News and Press on Products and Services

Further Monetising Content Through an Omni-Platform Approach

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Leading up to Switch Media’s presence at the SMPTE Conference in Sydney on 18 – 21 JULY 2017, CEO Christopher Stenhouse shared his views and expertise around the adaptation required for the effective monetisation in OTT.

READ PRESS RELEASE BELOW (source: Further Monetising Content Through an Omni-Platform Approach, Posted by Phil Sandberg on July 19, 2017).

Video content creators and broadcasters need to rethink their over-the-top (OTT) streaming strategy and the technologies they use to attract and successfully monetise audiences, according to a leader in streaming technology.

At the start of SMPTE17, CEO of Switch Media Christopher Stenhouse said while OTT streaming has exploded in recent years, many existing players will fall by the way-side unless they adapt to the rapid changes in technology and audience behaviours.

“It is no longer good enough to create apps that only show content on one or both of the mobile device platforms and TV,” Mr Stenhouse said. “Today’s audiences want to be able to view content on any device, anywhere and at any time, seamlessly and without interruption.

“Content should be delivered in a high-quality format not only for mobile devices, but also for platforms such as Chromecast, PlayStation, Xbox, Smart TVs and the various IPTV streaming devices such as Telstra TV. What’s more, content owners and broadcasters must accept that if viewers can avoid advertising, they will, particularly if there is a time lag or buffering.

“Yet many are failing to adopt solutions that not only address ad-blocking technology but also improves the ad experience for viewers through seamless and targeted ad insertion in the delivery of content to the multitude of platforms Australian audiences have embraced.”

As an OTT service provider, Switch Media developed and delivered Foxtel Now.

Mr Stenhouse said the recent rollout of the new streaming service is one example of a major broadcaster adapting to the changes in technology and consumer behaviours around media consumption.

“In the initial stages of development Foxtel acknowledged the changing dynamics of how people are consuming media. This resulted in the product being rolled out across multiple platforms including PCs, Macs, iOS and Android mobiles and tablets, and the fast-growing Chromecast and Telstra TV platforms at launch.

“It has also only last week been made available on PlayStation, and in the near future will be further enhanced to be readily available on even more devices including Xbox and select Smart TVs.

“The omni-platform approach enables Foxtel to grow their audience significant and through Switch Media’s server-side ad insertion technology, AdEase, they will be able to better monetise their content and deliver better outcomes for advertisers.”

Key points:

  • Many current industry players will fall by the way-side unless they adapt to the rapid changes in technology and audience behaviours.
  • The industry must accept that if viewers can avoid advertising, they will, particularly if there is a time lag or buffering.
  • An omni-platform approach enables broadcasters to grow their audience significantly and through Switch Media’s server-side ad insertion technology, AdEase, they will be able to better monetise their content and deliver better outcomes for advertisers.

Switch Media is showcasing its OTT solutions – including AdEase, Switch Live2VOD and MediaManager – at SMPTE 2017 at the International Convention Centre, Sydney on booth G-40.

At 5.30pm tonight (19/07/2017), Switch Media will host a presentation by Foxtel’s Director of Product, Michael Ivanchenko, Mr Stenhouse, Switch Media’s Lead Solutions Architect for Foxtel Karthik Sivaram and Switch Media’s AdEase expert, Tim Armstrong. This presentation will discuss the technology approach, challenges and key learning’s for the development of Foxtel Now, as well as insights around server-side ad insertion technology to support enhanced user experience and revenue optimisation.

Visitors to SMPTE can scan their conference pass at the Switch Media stand for the chance to WIN a 12-month full subscription to Foxtel Now.

Global Ad Industry Urged To Adapt TVCs For Streaming Or Lose Millions

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Luke Durham, CTO of Switch Media shares his insights on TVC adaption for online streaming. READ PRESS RELEASE BELOW.

Source: Global Ad Industry Urged To Adapt TVCs For Streaming Or Lose Millions, B&T, 29 JUNE, 2017

Advertising creatives must produce TVCs specifically for the burgeoning content streaming audiences around the world to deliver maximum return on investment, according to the chief technology officer (CTO) of an Aussie-based over-the-top (OTT) content company.

Luke Durham, CTO of Switch Media, has warned that to achieve this will require all stakeholders, from platform and content owners to advertisers and their agencies, to collaborate.

“To be blunt, conventional TVCs aren’t high quality or smart enough to engage streaming audiences in an increasingly demanding and competitive content and entertainment market,” he said.

“It’s clear there needs to be a greater understanding and cooperation between industry sectors to ensure uniformities and efficiencies are improved on both the creative/production side and the technical delivery side.

Luke Durham, CTO Switch Media

“There has been too much focus on keeping costs low to support the bottom line rather than producing the right type of creative for the appropriate channel and audience to grow the top line.

