[#4] OTT from the Beach

Welcome to the 4th edition of "OTT from the Beach" – where we bring you the latest waves in the OTT industry, all with a touch of sunshine from our Gran Canaria base!?

Whether you're an OTT enthusiast, a media, sports, or entertainment executive, a tech sales pro in streaming, or simply supporting 2Coders, this newsletter is tailored for you.?

As a subscriber, you deserve the best, and we're excited to share the most relevant OTT insights, company highlights, and exclusive content with you every month.?

Let's dive in!

Key highlights:

• Spotlight: Our Presence at NAB Show 2024
• IBC Show on the Horizon
• Exploring New Frontiers: The Apple Vison Pro Effect
• What’s Driving the Future of In-Car Entertainment?

Spotlight: Our Presence at NAB Show 2024

You guessed! This month topping the list is our noteworthy presence at the prestigious NAB Show in Las Vegas. Our co-founder David Santana Molina and sales manager Romy Suarez-Heiss represented us with distinction, engaging in productive discussions and forging valuable connections with our partners and industry leaders such as Bitmovin , Mux , NPAW , Evergent Technologies Inc. , JWP Connatix , and more. They showcased our innovative OTT solutions, including our multiscreen front-end app Velvet Media and the SDK concept. Read on for our analysis and insights in the Opinion Corner, where we'll dissect the latest buzzwords and trends shaping the OTT landscape (or what caught our team's attention)

IBC Show on the Horizon

And, as we wrap up our incredible journey at the NAB Show, our sights are already set on the horizon as we gear up for the upcoming IBC - International Broadcasting Convention .

With excitement brewing and ideas flowing, we're preparing to make our mark at this renowned event. We're committed to creating an experience that you won't want to miss so keep an eye out for updates.

Exploring New Frontiers: The Apple Vison Pro Effect

Beyond the bustling halls of the NAB Show, our journey in the USA unearthed a new source of inspiration: the 苹果 Vison Pro glasses. This sleek tech gadget has sparked a flurry of new ideas within our team. Now, back at the office, our engineers are eager to explore its potential.

While we remain focused on perfecting our Velvet Media streaming apps we're also excited to see how this new gadget can push the boundaries in streaming.

From Pixels to Playoffs: Our E-Sports Case Study

To wrap up the section, we're sharing our latest case study, spotlighting one of our most dynamic projects: the creation of an interactive e-sports video streaming platform. This significant endeavor pushed the boundaries of innovation, highlighting our team's expertise in every technical detail.

Explore the full case study here for a detailed look at our work, and stay tuned for more updates on our projects!

AI dominated NAB. Again.

With AI and machine learning technologies taking center stage, the 2024 NAB Show witnessed a flurry of innovation from industry giants like Adobe , Blackmagic Design , and 索尼 , alongside emerging players in the field. From AI-powered production tools to immersive virtual reality experiences, the show floor brimmed with groundbreaking products and technologies tailored to reshape the landscape of media creation and consumption.?

The event's global appeal was evident with over half of the attendees experiencing the NAB Show for the first time, signaling the industry's expanding reach and the exciting prospects it offers for storytellers, content creators, and innovators worldwide.

Additionally, the emphasis on the creator economy was palpable through dedicated sessions and initiatives like the Creator Lab, reflecting a keen awareness of the evolving needs and aspirations within the media and entertainment sphere.

FAST Forward: Insights and Innovations from NAB Show 2024

FAST remains a prominent topic in the industry, building upon our previous analysis and further discussed at this year's NAB Show in Las Vegas. The advent of Free Ad-Supported Television represents a significant evolution in viewing habits, offering a blend of traditional linear TV and streaming convenience. Insights shared by industry leaders at the Streaming Summit, such as Adam Wiener, emphasize FAST's function as background viewing, accommodating multitasking audiences.

Moreover, discussions at NAB shed light on the diverse landscape of FAST services, from those associated with device manufacturers to independent channels targeting specific audiences. Alan Wolk's observations underscored the similarities and differences between FAST and cable TV, offering valuable insights into the evolving ecosystem. As platforms strive to navigate consolidation and audience retention challenges, the potential for targeted advertising and interactive experiences presents exciting opportunities for advertisers and content providers alike.

However, delivering value to both viewers and advertisers will be crucial for sustaining growth in the FAST market, as emphasized during NAB discussions on the future of FAST and the responsibilities of platforms and publishers in fostering a healthy ecosystem.

NPAW Introduced NaLa AI at NAB Show

Our partners at NPAW made significant waves in the industry during the recent NAB show with the introduction of their AI companion app, NaLa.

