MANILA, Philippines — Media and entertainment giant ABS-CBN Corp. is staying one step ahead of the competition as it continues to strengthen its digital transformation initiatives.
The company launched early this month a mobile version of ABS-CBN TVplus in the form of a dongle, called the ABS-CBN TVplus Go.
ABS-CBN TVplus Go allows Filipinos on-the-go the chance to watch shows available on networks broadcasting in digital anytime and anywhere.
As of February this year, ABS-CBN has sold seven million TVplus units since its launch in 2015.
ABS-CBN is rapidly transitioning into an agile digital company as it leads the country’s departure from analog following the government’s mandate for all broadcasting companies to migrate to digital TV before 2023.
TVplus’ signal coverage areas had been expanded to include Metro Manila, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan, Rizal, Laguna, Pampanga, Tarlac, Benguet, Cavite, Metro Cebu, Cagayan De Oro, Iloilo, Bacolod, and Davao.
ABS-CBN’s main rival, GMA Network, for its part, is also undertaking its own digital transformation efforts.
GMA’s own digital device, which is said to have features which its competitors do not have, is being eyed for launch in the second half.
The network earlier said it is currently in the final stretch of preparations for the launch of MyGMA Go, its mobile digital terrestrial television service that is targeted to revolutionize content consumption habits by combining digital TV viewing and the fun elements of mobile interactivity.
GMA will launch an affordable and compact end-user device that can act as a digital TV receiver when connected to an Android smartphone.
Complimentary to this device is a mobile application that can be downloaded from the Google Play Store where users can watch GMA’s exclusive channels and other free-to-air channels without a need for an active Internet connection.
The proprietary technologies that include hardware and software solutions for MyGMA Go have been patented with both the local and international Intellectual Property Organization, and manufacturing of the end-user devices from China will be done in the second quarter.