Multiple platforms to boost broadcast industry

LONDON, UK: AmberFin announced the results of a research survey conducted at this year's IBC conference in Amsterdam.

The results clearly demonstrate the use of multiple platforms such as broadband, IPTV and mobile handsets as key drivers for the broadcast industry moving forward. However, although most (60 percent) felt that the industry has improved its knowledge and use of multiple delivery platforms in the last year, it was agreed by 70 percent of respondents that content owners could still be distributing their content more effectively across multiple platforms.

The quality of content was named as a key factor affecting take up of these newer delivery platforms. When asked which platforms they felt were being used effectively by the industry 27 percent named broadband content viewed on a PC, while 15 percent of respondents named IPTV.

Content consumed over broadband generated one of the most mixed responses overall. Although two thirds said they had viewed content over the internet, quality varied widely between individual experiences, with as many experts saying they had experienced poor or average quality (52 percent) content as those who had experienced good quality (48 percent).

Respondents agreed there is potential for better use of specific platforms: 52 percent of the industry experts surveyed felt that mobile phones and handheld devices could be used more effectively. The potential of using multiple platforms was widely recognised and the experts themselves claimed that they would watch more content if the quality was better. For example:

- 57 percent would watch more IPTV

- 59 percent would watch more content on their PC via broadband

- 44 percent would watch more content on their mobile phone

- 34 percent would watch more content on their iPod touch or other small screen device

Overall, the research demonstrated that the broadcast industry needs to look at improving the quality of video content on current and emerging media platforms while lowering the cost per deliverable.

Scott Allen, vice president, marketing, AmberFin, said: "The move to a digital workflow is enabling broadcasters to deliver their content to different screens and devices, creating valuable new revenue streams. The results of our research at IBC show that the industry is very aware of the potential that lies in multiple platform delivery. Over the next year we will be continuing our work with leading broadcast companies globally to help them manage the digitisation, review and quality control and repurposing of their content on new platforms."

Source: PR News Wire