IDC: Broadband and Pay TV Operators Adopt CDN Strategies to Manage Changes in Consumer Video Behavior

In today's Faster Forward world, content delivery network (CDN) operators need to deliver more to online and traditional viewers. New devices and platforms require expanded media streaming and multiscreen viewing services, impacting your ability to grow market share and revenue. Read "Operators Adopt CDN Strategies to Manage Changes in Consumer Video Behavior" to learn how smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs affect consumer behavior. You'll see why IDC says, "Doing nothing is not an option."

Spotlight

4Digital Media

Formed in January 2007, 4Digital Media Ltd (4DM) is an independent, highly commercial, UK based Home Entertainment distributor with third party distribution through Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (SPHE) in the UK, USA and Canada. Our aim is to release feature films of all genres that appeal to consumers who buy their DVD / Bluray discs through the major supermarkets or from online retailers, or purchase or rent a digital copy from their favourite VOD and Digital suppliers in the UK and North America.

OTHER ARTICLES
Technologies, Business

Branded Entertainment in B2B: Why is it Important?

Article | July 20, 2022

Global B2B companies churn out content pieces such as infographics, case studies, assessments, and other forms of thought leadership content to create brand awareness. But is this content enough to engage the customers and the market? Not really. Marketers like you need to look into branded entertainment to get more customer engagement and brand loyalty. What is Branded Entertainment? Adweek loosely describes “branded entertainment” as any content that starts a positive conversation around a product, service, or set of values. This content builds a story around your product or services, showing it in a positive light and getting the audience to engage in your content as much as a film or a TV show. As opposed to other marketing endeavors, branded entertainment doesn’t focus on your products and their features but on entertaining the audience. Incorporating Branded Entertainment into Your Marketing Strategy Here are some ways to get it done without much hassle: Web Series Original programming, such as web series published on the brand’s social media channels, can help you raise awareness through stories that share your brand’s values instead of directly marketing your product or services. PR Stunts Create social media brand content that is entertaining and exciting enough for the audience to make it viral. Such PR brings positive media attention to your brand and creates mass awareness for your brand or product. Videos Volvo's entertaining video of Van Damme's split stunt on YouTube has 114.5 million views. The video didn't need a call-to-action because it wasn’t to convert leads. Instead, it was meant to showcase a piece of business-use truck technology and get engagement. Podcasting GE used podcasting for advertising twice, once with its show ‘The Message’ and again with its new series ‘LifeAfter.’ Neither show discusses GE's products. Instead, they were "GE-presented" and were received well. Summing It Up People are less likely to comment on or share brand posts directly, but they are more likely to tweet or share them on their Instagram stories. This way you can measure the impact of branded entertainment. B2B marketers should consider branded entertainment as a way to build trust and start conversations between their brands and their audience to get a long-term ROI.

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Technologies, Business

B2B Movie Placements: What to Expect?

Article | August 3, 2022

As films evolved into the popular medium that they are today, brands followed suit. They took advantage of a large network of new ways to market, from print media to radio to television. Product placement, a part of branded entertainment marketing, became more common from the 1980s. Today, every moviegoer is familiar – sometimes painfully – with paid product placements. And every marketer has heard commentary on both good and bad B2C product placements. But what about B2B movie placements? Ever heard of those? If you are a B2B enterprise looking to try it out, here are some major differences between B2C and B2B movie placements: Impress the producers Create an enticing pitch for the producers, which can influence them enough to bring them to the creative department. Sell your brand or product to them (indirectly) to help them understand how it will improve the realism of their scene or set. Make them realize how your product or service can help them. Placement isn’t always ‘placement’ Prospective B2B buyers aren’t going to squint their eyes to find your product while watching a movie. However, they might actually remember your brand if you host pre-opening events around the world for them and their families to watch a popular movie. If they enjoy the movie and establish an emotional connection with it, they will definitely think of you while making any kind of purchase decision. Things might not work out No matter how hard you try to show your brand in a good light in a certain scene or situation, sometimes things happen that you can't control or ignore. In such cases, you might have to get all the branding out instead of settling for negative publicity, which could be a viable option for a B2C brand. B2B Movie Placement: A Success Story FLIR, a client of Hollywood Branded, is the leading provider of thermal military camera equipment. It co-starred in one of Warner Brothers' biggest hits of 2018, Rampage. FLIR connected with the right member of the production team and ensured that the brand was pictured in a positive light. FLIR shared its technology with the filmmakers and got advertised to its business customers, mostly film-loving decision-makers, through the movie and the way it was shot. The film earned $427M at the worldwide box office.

