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Switch Media – Proud service provider for world first Freeview FV App

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“Freeview partnered with Switch Media, a leader in the development of high quality technology solutions for the television industry.  Switch Media provided a flexible and innovative approach to the integration of our FTA network’s live streams and catch up assets resulting in a seamless Freeview FV user experience.”  – Liz Ross, Freeview CEO.

 

FREEVIEW PRESS RELEASE, 07 NOVEMBER 2016

Freeview FV Mobile App Launches

 

freeview-fv3

In an exciting world first, Freeview has launched a new mobile app, Freeview FV, allowing Australian viewers to watch live streaming of 16TV channels and catch-up content from the free to air networks on the go, with just one click.

Live-streaming channels available at launch include: ABC, SBS, Seven, Channel 9, TEN, ONE, ABC2/ABC KIDS, ABC ME, ABC News 24, 7TWO, 7Mate, 7Flix, Racing.com, 9Gem, 9Go! and 9Life. More live channels will be added as they become available.

Consumers will have access to catch-up content from all the free-to-air networks including SBS On Demand, ABC iview, PLUS7, 9Now, and tenplay.

Developed by Freeview, the new Freeview FV app is available on iOS iPhone, iPad, and Android phones. In addition to live streaming and catch up, the simple-to-use Freeview FV app offers other great features including:

    • browse and search all free-to-air programs
    • a free-to-air TV guide
    • favourites and reminders functions

 

Freeview CEO Liz Ross said the app was ground-breaking for TV viewing and gave viewers more choice and convenience than ever before.

“This is a fantastic new way for people to enjoy TV on their terms and never miss a thing, especially when they’re on the go. It’s great news for viewers and we’ve worked hard to create a powerful, simple and user-friendly experience,” said Ross.

Ross added that Freeview anticipated strong pick up, particularly among commuters, and believed the app will have a positive effect on summer TV viewing and beyond as it meets consumer expectations of convenience.

For live sport, Freeview FV mirrors the networks’ sporting rights agreements.

The mobile app can be downloaded through the App Store or Google Play. Freeview FV will also be able to mirror to Apple TV using AirPlay.

 

freeview-device-image

About Freeview

Launched in 2008, Freeview is the free digital television service in Australia which presents and promotes free-to-air channels and content to all Australians. Freeview encourages Australians to watch free-to-air content across various platforms by promoting benefits that include more than 25 channels and catch-up services for free. Freeview’s mission is to deliver the free-to-air content to all Australians where, when and on whatever device they choose.

 

Link to Freeview news article (07/11/16): Freeview FV Mobile App Launches

Switch Media solution delivers enhanced viewing for Foxtel pay TV subscribers

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IT WIRE, 02 AUGUST 2016

Sydney-based tech company Switch Media has done a deal with Foxtel which it says will give the pay TV broadcaster’s subscribers a more streamlined viewing experience, particularly on smartphones and tablets.switch-media_foxtel


The deal sees the introduction of Switch Media’s Australian-developed AdEase server-side ad insertion technology by Foxtel to replace its client-side solution.

Christopher Stenhouse, chief executive of Switch Media, said the rollout of AdEase now meant that Switch was delivering a “full over the top (OTT) solution” for Foxtel.

“Switch worked with Foxtel to build and maintain their revolutionary Foxtel Go app which enables subscribers to take their pay-tv viewing with them as part of their subscription,” Stenhouse said.

“We also worked with them to develop Foxtel Play to deliver TV channels directly to IP connected devices to meet the expanding demand for internet connected content viewing.”

According to Stenhouse, the switch to AdEase was the logical step to further enhance Foxtel’s services. “With its capacity to create a seamless viewing experience between advertisement and programming play out, AdEase allows Foxtel to continue providing the high Foxtel GO devices shotquality viewing experience the public has come to expect from their home TVs.

“As a CMS platform-agnostic solution, it plugs into and works with any existing systems and workflows in place, meaning content does not need to be re-ingested.

“AdEase can take existing video streams, detect the ad breaks, and stitch ads into the stream.”

Foxtel is now using Switch’s full suite of products for their end-to-end OTT delivery including Media Manager, MasterApp, AdEase, Switch Live and Live2VOD.

Foxtel’s director of product, Michael Ivanchenko said Foxtel has a long-standing relationship with Switch Media “from development of the multi-award winning app for our online coverage of the London 2012 Summer Olympic Games, to the build and ongoing support for other Foxtel services”.

“AdEase is yet another innovation from Switch that helps us to deliver a world class viewing experience to our subscribers.”

Link to IT Wire news article (02/08/16): Switch Media solution delivers enhanced viewing for Foxtel pay TV subscribers

Foxtel Switches To Switch Media’s AdEase

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B&T MAGAZINE, 01 AUGUST 2016

Foxtel subscribers are set to enjoy a more streamlined experience with the introduction of Switch Media’s AdEase technology.AdEase-Foxtel-GO-devices-shot_450x367px

This week Foxtel introduced server-side ad insertion to replace its client-side solution which will provide a more seamless viewing experience on smartphones and tablets. Christopher Stenhouse, CEO of Switch Media, said the roll out of AdEase now meant that Switch was delivering a full over the top (OTT) solution for Foxtel.

