Magine expands Euro footprint

Sweden-based OTT company Magine has launched a beta version of its service in the UK and is to carry the linear networks of local broadcasters ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5.

Ambuj Goyal

Magine, which debuted in Sweden in March 2013 and in Germany last year, has begun offering UK consumers a test version of its TV For Me service.

It allows users to stream channels across mobile devices, smart TVs and computers whilst personalising their experience by adding show alerts and picking out their favourite channels.

“We believe that there will always be an important place for live TV in the entertainment industry,” said the recently appointed CEO of Magine TV, Ambuj Goyal.

“We welcome legal innovation in the channel distribution landscape, and are pleased to license some of our linear channels for streaming on Magine’s beta service,” said Carl Pfeiffer, head of distribution at Channel 4.

In Germany, where Magine says it has 1.5 million users, the service offers Bloomberg TV, Al Jazeera, Nickelodeon and Eurosport 1 for free.

Additional bundles of pay TV channels are available for a monthly fee, including a kids’ package that incorporates Boomerang, Cartoon Network, Nick JR, YFE and Duck TV, costing €4.99 (US$5.42) per month.