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Solutions, Business

FILM PRODUCERS FLIP BARGAINING TABLE WITH UNIONIZING EFFORT

Article | July 7, 2022

Movie producers often find themselves negotiating with talent and crew members, and/or their production union representatives, over pay and benefits. But a group of 108 producers flipped the script Thursday in announcing they were looking to form a union of their own.Higher minimum pay and health benefits were cited as the two major reasons. While the group, called the Producers Union, boasts some heavy hitters such as Chris Moore (Manchester by the Sea) and Rebecca Green (It Follows), they made it clear that the traditional image of a Hollywood producer is misleading. Many are just getting by, project to project, looking for a breakout hit to up their quote. According to a survey released this year, 41% of producers made less than $25,000 in the pre-pandemic boom times of 2019. The Producers Union has developed a constitution with provisions for dues and diversity initiatives, with the aim of eventually negotiating a collective bargaining agreement with distributors and other film financiers. Previous efforts by producers to unionize have been thwarted by the courts and the National Labor Relations Board, according to Variety, as the NLRB saw them as supervisors and employers – which creates a high barrier to organizing.

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Media and Broadcasting

UGC vs. Premium: Is the video valuation bubble big enough to burst?

Article | May 21, 2021

The market disconnect between the proliferation of independent content creators and the consolidation of brand IP into the hands of ever-fewer major players is growing increasingly stark. On the one hand, independent artists are the fastest-growing sector of the music market. User-generated content (UGC) has proved a huge success during lockdown for the likes of TikTok and Roblox. The traditional brand celebrity spokesperson has ceded ground to the influencer, and even they to the micro-influencer. Content proliferation has driven increasingly niche content to niche audiences, finding smaller fan bases to resonate with instead of attempting the now nigh-impossible cut-through to mainstream popularity. This is the paradox of small: the long tail accounts for a growing share of content consumption, but the fractional economics of on-demand environments means that those in the long tail earn too little to be economically sustainable. Access to the means of distribution may have been democratised, but access to meaningful rights income has not.

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Spotlight

4Digital Media

Formed in January 2007, 4Digital Media Ltd (4DM) is an independent, highly commercial, UK based Home Entertainment distributor with third party distribution through Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (SPHE) in the UK, USA and Canada. Our aim is to release feature films of all genres that appeal to consumers who buy their DVD / Bluray discs through the major supermarkets or from online retailers, or purchase or rent a digital copy from their favourite VOD and Digital suppliers in the UK and North America.