NaLa's integration into the NPAW Suite of apps enables video streaming services to efficiently analyze data and swiftly identify platform issues, ultimately enhancing user satisfaction.?

As we explore innovations in enhancing our platform Velvet Media , we're intrigued by the potential synergies with NaLa and look forward to future possibilities.

Playa de Amadores

Playa de Amadores is a stunning beach located on the island of Gran Canaria. Known for its turquoise and clear waters, it’s an ideal spot for swimming and relaxation. The beach is wheelchair accessible, with facilities including amphibious chairs to facilitate bathing for people with disabilities, and lifeguards are on duty to ensure safety. It’s also kid-friendly, making it a perfect family destination. With soft sand and a gently sloping shore, Playa de Amadores is not only one of the most popular beaches in Gran Canaria but also celebrated for its accessibility and excellent amenities.

Content Protection and Engagement: Are We Meeting the Challenges?

Events like NAB Show always leave us inspired, not just for the new connections and catching up with partners, but also for the wealth of ideas they spark. Among the many topics discussed, engagement and security were prominent themes that resonated deeply with us.

The challenges of protecting content and preventing piracy, particularly in the realm of live content, were recurring points of discussion. Watermarking and DRM emerged as crucial tools in the arsenal for content protection in today's digital landscape.

What's truly significant is the solution we've already developed and implemented in Velvet Media . Our platform offers a comprehensive suite of tools, including security measures, that are seamlessly integrated to streamline the development process.

With Velvet, developers have access to a solution that not only accelerates time to market but also ensures top-notch quality and security. By providing a platform where developers can mix and match from our range of integrations, we're offering a customizable solution that fits all needs while reducing development time and costs.

In essence, events like NAB serve as a reminder of the importance of innovation and staying ahead of the curve. With Velvet, we're not just keeping pace with industry trends – we're setting the standard for secure and engaging content delivery.

What’s Driving the Future of In-Car Entertainment?

The topic that has been sparking our curiosity lately, is the world of in-car entertainment. With the introduction of high-quality screens, 5G connectivity, and familiar operating systems like Android, vehicles are transforming into connected hubs of entertainment. The in-car experience is no longer limited to just upgrading the dashboard; it is about creating a second living room where passengers can enjoy seamless transitions between home and road entertainment.?

This revolution offers an exciting opportunity to bridge the gap between home and car entertainment. As we adapt to increasingly mobile lifestyles, our vehicles become an extension of our living spaces. The in-car environment opens doors for content creators and advertisers to engage with audiences in new ways, from catching up on news broadcasts to enjoying podcast series. The trajectory of in-car entertainment will be shaped by several factors, including geographical nuances, cultural preferences, and regulatory landscapes.?

Manufacturers will play a pivotal role in shaping viewing behaviors, catering to diverse audiences, and driving unique content preferences. The integration of AI-driven discovery and personalization will usher in an entirely new content-first experience, tailoring entertainment offerings to individual tastes and preferences.?

The future of in-car entertainment is not just about passive consumption; it's about interactive experiences that seamlessly integrate with our on-the-go lifestyles. As autonomous vehicle technology continues to advance, the possibilities for in-car entertainment are limitless.?

The global in-vehicle infotainment market is projected to reach USD 50.64 billion by 2031, promising a future filled with innovation and opportunity. So, fasten your seatbelts and join us on this exciting ride into the future of in-car entertainment.

The term “binge” in the context of television viewing has an interesting history. It first appeared in Variety magazine in 1948, under the byline of TV industry reporter George Rosen. This early usage did not specifically refer to the act of watching multiple episodes in one sitting, but rather to the television industry in general.

It wasn’t until July 27, 1952, that the term “TV binge” was used in a U.S. newspaper. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution published an article where sports editor Ed Danforth used the term to describe a Bob Hope–Bing Crosby telethon to raise money for the U.S. Olympic team. This was a significant moment as it marked the transition of the term “binge” from general industry usage to describing a specific viewing behavior.

Additional literature for this month ;)

Podcast: Beyond the stream

Column: Big Names, Big Brands, Big Announcements at the 2024 NAB Show

Linkedin: Chris Redmond ???? 's live LinkedIn event “The most important thing in media is partnerships”

Thank you for scrolling to the end and being part of our fourth edition. Your support is greatly appreciated.

If you enjoyed our content, please share the word and encourage others to subscribe to our newsletter. We have exciting insights and surprises waiting for you from the stunning Canary Islands.

So, stay tuned for our upcoming May edition.