TV Everywhere solutions

There are numerous solutions in the marketplace that can help CSPs untangle the TV Everywhere knot. We discuss Viaccess-Orca, Ericsson, and CSG Internationals' Content Direct and other leading solution providers in this month's Next-Gen Video Platforms article, but here are some other technology providers with market-available solutions that are available today:

ATX Networks: ATX sells an end-to-end video transcoding solution that might make those licensing deals a little easier. Its latest product, VersAcivePro, features a simplified licensing scheme to add multiple output profiles without additional charges or licenses.

thePlatform: This company’s TV Everywhere solution, is used by Comcast Xfinity, Verizon, BT, and Bell Media, among others. It’s no surprise that Comcast is a customer—thePlatform was purchased by Comcast in 2006, and functions as an independent subsidiary. thePlatform’s authentication adapters simplify the task of managing credentials and authenticating consumers, and its full-service suite includes advanced policy control, content management, and flexible billing integration.

SeaChange: Adrenalin is SeaChange’s flagship TV Everywhere solution, and it was recently selected by Finland-based Telco DNA for its multi-screen service. Adrenalin enables multi-screen video delivery, multiple DRM support, and monetization through linear and on-demand ad solutions.

From gridlock to smooth sailing

Parks Associates predicts that by 2015, 250 million pay-TV subscribers will have access to TV Everywhere. Access is not the same as uptake, however, and TV Everywhere must be simplified if it is to catch on. Authentication must be streamlined, the viewing apps must be improved, and content viewing rules should be more transparent. Just as we’ve seen in many other areas of the communications and entertainment technology (COMET) business, customer experience is paramount.

While there are many excellent tools and strategies to simplify the often-arduous authentication process and help unify the ecosystem, ultimately video stakeholders must engage in a much greater level of cooperation.

“Cooperation, rather than competition, among TVE (TV Everywhere) stakeholders will benefit not just consumers, but the growth of the business as a whole,” said David Tice, Senior Vice President of Media at GfK, a market research agency. “Standardizing and simplifying the authentication process across providers, and using a standard term or logo with consistency – whether it’s “TV Everywhere” or something else – will help customers know what they are using and erase the barriers to greater use and demand.”

TV Everywhere offers service providers the opportunity to extend the viewing experience to wherever a customer wishes, and squelch some of the competition brought by OTT video providers. It really needs to be carrier-grade, however, and many of the TVE offerings on the market seem best-effort. One thing is certain—the leading video service providers of the future will offer highly capable and complete TVE services to their users. Some of the solutions outlined in this article can certainly help, especially if you’ve already completed and honest assessment of your capabilities and challenges.