VRV Tightens Ties to the TV

VRV, Ellation’s SVOD aggregation service, is broadening its support for TV-connected platforms. 

Though mobile access still remains important, VRV said it has added support for Amazon Fire TV and Android TV devices.

That expands on existing integration with iOS and Android mobile devices, web browsers, Xbox One and PlayStation 4 consoles, Chromecast streaming adapters, and newer-generation Roku devices.

VRV’s bigger focus on TV-connected platforms also comes amid a revised content strategy that spreads well beyond its focus on genres such as anime, comedy, gaming and fantasy, when the service debuted in late 2016.

Last month, for example, VRV became the exclusive streaming home for two original series from El Rey Network -- Man at Arms: Art of War and Robert Rodriguez’s The Director’s Chair. Season one of both series are now offered on VRV Select, VRV’s curated house channel that’s part of a $9.99 per month premium bundle that includes several other services, including Crunchyroll, Funimation, Rooster Teeth, Tested, Shudder and Nerdist.  Both series continue to run on El Rey Network, and new episodes are currently production.

VRV has also been broadening its curated SVOD offering with recent additions such as CuriosityStream (fact-based and documentary titles), DramaFever (Korean TV shows and movies), and MUBI (cult, classic, independent and award-winning titles).

VRV has not announced subscriber figures, but says it has about 2 million registered users.

Ellation, VRV’s owner, is a portfolio company of Otter Media, the OTT-focused joint venture of AT&T and The Chernin Group.