RÚV
Launching a public broadcaster OTT platform on Samsung and LG Smart TVs
As a public service broadcaster, RÚV must meet the highest standards. At the same time, it is equally important for us to provide viewers with an engaging user experience while keeping costs and complexity under control. Leyra plays an important role in managing parts of our streaming platform and helps us extend our product portfolio as we continue to grow.
- Hrefna Lind Ásgeirsdóttir, Executive Director of Digital Strategy, RÚV
At a glance
Service type
Live and on-demand streaming service
Content focus
Public service broadcasting, including live TV, live radio, and VOD content for adults and children
Availability
Iceland, with roaming access for Icelandic citizens abroad
Devices
Samsung TV, LG TV
Business model
Free public service broadcaster
Key outcomes
- Expanded RÚV’s public service streaming experience to Samsung and LG Smart TVs
- Delivered live TV, live radio and on-demand content through a single Smart TV deployment
- Supported national availability, roaming access, rights-based access controls and Icelandic-language requirements
- Reduced operational complexity by avoiding the need to build and maintain additional OTT infrastructure in-house
About RÚV
Ríkisútvarpið (RÚV) is Iceland’s national public broadcaster, providing television, radio and digital services to audiences across Iceland. Its streaming service includes live TV, live radio and on-demand programming for adults and children.
RÚV plays an important role in making Icelandic news, culture, entertainment and children’s content available through both traditional and digital channels.
The opportunity
RÚV wanted to extend its streaming service to Samsung and LG Smart TVs, making live TV, live radio and on-demand content available on the biggest screen in the home.
As Iceland’s national public broadcaster, RÚV also needed to meet requirements that went beyond a typical OTT launch. The service had to support national availability, rights-based access restrictions, roaming access for Icelandic viewers abroad, and a fully Icelandic-language experience across the interface and media assets.
At the same time, RÚV wanted to preserve the systems and workflows already in place. The broadcaster needed a platform that could integrate with its existing CMS and proprietary OVP, while supporting a reliable Smart TV experience without adding unnecessary operational complexity.
The solution
RÚV partnered with Leyra to launch its streaming service on Samsung and LG Smart TVs, delivering live and on-demand content in line with the requirements of a public service broadcaster.
With Leyra, RÚV was able to:
The Outcome
RÚV launched its streaming service on Samsung and LG Smart TVs, extending live TV, live radio and on-demand content to the biggest screen in the home.
The project showed how a public broadcaster can expand its digital reach without taking on the full cost and complexity of building and maintaining additional OTT infrastructure in-house. With Leyra, RÚV was able to support national availability, roaming access for Icelandic viewers abroad, rights-based access controls and a fully Icelandic-language experience across the service.
Just as importantly, the launch did not require RÚV to replace the systems already central to its operation. Leyra integrated with RÚV’s existing CMS and proprietary OVP, helping preserve established workflows while enabling a new Smart TV experience for viewers.
The result is a more scalable digital foundation for RÚV. With Leyra managing core parts of the streaming platform, the broadcaster can continue developing its product portfolio while keeping internal teams focused on content, audience experience and public service delivery.
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