Linear programming in a time of online access
June 2016 – At the SMPTE ETCA event, a panel discussed the status of the linear programming and what it looks like now and in the future. Historically this has been the domain of the networks whose solution included full control of deciding which shows go on at what time. The single airing of the shows in a set day of the week and time slot has been the linear programming model of the past.
A panel made up of Anvato, CBS, Verizion, and You.i discussed how the on-line presence, the Nscreen capability and Netflix has impacted the programming model. This model was further disrupted by the end of scripted television and the capability for binge watching through VOD. CBS discussed how the distribution model is via the cloud and as a result, has to be geotagged for access so it does not cross the over the air broadcast timing. In this model they are seeing similar results to broadcast, on viewing habits as wifi in the home to a mobile device (delivering HD 720p at 24fps or 30fps) , where the experience is similar to the main screen in the living room only mobile to the viewers personal space.
Verizon focused on the issue of bringing the set top box (STB) experience to the user on all platforms and devices. This is a challenge due to mobile and wireless devices having to deal with varying bit rates and connection quality that impact drop frames and errors. These transcode delivery options employ re-encoding the stream which may impact the QOE (quality of experience) of the content. Another challenge is how to tag ads and have a consistent result from the insertion scripts. Currently their ad solution is to schedule them around the playback for VOD rather than insert them in the stream on download.
You.i addressed this issue by creating an environment and solution that uses a live render engine to have a consistent frame rate on mobile devices. This runs on iPhones and iPads and they also have an engine for Roku. This allows the linear channel experience of a predictable QOE from a broadband distribution system. They support a restart feature for the content to give the VOD experience to linear TV.
Anvato talked about their signal to screen capabilities. Focused on the cloud as a distribution method, the company provides live and VOD capabilities for MCPs, broadcast channels and personalized TV providers. These services include clip creation in the cloud, live encoding, syndication support, ad insertion and end point players on mobile and smart devices.
This overview of the solution space options, lead to a discussion on what is really needed for the smart phone and mobile markets. While there is a push for higher resolution and frame rates, there are realities on resolution, format, power and screen size that impact the usability and value of these advanced specifications. Right now, most content is distributed at 720p or 1080i as HD and then upscaled in the endpoint device. In some cases, such as with Tmobile, the streaming content bandwidth is being limited to 480P and reduced color depth, when the end point is a mobile device. There are bandwidth and compression limits that holding back the ability to stream 4K at this time to any device.
