Access hundreds of games through the Xbox app, which launches for selected Amazon Fire TV devices in July 2024 in 25 countries yet to be announced. ByAshleigh Klein| First Published June 28, 2024, 07:27 Xbox announced a new partnership with Amazon that will bring cloud gaming capabilities to Amazon Fire TVs. The latest Xbox Wire post detailed this, which confirms that the Xbox app will be available for selected Fire TVs in “over 25 countries,” granting Game Pass Ultimate subscribers access to Xbox Cloud Gaming for these devices. This collaboration between Xbox and Amazon will begin in July 2024 when the Xbox app launches for Amazon Fire TV devices, including the Fire TV Stick 4K and its Max version. Players can begin or continue their gaming experiences through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate by accessing an extensive library of “incredible” gaming titles like Fallout 4, Fallout 76, Forza Horizon 5, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, and Starfield. Xbox further detailed how players can begin their gaming experiences with Amazon Fire TV, which starts with installing the Xbox app on their device. They can sign in or register a Microsoft account before accessing the huge Game Pass library, which, if they’re not subscribed yet, they can sign up through the Xbox app. All that’s left is for players to connect any Bluetooth-enabled wireless controller and start playing their games through Xbox’s cloud gaming capabilities, with no console needed. This latest collaboration means that players can play their games wherever they go, whether moving from one room to the next or on their next holiday if their Fire TV device is being supported. It has yet to be confirmed which countries will support Cloud Gaming via the Xbox app through Amazon Fire TV devices. Xbox will announce more details before its launch, so we’ll update this news article to reflect the latest developments. source: https://www.ginx.tv/en/xbox/psa-xcloud-gaming-issues
Traditional TV services powered by satellite may provide new opportunities for broadcasters New approaches to viewing services are attracting and captivating the millennial and Gen-Z generations post 2020. Channels powered by satellite are introducing new forms of entertainment through traditional TV, effectively expanding their viewership and gaining widespread appeal. Younger viewers are growing Traditional television has always been a mainstay for older generations. Most viewers of traditional television are from the baby boomer and Gen X generations, while streaming services have appealed to millennials and younger generations. However, the past two years have seen linear television viewership numbers growing across all ages. What’s more surprising is that linear viewership has increased when out of home viewing is taken into account. This growing subset of younger viewers does not indicate a complete shift away from streaming services such as Netflix but implies that these generations are adding linear TV viewing to their entertainment schedules. Part of the reason for this includes the number of live events being broadcast, such as sports channels and the likelihood of new and exciting content distributed through satellite. One such recent development that encapsulates both of these aspects is the recent addition of ESR 24/7 Esports Network, the first 24/7 linear video gaming channel in Europe. The network, which was previously only available in the United States, offers unique content consisting of competitive video games, gaming events and more. Through Eutelsat’s flagship 13° East HOTBIRD position, the European launch demonstrates linear TV services’ ability to reach younger generations with exciting new channels. A growing opportunity for new channel genres Satellite linear distribution continues to grow as a complementary means for new channels and genres to reach new markets. Many channels and content offerings use satellite to reach a broad audience and proof their channel concepts. Of course, satellite broadcasting offers many advantages, such as: However, the three primary reasons why satellite is such an ideal medium for groundbreaking channels is due to the unique advantages of greater exposure, enhanced accessibility and better scaling opportunities for new channels. Greater exposure and better reach Satellite remains unchallenged when it comes to its ability to reach vast amounts of viewers quickly and effectively. Unlike terrestrial-based solutions, satellite connectivity does not need extensive local infrastructure to operate, which means it can cover any area instantly. The satellite’s reach effectively enables broadcasters to access any region, country or continent, immediately and with no gaps. New channel genres and broadcasters can thus use satellite to gain the sentiment of large swathes of a population and proof their ideas based on popular demand without worrying about accessibility. Enhanced accessibility Distributing a channel through satellite connectivity increases a broadcaster’s ability to make their content accessible to operators worldwide. Satellite’s superior reach and reliable signal allow operators to pick up the digital feeds of broadcasters in different countries, enabling new channels without dedicated infrastructural support. Cost-effective, scalable and reliable Finally, satellite distribution