Xiaomi has announced that its XiaomiTV box will resume providing video content services to customers next week.
Xiaomi Box will receive approval from the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) through collaboration with a third party, and the company plans on resuming sales of the device before the Chinese New Year in mid-February.
According to one industry source, Xiaomi may partner with Hangzhou-based DTV and IPTV operator Wasu Digital TV and Shanghai Media Group subsidiary BesTV New Media. There will also be changes to the set-top box’s functions once services resume.
Xiaomi was forced to suspend its online media service one week after its launch in early November for violating severalregulations.
Any company interested in offering a set-top box in China is required to partner with one of seven media organizations that have been issued the relevant permits by The State Administration of Radio Film and Television, China’s media regulator.
Another issue is that the Xiaomi TV Box allows users to watch videos directly via public websites that Xiaomi does not own the rights to, which is also in violation of SARFT’s rules for set-top boxes, according to TechinAsia.
Source: https://www.morningwhistle.com/html/2013/Company_Industry_0124/216836.html
In related news Paramount signs deal with China’s BesTV more at: https://www.china.org.cn/arts/2013-01/24/content_27781789.htm#