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Applications

CORSAIR Launches K70 CORE, The New Standard for Mainstream Gaming Keyboards

Business Wire | October 25, 2023

CORSAIR, a world leader in high-performance gear for gamers and content creators, today announced the launch of a new keyboard that delivers premium play for every gamer: the K70 CORE. Debuting with CORSAIR MLX Red linear mechanical switches, the K70 CORE offers a refined playing and typing experience in a full-size profile. Whether you’re a casual player or an aspiring esports pro, your ambition starts with K70 CORE. K70 CORE introduces CORSAIR MLX Red linear switches, an ultra-responsive mechanical switch that offers smooth, satisfying keypresses ideally suited for keyboard enthusiasts and gamers. Factory pre-lubrication ensures that each keystroke exhibits silky-smooth travel, and switches are tightly constructed to reduce stem wobble. Along with CORSAIR OPX optical and MGX magnetic switches, CORSAIR Reds round out the lineup of original CORSAIR mechanical switches that give discerning players a trio of fantastic options. Surrounding the switches are two layers of premium sound dampening foam, eliminating annoying pings and clacks that take you out of the game. Instead, you’ll enjoy softened acoustics that make gaming sound as good as it feels. The K70 CORE makes it easy to personalize your play. More than just a volume knob, the keyboard’s multi-function rotary dial can adjust RGB brightness, scroll through webpages, and zoom. Next to the dial is a programmable button for controlling media with ease. CORSAIR iCUE software unlocks the keyboard’s full power, granting you the ability to customize per-key RGB backlighting, program macros, remap keys, and more. Beyond superior sound and feel, the K70 CORE delivers on high-caliber durability and design. CORSAIR Red switches reside in a robust aluminum top plate and topped by resilient double-shot keycaps. This bolstered construction provides you peace of mind to play freely, knowing your keyboard won’t quit. With such tremendous performance at a tidy price, the K70 CORE line empowers gamers to ambitiously play, win, and have fun. Availability, Warranty, and Pricing The CORSAIR K70 CORE gaming keyboard is available immediately from the CORSAIR webstore and the CORSAIR worldwide network of authorized online retailers and distributors. The CORSAIR K70 CORE gaming keyboard is backed by a two-year warranty, alongside the CORSAIR worldwide customer service and technical support network. For up-to-date pricing of the CORSAIR K70 CORE gaming keyboard, please refer to the CORSAIR website or contact your local CORSAIR sales or PR representative.

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Technologies

AviaGames Unveils New Brand Identity to Reflect Enhanced Corporate Vision and Accelerated Growth Aspirations

PR Newswire | October 19, 2023

AviaGames, creator of the award-winning "Bingo Tour" app and Pocket7Games social competition platform, today unveiled its new corporate brand identity, Avia (ah-vi-ah). The evolution to the new Avia brand identity underscores the company's growth aspirations and innovative vision helping drive the brand to where it is today and towards the future to potential entertainment applications. Enhancing the social competition gaming experience for players of all skill levels, from casual to hardcore gaming enthusiasts, Avia remains focused on providing quick, fun and rewarding gameplay in an inclusive environment, while always looking for new ways to improve and deliver more games that can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere.1 "Starting as an idea in a garage just a few years back, it is surreal to think about how far AviaGames has come, and I look forward to what's ahead for Avia, our team and community of players. At Avia, we've always believed that everyone has a competitive spirit, and our goal remains to unleash the joy of competition in everyone," said Vickie Chen, CEO and founder, Avia. "Avia has always been the go-to destination for casual competitive mobile gaming and this new chapter represents our commitment to staying fun, fresh and innovative while providing our players from around the world with the best possible interactive gaming experience." An expression of the company's boldness, enthusiasm, inclusivity, and confidence, the new brand identity comes at an important time for Avia. Positioning itself for the future as the gaming industry experiences explosive growth generating revenues of $187.7 billion in 2023, with mobile gaming accounting for the highest share of revenues, according to Newzoo. Quick to play and quick to win, Avia's gaming titles are designed for people who love competition, but don't desire a steep learning curve. Avia's core mission is focused on ensuring that everyone, employees and players, feels supported in achieving their goals, Avia seeks to build a culture where all players feel safe and have fun, and employees feel comfortable to contribute and act on their ideas. This philosophy of support and inclusion is what enables Avia to continue to enhance its Pocket7Games platform and individual titles to deliver fresh and exciting competitive mobile games that everyone can enjoy.

