iWorld
Apple TV: Unified Streaming selected to power dimsum subtitles
MUMBAI: Malaysian VOD service dimsum has chosen Unified Streaming, a leader in cross-platform video-streaming technologies, to provide WebVTT subtitle support conversion for its subscribers with Apple TV.
Smooth subtitling is crucial for dimsum. The SVOD service delivers the best multi-genre content from across Asia to a target audience of young, connected and mobile Malaysians.
dimsum’s decision to partner with Unified Streaming came with the realization that Apple TV requires subtitles to be in WebVTT format and subtitle information to be present in a manifest file. Unified Streaming’s software program known as Unified Packager proved the ideal solution.
“It works seamlessly with our existing workflow, which requires minimum effort in implementation by utilising Unified Packager to manipulate HLS manifest and splitting of multi subtitles”, says Boon Kim San, dimsum’s Manager of Apps Development and Operations.
Besides efficiently packaging subtitles, Unified Packager uses one ingest format and can be integrated into any existing workflow and CMS. This means dimsum can offer uninterrupted and buffering-free HD streaming, along with advanced video player features including multiple DRM, audio languages and subtitles.
“We are excited to be helping dimsum deliver the best subtitled viewing experience to its subscribers.” says Unified Streaming’s VP of Global Sales Simon Westbroek.
About Unified Packager: Unified Packager is a software program that uses MP4 files to produce segmented output in HDS, HLS, MPEG-DASH and MSS formats. DRM can be applied using the command-line options. It smoothly handles advanced features for adding multiple audio codecs, such as Dolby Digital Plus (E-AC-3), DTS Express and Fraunhofer HE-AAC v2 (multichannel). Using subtitles is easy: Unified Packager supports using DFXP, ISMT, SRT and WebVTT.
About Unified Streaming: Unified Streaming is dedicated to helping companies create and execute smart video streaming technologies. Its products are in operation around the world, with customers ranging from live news broadcasters and major TV networks to service providers and technology partners.
The ease of use and reliability of our solutions allow customers to shorten their time-to-market. Our solutions fit into existing frameworks (Apache, IIS, Lighttpd, Nginx) thus allowing for greater return on existing investment and reducing delivery cost significantly.
iWorld
Netflix launches Playground app to bring games and interactive play for kids
Interactive games, fresh series and returning favourites aim to blend play and learning
MUMBAI: Netflix is doubling down on kids entertainment with a major expansion of its family-friendly slate, anchored by the launch of Netflix Playground, a new interactive app designed to blend play with storytelling.
Aimed at children aged eight and under, the app allows young viewers to engage with familiar characters from shows like Peppa Pig and Sesame Street through games and activities, all within a safe, ad-free environment. The app is already live in select markets and is set for a wider global rollout later this month.
The move signals Netflix’s push to turn passive viewing into a more immersive experience. Alongside the app, the platform has unveiled a mix of new titles and returning favourites, including fresh episodes of Trash Truck and The Creature Cases, as well as a new preschool series, Young MacDonald. Popular titles such as CoComelon Lane and Ms. Rachel are also set to expand with new seasons and episodes.
Speaking about the strategy, Netflix vice president of animation series and kids and family tv John Derderian said, “We’re building a world where kids can not only watch their favourite stories, they can step inside them and interact with their favourite characters. We’re creating a seamless destination for discovery, learning, and play.”
The expanded offering also leans heavily on convenience for parents, with offline access, curated content, and robust parental controls designed to ensure a safe and tailored viewing experience. Features such as profile locks, content filters, and activity tracking aim to give families greater control while allowing children to explore independently.
The timing is strategic. Kids and preschool content has emerged as one of Netflix’s most-watched categories in recent years, making it a key battleground in the streaming wars. By combining games, education, and entertainment, the platform is looking to deepen engagement and build long-term loyalty among younger audiences.
With interactive play now joining its content arsenal, Netflix is not just streaming stories but inviting kids to step inside them, turning screen time into something a little more hands-on.
