Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Austrian broadcast technology provider ORS Group has launched a new international brand, Big Blue Marble. This rebranding reflects the company's ambitious goal of transitioning from a national leader in broadcast transmission to a significant player in the global cloud streaming market.
The launch also signifies the consolidated identity of ORS Group and its majority-owned Polish streaming specialist, Insys Video Technologies. This strategic move signals a significant push towards international expansion and the provision of IP-based services. “Antenna and satellite will continue to be key pillars of our strategy. Our broadcasting expertise and Insys VT’s streaming technologies perfectly position us to compete in this global market,” ORS Group CEO Michael Wagenhofer stated at the anniversary event in Vienna. “Together with Insys, we have started to tap into international growth markets and expand our market presence as a streaming solutions provider.”
Established in 2005 as a spin-off from Austrian public broadcaster ORF, ORS Group initially concentrated on terrestrial, satellite, and cable distribution, playing a crucial role in Austria's media landscape development, including launching the DTT platform simpliTV and supporting standards like DVB-T2 and DAB+. The acquisition of a 75% stake in Insys VT in 2023 marked a pivotal moment. With close to 300 employees across Austria and Poland, the group is now leveraging its expertise in broadcast-grade infrastructure to deliver comprehensive streaming solutions.
ORS Group is at the forefront of 5G Broadcast technology development. This technology facilitates the distribution of linear TV and radio broadcasts to mobile devices without requiring internet connectivity. The company emphasizes the technology’s critical role in emergency communications during crises, when internet networks may be unreliable.
The group has already completed substantial streaming projects for clients such as German public broadcasters (ARD), football club Benfica Lisbon, and the German Football Association (DFB). With annual revenues exceeding €119 million – more than double its 2005 figures – ORS Group is confident that its combined expertise in traditional broadcasting and streaming will fuel its continued growth.