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Media and Broadcasting

HyperX is Official Sponsor of TwitchCon: Experience the Ultimate Streamer Station Powered by HyperX and OMEN

PR Newswire | October 17, 2023

HyperX, the gaming peripherals team at HP Inc. and brand leader in gaming and esports, along with OMEN Gaming, today announced its role as the Official Sponsor of the TwitchCon Streamer Station, including a planned special appearance of Zedd, global music artist and HyperX ambassador at the streamer station. This unique collaboration between HyperX and HP OMEN offers TwitchCon attendees the opportunity to experience the latest HyperX products designed for gaming streamers and content creators, along with cutting-edge OMEN PC and monitor products. Also taking front stage at TwitchCon is HyperX’s annual talent program Queued Up, showcasing emerging streamers and innovative streaming solutions with special voting for the next class of 2024. Zedd, global music artist, producer and HyperX ambassador, is planned for a special guest appearance Saturday, October 21 at the HyperX Streamer Lounge. As a global HyperX ambassador, Zedd will be connecting with fans and celebrating his love for gaming. The TwitchCon Streamer Station will feature a range of products for attendees to test out on the show floor, including the HyperX Vision S Webcam, delivering quality 4K video and low light performance, the HyperX Audio Mixer Audio Interface, designed for mixing multiple audio inputs, and the Cloud III headset, engineered for supreme comfort, audio performance and durability. In addition, OMEN PCs and monitors will be available at each station, adding to the experience and allowing attendees to hone their streaming prowess during the event. Daily sponsored live streams will be broadcasted straight from the Streamer Station, spotlighting gaming streamers and content creators from the HyperX ambassador lineup. “HyperX is excited to join TwitchCon this year as the official sponsor of the Streamer Station, giving visitors the opportunity to try out our new gaming streamer products,” said Ryan Romeos, director of marketing, HyperX. “The HyperX and OMEN collaboration at TwitchCon demonstrates HyperX’s continued support and dedication to the content creating community and efforts towards investing in new ways to improve gaming streamer and content creator experiences.” HyperX is also highlighting Queued Up at TwitchCon, an annual talent showcase program highlighting emerging streamers. A special voting period will take place allowing fans to cast their votes for their favorite streamer, who may then become part of the esteemed Top 5 of Queued Up 2023. The Top 5 will be revealed on the HyperX Twitch livestream on November 8th. For additional details, please visit the Queued Up landing page. In addition, HyperX plans to spotlight two new products designed for the streaming community that were recently announced in October. These products are the HyperX Vision S Webcam with 4K resolution and low lighting features and the HyperX Audio Mixer Audio Interface that allows creators to manage XLR microphones and other audio inputs used during gaming streams and creating content. Plus, professional-quality HyperX ProCast XLR microphones will be available to see and test during the show. Taking place Oct. 20 – 22 at the Las Vegas Convention Center – West Hall, TwitchCon 2023 show attendees are encouraged to visit the Streamer Station to explore the latest streaming equipment from HyperX and OMEN. By combining the power of HyperX and OMEN gaming brands, HP Inc. aims to elevate content development for gaming creators and streamers everywhere. For more information on HyperX products, visit hyperx.com. About HyperX For 20 years, HyperX’s mission has been to develop gaming solutions for every type of gamer and the company is consistently recognized for delivering products that provide superb comfort, aesthetics, performance, and reliability. Under the tagline of “WE’RE ALL GAMERS,” HyperX gaming headsets, keyboards, mice, USB microphones, and console accessories are the choice of everyday gamers as well as celebrity ambassadors, pro gamers, tech enthusiasts, and overclockers worldwide because they meet the most stringent product specifications and are built with best-in-class components. For more information, please go to www.hyperx.com. About HP HP Inc. is a technology company that believes one thoughtful idea has the power to change the world. Its product and service portfolio of personal systems, printers, and 3D printing solutions helps bring these ideas to life. HyperX and the HyperX logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of HP Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. All registered trademarks and trademarks are property of their respective owners.

