ENDAVO BLOG

What Content Windows Teach About Monetizing Media

By Jason Anderson

Last week, cable industry leaders gathered in Los Angeles for Cable Show 2010.  During the show, I overheard several discussions about an interesting topic -- content windows (when content is only available during a certain time period).  In a recent deal between RedBox and three major Hollywood studios, the studios agreed to allow distribution through RedBox's $1-per-day DVD rental kiosks, but RedBox must wait 28 days after official release date. This content window protects the rental revenue that the studios would derive from other, more expensive, video stores and DVD sales.

The key takeaway here is that whether you’re a major broadcaster or an indie producer, it is critically important to understand where and when your audience wants to watch your content, and the corresponding revenue (and/or information) that you can generate that brings value to your business.

For example, it would be tough to pay your bills solely from ad revenue from YouTube or Hulu.  But you can use the big funnel websites to connect with fans and promote content that you plan to offer first to your core audience in exchange for member information or subscription revenue. Choose when and where to release your content so that you reserve your “best stuff” for the site where you get the biggest piece of the data/revenue pie.  

Windowing is vitally important to your long-term success and is certainly not one size fits all.  You must know your fan base and your potential revenue streams, and then deploy strategies and technologies to build a loyal (and profitable) following.

It’s your content.  Make it do more for you.

Endavo in Cannes for MIPTV

by Jason Anderson

Ahhh…the French Riviera. Who knew syndicating the planet came with a tan? While some of the Endavo team is in Vegas at the 2010 NAB Show, I’m spreading the word about our Platform at MIPTV in Cannes, France. Not a bad gig, huh?

 

This show is all about the TV, film, digital and audiovisual industries—from production to distribution. And it gives the industry a glimpse of the future on a global scale. I mean, we’re talking 13,000 entertainment professionals here from more than 100 countries.

 

So what does the future look like?

 

Pay-as-you-go productions are up and coming, while the glory days of paying big upfront costs are fading. Syndication seems to be a big plus here—as the relationship among producers, distributors and their fans evolves at lightning speed.

 

Getting to know your audience is going to take on a greater role. This will enable you to quickly determine your revenue base and thus production budgets and distribution models.

 

QoS is still big...but pay bigger. At these shows we used to hear: Will new Internet TV platforms deliver TV-quality viewing experiences? Answer: They can. Now, the questions seem to revolve around how to get paid and who’s going to pay for it. Luckily, 2010 will be the year that the terms of trade between producers and distributors will be worked out, and that means adding up more dollar signs.

 

More people will have access to broadband Internet on mobile phones than any other kind of device. Translation: Endavo’s fully-integrated mobile offerings will be huge for telcos and broadcasters.

 

I’m here for another few days…soaking up all the information (and a few rays). So far, it looks like a money-maker future for content producer.

Lessons from Internet Summit ’09: Live Streaming, VOD, and Ad Placement

Yeah, the Internet turned 40-years-old this year, prompting a birthday article by the Guardian, but it’s far from being “over the hill” – at least, not at this summit.

More than 75 industry experts and Internet thought leaders from companies such as Technorati, Pandora, ESPN and Google, convened at the second annual Internet Summit earlier this month in Raleigh, N.C. And this year, it was streamed live—thanks to Endavo Media.

One hot topic discussed at the conference was online video solutions for businesses, especially live streaming versus on-demand.

Here's a quick look at the main discussions at the summit:

Live Streaming: Live streaming allows content producers to engage an audience with an interactive environment. This includes chatting, commenting and social media opportunities that allow the audience to really feel like they’re a part of the event. It also creates a feeling of exclusivity. The audience feels as though they’re the “first to see” or that they’re part of the “in-crowd” with live streaming events. The key take-away for businesses: It’s important to focus on gaining a large amount of content and then up-selling to a paid platform.

On-Demand: Content providers looking at on-demand video need to focus on monetization of their content (especially longer form content). Analyze and measure the value of the content. Plus, focus on premium content, higher-end media/broadcasting companies. 

Mix It Up: Luckily, businesses don’t have to choose between the two. Endavo Media provides a platform that allows both live streaming and on-demand video. The next Internet Summit lesson, however, is making money from all your work.

Monetization: Content providers don’t necessarily need to choose ad networks. This allows businesses to 1) have a personal relationship with the advertisers, 2) only include relevant ads to their sites, and 3) have greater control over the where/when of ad displays in order to keep customers from being blasted by unnecessary advertisements. Also, consider playing video ads on the same media player that viewers are watching VOD. This keeps the viewers on the company’s site (and NOT the advertiser’s site).

A strong Internet video strategy starts with research, followed by some trial and error to find the best overall solution for your content and audience. We look forward to covering future events and conferences to gather the latest opinions and trends in online video. Until then, Happy Birthday, Internet! 40 years and still going strong.

Lessons from Space and Xbox 360’s Sky Player

By Jason Anderson 

“Houston, we have a problem.”

Those famous words by astronaut Jim Lovell on the ill-fated Apollo 11 mission should never be spoken of your online, mobile or IPTV content distribution. Whether you’re a niche content producer or a major media company, proper planning will reduce hiccups and help you launch and manage your online efforts.

The folks at Xbox 360 in Europe are learning about proper pre-planning the hard way, perhaps with Jim Lovell’s voice ringing in their ears.

Xbox 360 recently launched Sky Player, which as this article relates, allows Sky TV subscribers to access live and on demand content. Sky Player is also available to non-Sky TV customers for £15/month.

Demand has been so high that Xbox 360 has been forced to suspend the service while they upgrade their network capacity. In fact, they’re now implementing a phased rollout to protect against future outages.

As you launch your online, mobile or IPTV offerings or as you ramp up to a bigger and better audience, be sure to plan for success by choosing a platform that can handle major traffic and includes “roll up your sleeves” support to quickly tackle issues on the road to generating revenue and distributing your content. Frankly, relying heavily on so-called ‘free services’ such as YouTube and Blip.tv may appear to save you money in the near-term, but your long-term goals can suffer due to slow performance at peak traffic times, lack of real-time technical support and more.

Thankfully, Lovell and friends made it back to earth unscathed. And though the jury’s still out on whether Sky Player will overcome their initial stumbles, both tales illustrate the need for better upfront planning. Be sure to learn from their missteps and lay a firm foundation to accomplish your online, mobile or IPTV goals.