Zone TV said it is introducing a software suite under the Zone·TV Studio brand that enables content owners and video distributors to create self-branded, linear TV channels that can be personalized and customized by and for each viewer in the household.

Zone·tv Studio is an artificial intelligence-powered service for content discovery, channel curation and video delivery, the Santa Monica, Calif.-based firm said. The software enables a “Spotify-like” experience based on what the individual viewer wants to see. 

Related: Zone TV Uses A.I. to Program 14 Linear-Style OTT Channels

“Traditional video distribution is in a state of disruption as hundreds of direct-to-consumer streaming services are emerging, making it difficult to maintain customer loyalty,” Zone·TV CEO Jeff Weber said in the release. “Our technology means that any video distributor or content owner can build new, precisely targeted, compelling channels which enable a more relevant content consumption experience for their customers. Zone·tv studio enables the simplicity of traditional linear channel programming combined with the intelligence power of A.I. to bring new user experiences to TV services.”

Zone TV said using the software "learns what viewers love to watch and presents similar content, automatically and in real time. This unique capability empowers viewers to create their own channels with the click of the TV remote control and 'zone·ify' their own channel." A Foodies channel one viewer watches could be more about grilling than a neighbor's desserts-focused channel, based on their viewing habits.

ZoneTV, a company focused on bringing “digital first” programming to homes through pay TV partners, said it has closed a $4.1 million “seed” round led by Best  Funds.

ZoneTV, formerly known as ES3, recently hired former AT&T exec Jeff Weber as, CEO.

The company initially focused on the TV apps market and is now looking to connect with millennial audiences by blending traditional pay TV and OTT service to drive new advertising and subscription revenue-sharing opportunities. Its partners include AT&T, Telefonica, MTS, Hawaiian Telecom, Telus, Frontier Communications, Bell, and CenturyLink.

“ZoneTV is quietly growing into a dominant player in their field,” said Alan Chettiar, VP of investments at Best Funds, said in a statement. “We believe they are poised to become the essential partner for cable companies looking to lead in the changing entertainment content delivery landscape.  We have followed them for a number of years and we are excited to take this next step with Jeff and the team.” 

“This investment by Best Funds positions us for a strong finish to 2015,” Weber added. “Our future is exciting as we are leaders in this new category of bringing digital content to Pay TV, have a strong management team in place with a proven track record, a new office location in Silicon Beach to sharpen our focus on digital media, and a strong history of working effectively with leading Pay TV operators to reach millions of homes.”

WCM Capital acted as corporate finance advisor to ZoneTV and arranged the financing with Best.

Jeff Weber, a former AT&T exec who played a major role in the development of the telco’s U-verse platform, has been named the CEO of ZoneTV, a company that brings “digital-first” programming to homes through a group of pay TV distribution partners.

ZoneTV, formerly known as ES3 that initially focused on the TV apps market, works with service providers such as AT&T, Telefonica, MTS, Hawaiian Telecom, Telus, Frontier Communications, Bell, and CenturyLink. It notes on its site that supports several business models, including individual subscriptions, bundles and ad-based offerings.  ZoneTV, which handles operator integration and content curation, says its content, which includes games, is accessible through the partner’s EPG.

At AT&T, Weber most recently served as president of content and advertising.

“We re-branded the company ZoneTV to leverage our leadership in this new category of television which combines the best digital-first content, brands, most popular games and newest apps into a personalized, interactive experience that is easily accessed via the Pay TV Operator’s electronic program guide,” Weber said, in a statement. “We have a clear vision, a strong management team in place and we are already working with the leading Pay TV Operators to reach millions of homes today.”

ZoneTV also announced that it has opened a new office in Santa Monica. It also has two offices in Canada – in Pickering and Toronto, Ontario.