offers flexibility to broadcasters in scaling up or down according to their bandwidth needs. Satellite solutions are incredibly cost-effective, as they maximize the route to market by delivering to all networks simultaneously, such as DTH, cable, DTT and IP. It further reinforces this advantage by not tying its cost with the number of expected viewers. At a threshold of around 50 000 viewers in the Western Europe market (according to Eutelsat analysis), a satellite becomes more cost-efficient than terrestrial networks in the long run. A view of the future Innovative TV channels such as the ESR 24/7 Esports Network only further promote satellite linear distribution for new channel genres. The coverage, reliability and cost-effective nature of Eutelsat’s 13° East HOTBIRD position enable new channels and content offerings to access broader markets and better distribute their content to operators worldwide. Satellite provides attractive opportunities for broadcasters and new channels to multiply and diversify their distribution. In the case of ESR, Eutelsat’s HOTBIRD gave them access to over 135 million TV households to better appeal to the 1.8 billion millennial and growing Gen Z consumer market. If you would like to find out more about the unique opportunities that satellite provides, or would like to find out more about Eutelsat’s satellite solutions for television broadcasters, visit our website, or contact us today. source: https://www.esrevolution.com/
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The world is changing. One blink of an eye and the technologies we thought we knew have changed. As a channel or content owner, we face new and unexplored opportunities to monetize our content in various innovative ways. Just recently, expert analysts in our industry said that Linear TV is dead, or at least was nearing its end of life. Despite that, linear TV is making its way back through FAST channels. Some traditional platforms appear to decline as their subscriber base falls while new platforms emerge. One of the biggest keys to these changes is the evolution of the internet. It used to be the case that the internet was perceived as only a semi-professional solution, not entirely trusted, and considered with skepticism. Today’s improved security and near-ubiquitous reach render the internet much more reliable, offering affordable solutions on the cloud. Delivering content over the internet has become a “no brainer” for broadcasters and has dramatically changed the economics of contribution and distribution of content around the world. This trend continues to evolve, making cloud services look very attractive to new entrants of the broadcast market. This makes many big and established players to scratch their heads and consider how they should behave, compete, and exploit their brands in this newly changed environment. Traditional networks and channels find themselves surrounded by vast numbers of different systems that they have adopted along the way to answer different needs at different times, most of them require lots of equipment (processing) and support (specific knowledge that becomes obsolete) and the result is little flexibility in operations, expensive equipment and, most importantly a lack of capability to react quickly and provide rapid responses to market requirements and demands. And the result? A slow death for some in a new world of broadcast. It is time to rethink and adapt to the required changes this new world is offering so that you can continue to do what you know best but in the most appropriate and advanced way in the new environment. In other words, it is time to go CLOUD! Moving to the cloud creates efficiencies and allows content owners to be a lot faster to market. Cloud solutions are simpler to use due to the holistic view of processes that are designed to support the needs of broadcasters in one place offering a standardized approach. The cloud makes economic sense. Removing the need for Hardware, reducing operational and human resources, as well as the knowledge required to support old and non-efficient systems, will most likely save more than a few dollars. Also, using the cloud allows you to scale and innovate with machine learning services and analytics, build, test, and launch quickly, then adapt, grow, and improve without the burden of capacity planning. The beauty of it is that it can all be done from anywhere in the world. Yes, there is a learning curve, but if you choose the right partner, your life can be much easier. “Delivering content over the internet has become a “no brainer” for broadcasters and has dramatically changed the economics of contribution and distribution of content around the world.” iKO Media Group provides cloud services to meet the needs of all Broadcasters and content owners by creating a channel(s) for any platform and size from OTT, and FAST versions to DTH platforms and all with simple-to-use systems. We offer Broadcast Management System (BMS) fully integrated with playout allowing broadcasters complete management of their revenue streams of commercial channels and much more scalable and robust playlist management. IT’S TIME TO GO CLOUD! In addition, we offer channels new monetization streams for FAST and OTT with a unique commercial opportunity. Come with us to the future of broadcasting using the most advanced solutions over the cloud.
