Asia-Pacific Broadcasting (APB) November 2017 Volume 34, Issue 9 | Page 25

November 2017

X-PLATFORM 25

A success story : Reliance Jio Infocomm , an Indian LTE mobile network and fibre-to-the-home operator , now has 100 million subscribers , as it continues to build on a new service launched earlier this year , which combines access to multiple content sources and platforms .

get and keep subscribers .”

He also points out that broadcasters need sharp insights and fast intelligence to stay competitive and grow their business in today ’ s data-driven world . NeuLion ACE Analytics is thus designed to provide the tools needed to leverage business intelligence and make decisions to drive growth , quality of service and quality of experience for OTT and TV Everywhere services .

“ With NeuLion ACE Analytics , we can help broadcasters answer questions such as : What are my most effective and profitable marketing channels and campaigns ? Who are my most valuable customers and how do I find more of them ? Who is likely to cancel and how can we keep them ?”

NeuLion also believes that 4K / Ultra HD ( UHD ) with high dynamic range ( HDR ) is ready for OTT delivery , and will help expand revenue for broadcasters and broadband providers . NeuLion , according to Wagner , delivers true 4K / UHD quality , at 60fps , to Internet-connected 4K / UHD HDR TVs , and which is enabled by the NeuLion CE software development kit ( SDK ), the company ’ s 4K / UHD streaming consumer electronics SDK .

For live sports viewing , in particular , 4K / UHD-quality video enhances the overall viewing experience , Wagner suggests . “ We have been streaming UFC ( Ultimate Fighting Championship ) events in 4K / UHD under a transactional pay-per-view model . UFC in 4K / UHD gives MMA ( mixed martial arts ) fans access to every punch , kick and takedown with intense detail and stunning quality

— making them feel like they are next to the action for the entire event .”

Essentially , it is all about the fan experience , he emphasises , and to provide fans with the option to watch content in both HD and 4K / UHD HDR . Constantly push the envelope with new technologies , new features and new services , Wagner advises .

Another key consideration for pay- OTT operators is security , ACCESS ’ Dr Lampi highlights . Going back to the example of India , he notes how illegal re distribution of content in the country is costing the film industry more than US $ 3.34 billion and 60,000 jobs yearly .

“ Service providers already need to have end-to-end security in place to be able to discuss content rights and syndication tools ,” Dr Lampi says . “ In a multiscreen world , operators need to take a few technical questions into account , including the nature of the transport stream , codecs , resolutions , bitrates and end-toend encryption . Using modern digital rights management ( DRM ) solutions that support multiple and interoperable DRM technologies provides the best value , and ensures the best level of content protection , irrespective of the content or device used to access it .”

Many broadcasters and content owners view Asia as the “ most exciting prospect ” for largely untapped OTT and video-on-demand ( VoD ) service revenue . Media analysis firm predicts OTT and video revenues for 17 leading countries in Asia to reach $ 18 billion by 2021 , up from more than $ 5.5 billion in 2015 , reports Chrys Poulain , sales director , NexGuard , a Kudelski Group company .

❝ Being in a digitally connected world , viewers have access to multiple devices all day long , enabling them to no longer be confined to one area to watch content .❞

— Chris Wagner , EVP Marketplace Strategy , NeuLion

This growth , however , presents a double-edged sword , he cautions . “ Video piracy is a common challenge in Asia , and the advent of OTT services delivered over IP is providing pirates with new potential avenues for illicit content redistribution .”

Poulain believes that when priced appropriately , OTT and VoD services are a more attractive and convenient alternative than pirated options . This is especially true for premium content such as live sports , where immediacy is a big part of the value chain . He continued : “ Yet , content owners , including the major studios , are increasingly stipulating that these services must adhere to a higher level of conditional access ( CA ) and DRM to protect content , often as a mandatory condition before proceeding with licensing agreeements .

“ Beyond these two security measures , the issue of live , high-quality content retransmission is a major one that can only be tackled with the addition of more advocated security methods — like forensic watermarking .”

Forensic watermarking , Poulain explains , places a unique identifier within each copy of content . This “ digital tattoo ” can not only trace the original source of a pirated piece of content , but also be complemented with real-time anti-piracy services that can detect illegal online streaming services . This can then be brought forth to the Internet service provider to issue cease-and-desist notices to take down these illicit sites quickly .

He is also heartened that besides content owners and service providers , governments across Asia — most notably China — have launched a number of initiatives to better protect intellectual property for video content , and are educating consumers on the long-term harm inflicted by piracy on the wider industry and by extension , the content they will be able watch . “ This is of particular concern in markets like India . The world ’ s largest production market is increasingly embracing OTT delivery in shorter windows just after the theatrical release , largely in an effort to thwart pirates ,” Poulain says .

And while he acknowledges that video piracy may never truly be eradicated , it can be lessened through providing compelling and high value content services that offer a better consumer experience .

He concludes : “ Technologies such as CA , DRM and forensic water marking are vital tools for content owners and service providers who fight content theft . This , in turn , will help studios deliver high value content for service providers in Asia , and ultimately deliver richer and more compelling services to consumers .”

Magna Systems helps broadcasters navigate the road to OTT

David Blackett , general manager , Magna Systems and Engineering :

Besides offering the best equipment and the most accurate analytics , Magna also provides the expertise to get content onto

OTT and VoD services , and the efficiency to monitor and correct issues that may arise .

Broadcasters who are ahead of the technology curve understand over-the-top ( OTT ) and video-on-demand ( VoD ), and how these can complement their linear offerings . Conversely , those who are not as advanced continue to see OTT and VoD as a threat and thus cannot truly appreciate their advantages , assessed David Blackett , general manager , Magna Systems and Engineering .

A lot also depends on who owns the content and the ‘ chain ’ or ‘ workflow ’ to the customer and therefore the viewers , Blackett told APB . “ In a traditional broadcast environment , the broadcaster sends content to a transmitter and from there , it goes to the viewers ,” he said . “ OTT and VoD are direct to client , which may mean the broadcaster does not own the delivery chain or can lose control of the delivery chain . Also , with new media , you now often need an app , a content delivery network ( CDN ), a set-top box and / or a smart device , and these are also outside of a broadcaster ’ s control and can add extra costs into the equation .”

To help customers effectively execute their OTT and VoD strategies and business models , Magna Systems ’ strategy is to come in as early as possible to any project , Blackett revealed . “ We now , more than ever before , understand business models and their technology requirements , and partner with manufacturers of the very latest technology solutions to help our customers guarantee that their content is being played , ads are being played and that both are actually being watched .”

Accurate analytics is also an increasingly important part of what Magna offers its clients . Besides offering the best equipment and the most accurate analytics , Magna also provides the expertise to get content onto OTT and VoD services , and the efficiency to monitor and correct issues that may arise .

Capturing eyeballs and monetising is all about understanding the customer ’ s business model and the opportunities available to them , according to Blackett . “ Then , it is about providing their viewers with the very best solution that ensures the whole experience is easy to watch , seamless in its execution and keeps them coming back for more .

“ Offering the end-user or viewer a quality viewing experience and being able to accurately report back to the broadcaster that this is happening , will be key to any success moving forward ,” he concluded .

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