Two Essentials for Delivering Video Content to Internet-Connected Devices
Written by: Brian Baker, CEO, Widevine
We are in the midst – or perhaps just the early stages – of a rapid proliferation of media-consuming devices and content distribution mechanisms beyond set-top boxes (STBs) and PCs. A new wave of Internet-connected retail electronics – from Blu-ray players, to televisions, to gaming platforms – means that there are more devices than ever before on which consumers can choose to view content.
However, there are a couple of key requirements that need to be in place before content can be delivered to multiple devices.
The first is content security. Studios and broadcasters won’t license their content to be delivered to just any device; it must be proven that the content can be kept secure, regardless of the device to which it is being delivered. This can be done with digital rights management (DRM), but because each device is different, it’s too complicated and cumbersome to create a unique DRM system to support each type.
In addition, a DRM system must be able to secure content no matter how it is delivered or consumed. It must accommodate various delivery methods, such as streaming, progressive download, and straight download, and usage models, such as electronic sell-through, rental, subscription, online, and offline playback. A DRM system must be capable of handling multiple devices, delivery methods, and usage models.
The other key component for successfully delivering content over the Internet to any device is ensuring a high quality of experience (QoE) for the end user. A consumer’s available bandwidth is never consistent, and the fluctuations in bandwidth can cause video playback to pause and buffer each time the bandwidth falls below the optimal level required for smooth playback.
Adaptive bit rate streaming technology, or simply adaptive streaming, can mitigate this problem by adjusting the video quality to keep in step with the consumer’s available bandwidth, ensuring as consistent and smooth an experience as network conditions allow.
When considering adaptive streaming solutions, service providers and content producers should focus their search on that that:
- Run on standard, low-cost HTTP servers rather than costly, proprietary alternatives.
- Support MPEG2TS encoding rather than custom encoding, to also help reduce overall cost.
- Support both Video on Demand (VOD) and live or linear streams, to keep additional options open.
With DRM and adaptive streaming in place, service providers can give subscribers a seamless, high-quality experience on the device of their choice, at the most convenient time for them. It’s the combination of security and consistent playback that will have your viewers coming back for more.
Widevine provides adaptive streaming, virtual DVD-like trick play, and DRM solutions for Internet content providers and cable, satellite, and telecommunication companies to provide a TV Everywhere or over-the-top environment for the ultimate customer experience on a range of consumer electronics, including Internet enabled Blu-ray players, TVs, gaming, and mobile platforms.
For more information on Widevine, please visit www.widevine.com.
Brian Baker is the Chief Executive Officer of Widevine Technologies, Inc.
Tweet
Comments