Elion’s digiTV
Overview
In autumn 2009 we launched a new visual and functional solution for Elion’s digiTV based on the concept of user convenience, as well as a number of additional services. In order to achieve a better result we implemented the usability principles used when creating Internet environments. The new user-friendly design and several new services have received very good feedback from users.
Elion’s digiTV is the only interactive digiTV service in Estonia which uses an Internet (IPTV) platform. Thanks to this, it can offer useful, entertainment-based added value that ordinary digiTV services cannot. Thanks to Elion, Estonia is one of the top three IPTV service providers in the world.
Values
- The new user interface follows the principles of Internet environment usability, adapted to fit TV screens and use of remote controls.
- We developed and redesigned a number of services designed to boost the use of and the number of people accessing digiTV:
- a functional main menu;
- an interactive TV guide;
- programme reminders;
- channel favourite lists;
- channel themed packages;
- a video hire service; and
- a recording service.
Goals
- To significantly boost the use of DigiTV services
- To achieve DigiTV user satisfaction, with a recommended indicator of more than 50%
Client’s assessment
Paul-Kristjan Lilje
Content Services Manager
In creating the solution designed to increased user convenience related to Elion’s DigiTV services, we had to take into account the fact that although we would be able to adopt the principles of Internet usability to some extent, we would still be working in quite a different medium. As such, in developing the DigiTV user environment we are, by and large, inventing the wheel rather than reinventing it. I think it’s fair to say we’re at the forefront in global terms, which of course means there aren’t that many examples to learn from. In America and Europe it’s cable TV that’s the big thing; with IPTV, Elion is one of the world’s pioneers. We’ve developed both the IPTV user environment and its applications pretty much from scratch. And taking all of that into account, we’re very pleased with the results of the project.
As for ADM, since we didn’t have the people we needed in company to come up with a user interface for these kinds of services, we outsourced them, and they were the partner we chose. We’re very happy with the way we’ve worked together. One of the best things about ADM is that they never miss a deadline and they never renege on a promise. If they say something will be ready tomorrow, it’ll be ready tomorrow. There’s no last-minute “the dog ate my homework” excuses about why something’s not on your desk when it’s meant to be. Fortunately for us, but unfortunately for everyone else, that’s a rare quality on the Estonian web design and development market.
Results 2009-2010
- More than 50% of Elion’s clients have used its additional DigiTV services. The aim to boost the numbers of people using the services can be considered to have been achieved.
- According to statistics, there has been a significant shift in television users’ patterns of use thanks to Elion’s DigiTV services. Use of extra options means changes in habits in terms of using remote controls. Previously, there was little need to use the Menu button, but now Elion’s DigiTV has seen its use skyrocket. Use of the services has also seen the number of times buttons need to pressed decrease.
- The range of DigiTV services, their user-friendly design and the variety of additional solutions supporting user convenience have received excellent feedback from users in surveys.
Objective: user satisfaction with a recommended indicator of more than 50%.
Result: It is too early to produce an annual summary, but we forecast that the objective will be achieved.
In 2009, Elion’s DigiTV was assessed as follows in terms of the DigiTV services provided around the world (Informa Telecoms & Media): “Among ten of the most cutting-edge TV providers in the world, who have excelled in terms of performance and future potential.” (Fierce IPTV, November 2009)