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t was the start of pirate radio in 1964, broadcast into the UK from ships anchored in international waters that first engaged my teenage enthusiasm for a career in broadcast and related technology. I was mesmerized by the apparent freedoms the deejays had to entertain and the breadth of music they played. And while governments and established broadcasters fought hard to either ignore or control the demand that offshore radio satisfied, the impact and huge popularity of the stations eventually led to the introduction of the kind of commercial, music-led, and talk stations that we all now take for granted. One of those, a phone-in-led talk formatted radio station, has just launched its own satellite TV channel. It’s essentially a video simulcast of the regular radio output with fixed cameras in the radio studio and some high profile made first for TV shows that are also carried by the radio feed. But while this format is new in its market, radio with pictures or video has been around for many, many years. Radio Vision, as it was known at the time, has been used extensively across the world as an educational tool back in the late 1950s and 60s. Schools’ radio broadcasts were recorded by teaching staff and then played out in the classroom to an accompanying film strip that had been previously delivered and which was projected onto the classroom screen or wall. The audio contained sound cues for the teacher to change slides and thus became the audio track for a slide show. The classroom became a cinema. Magic! And audio with video has proved a successful point of sale format in retail environments. Radio broadcasters have long experimented with ways to visualize radio. While breakfast TV has been a staple of the broadcasting sector in the United States for many years (early local station programs in Philadelphia and elsewhere preceded the arrival of NBC’s networked Today in January 1952 – and it’s still on the air!) other countries with a less developed TV infrastructure and where radio was pre-eminent at breakfast time (and in many markets still is) looked for ways to bring established, popular radio programs to TV screens. This was the early 1980s – long before the digital choices we have today existed and a good ten years before Tim Berners-Lee developed the World Wide Web – and put fixed and sometimes remotely controlled TV cameras into the studios of established radio shows. Sound familiar? In many countries radio is still king within a mixed broadcast ecosystem (for example, it reaches 92% of all Americans aged 18+ every week – that’s 240 million listeners – compared with TV’s 87%) and there are many excellent examples of successful Radio Vision on the air today. They maintain the credibility and broadcast values of the radio format but are brought to the screen as a separate TV channel at the same time. And with digital technology it’s an economical and effective way of promoting listening, audience reach, market share and viewing. iKO Media Group offers an innovative, ready-to-go solution for clients wishing to bring their radio services to TV screens as OTT or streamed video channels and distribute them to international audiences. If you’d like to discuss how then please contact us – we have a radio vision for you! “ I was mesmerized by the apparent freedoms the deejays had to entertain and the breadth of music they played.” Turn your RADIO UP! Explore the impact of video integration in radio broadcasting, drawing inspiration from NPR, BBC Radio.
