Channel 4 selects Encompass for managed linear playout services

Channel 4 selected Encompass Digital Media to provide managed linear playout services under a multiyear agreement scheduled to take effect in 2027.

The agreement followed a procurement and evaluation process conducted by the British public service broadcaster. Encompass will provide channel origination, content supply chain and disaster recovery services for Channel 4, E4, More4, Film4, E4 Extra and 4seven.

Encompass will operate the services from its broadcast facilities in London and Riga, Latvia, using its cloud-native Altitude platform. The deployment will include Altitude Playout and Altitude Flow.

The platform will combine channel origination with an integrated content supply chain using a software-defined, remote-first architecture, the company said.

“Channel 4 conducted a rigorous procurement process, and we’re delighted to have been selected as its managed playout partner,” Marc Bruce, CEO of Encompass, said. “This agreement reflects the strength of our technology and our experience supporting leading broadcasters with highly resilient managed services. We look forward to working closely with the Channel 4 team as we prepare for service launch next year.”

“We’re pleased to be entering into this new agreement with Encompass,” Grace Boswood, director of technology and distribution at Channel 4, said. “Their cloud-native technology and experience supporting modern broadcast environments made them the ideal choice for our future needs, and we look forward to working together.”