A better approach, and one
that’s
implemented
into
Edgeware’s TV CDN technol-
ogy, is to embed a code into
the video itself by modifying
some of the frames’ pixels in a
way that’s unnoticeable to audi-
ences. A stream-based water-
marking system identifies a
specific number of pixels inside
the frame, and changes them
slightly – for example from
black to very dark grey.
This code is added and includ-
ed as special metadata and
sent in-band with the content.
The second part of the process
manipulates the blocks within
the actual bit stream to create a
unique code for each streamed
version of the video – allowing
content owners to track down
exactly who and where the con-
tent was leaked. This process
works for both IPTV and OTT
services, even in 4K resolution
or new formats like VR.
A PERSONALIZED TALE
The transformation of the US
into Gilead shouldn’t mean a
cold and impersonalised view-
ing experience for audiences.
On top of allowing viewers
better delivery and the abil-
ity to forensically track pirates,
private TV CDNs help content
owners to control and create
personalised advertisements.
With a TV CDN, content pro-
viders can personalize view-
ing experiences with digital ad
insertion as well as monitor and
analyze all aspects of their TV
services. Detailed analytics pro-
vide valuable viewer informa-
tion including behaviour details,
real-time data sources – like
which client was used – net-
work application and integrated
third-party CDN data.
Viewing analytics can be corre-
lated with network performance
for valuable insight, enabling
content providers to understand
who’s watching, what they’re
watching, how their watching it,
and the quality that it is being
delivered. It allows media own-
ers to take back the power and
control their audience’s content
experiences.
CHOOSING
PATH
THE
RIGHT
To help content owners and
broadcasters decide if they
need to make the transition to
a private TV CDN, and deliv-
er the best quality to viewers,
Edgware commissioned analyst
firm Frost & Sullivan to research
the specifics behind when,
building a private CDN is the
right option for them. The study
found that as soon as content
distributors began to deliver an
average of an hour of service
a day to 100,000 people, they
need to consider a private TV
CDN. And when it comes to
programs like Game of Thrones,
that 100,000 is but a drop in
the ocean each year.
You can read the full Frost &
Sullivan whitepaper here.
Broadcast Beat Magazine • www.broadcastbeat.com • 63