“But standard 30-second ads produced for broadcast television do not cut it. In fact, the use of TVCs online is one of the key drivers behind the growth of ad-blocking technologies.”

Switch Media has delivered millions of hours of OTT content over the past decade for Australian clients including Foxtel, SBS, Seven, Network Ten and Freeview.

Durham said that from Switch Media’s experience, content and ads need to be tailored specifically for digital devices.

“There are two sides to the problems that we all need to solve,” he said.

“Firstly, the advertising creatives and producers must consistently produce clever, engaging, original ads with shorter timeframes.

“Studies have shown that six to seven seconds is the optimal length of video for the average user attention span, with 10 seconds being the maximum to not only maintain viewer attention but to engage them.”

Durham said the second major problem is the speed and accuracy of the back-end technology responding to millions of constant content searches literally every second of the day.

“The ongoing challenge for agencies and OTT companies is managing the rapidly escalating volume of content that’s becoming available – literally tens of thousands of programs being accessed by millions of end users simultaneously from multiple sources,” he said.

“The accuracy of metadata provided by the content owners and ad agencies is imperative for each OTT transmission source to identify the content being sought by the viewer, and delivering them simultaneously to millions of devices across the country.”

Switch Media at TVOT San Francisco 28-29 June 2017

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As a key sponsor for the event, Switch Media is excited to exhibit and present at TVOT in San Francisco on 28-29 June 2017.

At the event, Switch Media CTO, Luke Durham will share his in-depth experience and knowledge around OTT during a discussion around OTT TV Infrastructure.

We will also showcase our world class online video solutions for OTT including our server-side ad insertion solution AdEase. With advanced anti-ad-blocking and audience targeting capabilities, AdEase enables world-class multi-screen server side ad insertion for both Live and VOD content for a continuous TV-like experience and maximum revenue.

 

As the Coffee Break Sponsor for the event, attendees can grab a coffee on us before popping over to the Switch Media stand to find more or get a demo on our services from content management, app development and live streaming, through to on-the-fly ad insertion and delivery to viewers across multiple devices.

 

 

If you plan to attend TVOT in San Francisco and would like to set up a time to chat, please email Bruce Hume at sales@switch.tv


The annual TVOT in San Francisco is the global gathering for executives, technologists and creatives working in the Interactive and Multiplatform Television industry/community. The two day conference is also the venue for the presentation of the highly regarded Awards for Leadership in Interactive and Multiplatform Television, presented by itvt since 2004. More on TVOT.

Proud service provider for Foxtel’s new streaming service Foxtel Now

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Switch Media is thrilled to have assisted Foxtel to deliver its new streaming service Foxtel Now which will give viewers low-priced and flexible subscriptions to their favourite programs.

An evolution of Foxtel Play, the key additions to the service are High Definition streaming and Chromecast access. Foxtel Now is available on PC & Mac via Google Chrome browser, Telstra TV, iOS and Android devices while a range of other devices like PlayStation and Xbox and Smart TVs will be updated to include HD over the coming months.

 

READ PRESS RELEASE BELOW (source: Foxtel unveils its new streaming service Foxtel Now from $10 a month, Holly Byrnes, news.com.au, 07 June 2017).

Foxtel unveils its new streaming service Foxtel Now from $10 a month

FOXTEL will take the fight for online audiences up to its TV rivals, announcing bold new plans for a budget streaming service.

At an all-star gala party in Sydney, the pioneering pay-TV company unveiled a new look logo and on-demand platform, Foxtel Now, which will give viewers low-priced and flexible subscriptions to their favourite lifestyle, drama, sport and movie programming.

An evolution of the existing Foxtel Play package, Foxtel Now will ensure subscribers have greater freedom and access to Foxtel’s content, from as little as $10 a month.

Foxtel CEO Peter Tonagh said: “Foxtel Now represents our most flexible and affordable entertainment service and brings with it HD streaming, a great new look and feel and the freedom to jump in and out based on your viewing preferences.”

Foxtel Now will feature five entry level packs to match viewers’ interests, including drama and pop packs ($15 each or $25 for both); or lifestyle, documentaries or kids packs for just $10 each.

The drama and pop packs are expected to be the most popular, allowing access to Foxel’s award-winning HBO  slate including Westworld, VEEP, Big Little Lies and the upcoming season seven of Game Of Thrones for only $15 a month; as well as the stunning local dramas including A Place To Call Home (starring Abby Earl), Wentworth and new productions including Picnic At Hanging Rock.

Foxtel Now’s movies pack is available for $20 per month in addition to an entry level pack; while the sports pack is available for an extra $29 per month, meaning sports fans can now get access to Foxtel’s extensive sports programming from $39 per month.

