IPTV firm Roo to expand out of US

Internet television company Roo Group is increasing its efforts to expand out of the US.

The company wants to become a specialist in delivering internet-based broadcasting through various set-top boxes and other devices.

Former Jump TV president Kaleil Isaza Tuzman was made chief executive late last year in an overhall that saw more than 30 redundancies.

He has now announced further details of plans to cut costs and brought in three more ex-Jump colleagues.

Jump head of operations Sean Couts becomes head of global network operations and product management; Nigel Reagan takes over European, Middle East and African (EMEA) distribution; and Ivan Dario Arias, head of Latin American development for Jump, will now take the same role at Roo.

Tuzman said Roo was now closing its business solutions unit, with the loss of 10 more jobs, and stopping internal peer-to-peer delivery development.

It has recently bought peer-to-peer company Wurld Media and will now work closer with other partners to deliver content.

Tuzman said it would make expanding internationally its focus, save $3.5m and become profitable in the second half.

He added: "In 2008, Roo will be a leaner and focused company, committed to more disciplined business practices, aggressive sales and content acquisition, and the execution of strategic and accretive acquisitions that advance our aim to be the leading device-agnostic IPTV enablement company."