Almost very American TV operator is working on launching an online distribution service for this fall. This initiative has adopted the name of ‘TV Everywhere”, that is, a kind of on-demand online service.
But also telcos, satellite providers, and Internet media businesses want to be in the game. AT&T has launched a new streaming platform called “AT&T Entertainment”, and YouTube this so called “YouTube Fall TV Preview”.
Many times these authentication required systems send users to others participating web services like Hulu or Fancast.
The Entertainment.att.net/tv site has a clean layout, with options to browse TV shows and movies by title, creator, and network/studio, and a rotating slide show of top content. This platform doesn’t host so far any videos on its own. It redirects traffic to Hulu, CBS, MTV, etc.
YouTube Will Offer Rental Movies
Apple’s iTunes, Amazon VOD, and other online rental services watch out! Now it comes Google/YouTube. This week it has been reported that YouTube is in talks with Hollywood studios Lions Gate, Sony and Warner Bros, about renting movies.
In some cases, some titles might be available on YouTube on the same day that they come out on DVD. Movies would be streamed at $3.99 like iTunes. Some experts speculate that some movies could be even streamed for free with advertising.
This partnership allows Google AdWords advertisers to create in-stream video ads that can be placed within video on YouTube or the Google Content Network. Users can create 15 or 30 second ads that can be distributed as pre-roll, mid-roll, or post-roll spots.
This technology automatically converts an advertiser’s AdWords copy into a customized video ad template, that can be tailored with photos, video and voiceover.
Businesses Video Presentation Platforms Get VC Attention
Venture capitalists are paying attention to the online design/presentation/storytelling space. It seems they are attracted by the fee-based revenue model, once the ad-based environment has blown up.
One latest sample is startup Faculte.com, who has raised $2.8 million in a first round of funding.
Faculte makes money by selling subscription licenses to its platform, and transactions fees.
Faculte’s web based “Broadcast Studio” platform is aimed at businesses that want to set up interactive video presentations.
The U.S. Open Live Online -With Picture-in-Picture Match Viewing
Lots of Americans spent working time watching the U.S. Open online. This year, USOpen.org launched a cool player that gave users the ability to switch between five different courts.
Plus, the media console included a PIP (picture-in-picture) watching, so people can keep an eye on two matches at once. Also, you had the possibility of commenting.
In terms of advertising, there was a pre-roll ad when launching the player, but they weren't cutting away to commercials in between games.
The U.S. Open coverage has been significantly better than NBC's Wimbledon online.
Last year more than 300,000 viewers tuned in online the watch Federer's final.
A Need-To-Know Google SEO Video
Google News' SEO tips is a must-watch video from Google. Anyone involved in Search Engine Optimization (SEO) at a news organization should see it.
It is said that Content is Key, but Keywords are keys to the kingdom.
Among the "need-to-know" things is that it is convenient to include transcripts and descriptions with video (since Google is looking for relevant keywords). To get the full scoop best thing is check out above featured video.
