Archive for category: News

B&T MAGAZINE, 12 APRIL, 2016

Australian public broadcaster the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) has commenced rolling out Switch Media’s new anti-ad blocking technology across its SBS On Demand services including their network website, iOS and Android apps.

Switch Media’s AdEase – which is being showcased to the world at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) conference in the United States next week – enables SBS to maximise its online revenues by invalidating the increasing number of ad blocking apps.

To date, Switch Media has integrated the AdEase solution into the recently launched SBS On Demand AppleTV v4 app, and within a couple of months will roll it out to the SBS On Demand iOS and Android apps and website. This will be quickly followed by integration with the broadcaster’s apps for Smart TVs, Chromecast and game consoles.

The server-side ad insertion tool not only side-steps ad blocking technologies, but delivers a smooth, TV-like viewing experience that integrates ads into program content across any digital device. Unlike other server-side ad insertion products, AdEase does not require full ingestion of a broadcaster’s video library in order to perform ad insertion, but rather, integrates easily into any pre-existing video management system.

SBS director of TV and online content, Marshall Heald, said, “We’ve been incredibly impressed at how AdEase has improved the SBS On Demand viewing experience around ad breaks.”

“As well as removing the annoying buffering, the seamless stitching of ads makes the transition invisible to ad blockers. It’s a huge leap forward across all our apps and devices and positively impacts our advertising bottom line allowing us to invest more into distinctive content for Australian audiences, which is a key priority for SBS.”

CEO of Switch Media, Christopher Stenhouse, said SBS was the first broadcaster to integrate AdEase into their online content offering, with a number of other broadcasters expected to integrate the product into their online digital properties in the coming months.

“SBS was impressed with the AdEase product’s unique, video platform-agnostic approach and highly configurable server-side ad insertion.  AdEase easily integrated with SBS’s existing video platform and all of their third party ad serving partners, such as DoubleClick, Videology and Tubemogul,” Stenhouse said.

“AdEase allows broadcasters to eliminate ad-blocker effectiveness and deliver a seamless viewing experience by integrating ads directly into any type of streaming content from live sport to drama and news.

The technical advantages of AdEase include:

• Dynamic Server-Side ad insertion for VOD, linear and live video content
• Advanced anti-ad blocking capabilities
• More accurate audience targeting capabilities
• Continuous TV-like experience
• Zero buffering
• Content management system agnostic
• No ingesting of content required
• Ad detection and replacement capabilities

Stenhouse said streaming ad-supported content enabled by AdEase for the Broadcast, Film, Entertainment, Sports, Live Events, and Online Video sectors will save companies millions of dollars in the long run.

“Ad-blocking apps were probably inevitable but allowing ads within the streaming of content ensures it can be provided free to consumers, without them having to subscribe or go behind pay-walls,” he added.

“AdEase not only enables content providers and advertisers to maximise revenue through its anti-ad blocking technology but it also provides a highly interactive user experience, audience demographic targeting capabilities for a more personalised viewing experience, and advanced user-behaviour analytics.”

Switch Media will be presenting at NAB in Las Vegas on 18-21 April, 2016.

Link to B&T MAGAZINE article (12/04/16): SBS Fights Ad-Blockers With Switch Media’s AdEase

Utilising our world class Multi-Screen Video Platform, the Switch Media Manager, Switch Media delivers OTT video solutions for a superior Live and Catch-Up viewing experience – anywhere, any time, on any device.

From media management, monetisation and app development, to distribution and analytics, we’ve got it covered. 

We are excited to be exhibiting at NAB Show this year where we will be showcasing our world class online video solutions including our enhanced video content management system, the Switch Media Manager, and our advanced monetisation solution AdEase.

We will also be speaking at a discussion panel around monetisation and presenting on how to optimise monetisation, delivery and user experience for multi-screen online video.

PRESENTATION: Multi-screen online video – How to optimise monetisation, delivery and user experience
South Hall Upper, CM|IP Seminar Theatre
Tuesday 19 April – 1.15-1.45pm

Switch Media Broadcast Director Bruce Hume will discuss the technology and workflows needed to create high quality, engaging and effectively monetised multi-screen online video experiences.