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This article provides an overview of the benefits, opportunities, and challenges presented by the OTT market, and examines the importance of delivering a high-quality user experience in this rapidly-evolving landscape. If you are part of our broadcasting industry, and probably also if you are not, you must have heard the term OTT all around you – and for a good reason. The television industry is currently undergoing a significant transformation with the rise of OTT streaming services, which allow for the broadcasting of both linear channels (including live feed) and video-on-demand (VOD) content. This shift has created a new market full of opportunities for content creators and distributors alike. For content owners, OTT offers a new way to engage with viewers, collect analytics, and monetize content. For distributors, it presents an opportunity to expand their reach through new market segments and also compete with traditional broadcast networks. This article will explore some of the key benefits and challenges of the OTT market. First of all, we should understand that OTT services are divided by the various models through which we can monetize the content. The basic models are subscription-based (SVOD), transaction-based (TVOD), and advertising-based (AVOD). It is important to note that several OTT services adopt hybrid models that combine AVOD, SVOD, and TVOD models to capitalize on the advantages of each model, providing viewers with a unique experience and generating a mix of predictable and variable revenue streams (for example YouTube free account which includes ads and works as AVOD, until a user decide to pay the subscription and remove the ads, hence changing to SVOD). On the viewers’ side, the most significant advantage of OTT is the convenience it offers to the viewers for content consumption. OTT streaming services allow viewers to watch their favorite shows and movies on any device (smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, laptops, gaming consoles, etc.), anywhere and anytime they choose. The OTT (Over-The-Top) video market has seen a steady increase in users, with advanced features such as watch lists, AI recommendations, and offline viewing contributing to its growth. As of 2022, there were 3.26 billion OTT users, projected to rise to 3.51 billion in 2023 and 4.22 billion by 2027. User penetration is expected to grow from 45.7% in 2023 to 53.0% by 2027. Additionally, the average revenue per user (ARPU) is estimated at US$90.14 in 2023. The OTT video market’s revenue is forecasted to reach US$316.10 billion in 2023, with US$205.10 billion from advertising, and increase to US$462.90 billion by 2027. This growth represents a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 10.01% from 2023 to 2027, highlighting the significant potential of the OTT market. Moving to the content owners and distributors, there are several advantages to operating an OTT platform, the major ones are: 2. Global reach: An OTT platform allows the content owner to reach viewers anywhere in the world, allowing content owners to expand their reach beyond traditional cable and satellite distribution. All that the end user requires is a smart device and an internet connection, this makes it easier to tap into international markets and expand your viewer base. 3. Engagement and direct relationship with viewers: OTT platforms offer a direct relationship between the service and its viewers. This means that the platform can gather data on viewers and use it to tailor content, personalize recommendations, and create targeted advertising. Moreover, technological developments today constantly create new ways for the platform to engage with its audience, including content ratings, interactive movies, in-app merchandise marketplace, comments, on-screen surveys, games, and much more. 4. Flexibility and control: OTT platforms provide content owners with greater control over their content, scheduling, and marketing, compared to traditional TV networks. This level of control enables them to experiment with various business models, content strategies, and marketing tactics, resulting in greater flexibility to adapt to the changing industry landscape. OTT platforms can easily test new ideas and features and make quick adjustments based on audience feedback. This flexibility allows for a more dynamic approach to content distribution, which can lead to more significant audience engagement and growth. Additionally, unlike a traditional TV channel, operating OTT platforms provide the ability to continually manage previous content by deciding which content will be available when it will be available, and for how long, as well as enabling the promotion of specific content at will and publishing promos of new content in advance. 5. Cost-effective: Compared to launching a traditional TV network or cable channel, creating an OTT platform can be a much more cost-effective option. Today there are many service providers and developers worldwide which offer various solutions and turnkey products, at a wide range of prices, which will allow every content owner to manage their own OTT platform or include their content in an existing platform. Therefore, the costs associated with setting up and maintaining an OTT platform are typically lower than those associated with traditional broadcasting. Furthermore, OTT platforms provide economical solutions for viewers as well. With a wide range of content available at their fingertips, viewers can access it without having to pay for expensive cable or satellite subscriptions. This affordability makes OTT platforms an attractive option for content creators looking to reach a wider audience while keeping costs in check and for viewers looking for high-quality content without breaking the bank. 6. Data and analytics: OTT platforms provide content owners with access to data, analytics, and valuable insights into their audience, including viewing habits and demographics, which can be used to inform future content production and distribution decisions and develop targeted marketing strategies. By analyzing user data, content owners can gain a deeper understanding of which types of content are most