Mr Tonagh said: “We believe everyone deserves to experience the world’s best entertainment.

“Foxtel is already famous for offering award-winning homegrown drama, plus unrivalled live sport, new movies, new shows and more complete seasons than anyone else in Australia.

Unfortunately, not enough Australians are able to enjoy this incredible programming. “We think it’s time to change that, so we’ve taken some big steps to diversify our service to offer the biggest, most affordable, range of options for everyone.

“From tomorrow, all Australians can watch what they want, when they want and where they want at a price that suits them best, from low-price, no-commitment, HD streaming up to a state-of the art viewing experience via our cable and satellite iQ3 set top box.”

Australia’s premier pay-TV service has invested more than $100m each year on local programming (outside of news and sport), with its Foxtel Original productions garnering numerous industry awards in recent years.

Foxtel Now, which launches tomorrow, will be available on PC/Mac via the Google Chrome browser, Telstra TV, iOS and Android mobiles and tablets, and Chromecast.

Additional devices will be updated in the coming months, until then, other devices, including PlayStation 3 and 4, Xbox One and select Smart TVs are able to stream Foxtel content in SD via the Foxtel Play app.

Broadening its Foxtel On Demand library, Foxtel will now offer a selection of more than 16,000 titles of on demand TV and movie programming with over 1,200 of the hottest movies available, including 98 of the top 100 box office movies of 2016.

Foxtel’s 20th Century Fox recent-release titles arrive 12 months before Netflix and Stan, including blockbuster movies Eddie The Eagle, X-Men: Apocalypse, Independence Day: Resurgence and Ice Age: Collision Course.

News Corp, publisher of this website, owns 50 per cent of Foxtel.

For more information, or to try out a free two-week trial, see Foxtel Now’s website.

Freeview FV update brings Chromecast support to Android and iOS; stream live TV to your TV now!

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As service provider for Freeview FV, Switch Media are proud to have assisted Freeview to add Chromecast functionality to their Android & iOS Freeview FV apps, so viewers can now stream live TV to their TVs without an antenna!

“Freeview Australia has partnered with Switch Media, a leader in the development of high quality technology solutions for the television industry.  Switch Media provided a flexible and innovative approach to the integration of our FTA network’s live streams and catch up assets resulting in a seamless Freeview FV user experience. ” – Liz Ross, CEO, Freeview Australia.

 

READ MEDIA RELEASE (ausdriod.net, 19 May 2017)

 

Freeview’s FV live TV streaming app sees a major update today with the addition of Chromecast to both the Android and iOS versions of its app.

The addition of Chromecast puts a neat bow on Freeview’s live TV streaming functionality – you can finally put live TV on a TV set without an antenna.

Freeview FV first launched late last year, and has seen a number of bugfixes and updates since. The app has also picked up some international recognition at the Connie Awards earlier this month taking out both the International Grand Prix and Best TV/Video Service Update or Launch awards.

If you haven’t used Freeview FV yet, you’re missing out on live streaming of every Australian free-to-air TV network – you don’t need to miss your favourite programs because you’re not near a TV any more, as FV works anywhere, anytime.

The updates for both the Android and iOS versions of Freeview FV are now available in Google Play and Apple’s App Store. We haven’t heard anything official from Freeview yet, but a press release can’t be too far away and we’ll update with news of other changes when we hear it. Download the updates now:

 

Link to press release (ausdriod.net, 19/05/17): Freeview FV update brings Chromecast support to Android and iOS; stream live TV to your TV now!

 

What we got up to at NAB Show 2017!

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SBS On Demand enhances user experience with launch of Chromecast for iOS

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As proud service provider for SBS On Demand, Switch Media is excited to have assisted SBS to bring this functionality to their audience.

SBS On Demand enhances user experience with launch of Chromecast for iOS

SBS On Demand today launches Chromecast functionality on iOS devices, allowing users to cast programs from SBS On Demand’s premium international and multilingual library to their TV screens to enjoy anytime, anywhere, and for free.

Already available on Android, the Chromecast upgrade comes at the same time as the streaming service announces the exclusive Australian premiere of the highly anticipated adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s award-winning novel The Handmaid’s Tale – available to stream in full from Thursday 6 July.

Last year, SBS On Demand rolled out a complete user interface upgrade to enhance user experience, including a brand new video player, smoother navigation, improved search functionality, ability to add shows to a favourites list, and playback resumption.

SBS On Demand is a world of inspired entertainment – a curated selection of over 6,000 hours of premium world class-drama, documentaries and movies from across the globe.

The update can be downloaded on the Apple App Store here.

For more information visit sbs.com.au/ondemand

Another award for Switch Media built app – Freeview FV!

