Multi-network, multi-screen video services are now becoming “must have” features on the roadmap of competitive video service operators across the MENA region. With a wealth of multi-lingual content, the region is also a potential flagship for regional or global distribution strategies that expand the base of the regions operators.
The technology and business trade-offs in these strategies, and ultimately the implementation decisions made can provide valuable insight for others currently considering or already planning their multi-network roll-outs.
What does it take to put together a truly innovative and comprehensive solution to extend the reach of your traditional pay TV services?
Hear from experts in their field on the evolving marketplace for video delivery and key technical considerations for launching multi-network and multi-screen services.
New from BookNet Canada for 2024: Loan Stars - Tech Forum 2024
Multi-network Solutions in the Real World, CABSAT: Adriana Whiteley, Farncombe
1. OTT and TV
Everywhere –
What is Happening?
Adriana Menezes Whiteley
Head of Strategy Consulting
farncombe
2. What We Will Address Today
Multi-network, multi-screen video services
are now becoming “must have” features…
But...
What does it take to put together a truly
innovative and comprehensive solution to
extend the reach of your traditional pay TV
services?
2
3. About Farncombe
Our People Our Practices
We are specialised in media Strategy
and telecommunications Technology
Our team combines sector Programme Management
knowledge, analytical skills
Content Security
and technical expertise
System Integration
Our senior management has
practical, executive experience Engineering Services
in the industry Test & Certification
User experience design
Our Clients
Broadcasters, Pay-TV & Telecom Operators
Silicon and CPE Vendors
Middleware & Conditional Access Vendors
Content Providers
Head End and Multiplex Manufacturers
4. OTT Video Introduces Complexity
The device market for over-the-top video is fragmented,
and not controlled by the platform operator
Content Owner/ Platform Reception
Distribution
Aggregator operator
Software Hardware
Limited number of
devices. 1 CA
System, 1 Traditional Pay TV Operator
middleware provider
on each network
e.g.
e.g. Lovefilm, TV, PC,
Warner, BBC etc ISP Android,
Netflix, Hulu STB
Adobe
Multiple
Aggregator/ Broadband devices: STBs,
Platform provider provider has direct TVs, tablets,
has direct relationship with mobiles, PS3, etc
Multiple environments/
relationship with client
middleware, OS
client
Player/ DRM controlled
by Platform operator
Source: Farncombe 4
5. Players Have Diverging Interests
Providers depend on devices implementing security correctly,
and maintaining all device models secure
Device manufacturers
Sell new hardware
Limit costs of updates/ maintenance
Use content as competitive
differentiation
Content Owners
OTT Platforms
Limit piracy Make content available
Monetise release OVER-THE-TOP on multiple devices
windows VIDEO with minimum
Increase value of long- customisation
tail Secure early windows
Consumers
Want content everywhere and
hassle-free – one or no
password, centralised customer
relationships
Source: Farncombe
7. TV Industry is Becoming Polarised
Content-
focused
Free-to-Air
Broadcasters
< 2011
Pay TV operators
Infrastructure
focused
Horizontal Proprietary
devices devices
Source: Farncombe 7
8. TV Industry is Becoming Polarised
Content-
focused
FTA
Broadcasters 2011
Pay TV
(Mostly DTH)
operators
Pay TV operators (Mostly Cable
and IPTV)
Pay TV
Infrastructure operators
focused
Horizontal Proprietary
devices devices
Source: Farncombe 8
9. Gateways vs. Multi-Network
Examples OTT/ Media Gateways Examples Multi-Network Services
Source: Farncombe Analysis
11. Reaching Multiple Devices
H.264 Adaptive
1,500
VP8 Kbps
WMV 800 Kbps
…. ….
Which Which Video Which Video Which Bit
Device? Player? Format? Rate?
Source: Farncombe
13. Challenges for Media Gateways
Source Prepare and store Distribute content End-device
content content functionality
Storage and Security Distribution Physical
User Device
and DRM interface / mgt.
transcoding protocol network experience
How to
Does content replicate the
need encrypting functionality How to
or to have DRM of the manage the
added? gateway end-device?
device?
There are technologies
Content security is a major which allow third-party
Operators want to make
issue for home gateway devices to receive operators’
content available to third-
solutions offering premium content, but the exact
party devices, but retain
content over 3rd-party functionality and UI is
some control
devices determined by the device
manufacturer
Source: Farncombe
13
14. Conclusion
• Premium, OTT, multi-device content relies on
correct implementation and maintenance
processes by hardware manufacturers
• A fragmented base of devices makes it harder to
ensure a secure environment
• The problem is not technical – relationships
need to be adjusted to the new required chain of
trust
• Initiatives such as Ultraviolet and TV Everywhere
in the US aim to create entities to manage these
relationships – but it is still early stages and the
business model needs to be proven 14