UniqCast uC24: When Content Follows the User - Anytime, Anywhere

UniqCast is proud to introduce uC24, the newest release of its IPTV/OTT platform, designed around a simple yet powerful idea: content should follow the user, not the other way around. With game-changing enhancements like stream takeover between devices and download-to-own (DTO) offline playback, uC24 redefines mobility, personalization, and content access for today’s on-the-go viewer.

Your Content, Wherever You Are

Stream Takeover with uCast Companion

Imagine starting a movie on your living room TV and continuing it seamlessly on your mobile device as you head out. That’s the experience delivered by the uCast Companion Stream Takeover. This feature lets users transfer live or on-demand streams from their STB to mobile devices instantly, bridging living room and mobile viewing into one uninterrupted journey.

Download-to-Own (DTO) for True Portability

With DTO support, users can now download their favorite VOD content directly to their devices for offline viewing which is ideal for flights, commutes, or low-connectivity areas. This leap in user experience isn’t just about convenience; it also unlocks new monetization models for operators, such as pay-per-download content or premium access tiers.

General Highlights of uC24

Beyond mobility, uC24 packs several new tools to personalize content and optimize service delivery:

• Dynamic TV Store Metadata
  Operators can customize how content is presented in the TV Store based on product, device, or user profile, allowing highly targeted offers and personalized storefronts.
  
• Smarter Recommendations with Cosine Similarity
  An upgraded recommendation engine uses cosine similarity to generate smarter, profile-based content suggestions, helping users discover content that aligns with their viewing preferences.
  
• Enhanced Filtering in Dynamic Catalogues
  Filters like Live Series ID and Content Provider offer users a more refined and relevant browsing experience.
  
• Content Aggregation with Digiturk
  Digiturk joins as an integrated content provider, enabling operators to seamlessly ingest, synchronize, and offer Digiturk titles, including deep-linking to individual assets.
  

STB App Upgrades: Transparency Meets Control

uC24 introduces data charge warnings on STB and mobile apps, proactive alerts that notify users of potential data costs before playback starts. This feature enhances transparency, reduces bill shock, and builds user trust, all key to improving loyalty and reducing churn.

Additional improvements:

• Satellite and multicast improvements
  
  • Faster DVB channel management, configurable and predefined satellite search and network-based multicast control
• Selective player watermark
  
  • Operators can manage operator’s logo visibility in players based on content type
• Other improvements:
  
  • Improved sleep/resume behavior, enhanced DVB channel management and better error handling during live TV playback.
    

Mobile, Web, and SmartTV Apps: A Complete Viewing Ecosystem

uC24 brings full DTO functionality to all user-facing platforms, turning smartphones, browsers, and SmartTVs into true content hubs - online or offline. This significantly broadens user engagement and supports new monetization and pricing strategies.

Additional enhancements include:

• External links in sidebar
  
  • New sidebar menu options support definition of third party links that can direct navigation to external services (e.g. selfcare portals, external services, etc.)
• Data charge warnings: 
  
  • configurable notifications alert users about potential external data costs before playback
• UI enhancements
  
  •  Unified hyperlink color styling, synchronized mute control with device volume, offline mode optimizations.
• Security
  
  • Root and Hook detection for Android, strengthened app protection with RASP integration
• Other improvements
  
  • Improved fullscreen handling, dynamic catalog translations, DRM content protection in PiP and improved purchasing flows in TV Store.
    

Backend Upgrades: Powering Content Portability

The backend layer of uC24 plays a critical role in enabling content to flow seamlessly with the user. Key capabilities include:

• DTO Backend Support
  Ensures efficient download workflows, licensing, and playback rights across all devices.
  
• Stream Takeover Coordination
  Manages session handover logic across STB and mobile environments for seamless content continuation.
  
• Dynamic Metadata Management
  Lets operators fine-tune product presentation in real time, based on device type or subscriber profile.
  
• Smarter Personalization Engine
  Delivers dynamic, personalized catalogues using cosine similarity, enhancing relevance and engagement.
  
• Advanced Banner Targeting
  Supports tag-based segmentation for more precise upsell and promotion campaigns.
  

Other backend improvements:

• DigiTurk VOD integration
  
  • Backend support for onboarding the major content provider Digiturk into the ecosystem
• Improved backend service reliability and responsiveness
• Enhanced cache invalidations for TV Store operations
• Extension of highlight service to support EPG extra time (handling highlights outside of EPG timelines)

Conclusion: Mobility is the Message

With uC24, UniqCast doubles down on the user’s need for freedom and flexibility. Whether it’s continuing playback on the move or enjoying favorite shows without connectivity, uC24 ensures the content always follows the user. For operators, this not only enhances user satisfaction but opens doors to more personalized, data-driven, and profitable service models.

The future of IPTV/OTT isn’t just smart. It’s mobile, adaptive, and seamless. And with uC24, it’s already here.