popular with their audience, what times of day viewers are tuning in, and how long they are staying engaged. These data-driven decisions can optimize content and create a more personalized viewing experience for the audience. With the ability to access and analyze data, content owners have a unique advantage in the highly competitive OTT market. For example, while traditional TV networks would produce a pilot episode and use rating data to determine the next steps of such shows (which might result in the cancellation of great shows before they had a chance to find their audience), OTT streaming services can in a much shorter time, gather data and use it to determine whether or not to produce more episodes, and even at what day and time it should be aired. The OTT (Over-The-Top) market, while offering benefits, also poses significant challenges for content owners and distributors. The primary issue is the increasing number of OTT services, leading to market fragmentation and heightened competition. This scenario requires content providers to deliver unique, high-quality content as viewers become more selective. Moreover, a high-quality user experience is crucial for the success of OTT platforms, encompassing ease of use, fast streaming, and access to premium content. Content owners and distributors also need to invest in technology and infrastructure to ensure a seamless experience. Additionally, they face the complexity of navigating diverse licensing agreements and intellectual property laws across different countries. These challenges necessitate adaptability and a proactive approach from content owners and distributors in the OTT market. “As legal counsel, for me, it is always exciting to collaborate with your client (or in this case here in iKOMG) on various projects, explore a new field, and learn about new developments and technologies. As an example, the booming market of over-the-top (OTT) streaming services presents an exciting opportunity to engage in a growing industry full of potential for innovation and expansion.”ROEI LAVY What does the future of TV look like? In conclusion, the rise of OTT streaming services is creating a new and rapidly evolving market full of opportunities and challenges for content owners and distributors. In order to succeed in this competitive market, content owners and distributors must be adaptable and proactive in their approach to the market. However, by utilizing the benefits, convenience, and data-driven approach of OTT services, content owners can produce High-quality content that impacts and engages with the viewers, ultimately allowing distributors to expand their reach, compete with traditional broadcast networks, create new streams of revenue and increase your current revenue stream and business growth.
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faffikon, Switzerland – May 16, 2023 – iKO Media Group, a leading global end-to-end service provider for broadcasters and content owners, has announced the launch of iKOGUIDE, the ultimate TV guide editor. Revolutionize your TV viewing experience with iKO Media Group’s latest innovation, iKOGUIDE. With the DTH market offering more than 5,000 channels in MENA and Europe alone, it can be a daunting task for viewers to keep track of scheduled programs without a proper TV guide. That’s why iKOGUIDE is the ultimate TV guide editor, providing TV channels with an easy-to-use solution for managing, customizing, enhancing and enriching their TV guides and their TV channel. With features such as automated scheduling, program templates, and the ability to add missing metadata and thumbnails from sources like IMDB/TMDB/Google Photos, creating a stunning and professional TV guide has never been easier. Aproper program guide not only enhances the viewer experience but can also open up additional revenue streams for channels. With iKOGUIDE, TV channels can easily promote and highlight their programs and sponsorships, ultimately increasing their brand visibility and revenue. The customizable and automated features of iKOGUIDE make it easy for channels to feature sponsored content and generate revenue through advertising, which is critical in the highly competitive television industry. iKOGUIDE enables channels to seamlessly incorporate sponsored content into their program guide, giving viewers a clear and engaging picture of their options, and offering advertisers a valuable opportunity to reach their target audience. With iKOGUIDE, channels can stay ahead of the competition and unlock new revenue streams. iKOGUIDE allows for easy import of data from any XML, CSV, or spreadsheet, without the need for reorganizing data. It also offers complete control over updating existing content and scheduling, with automatic scheduling and easy setup that works on any host. Starting today, iKOMG customers can create their TV guide and push it to satellite as a service. Don’t miss out on this cutting-edge technology: contact [email protected] or visit https://ikomg.com/prs/ for more information. “We are thrilled to introduce iKOGUIDE, the ultimate TV guide editor, to our customers. Not only will it save time and resources for TV channels, but it will also ensure a good viewer experience and channel loyalty. In today’s world, all channels should have EPG at this level” said Sharon Malkiel, iKO Media Group Head of Cloud Services. About iKOMG iKO Media Group is a premium end-to-end media service partner for broadcasters and content owners. They provide tailor-made solutions focused on customer needs through dedicated service to a wide range of global and local networks. iKOMG differs from other service providers thanks to a holistic approach and a keen ability to offer the best SLA for mid-size networks. This approach allows iKOMG to deliver effective solutions customized to specific budgets and requirements without compromising on the quality of service. As a trusted partner to hundreds of global and local networks, iKOMG is identified with expert knowledge, dedicated service, and professionalism. iKOMG is committed to operating its business with the goal of creating value for all stakeholders. The company’s sustainability strategy focuses on social, environmental, and economic responsibility.
