IBC 2008 reveals the broadcast world’s take on new delivery platforms
(LONDON)--AmberFin today announces the results of a research survey conducted at this year’s IBC conference in Amsterdam. AmberFin spoke to industry experts attending to gauge their opinion on what issues would most influence the industry in the coming year.
The results clearly demonstrate the use of multiple platforms such as broadband, IPTV and mobile handsets as key drivers for the industry moving forward. However, although most (60%) felt that the industry has improved its knowledge and use of multiple delivery platforms in the last year, it was agreed by 70% of respondents that content owners could still be distributing their content more effectively across multiple platforms.
The quality of content was named as a key factor affecting the adoption of these newer delivery platforms. When asked which platforms they felt were being used effectively by the industry, 27% named broadband content viewed on a PC, while 15% of respondents named IPTV.
Content consumed over broadband generated one of the most mixed responses overall. Although two thirds said they had viewed content over the Internet, quality varied widely between individual experiences, with as many experts saying they had experienced poor or average quality (52%) content as those who had experienced good quality (48%).
Respondents agreed there is potential for better use of specific platforms: 52% of the industry experts surveyed felt that mobile phones and handheld devices could be used more effectively. The potential of using multiple platforms was widely recognized and the experts themselves claimed that they would watch more content if the quality was better.
For example:
• 57% would watch more IPTV
• 59% would watch more content on their PC via broadband
• 44% would watch more content on their mobile phone
• 34% would watch more content on their iPod touch or other small screen device
Overall, the research demonstrated that the broadcast industry needs to look at improving the quality of video content on current and emerging media platforms while lowering the cost per deliverable.
Scott Allen, Vice President, Marketing of AmberFin, comments: “The move to a digital workflow is enabling broadcasters to deliver their content to different screens and devices, creating valuable new revenue streams. The results of our research at IBC show that the industry is very aware of the potential that lies in multiple platform delivery. Over the next year we will be continuing our work with leading broadcast companies globally to help them manage the digitization, review and quality control and repurposing of their content on new platforms.”
Note to editors
The research took place at the IBC exhibition in September 2008. A total of 100 experts were questioned. Further details of the research are available on request.
AmberFin Profile
AmberFin enables content owners to maximize the value of their TV, film and video content, from capture through to distribution, while increasing revenues, reducing costs, saving time and eliminating incompatibility issues. AmberFin iCR, with four-time Emmy-award winning technology, plays a key role in turning the content that owners have into the content their customers want. As an open standard, future proof platform that digitizes and transforms new and archived content, AmberFin iCR delivers the best quality pictures at smaller file sizes across multiple delivery platforms, including the Internet, VoD, TV, mobile and other small screen devices. AmberFin already has 100s of iCR systems in the field, and is trusted by some of the world’s most prestigious companies including Sony, NBA, Turner Broadcasting, BT, Channel 4, RTM and Warner Brothers, managing the digitization and repurposing of their content.
Privately held by Advent Venture Partners, AmberFin is part of the Snell & Wilcox Group, headquartered in Basingstoke, UK. For more information please visit www.amberfin.com
Editorial contact
Jaime Tero
GBC
jaimet@gbc-usa.com
(415) 989-9803
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