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Applications

CORSAIR Launches K70 CORE, The New Standard for Mainstream Gaming Keyboards

Business Wire | October 25, 2023

CORSAIR, a world leader in high-performance gear for gamers and content creators, today announced the launch of a new keyboard that delivers premium play for every gamer: the K70 CORE. Debuting with CORSAIR MLX Red linear mechanical switches, the K70 CORE offers a refined playing and typing experience in a full-size profile. Whether you’re a casual player or an aspiring esports pro, your ambition starts with K70 CORE. K70 CORE introduces CORSAIR MLX Red linear switches, an ultra-responsive mechanical switch that offers smooth, satisfying keypresses ideally suited for keyboard enthusiasts and gamers. Factory pre-lubrication ensures that each keystroke exhibits silky-smooth travel, and switches are tightly constructed to reduce stem wobble. Along with CORSAIR OPX optical and MGX magnetic switches, CORSAIR Reds round out the lineup of original CORSAIR mechanical switches that give discerning players a trio of fantastic options. Surrounding the switches are two layers of premium sound dampening foam, eliminating annoying pings and clacks that take you out of the game. Instead, you’ll enjoy softened acoustics that make gaming sound as good as it feels. The K70 CORE makes it easy to personalize your play. More than just a volume knob, the keyboard’s multi-function rotary dial can adjust RGB brightness, scroll through webpages, and zoom. Next to the dial is a programmable button for controlling media with ease. CORSAIR iCUE software unlocks the keyboard’s full power, granting you the ability to customize per-key RGB backlighting, program macros, remap keys, and more. Beyond superior sound and feel, the K70 CORE delivers on high-caliber durability and design. CORSAIR Red switches reside in a robust aluminum top plate and topped by resilient double-shot keycaps. This bolstered construction provides you peace of mind to play freely, knowing your keyboard won’t quit. With such tremendous performance at a tidy price, the K70 CORE line empowers gamers to ambitiously play, win, and have fun. Availability, Warranty, and Pricing The CORSAIR K70 CORE gaming keyboard is available immediately from the CORSAIR webstore and the CORSAIR worldwide network of authorized online retailers and distributors. The CORSAIR K70 CORE gaming keyboard is backed by a two-year warranty, alongside the CORSAIR worldwide customer service and technical support network. For up-to-date pricing of the CORSAIR K70 CORE gaming keyboard, please refer to the CORSAIR website or contact your local CORSAIR sales or PR representative.

Read More

Technologies

AviaGames Unveils New Brand Identity to Reflect Enhanced Corporate Vision and Accelerated Growth Aspirations

PR Newswire | October 19, 2023

AviaGames, creator of the award-winning "Bingo Tour" app and Pocket7Games social competition platform, today unveiled its new corporate brand identity, Avia (ah-vi-ah). The evolution to the new Avia brand identity underscores the company's growth aspirations and innovative vision helping drive the brand to where it is today and towards the future to potential entertainment applications. Enhancing the social competition gaming experience for players of all skill levels, from casual to hardcore gaming enthusiasts, Avia remains focused on providing quick, fun and rewarding gameplay in an inclusive environment, while always looking for new ways to improve and deliver more games that can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere.1 "Starting as an idea in a garage just a few years back, it is surreal to think about how far AviaGames has come, and I look forward to what's ahead for Avia, our team and community of players. At Avia, we've always believed that everyone has a competitive spirit, and our goal remains to unleash the joy of competition in everyone," said Vickie Chen, CEO and founder, Avia. "Avia has always been the go-to destination for casual competitive mobile gaming and this new chapter represents our commitment to staying fun, fresh and innovative while providing our players from around the world with the best possible interactive gaming experience." An expression of the company's boldness, enthusiasm, inclusivity, and confidence, the new brand identity comes at an important time for Avia. Positioning itself for the future as the gaming industry experiences explosive growth generating revenues of $187.7 billion in 2023, with mobile gaming accounting for the highest share of revenues, according to Newzoo. Quick to play and quick to win, Avia's gaming titles are designed for people who love competition, but don't desire a steep learning curve. Avia's core mission is focused on ensuring that everyone, employees and players, feels supported in achieving their goals, Avia seeks to build a culture where all players feel safe and have fun, and employees feel comfortable to contribute and act on their ideas. This philosophy of support and inclusion is what enables Avia to continue to enhance its Pocket7Games platform and individual titles to deliver fresh and exciting competitive mobile games that everyone can enjoy.

