Interactive Mode – Sports Edition is an optional Smart TV feature that enhances the sports-watching experience by allowing viewers to activate dynamic overlays on top of the live broadcast or on-demand replays. With just a single button click on their remote, fans can access real-time stats, match insights, and branded interactive layers – making viewing more engaging, informative, and fun.
Project · Interactive Mode
Client · MEDIANET
Step into the new era of TV services. Experience seamless integration of advanced technology and exceptional viewing. Each moment is crafted for optimal enjoyment, showcasing the transformative power of comprehensive OTT solutions.
What it does
Whether it’s a live match or a catch-up, Interactive Mode enables viewers to:
See live stats & analytics: Match score, player performance, possession, and more.
Vote & interact: Engage in live polls, predict match outcomes, or rate players.
View upcoming fixtures: Stay updated with what’s next—across leagues and tournaments.
Experience branded content: Seamlessly integrate sponsor messages or promotions within overlays.
All this happens without interrupting the main video – it’s an augmented layer you can turn on or off at any time.
Why it matters
For rights holders, broadcasters, and OTT platforms, this feature is a powerful way to:
Increase viewer engagement and session time.
Deliver targeted promotions and real-time advertising.
Offer value-added services to premium subscribers.
How it works
Device: Compatible with Smart TVs, set-top boxes, and selected streaming apps.
Activation: Controlled entirely by the viewer – opt-in experience.
Customization: Platform owners decide what data and visuals to show: from game stats and scores to real-time sponsorship placements.
Challenge
Real-time data sync: Ensuring that match stats, events, and user interactions are reflected instantly on screen without noticeable lag.
Cross-platform consistency: Delivering the same visual quality and responsiveness across Smart TVs with different OS (Tizen, webOS, Android TV, etc.).
Remote control interaction UX: Designing an intuitive, non-disruptive experience navigable via standard TV remote input.
Overlay performance: Keeping the UI lightweight and responsive so that it never slows down the core video playback.
Multiple stream support: Handling both live and on-demand playback modes with adaptive overlays, regardless of stream source.
Challenges Overcome
Developed a low-latency overlay rendering engine, able to handle stat updates under 1s delay across regions.
Created a device abstraction layer, ensuring consistent performance across 8+ SDK platforms including legacy systems.
Designed a user-centric overlay logic, allowing instant opt-in/out via remote control, with dynamic screen adjustment depending on content.
Enabled reliable API integrations with 3rd-party sports data providers (e.g., for live match stats, player data, schedules).
Lessons Learned
Overlay ≠ transparency: Visually appealing overlays need to be informative but never distracting—this requires deliberate visual hierarchy and fallback strategies for poor networks.
Device testing matters: Performance issues only show up on real hardware. Testing across Smart TV devices was essential to ensuring UI fluidity.
Technologies
Programming languages: JavaScript, QML, HTML5, Kotlin, Swift, Java
Overlay rendering: Lightweight React-based core + QML/HTML hybrid front-end
SDKs supported: Android TV Operator Tier, Fire TV, Tizen, webOS, Vidaa, iOS, Android Mobile, PC
Streaming protocols: DASH & HLS
DRM: Widevine & Fairplay
Real-time transport: WebSocket & Server-Sent Events (SSE)
Data sources: Integrated with 3rd-party sports data APIs and in-house event systems
Strategy & Approach
Strategic Execution.
Smartivus employed a phase-driven approach to develop and deploy the OTT solution, engaging in a series of in-depth consultations and iterative testing. A cross-disciplinary team of experts was assembled to tackle challenges ranging from backend infrastructure to user experience.
Cutting-Edge Innovation.
We introduced Smartivus IQ, a new generation of Android-based set-top boxes, and leveraged machine learning algorithms for advanced data analytics to understand user behavior, ultimately enhancing the customer experience.
Comprehensive Solutions.
Smartivus delivered a comprehensive end-to-end (E2E) OTT solution that included the integration of video transcoders, middleware, media and DVR servers, and content delivery edge nodes.
