PANELLISTS
24
July 2018
Personalisation
Empowering
Alpha Networks acquires Hubee
Alpha Networks , a solutions provider in hybrid TV backends , has acquired Hubee , a Paris-based software-based company specialising in smart video platforms and user experience solutions . In addition to the expansion of the capabilities of Alpha Networks ’ tucano software platform , the acquisition will also bring additional video expertise to Alpha Networks , particularly ad-insertion features and EPG services , strengthening the company ’ s position in the digital TV marketplace . Kris Warren , CEO of Alpha Networks , said : “ This acquisition will allow us to deliver additional value to our customers and partners by providing them with competitive solutions and TV expertise for increased content monetisation .”
Orange taps Broadpeak for advanced video service delivery
Orange , an operator of mobile and Internet services in France , has chosen to deploy the Broadpeak ’ s BkS350 origin packager and recorder to power the delivery of advanced video services . The BkS350 is capable of recording linear services in one format , and dynamically packaging the content in the requested ABR format . In addition , Orange will also utilise Broadpeak ’ s BkS400 HTTP video cache servers and BkM100 video delivery manager .
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PANELLISTS
Chong Siew Loong
CTO StarHub
Michael Cronk
Chairman , Alliance for IP Media Solutions ( AIMS )
Peter Bithos
CEO , HOOQ
PHOTO CREDIT : ISTOCK BY GETTY IMAGES
The main goal of a media network has always been to deliver content to mass audiences , despite the disruption to traditional media workflows from the emergence of online video platforms . However , technologies such as big data are now enabling operators to present their content to viewers differently — by personalising content to viewers ’ interests while allowing viewers to customise their own selections and content preferences . Josephine Tan writes more .
To help viewers navigate through its content library , media companies may leverage big data technology to better understand its audience , by creating a personalised viewing experience to each individual viewer .
Content personalisation is critical for an over-the-top ( OTT ) service like Malaysia ’ s tonton . With content personalisation , tonton is able to engage users to stay on their platform for longer periods as they consume content relevant to their needs , declares Airin Zainul , director , tonton and licensing and merchandising , Media Prima .
Content personalisation , Airin tells APB , is very important in enabling tonton to reach out to the local market . “ By understanding the wants and needs of a market , tonton is able to create relevant homegrown content to keep our viewers satisfied ,” she explains .
Since tonton ’ s inception in 2010 , it has been home to more than 36,000 hours of content consisting of Asian and international dramas , variety shows , entertainment programmes , and live TV . The video streaming service has also expanded its footprint regionally into countries such as Brunei and Singapore , and has garnered 7.8 million subscribers to date .
In enhancing viewers ’ overall experience , tonton has been working closely with Media Prima ’ s data team in Media Prima Digital , a digital media subsidiary of the
Malaysian media company , to leverage big data to make informed decisions .
Furthermore , tonton has also established a strategic partnership with Camment , a Finnish digital company , to amplify user engagement on its platform . Under this partnership , tonton is utilising video messaging and artificial intelligence ( AI ) in driving higher social engagement between its 7.8 million subscribers . The AI feature of Camment ’ s technology also recognises faces and voices of the audience , allowing tonton to monetise using their curated content , serving targeted ads and enriching today ’ s TV experience .
Airin continues : “ tonton has continuously improved its platform by evaluating available vendors to suit our needs . For instance , our partnership with Camment supports new engagement features , such as allowing users to engage with their social media circles .
“ We are confident that this will enrich the viewing experience of our customers and subscribers , and this will only solidify tonton ’ s appeal on the regional and international OTT grid . Our next plans include expanding further tonton ’ s content and brand presence across 100 countries worldwide , and the launch of a global app later this year .”
Another broadcaster who aims to reinvent its approach in delivering its content is the BBC . In the BBC Annual Plan 2018 / 19 report , the British public service broadcaster outlined its plans to enhance iPlayer , an Inter net streaming , catch-up TV and radio service . The BBC stated that new competitors have established the “ new normal ” for online video , resulting in audiences expecting extended availability for TV programmes beyond just catch-up . Furthermore , today ’ s audience wants “ familiar , wind-down ” content that is easy to find and binge on , and they expect state-of-the-art personalisation , user experiences and recommendations .
The BBC also emphasised in the report that iPlayer needs to change , and detailed its approaches in reinventing the service . Personalisation is right now at the heart of iPlayer ’ s design ; currently , 15 million people sign in monthly , looking for the services they want . Some of the enhancements these users will be seeing this year include enhancements to the user experience , more personalisation , and more live content . Moving forward , the BBC will make its digital content more tailored through the personalisation of its news app and stories that are easier to discover while experimenting with techniques , including interactive video
tonton , Media Prima ’ s video streaming service , is packed with over 36,000 hours of content ranging from dramas to variety shows and live TV . The streaming service has also produced its original series , such as I , Remember , which is exclusively available on tonton .