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As end-to-end service provider for the Freeview FV app Switch Media is excited that it has won the International Grand Prix Award and Best TV/Video Service Update or Launch Award at the Connie Awards!

With vast experience in delivering a range of end-to-end video solutions for major Australian broadcasters including Foxtel, Network Ten and SBS, Switch Media were well positioned to assist Freeview with their requirements.

Switch Media’s role was to provide end-to-end development and delivery of the Freeview FV app rolled out to iPhone, iPad, Android phone and tablet, including Chromecast support for all platforms.

“Freeview Australia has partnered with Switch Media, a leader in the development of high quality technology solutions for the television industry.  Switch Media provided a flexible and innovative approach to the integration of our FTA network’s live streams and catch up assets resulting in a seamless Freeview FV user experience. ”
– Liz Ross, CEO, Freeview Australia

 

FREEVIEW MEDIA RELEASE 04 May 2017

Freeview FV takes out top honour at international Connie Awards

Freeview’s world-first Freeview FV mobile app has won the International Grand Prix Award and Best TV/Video Service Update or Launch Award at the Connie Awards, announced overnight in London.

Freeview was the only Australian company to win an award.

Freeview FV was awarded the top honour by the international awards that recognise innovation and the emerging best practice from across all sectors of the media landscape around the world.

“These awards are a true honour, particularly given the incredible depth and range of other award entries in the Connies. To be acknowledged at this level on the international stage is once again great testament to successful collaboration,” said Freeview CEO Elizabeth Ross.

“The vision, design and user experience were developed through great teamwork which brought together the best and brightest digital experts from within our broadcasters and our Freeview staff,” said Ross.

Earlier in the week, Freeview FV was also announced as a finalist for the AIMIA’s 23rd annual AMY Award in the entertainment and media smart phone or tablet application category and just last month Freeview won the Gold Stevie for innovation in the entertainment apps category at the international Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards.

Launched in November 2016, Freeview FV is available on iOS and Android mobile and tablets, delivering TV straight into viewers’ hands.

Freeview FV delivers live streaming of 20 free-to-air TV channels and the catch-up content from all broadcasters with just one click. Available channels include: ABC, SBS, Seven, Channel 9, TEN, ONE, Eleven ABC2/ABC KIDS, ABC ME, ABC News 24, SBS VICELAND, Food Network, NITV, 7TWO, 7Mate, 7Flix, Racing.com, 9Gem, 9Go! and 9Life. More live channels will be added as they become available.

 

Link to article: Freeview FV takes out top honour at international Connie Awards

Freeview FV announced as Gold Stevie Winner

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As end-to-end service provider for the Freeview FV app Switch Media are overjoyed that it has WON the Gold Stevie for innovation in the entertainment apps category! Read press release below.

 

FREEVIEW MEDIA RELEASE 20 April 2017 

Freeview FV announced as Gold Stevie Winner Freeview’s world-first free-to-air TV live streaming and catch-up mobile app Freeview FV has won Gold at the international 2017 Asia-Pacific
Stevie Awards. The international Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards are open to 22 countries in the Asia-Pacific region and focus on recognising innovation in all its forms.

Freeview FV won the Gold Stevie for innovation in the entertainment apps category, recognising Freeview FV’s world-first collaboration that revolutionises the free-to-air TV viewing experience for all Australians.

“Freeview FV is a truly innovative and user-friendly service that gives Australians access to TV on the go and we’re delighted to see it recognised alongside some of the best at an international level. “This award is a credit to the Australian FTA industry and the collaboration of all the broadcasters which resulted in the creation of a world-leading TV experience,” said Freeview CEO Elizabeth Ross. Freeview FV is also the only Australian company to be shortlisted for the international Connie Awards, with winners to be announced on May 3, 2017.

Launched in November 2016, Freeview FV is available on iOS and Android mobile and tablets, delivering TV straight into viewers’ hands. Freeview FV delivers live streaming of 20 free-to-air TV channels and the catch-up content from all broadcasters with just one click. Available channels include: ABC, SBS, Seven, Channel 9, TEN, ONE, Eleven ABC2/ABC KIDS, ABC ME, ABC News 24, SBS VICELAND, Food Network, NITV, 7TWO, 7Mate, 7Flix, Racing.com, 9Gem, 9Go! and 9Life. More live channels will be added as they become available.

 

About Freeview

Launched in 2008, Freeview is the free digital television service in Australia which presents and promotes free-to-air channels and content to all Australians. Freeview encourages Australians to watch free-to-air content across various platforms by promoting benefits that include more than 25 channels and catch-up services for free. Freeview’s mission is to deliver the free-to-air content to all Australians where, when and on whatever device they choose.

Link to article Freeview FV announced as Gold Stevie Winner