GOTV - TVB's Cross-Platform Video Streaming Service
Developed a comprehensive mobile application for TVB's pioneering on-demand video streaming platform, enabling viewers to watch over 10,000 episodes of classic and contemporary TVB dramas anytime, anywhere across multiple devices.
About GOTV
GOTV was Television Broadcasts Limited's (TVB) cross-platform video-on-demand service launched in January 2014, operated by TVB Internet Limited. The platform revolutionized how Hong Kong audiences consumed TVB content by offering unlimited access to complete episodes of TVB dramas.
The service provided viewers with the flexibility to watch their favorite shows on smartphones, tablets, and computers, featuring an extensive library spanning over 40 years of TVB programming—from classic 1970s series to contemporary dramas.
GOTV operated from 2014 until June 2017, when it was succeeded by myTV SUPER as TVB's next-generation streaming platform. During its operation, GOTV attracted over 100,000 subscribers and added approximately 1,000 new episodes quarterly.
The Challenge
TVB needed to create a modern streaming platform that could compete in the evolving digital media landscape while preserving and showcasing their extensive content library spanning decades of Hong Kong television history.
Key challenges included:
- Supporting multiple platforms (iOS, Android, web) with consistent user experience
- Handling video content from different eras with varying quality standards
- Implementing robust content delivery and streaming infrastructure
- Creating intuitive search and discovery features for 10,000+ episodes
- Managing subtitle synchronization and multi-language support
- Ensuring smooth playback across different network conditions
Our Solution
We delivered a comprehensive mobile application solution with three core service areas, creating a seamless streaming experience across iOS and Android platforms.
IT Consultancy
Strategic technology planning for cross-platform video streaming, content delivery architecture, and scalable infrastructure design to support growing user base and content library.
UX/UI Design
Intuitive interface design optimized for content discovery, seamless navigation through extensive drama library, and engaging viewing experience across phone and tablet form factors.
Mobile App Development
Native iOS and Android applications with robust video streaming, offline playback capabilities, adaptive bitrate streaming, and optimized performance for various device specifications.
Key Features Delivered
Extensive Content Library
Access to 10,000+ episodes spanning 40+ years of TVB programming, from classic 1970s series like "The Bund" to contemporary dramas, with quarterly additions of 1,000+ new episodes.
Cross-Platform Experience
Separate optimized apps for smartphones and tablets with tailored interfaces—phone version with bottom navigation, tablet version with side navigation for enhanced usability.
Advanced Search & Discovery
Multiple search methods including drama title, actor/actress name, genre categories, and year of production, making it easy to find specific content or discover new favorites.
High-Quality Streaming
HD video quality for modern content with optimized streaming for older productions, adaptive bitrate technology ensuring smooth playback across varying network conditions.
Flexible Subtitle Options
Multiple subtitle and audio track options including Traditional Chinese, English, and Cantonese audio, with separately rendered subtitles for enhanced clarity on all content.
Subscription Management
Seamless subscription handling with both free trial and paid membership options, secure payment processing, and account management across all supported platforms.
Impact & Results
GOTV successfully established TVB's presence in the digital streaming market, delivering measurable business impact and user engagement.
Legacy & Evolution
GOTV served as TVB's pioneering entry into the on-demand streaming market, paving the way for the development of myTV SUPER. The platform demonstrated the viability of subscription-based video streaming in Hong Kong and validated user demand for accessing TVB's extensive content library across multiple devices. The technical infrastructure and user experience insights gained from GOTV directly informed the development of TVB's next-generation streaming services, contributing to the evolution of Hong Kong's digital media landscape.