Driving Success Through Partnership: The Core of Bitmovin Innovators Network

Our “Better Together” approach is rooted in a simple yet powerful idea: collaboration drives innovation. At NAB 2024, this shone through in the way our partner network delivered solutions that not only met but exceeded the needs of our customers. Together, we are tackling key challenges—reducing streaming costs, generating new revenue streams, retaining and growing subscribers.

As we gear up for IBC 2024, these themes remain at the forefront of our collective efforts. Our partners are prepared to showcase how they are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in streaming, ensuring that our customers can deliver exceptional experiences while optimizing their operations.

The Power of Partnership at IBC 2024

Joint Customer Success Stories: A Testament to Collaboration

At IBC 2024, we will highlight the tangible outcomes of our partnerships, showcasing how “Better Together” translates into real-world successes of solving customer challenges. On Thursday, September 12 from 3:30-6:00 PM, we are once again hosting our exclusive Bitmovin Innovators Network Partner Executive Networking Event. We have an exciting lineup of customer success stories planned for this year’s event, including Alpha Networks presenting a “better together” customer success story featuring Ligue Nationale de Volley, Insys Video Technologies highlighting their “better together” success with ORF, and a “Voice of the Customer” session lead by BBC. We will wrap up the afternoon with the inaugural Bitmovin Social Hero Awards, followed by the executive happy hour.

On the Bitmovin Stand: Discovering the Future of Media Search

At IBC 2024, the Bitmovin stand (5.H48) will be a hub of innovation, featuring a dedicated demo station from our partner, Nomad Media. Nomad will be unveiling their new advanced Generative AI search capability that enables business users to find and discover their media that otherwise could never have been found – with the ability to identify locations, people, activities and more. Visit Nomad’s demo station to see this innovative solution in action and learn how it can transform your media workflows.

“Better Together” Solutions on the IBC Floor

The IBC floor will be buzzing with activity as our partners present a range of “Better Together” solutions designed to address some of the most pressing challenges in the streaming industry. Here is a preview of what you can expect:

Accedo, in partnership with Humans Not Robots, is co-leading the ECOFLOW project under the IBC Accelerator Program to measure and reduce the environmental impact of streaming. The initiative, featuring Bitmovin Player’s ECO Mode, collaborates with industry leaders – including BBC, ITV, Bitmovin, RTL Nederland, Quanteec, Cognizant, the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET), Fraunhofer Fokus, Greening of Streaming, DIMPACT, and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) – to assess energy consumption across the streaming supply chain, starting with CDNs, encoding, and end-user devices.

Join the presentation with Accedo & ITV on Friday at 11:15 in the Accelerator Zone, and meet with our Product Managers for Playback, James Varndell on Friday 10:30-12:00, and Jacob Arends on Sunday 3:30-5:00, for in-depth discussions.

2Coders [5.H96] will be showcasing Velvet, an SDK-based front-end app, integrating Bitmovin Player and Bitmovin Analytics for optimized, multi-device streaming, delivering high-quality content with cost efficiency and fast time to market.

At Elicium Meeting Room [13.D301], learn about Akamai Connected Cloud, a massively distributed edge computing cloud platform and how Bitmovin Live and VOD Encoding SaaS on Akamai Connected Cloud helps Media & Entertainment customers reduce streaming expense by up to 90% by reducing compute and data transfer costs.

Alpha Networks [1.A59] will showcase a joint solution for live streaming that optimizes costs without compromising video quality, featuring Alpha Networks’ PaaS and SaaS products, Gecko and Bee, and modular video software Tucano, integrated with Bitmovin Live Encoding on Akamai Connected Cloud.

Visit the Amazon Web Services (AWS) stand [5.C90] to learn about Bitmovin’s SaaS products running on the AWS cloud, including Bitmovin Live Encoding, Bitmovin VOD Encoding, and Bitmovin Analytics. Customers can learn how Bitmovin integrates with AWS services, like AWS Elemental MediaPackage, AWS Elemental MediaTailor, Amazon CloudFront, and others, as well as integrations with partner SaaS products, including anti-piracy solutions, content and asset management systems, ad monetization platforms, data visualization products, and more – to solve for every live and on-demand use case. Bitmovin Live Encoding, Bitmovin VOD Encoding, and Bitmovin Analytics are available in the AWS Marketplace.

