SMART Communications and PLDT Chairman and Cignal founder Manny V. Pangilinan shows off the latest innovation in television viewing, Cignal TV-to-Go, which allows Cignal subscribers to watch their favorite TV shows continuously even on their mobile devices.
Cignal’s postpaid subscribers may now watch their favorite channels on-the-go. But to avail of this service, the subscriber must be on the Smart Communications network or PLDT WiFi.
Launched this week, Cignal TV-to-Go will initially be available on select Android tablets and smartphones running the Jellybean v4.1 operating system. The service, the company says, is best experienced through the LTE network of Smart and PLDT’s high-speed broadband Wi-Fi.
Depending on a subscriber’s Cignal TV plan, up to 13 channels may be accessed on Cignal TV-To-Go: Aksyon TV, TV5, WIN, Teleasia Filipino, Colours, Hyper, Asian Food Channel, Channel News Asia, Outdoor Channel, CNN, Fashion TV, Food Network and Cartoon Network.
“Since this Cignal TV-to-go is currently on its beta phase, the service will initially be available on mobile devices that run on the Android Jelly Bean operating system,” explains Guido R. Zaballero, Head of Marketing. “In the next few months, we will be able to open access to more Android devices and even iOS devices. We’re also working on expanding the number of channels one can enjoy on the service.”
“With the communications infrastructure of the PLDT Group of Companies,” says Annie P. Naval, Managing Director and COO of Cignal, “Cignal TV subscribers won’t have to miss a beat when watching their favorite TV shows, thanks to Cignal TV-to-go.
Asked if they would provide packages for Android phone users so it can come out more affordable for them, Naval said: “Yes, the service would be free until August 31. I believe Smart is offering free viewing at least one hour a day until August 31. After which, there will be some packages that will allow you not to worry about your bill and get billed-shocked. There will be packages available as well as minimum subscription fee for Cignal.”
Cignal Postpaid subscribers from Plans 430 and up may enjoy this service for free until August 31.
Cignal TV-to-Go will initially be available on select Anroid devices running the Jellybean v4.1 operating system
A Smart Postpaid mobile number is required to register to the service. You have to be subscribed to the following plans: Gold, All-In, Freedom, Infinity, and LTE. Upon registering, the subscriber will receive a username, password and download link for the application. Internet service is required to be able to access Cignal TV-To-Go on the registered devices. This is available for free if you are in an area with PLDT WiFi.
Shoud you use Smart’s 3G or LTE network, regular data charges on your Smart subscription will apply, which is Php5.00 for every 15 minutes or fraction thereof.
Future trend in multimedia viewing
A live multimedia service, Cignal TV-to-go represents the PLDT Group’s first multimedia, multiscreen answer to evolve side-by-side with technology and the growing needs of its subscribers. In the recently concluded BroadcastAsia 2013 Conference held in Singapore last June, several experts in the field of communications pegged it as a future worldwide trend in multimedia viewing.
Using the combined power of Cignal, PLDT and Smart, Cignal provides balanced service of live streaming TV to the assets of PLDT and Smart. “We’re talking about unmatched and unparalleled capability to reach consumers, 54,000 kilometers of fiber to deliver the best broadband, 3G, 4G and LTE to serve the consumers all over the Philippines,” Noel Lorenzana, President and CEO of MediaQuest, said.
Video on Demand
Aside from TV-to-go, Cignal plans to promote other services for its subscribers in the future. “In the future, you’ll probably see VOD or video-on-demand where you can view a movie,” claims Naval. “You can subscribe to them. That will be available in mobile devices so you’ll be able to watch it anytime and anywhere you want.”
