South African-based digital technologies and Video-on-Demand (VoD) solutions provider Discover Digital has developed a new digitally interactive electronic programme guide (EPG) system for broadcasters and digital TV streaming services.

Stephen Watson, Managing Director of Discover Digital, says the EPG was developed internally to address the need for an advanced digitally interactive programme guide that serves as a foundation for future streaming functionality.

The company says the solution aims to create a direct path to programming information and converts this data into local time zones, providing viewers with access to live programme information, with updated start and end times as well as programme information.

In a statement the company explains: "Built-in notification features allow viewers to set reminders and receive notifications to mobile devices and share what they are watching on social media platforms Facebook and Twitter."

The product is designed to provide continuous updates of menus and programme schedules as well as services wanting to offer catch up and PVR functionality.

It is targeted at any business looking to enter the VoD and online TV channel space.

Watson says the new EPG will go live on the company's entertainment service called DEOD. "Not only does it give viewers a single destination for updated 24/7 access to TV channel programming information and correct start and end times of programmes, but, the EPG system also lays the foundations for our next on-demand technology innovations, including building personalised catalogues of catch up content."

In addition to the launch of the EPG, Discover Digital is also preparing to release a set of new functions, including user-driven cloud-based network personal video recording (N-PVR) and system-driven live-to-VoD services.

The live-to-VOD system-driven process will automatically record all programmes from a linear channel and make them available in a catch-up environment. The feature aims to be beneficial with sports content, where premium international content may be screened live at inconvenient times for South African and pan-African viewers.

"Our new solutions will be rolled out to DEOD customers, but are also available as stand-alone solutions and/or fully managed services within our technology portfolio," concludes Watson.

The solution arrives soon after Cell C's recently launched blackBOX which provides access to the company's new 'Black' streaming service, which also comes with an interactive EPG.