At Broadpeak’s stand [1.F83], learn about transitioning to an ad-supported HVOD (Hybrid VOD) model and enhance your monetization strategy with mid-roll ad management via Broadpeak.io Ad Proxy, premium UX, integrating Bitmovin VOD Encoder with clean transitions for mid-roll ad break, and revenue protection with anti-ad-skipping through Bitmovin Player and Broadpeak Smartlib SDK integration.

Edgio [5.A68] will demonstrate their Smartplay technology, a component of Edgio’s Uplynk Streaming Media Platform, which integrates seamlessly into Bitmovin VOD Encoding SaaS workflows generating new revenue through personalized sessions.

EZDRM [5.A50] is showcasing a cost-effective live video streaming solution where content captured by a Videon Edgecaster appliance is routed to Bitmovin Live Encoder, converted to DASH and secured by EZDRM DRAMaaS in an Akamai Connected Cloud instance.

Learn how PallyCon’s [5.G56] DRM License Cipher and Key Rotation prevent software-level vulnerabilities, like DRM license hijacking. Seamlessly integrated with Bitmovin Player, it ensures robust content protection and secure streaming experiences for global audiences.

MainStreaming [5.H30] will demonstrate its new implementation of Common Media Client Data (CMCD), working with Bitmovin Player, that provides advanced Stream Delivery Routing Decisioning to further enhance Playback Quality of Experience (QoE) and help streamers retain and grow subscribers.

MediaKind [1.D71] demonstrates how to stream flawless video and build iconic sports apps with Bitmovin Player and Bitmovin Analytics as part of an end-to-end solution for D2C streaming and monetization.

NAGRAVISION [1.C81] will showcase its streaming security and consumer engagement solutions including OpenTV Video Platform, integrated with Bitmovin Player for secure, high-quality streaming across multiple devices, ensuring seamless delivery and protection of premium content.

Synamedia [1.B33] is partnering with Bitmovin to showcase several cutting-edge solutions. At the Innovation pod, you will see how content steering, integrated with Bitmovin’s Playback capabilities, works seamlessly with Synamedia’s CDN solutions to optimize content delivery. At the Ad Insertion and Monetization pod, Bitmovin and Synamedia team up for ad insertion with precise HLS interstitials, driving more effective monetization strategies. Finally, at the D2C Streaming pod, you can discover how Bitmovin Player ensures low latency streaming, delivering an unmatched viewer experience for Synamedia’s D2C solutions for sports.

Hosted at the EZDRM stand [5.A50], Videon is demonstrating a live end-to-end secured stream, encrypted from the video source with a Docker container running on the Videon LiveEdge® platform, sent to the Bitmovin Live Encoder running on Akamai Connected Cloud, and distributed over the Akamai Content Delivery Network (CDN), then played back on Bitmovin Player in a cost-effective and scalable fashion.

Discover how Yospace’s [5.C77] dynamic ad insertion solution recently delivered four billion one-to-one addressable ads during Paris 2024. Yospace, with Bitmovin Live Encoding, delivers maximum ad revenues for media owners at scale for the streaming age.

Zixi [5.A85] is showing how customers use the native integration of Zixi with Bitmovin Live Encoding for secure, reliable, and cost-effective ultra-low latency live IP video streaming of sports, news, and events.

Engage, Connect, and Celebrate: Social Activities at IBC

IBC isn’t just about showcasing technology; it’s also about connecting with peers and partners in the industry. We are excited to invite you to a range of social activities designed to foster collaboration and innovation.

Lunch and Learn, Hosted by Akamai: On Saturday, 14 September, from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM in room G109 at the RAI, Akamai is hosting a lunch and learn session “How distributed cloud is driving innovation in digital media.” Bitmovin’s EVP of Product, Reinhard Grandl, and other industry leaders will be discussing Akamai’s vision for media and share real-world customer success stories. Please register in advance to attend this event.

