Amagi has enabled Fremantle’s BUZZR, the only vintage game show network in the US, to transition into cloud-managed broadcast operations for efficiency, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. 

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Amagi: OTT and broadcast content is now handled by Amagi CLOUDPORT

Using Amagi’s next-generation cloud platform, BUZZR has successfully integrated its broadcast workflows across over-the-air, cable and digital OTT operations on to a single unified platform.

BUZZR, ‘a pop culture time capsule’, offers viewers classic content from Fremantle’s portfolio of more than 40,000 episodes of iconic game shows such as Family Feud, What’s My Line, To Tell the Truth, Match Game, Password and Card Sharks. BUZZR is broadcast to more than 70% of US Designated Market Area (DMA) households. The network is available in 67 broadcast markets including all top 10 DMAs. It is also available on cable operators such as Spectrum, Xfinity, Verizon, Frontier, Altice USA, Cox Communications and Wide Open West. In addition, BUZZR is also available nationwide on DISH and on OTT platforms Pluto TV, Samsung TV Plus, The Roku Channel and STIRR, as well as via live stream.

As part of the engagement, BUZZR moved its vast content library to the AWS cloud. Leveraging its cloud playout SaaS platform CLOUDPORT, Amagi was able to provide an end-to-end solution to BUZZR to create, deliver and manage its channel for both OTT and broadcast. Simplifying its operations, BUZZR moved from a multi-vendor operation to a single unified managed service offering from Amagi.

“Working with Amagi has helped us to significantly simplify our channel management efforts across distribution models, while also saving costs. Amagi’s cloud-based platform with a web interface gave us a high degree of transparency and greater flexibility to check for potential issues and fix them proactively,” said Mark Deetjen, general manager, BUZZR. “Amagi gives us real-time access to all parts of the broadcast workflow – a huge advantage when compared to traditional managed services we had used in the past. Also, their solution integrates with WideOrbit scheduling software that we were using. It made the entire workflow seamless, smooth, and simple.

“In our experience, we’ve found that unifying operations across broadcast TV and streaming gives TV networks the much-needed control, efficiencies and better chance at resource optimisation,” said Srinivasan KA, co-founder, Amagi. “BUZZR has demonstrated how forward-thinking TV networks can embrace the technology shifts and advancements to its advantage in pursuing a multi-screen growth strategy. We’re delighted to partner with BUZZR and demonstrate the merits of a unified broadcast workflow as it excels across platforms.”

Amagi manages 400+ channels, with deliveries in more than 40 countries. It supports 150+ streaming channels on its cloud platform and distributes content to top OTT platforms including Samsung TV Plus, The Roku Channel, Xumo, Pluto TV, STIRR, VIZIO, Redbox, Plex, and Sling TV and more.