Read More

Media and Broadcasting

HyperX is Official Sponsor of TwitchCon: Experience the Ultimate Streamer Station Powered by HyperX and OMEN

PR Newswire | October 17, 2023

HyperX, the gaming peripherals team at HP Inc. and brand leader in gaming and esports, along with OMEN Gaming, today announced its role as the Official Sponsor of the TwitchCon Streamer Station, including a planned special appearance of Zedd, global music artist and HyperX ambassador at the streamer station. This unique collaboration between HyperX and HP OMEN offers TwitchCon attendees the opportunity to experience the latest HyperX products designed for gaming streamers and content creators, along with cutting-edge OMEN PC and monitor products. Also taking front stage at TwitchCon is HyperX’s annual talent program Queued Up, showcasing emerging streamers and innovative streaming solutions with special voting for the next class of 2024. Zedd, global music artist, producer and HyperX ambassador, is planned for a special guest appearance Saturday, October 21 at the HyperX Streamer Lounge. As a global HyperX ambassador, Zedd will be connecting with fans and celebrating his love for gaming. The TwitchCon Streamer Station will feature a range of products for attendees to test out on the show floor, including the HyperX Vision S Webcam, delivering quality 4K video and low light performance, the HyperX Audio Mixer Audio Interface, designed for mixing multiple audio inputs, and the Cloud III headset, engineered for supreme comfort, audio performance and durability. In addition, OMEN PCs and monitors will be available at each station, adding to the experience and allowing attendees to hone their streaming prowess during the event. Daily sponsored live streams will be broadcasted straight from the Streamer Station, spotlighting gaming streamers and content creators from the HyperX ambassador lineup. “HyperX is excited to join TwitchCon this year as the official sponsor of the Streamer Station, giving visitors the opportunity to try out our new gaming streamer products,” said Ryan Romeos, director of marketing, HyperX. “The HyperX and OMEN collaboration at TwitchCon demonstrates HyperX’s continued support and dedication to the content creating community and efforts towards investing in new ways to improve gaming streamer and content creator experiences.” HyperX is also highlighting Queued Up at TwitchCon, an annual talent showcase program highlighting emerging streamers. A special voting period will take place allowing fans to cast their votes for their favorite streamer, who may then become part of the esteemed Top 5 of Queued Up 2023. The Top 5 will be revealed on the HyperX Twitch livestream on November 8th. For additional details, please visit the Queued Up landing page. In addition, HyperX plans to spotlight two new products designed for the streaming community that were recently announced in October. These products are the HyperX Vision S Webcam with 4K resolution and low lighting features and the HyperX Audio Mixer Audio Interface that allows creators to manage XLR microphones and other audio inputs used during gaming streams and creating content. Plus, professional-quality HyperX ProCast XLR microphones will be available to see and test during the show. Taking place Oct. 20 – 22 at the Las Vegas Convention Center – West Hall, TwitchCon 2023 show attendees are encouraged to visit the Streamer Station to explore the latest streaming equipment from HyperX and OMEN. By combining the power of HyperX and OMEN gaming brands, HP Inc. aims to elevate content development for gaming creators and streamers everywhere. For more information on HyperX products, visit hyperx.com. About HyperX For 20 years, HyperX’s mission has been to develop gaming solutions for every type of gamer and the company is consistently recognized for delivering products that provide superb comfort, aesthetics, performance, and reliability. Under the tagline of “WE’RE ALL GAMERS,” HyperX gaming headsets, keyboards, mice, USB microphones, and console accessories are the choice of everyday gamers as well as celebrity ambassadors, pro gamers, tech enthusiasts, and overclockers worldwide because they meet the most stringent product specifications and are built with best-in-class components. For more information, please go to www.hyperx.com. About HP HP Inc. is a technology company that believes one thoughtful idea has the power to change the world. Its product and service portfolio of personal systems, printers, and 3D printing solutions helps bring these ideas to life. HyperX and the HyperX logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of HP Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. All registered trademarks and trademarks are property of their respective owners.

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Events