applications platform. The upgrade at SureWest’s Kansas City system enabled the operator to introduce SeaChange’s Watch & Buy T-Commerce application to its subscribers.
SureWest will use Watch & Buy to allow subscribers to purchase, for home delivery, DVD and Blu-ray Disc versions of Warner Bros.’ on-demand streamed movies directly through their VOD subscriber experience. SeaChange has configured several first-run titles from Warner Bros. studios for disc purchase in Kansas City the same day they are released for VOD viewing, including “Arthur,” “Hall Pass,” “Something Borrowed,” “Sucker Punch,” “Red Riding Hood” and “Unknown.”
In addition to launching Watch & Buy, SureWest is leveraging VODlink 5.0 to provide its subscribers with faster VOD navigation and program launch times along with enhanced graphics capabilities for its user experience. VODlink is integrated with SeaChange’s Axiom on Demand VOD back office at SureWest, and can work with other third-party VOD products.
“SureWest is operating in an intensely competitive market in Kansas City, and we see our upgrade to VODlink 5.0 and the launch of Watch & Buy as a significant step in differentiating the services and experiences we can offer to current and potential subscribers,” said Ken Johnson, vice president & chief technology officer, SureWest. “Being the first to deploy both VODlink 5.0 and Watch & Buy is indicative of SureWest’s ability to continuously embrace new technologies and advanced services.”
“We are pleased to work with SureWest on the first market offers using the Watch & Buy T-Commerce application,” said Anthony Landamia, executive director, product management, SeaChange. “This marks a major milestone in true T-Commerce, as this is the first time all the partners, technologies and business models have been properly aligned to provide a true end-to-end solution that can be scaled nationally.”
Sanjiv Moré, senior director of advanced advertising and VOD sales, SeaChange, added, “SureWest’s decision to upgrade to VODlink 5.0 is a testament to their desire to regularly push the technological envelope and provide their subscribers with the best possible entertainment experience. Our platforms enable the seamless introduction of new opportunities so operators can expand services and enhance experiences for subscribers.”
Watch & Buy includes a lightweight set-top application, user interface customization, and fully managed back-end order fulfillment. A DVD symbol appearing next to select titles in an operator’s VOD library alerts subscribers that the title is also available for purchase as a DVD or download. Subscribers may be presented with the opportunity to order DVDs in different formats such as Blu-Ray.