He will share stats around the impact of ad-blocking technology and strategies to defeat these to maximise revenue from monetisation; as well as provide insights on how to leverage powerful app and video platforms for delivery of high quality online video and optimise viewer experience by utilising emerging technologies.

PANEL DISCUSSION: How do we monetise the connected subscriber?

South Hall Upper, CM|IP Seminar Theatre
Wednesday 20 April 2016 – 11.30-12.15

Switch Media Head of Product, Mark Wilson will share his expertise and insights around monetisation on the Industry Panel Discussion around how we monetise the connected subscriber including subscriber management, ad-tech, ad-insertion and other monetisation techniques.

For more information on NAB Show 2016, click here.

To register for a Free Exhibits Pass* to NAB Show 2016, click here referencing guest pass code: LV3829

*Free Exhibits Pass includes access to exhibits, show opening, general sessions and info sessions. Click here for more information on registration packages.

Visit us at booth #SU12207CM – South Hall Upper, Connected Media IP Section .

B&T MAGAZINE, 17 NOVEMBER, 2015

Online video streaming Switch Media, has launched AdEase, a new product that will help broadcasters and advertisers avoid ad blockers and maximise revenue from ad viewing.

AdEase is a server-side ad insertion (SSAI) product that integrates with third party content management platforms to ingest the ads and deliver them direct to their destination on desktop and mobile devices.

By seamlessly stitching ads directly into sporting or entertainment programs, AdEase delivers a continuous video stream that not only makes it harder to isolate and block an ad but also provides a much smoother viewing experience by eliminating buffering between ad breaks.

Global research released in August* found that the amount of Internet users using ad blocking software in Australia exceeded one in five with the global cost of ad blocking estimated to be more than $21 billion in 2015.

Switch Media CEO Christopher Stenhouse said AdEase allows advertisers to maintain audience viewing which ultimately increases ad completion. “With ad blocking software growing in popularity among some demographics and posing an increasing threat to free content on the Internet, our solution is crucial for the revenue streams of Internet publishers, broadcasters and advertisers alike.

“AdEase is a product that allows a TV-like viewing experience for our clients and their end viewers – a more reliable playout of complete ads that we believe will lead to happier advertisers and more revenue from ad spend.”

Unlike some competitors, Switch Media’s breakthrough technology avoids the need for client ads and media to be re-ingested into their system before delivery to the viewer’s device.

“AdEase is agnostic to where the media is stored and makes requests for the required media at time of playback. This saves content providers hours of ingestion time as well as the related costs,” Stenhouse said.

“And while some competitors do not incorporate an integrated player, AdEase comes complete with the Switch Universal Player allowing seamless integration that can deliver both HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) and DASH technology across multiple platforms, as well as robust and insightful analytics.”

Stenhouse said Switch Media was determined to provide its customers with the best solutions to take full advantage of the opportunities of both on-demand and live streaming

“Streaming is a complex technology exercise. With AdEase and our other innovations we are making streaming an ever better experience for broadcast, corporate and government customers as well as their end users.

“AdEase will provide customers with powerful analytics essential for tracking the effectiveness of online ads which will in turn allow them to command higher CPMs for their ads.”

Switch Media will launch its AdEase technology at the Australian OTT Summit on Wednesday and Thursday, 18-19 November, at Sydney’s Intercontinental Hotel.

Link to B&T MAGAZINE article (17/11/15): Switch Media Launches Video Streaming Monetisation Solution – Undetectable To Ad Blockers

Switch Media are excited to share that we will be at SMPTE 2015 on 14-17 July showcasing our world class solutions as well as launching two new products in market: our enhanced video content management system, Switch Media Manager, and our advanced monetisation solution AdEase.

Visit us at booth B-54 to meet the team, see what we have been up to and experience live demos of our industry leading, cutting edge services and technologies. Register for the event here.

Head over to the ‘Spotlight Learning Exchange’ in the Hordern Pavilion at the below times for Switch Media’s SMPTE presentations:

Wednesday, July 15, 2015 at 10:30am: Broadcast Solutions Director Bruce Hume presenting “HbbTV: So much more than catch-up”

Thursday, July 16, 2015 at 2:15pm: Head of Sales Chris Moore launching the Switch Media Manager