MultiChoice behind revamped overseas streaming service

MultiChoice Group-owned cybersecurity firm Irdeto has partnered with Malaysia’s largest pay-TV provider, Astro, to launch the all-new Astro Sooka streaming platform.

Astro is leveraging Irdeto Experience for a complete overhaul of the Sooka platform, covering the backend, front end, and end-to-end quality of experience.

Irdeto said its technology suite enables Astro Sooka to offer an immersive and high-quality user experience to its growing customer base.

“Key enhancements include a redesigned UI/UX, intuitive navigation, faster response times, powerful search and discovery, personalised recommendations, and addressable advertising capabilities,” it says.

All the while, the Astro Sooka platform will be secured by world-class anti-piracy measures.

“This next-generation platform provides Sooka with future-proof scalability, enhanced capabilities, and greater operational resilience for a seamless top-tier streaming experience,” says Irdeto.

At the same time, it will help Astro drive down its operational costs.

Irdeto says it is committed to delivering a modern, secure architecture that integrates advanced content protection, acceptable scalability, and optimised user experiences.

Astro Group CEO Euan Smith says the revamped Sooka platform represents a significant milestone for the broadcaster.

“The new Sooke platform is already receiving very positive independent validation, confirming the exceptional quality of experience that surpasses industry standards,” says Smith.

He adds that this is evident in the positive shift in Sooka app store ratings and customer feedback.

“With Irdeto’s expertise and advanced technology, we are confident that our partnership will drive long-term growth and strengthen our position to make Sooka the number one streaming app in Malaysia,” says Smith.

According to Irdeto CEO Doug Lowther, the Sooka platform refresh demonstrates the power of the Irdeto Experience solution suite.

“It’s an honour to have Asto’s strong vote of confidence in our technology, as well as in our team’s capabilities to deliver excellence in complex and transformative projects,” says Lowther.

“We’re grateful to join with Astro to build upon their continued success in the Malaysian market.”

Irdeto says the solution is seamless and future-ready, thanks to its collaboration with long-term partners and leading providers such as To The New, Broadspeak, and Bitmovin.

Astro partnered with Irdeto based on its reputation for delivering extensive and complex projects, as well as its 50+ years of expertise in the pay-TV and digital media industry.

“The partnership reaffirms Irdeto’s leadership in the global media and entertainment industry, showcasing its ability to meet the evolving needs of its clients with innovative, scalable, and secure solutions,” it says.