“Switch worked with Foxtel to build and maintain their revolutionary Foxtel Go app which enables subscribers to take their pay-tv viewing with them as part of their subscription. We also worked with them to develop Foxtel Play to deliver TV channels directly to IP connected devices to meet the expanding demand for internet connected content viewing,” Stenhouse said.

“The switch to AdEase was the logical step to further enhance Foxtel’s services. With its capacity to create a seamless viewing experience between advertisement and programming play out, AdEase allows Foxtel to continue providing the high quality viewing experience the public has come to expect from their home TV’s.

“As a CMS platform-agnostic solution, it plugs into and works with any existing systems and workflows in place, meaning content does not need to be re-ingested. AdEase can take existing video streams, detect the ad breaks, and stitch ads into the stream.”

Foxtel is now using Switch’s full suite of products for their end-to-end OTT delivery including Media Manager, MasterApp, AdEase, Switch Live and Live2VOD.

The technical advantages of AdEase include:

  • Dynamic Server-Side ad insertion for VOD, linear and live video content
  • Enables pre, mid and post roll ad insertion
  • Platform agnostic, so no media re-ingest required
  • Advanced anti-ad blocking capabilities
  • More accurate audience targeting capabilities
  • Zero buffering
  • Continuous TV-like experience
  • Ad detection and replacement capabilities

Foxtel’s director of product, Michael Ivanchenko, added: “Foxtel has a long-standing relationship with Switch Media from development of the multi-award winning app for our online coverage of the London 2012 Summer Olympic Games, to the build and ongoing support for other Foxtel services. AdEase is yet another innovation from Switch that helps us to deliver a world class viewing experience to our subscribers.”

Since its launch of AdEase at the National Association of Broadcasters show in Las Vegas earlier this year, Switch Media has had high levels of interest in the product globally with various business and partnerships now underway following the event.

 

Link to B&T Magazine news article (01/08/16): Foxtel Switches To Switch Media’s AdEase

AdEase counteracts ad-blockers that are costing the industry millions

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Switch Media CEO interviewed on SkyNews MediaWeek around AdEase

CEO and Co-Founder of Switch Media, Christopher Stenhouse was interviewed on the SkyNews MediaWeek program and spoke to host Nadine Blayney and James Manning around how AdEase is helping to counter act ad-blocking technology that is costing the industry millions.

Watch interview:

Source: SkyNews MediaWeek 19 May 2016

What Switch Media got up to at NAB 2016!

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Our first year exhibiting at NAB Show was a huge success! We enjoyed exploring the emerging innovations and technologies around online video and were honored to showcase our own world class product innovations at the show, from live and file based video ingest through to app and player technologies.

 

Of most interest to attendee’s was our server-side adinsertion product AdEase. The approach of an OVP agnostic offering is an industry first providing broadcasters a way to address the rise of ad blocking software in a low touch methodology.

 

 

Here’s a snapshot of how this fits in with our end to end OTT solution and suite of highly sophisticated products.

 

At NAB Show we were also honored to have the opportunity to share our innovations and expertise through various appearances during the show.

 

CEO Christopher Stenhouse was interviewed live at NAB Show.

 

 

Broadcast Director Bruce Hume presented on how to optimise multi-screen online video.

 

 

Head of Product Mark Wilson featured in the panel discussion around monetisation.

 

If you have any questions or would like to discuss working together moving forward, please do not hesitate to contact us.

 

Australian broadcaster fights ad blockers with Switch Media’s AdEase

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MULTICHANNEL NEWS, 14 APRIL, 2016

Australian multicultural broadcaster SBS has commenced rolling out Switch Media’s new anti-ad blocking technology across its OnDemand 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 US 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 OnDemand AppleTV v4 app, and within a couple of months will roll it out to the SBS On Demand website, iOS and Android apps. This will be quickly followed by integration with the broadcasters’ 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 OnDemand 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.”

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 3rd party ad serving partners, such as DoubleClick, Videology and Tubemogul.” Mr 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.

adease_scheme_light

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

 

Mr 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.”

Link to MULTICHANNEL NEWS article (14/04/16): Australian broadcaster fights ad blockers with Switch Media’s AdEase

SBS Fights Ad-Blockers With Switch Media’s AdEase

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B&T MAGAZINE, 12 APRIL, 2016iStock_000005015948_Small-1260x840

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.

adease_scheme_light

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

Switch Media to exhibit at ad:tech Australia 2016

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Ad tech banner

 

ad:tech Australia is a two day marketing innovation conference & exhibition designed for smart marketers and business operators. Taking place on the 15th and 16th of March at the Hilton Sydney, ad:tech Australia has been redesigned for the third year running to move the market forward by meeting the needs of Australia’s marketing & media community.

 

Switch Media - adEase

Switch Media are looking forward to exhibiting at ad:tech Australia where we will be showcasing our innovative online video solutions including AdEase – our advanced
server side ad insertion with anti-ad blocking capability.

 

For more information on ad:tech Australia 2016, click here.

 

If you would like to book in a meeting to discuss how we can assist or work together moving forward, please fill in the form below.

[contact-form-7 id=”4773″ title=”ad:tech Australia contact form”]

 

Switch Media to exhibit at NAB Show 2016

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Header-960x200

 

switch-media-iconUtilising 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.

 

Bruce Hume Switch Media (2)

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?Mark Wilson Switch Media Square

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 .