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FAFFIKON, Switzerland, Oct 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ iKOMG, a groundbreaking media service partner for broadcasters and content owners, is excited to unveil iKOQ, an ingenious dynamic QR code solution that promises to redefine television interaction, QR coding practices, and the integration of viewer data like never before. This innovation marks a pivotal moment in the television industry, offering viewers a more immersive and personalized experience while opening up new avenues of revenue generation for TV channels. In today’s ever-evolving media landscape, the rise of streaming services and shifting viewer behaviours have necessitated a transformation in the way television content is delivered. iKOMG understands that TV channels must stay ahead of the curve by delivering captivating and tailored content. iKOQ emerges as a trailblazing solution that empowers TV channels to engage their audience in unparalleled ways. At the core of iKOQ is its ability to seamlessly integrate dynamic QR codes into TV broadcasts, creating a bridge between the content on the screen and viewers at home. With a simple scan, viewers can interact with content in real-time and make direct purchases from their screens. Whether it’s booking vacations, securing concert tickets, or exploring exclusive offers, iKOQ transforms the passive TV viewing experience into an interactive and dynamic journey. iKOQ is poised to revolutionize the viewer experience across a multitude of TV genres. Travel and lifestyle channels can seamlessly integrate iKOQ with Triplan+, providing viewers with a seamless and streamlined experience for booking flights, accommodations, attractions, and daily trip plan with a simple scan. Music and sports channels can guide viewers to ticketing platforms and merchandise stores, enhancing their engagement, and fostering brand loyalty. Moreover, iKOQ is not just a technological leap forward; it’s a testament to iKOMG’s unwavering commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction. The iKOQ launch exemplifies the team’s dedication to empowering broadcasters and content owners with cost-effective solutions that deliver real-time value. In the age of data-driven decisions, iKOQ doesn’t just stop at QR coding and interaction—it also offers invaluable insights into viewer behavior and preferences. TV channels can leverage this data to fine-tune their content, advertising strategies, and engagement efforts, ensuring a more tailored and enjoyable experience for their audience. In conclusion, iKOMG’s iKOQ is set to reshape the way viewers engage with television content, ushering in a new era of personalized, interactive, and data-rich TV experiences. By embracing this innovative technology, TV channels can not only enhance their audience’s viewing journey but also unlock new revenue streams, securing their position as trailblazers in the ever-evolving television industry. For more in-depth information about iKOQ, its transformative capabilities, and how it can revolutionize your television channel, please visit www.iKOMG.com/iKOQ. “We are delighted to introduce iKOQ. This innovative solution represents a significant development in the television industry, as it bridges the gap between content and audience like never before. iKOQ offers a win-win situation for both TV channels and viewers, creating a more engaging and personalized viewing experience while generating new revenue opportunities” said iKO Media Group’s Chairman, David Treadway. About iKOMG iKO Media Group is a premium end-to-end media service partner for broadcasters and content owners. iKOMG provides tailor-made solutions to a wide range of global and local networks. A full spectrum of services is available, including satellite broadcasting, automated, high-capacity playout management, Cloud services, EPG creation, disaster recovery solutions, channel monitoring feed, OTT platforms, fiber and IP delivery, and more. iKOMG believes in being forward-thinking, agile, and holistic. This approach allows iKOMG to deliver effective solutions customized to specific budgets and requirements without compromising on the quality of service. iKOMG is committed to operating its business to create value for all stakeholders. The company’s sustainability strategy focuses on social, environmental, and economic responsibility.
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