Comcast subsidiary thePlatform has introduced a service for broadcasters that converts linear TV almost immediately into a format that can be used for instant replay in a multi-screen delivery environment.
mpx Replay is a new service offered as part of thePlatform’s mpx video publishing system, designed to expedite the conversion of linear TV channels for catch-up or C3/C7 video. The capability is based in part on Elemental Technology’s Delta just-in-time (JIT) packaging system.
mpx Replay provides instant asset creation for publishing and distribution, automated metadata to support richer search and discovery, pre-set availability windows, ad policy enforcement, and increased monetization options, the company said.
“mpx Replay addresses distinct, but similar, needs facing broadcasters – particularly in Europe and North America,” said Marty Roberts, co-CEO of thePlatform. “In Europe, broadcasters need a faster and more efficient way to address the growing demand for catch-up TV across any screen. In North America, broadcasters need an optimized C3 video process that keeps national ad loads intact when bringing their channels online. mpx Replay provides a streamlined, cloud-based solution for both.”
“The rising demand for time-shifted video and live-to-VOD services requires a new class of video management and delivery capabilities,” said Aslam Khader, chief product officer for Elemental. “It’s a key reason we developed Elemental Delta, and we’re very proud that it’s an integral part of thePlatform’s mpx Replay service.”
mpx Replay provides numerous benefits to broadcasters seeking to make their linear TV channels available for instant replay across devices. According to thePlatform, these include the ability to:
Expedite linear channels to catch-up workflow:
Create catch-up assets automatically from linear channels as they air for instant availability, with millisecond precision on program breaks; viewers can immediately start watching previously aired programming and start over from the beginning at any time.
Easily convert linear channel broadcasts for C3 or C7 video compliance, keeping national ads intact with their associated shows for three or seven days, and then switching to dynamic ad insertions policies afterwards.
Easily schedule adjustments for linear channel overruns or as-run updates with thePlatform’s TV Data Services. Time changes in the mpx console quickly update recording start and end settings.
Using Elemental Delta’s just-in-time (JIT) packaging, adapt catch-up and C3 files to network and device parameters on the fly, allowing consumers to view content instantly with real-time adaptive bitrate streaming for Apple HLS, Smooth Streaming, MPEG-DASH, and Adobe HDS. MP4 and MPEG-TS outputs are also supported.
Optimize catch-up or C3/C7 publishing workflows with pre-configured transcoding profiles to deliver videos to the screens that matter most.
Easily identify TV rebroadcasts and reruns, avoiding unnecessary duplication of existing VOD assets.
Increase viewership and monetization for catch-up or C3/C7 files:
Enable easy discovery of catch-up or C3/C7 videos through thePlatform’s TV Data Services, ensuring that metadata is automatically applied to each program.
Pre-set availability windows (hours/days) for catch-up or C3/C7 videos as a general policy, per program, per station, or even by episode. For example, broadcasters can set up policies for different time zones, or blackout particular sporting events due to rights restrictions.
Instantly create various monetization options to gain addition value from the newly created video assets, such as advertising, TVE authentication, and commerce (download to own or rentals).
