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What are the top 10 things you think media execs in the digital environment need to know?
Make is easy for consumers to “discover” content – on any device.
Next-generation user interfaces need to make a major leap to help people to find the content that makes appeals to them. When you have 1,000+ channels or content options, the discovery function becomes challenging on any device, but the small screens of handheld devices is where advances will really make a competitive difference for operators.
Ensure your brand appears on the screen of next-gen CE devices.
Pre-installed widgets, or application links, on Internet-connected devices should be a priority for service providers. Owning that real estate when a consumer turns on a device will be a major factor in retaining and gaining customers, particularly as the over the top (OTT) market heats up.
Facilitate a frictionless e-commerce experience.
Interactive advertising may become a killer app for service providers, but they have to get it right the first time. Integrating subscription and payment platform is essential to capitalize on impulse purchases as a part of the pay-TV experience. Subscribers will appreciate the convenience of a consolidated purchase and billing environment, provided they are confident about its security.
Think both inside and outside the box.
Fully connected devices are popping up everywhere along with new ideas for delivering video to those devices. But what about also offering a movie rental service that only requires a USB drive – or whatever personal storage device is preferred – to download HD movies from an in-store kiosk. Usage rights can allow consumers to view these movies at any time, on-demand and pay only for movies they actually watch.
Make the shift from DRM to usage rights.
Consumers like the freedom of being able to take their content wherever they go. And they expect to have a similar experience as they do at home without frustrating DRM obstacles. With appropriate usage rights and a broadband connection, this experience is technically possible with existing and emerging IP-based standards. This shift is occurring with more content owners that understand the power of access and eyeballs.
Plan for the watermarking factor.
Forensic watermarking technologies can trace any pirated copies to a unique source, not just the network operator, assuring protection that extends beyond the digital network. These advanced techniques provide an extra layer of security that can be mixed and matched based on the type of content. Lower priced content can be watermarked to avoid DRM interoperability issues between devices. The use of forensic watermarking for higher value content may enable earlier release windows. Operators armed with watermarking are able to explore new possibilities.
Be able to support the entire subscriber spectrum.
Beware of technologies that implicitly gear pay-TV services and packages towards a uniform tier of subscribers with a similar level of service and consumption. In many emerging regions, operators can’t lose sight that a portion of their subscribers is not able or willing to trade up service levels. The key is a platform that can span high ARPU and very basic services with a range of equipment types that can retain customers and meet regulatory obligations.
Hail to the hybrid.
In order to efficiently service multiple tiers of subscribers, more operators are exploiting the advantages of hybrid networks where a one-way broadcast network can be combined with an IP-based delivery channel. For example, many cable operators are adding IP delivery for some services via their own DOCSIS modem capabilities. Using these channels, they can offer differentiated programming, such as user generated and OTT content. To manage a hybrid network, operators should work with partners that can implement a unified solution at the head-end, with a particular emphasis on security.
Embrace the new world of revenue security.
The traditional rules of licensing content have changed dramatically with OTT delivery models. Therefore operators should be focused on preserving and enhancing revenue streams. As more advanced networks are launched in Asia, piracy and theft of service are being challenged with multiple layers of security. We are seeing the change from content security to an emphasis on revenue security.
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Verimatrix is the global number one provider of IPTV content security securing more than 7 million screens at 200+ operators. Independently audited with zero security exposures, the Verimatrix Video Authority System (VCAS™) offers a suite of next-generation technologies that protect content and enhance revenue streams, while combating digital piracy wherever it occurs within the distribution chain. The company’s 3-Dimensional Content Security approach, build around VCAS, enables secure delivery of content to multiple devices across multiple networks using multiple layers of protection techniques. Maintaining close relationships with major studios, broadcasters, industry organizations and their partner ecosystem helps Verimatrix address the challenges facing pay-TV networks of today, and those of tomorrow. Verimatrix’s Asian offices are located in Singapore and Beijing.
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