The number of mobile phone video viewers in the United States is expected to reach almost 170 million this year. An additional 10 million may be added by 2020. With such large and increasing audiences, broadcasters are eager to serve these viewers. As streaming live over LTE networks becomes increasingly common, operators that are prepared by using multicast ABR will be the long-term winners.
Two newer technologies are developing that may affect broadcasters, 5G cellular delivery and artificial intelligence (AI). Some experts believe that 5G may develop into a competent OTA program delivery system. Others see 5G as merely another step in boosting cellular delivery speeds. Either way, broadcasters need to understand its capabilities.
It is not just broadcasters and pay TV operators that have struggled to cope with the accelerating momentum behind OTT, because it has been just as challenging for their technology providers.
Seeking shelter from the extreme cold temperatures in New York City on New Year’s Eve, many stayed home and watched the annual ball drop from Times Square on their computers, tablets and cell phones. For the third year in a row the official live stream was produced by New York-based production company Live X, using three wireless camera transmitters from Teradek that roamed the square to capture the festivities as they happened.
At most trade shows these days, you typically find a motley crew of videographers—some independent, others affiliated with some type of media organization—running around the show floor conducting impromptu interviews.
Since 2012, the number of original scripted shows introduced each year has been increasing at a dizzying pace. Past studies have found that most consumers are happy with this embarrassment of riches, saying they spend more of their time than ever before watching shows they “really like”.
But is it possible to have too much of a good thing and do viewers even know where to start?