The growing consumer demand for TV Everywhere services that deliver seamless experiences on every platform and screen has transformed the PayTV and content distribution industries. However, to ensure that services are compatible with every device, services need to be flexible.
It is crucial that operators keep this consumer demand for easy access at the forefront of their multiscreen strategy. 40% US PayTV subscribers already receive personalised video recommendations on a weekly basis but how good are these suggestions if content can’t be accessed on every screen because rights restrictions limit its distribution to a certain type of device?
These are the key findings of the recent Parks Associates white paper entitled “The New Reality: Tomorrow’s Multiscreen, Multirights World”, which examines the new direction for multiscreen services and the overall role of the operator.
The paper looks at the impact the proliferation of new devices and multiscreen features has had in shaping the current TV landscape and how a strategic, planned design approach will allow operators to retain audience loyalty and generate new revenues going forward. Parks Associates has identified flexibility as an essential component for operators as they look to solidify themselves as market leaders in the TV market. While consumers want to access content on every platform, they are more likely to adopt a service if it is convenient. An easy setup is essential, as consumers expect their TV service to replicate the ease of use of their smart devices, while search and discovery features need to be easy to use and tailored to the viewer’s personal habits and tastes.
The white paper reveals that most development is software-based, which provides more efficiency at a lower cost, since operators don’t require subscribers to change their set-top boxes to access these new services. These software developments include the visible user interfaces, apps, search and discovery and browsing capability, as well as security, which is increasingly crucial as access to content becomes ever more ubiquitous. This enables operators to comply with the content industry’s security requirements in order to offer high quality content catalogues on every device.
The paper concludes that flexibility will be the key differentiator as operators launch multiscreen services that can adapt to the multiplicity of devices, features, rights, security and business models that keep evolving at a frantic pace.
If you would like to receive a complimentary copy of the white paper, please visit: http://eu.access-company.com/whitepaper-download.html