Bitmovin and Akamai IBC Reception: We at Bitmovin are proud to be partnering with Akamai for their exclusive reception on Saturday, 14 September, from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM at The Beach at Strandzuid. This invite-only event offers a chance to connect with industry peers, discuss the latest innovations, and enjoy a relaxed evening in a vibrant setting. To secure your invite, please speak to your Bitmovin representative.

Bitmovin & Nomad Media Happy Hour: Nomad Media and Bitmovin are co-hosting a networking reception and happy hour on Friday, 13 September, from 5:00 – 6:00 PM at the Bitmovin Stand, 5.H48. This happy hour is the perfect chance to unwind and connect with fellow attendees. Visit Nomad or Bitmovin for an exclusive invite!

Breakfast with Synamedia: Synamedia and Bitmovin co-host a breakfast with coffee and pastries at the Synamedia Stand, 1.B33, at 10:00 AM. We invite you to meet our teams for casual conversations about the latest industry trends.

Irdeto Happy Hour: On Sunday, 15 September, from 4:00 – 7:00 PM, join us at the Irdeto Stand, 1.D51, for a joint happy hour. It is a great way to wrap up the weekend, reflect on the insights gained at IBC, and win some awesome giveaways.

MainStreaming & Bitmovin Presentation and Happy Hour: Join MainStreaming and Bitmovin for a presentation followed by Happy Hour at MainStreaming’s booth [5.H30] on Saturday, 14 September, from 4:30 – 6:00 PM. Discover how MainStreaming’s CMCD+ and Bitmovin Player improve performance, enhance QoS, and maximize ROI. Hear from Sergio Carulli, CPO at MainStreaming, and Reinhard Grandl, Executive VP of Product at Bitmovin.

We can’t wait to see you in Amsterdam and continue building on our joint success stories!

The post “Better Together” at IBC 2024: Elevating Streaming Experiences with Bitmovin Innovators Network appeared first on Bitmovin.

The Corporate Star Awards: where tech and social good converge

This year, there was another Environmental, Social and Governance-led highlight in the IBC calendar with the addition of the Corporate Star Awards that aims to recognize and celebrate the fantastic ESG achievements in the Broadcast, Media and Entertainment Sector. Bitmovin was proud to win the award for Best Campaign to Improve Diversity for the progress we’ve made in making our recruitment process more inclusive, increasing representation of women and people of color at leadership levels across the company and hosting workshops that focus on helping Bitmovers become better allies to underrepresented groups. Receiving the award was a huge honor! However, we also understand that DEI is a journey, not a destination and that we must continue driving change across Bitmovin and the media and entertainment technology industry.

There are numerous studies about how more diverse teams improve a company’s bottom line, but organizations should want to be more diverse and inclusive because they care about people, not profits. Additionally, becoming more diverse and inclusive does not mean hiring a few more women and people of color and calling it a day, it means examining the company’s culture and identifying and changing behaviors and practices that could alienate underrepresented groups. All of this requires real time and resource and support from leadership teams.

The Corporate Star Awards are bringing additional, much-needed focus on ESG In the media technology industry, so I asked Lisa Collins the awards’ co-producer, to share some more background on the aim and long-term vision for the awards. Lisa said, “Our vision for the Corporate Star Awards is to unify the diverse segments of our industry. In a completely impartial setting, we aim to spotlight the often-overlooked ESG initiatives that may not glitter as brightly as product launches but are equally, if not more, important. 

The Broadcast Media industry is still in its nascent stages of aligning with the 2030 ESG goals established by the UN. To truly lead in this space, it’s essential for us to foster best practice sharing and holistic industry collaboration. The Corporate Star Awards are designed to be the catalyst for this shared ambition.”

Celebrating leaders of change

While we were over the moon to win a Corporate Star Award, we were also inspired by all the winners and finalists dedicated to leading positive change across the industry. Irdeto, a world leader in digital platform cybersecurity and a company we are a proud technical partner of, also won a Corporate Star Award for the Best initiative to strengthen global partnerships for its work to support the mass adoption of electric vehicles by helping provide a seamless and secure system for authenticating and authorizing EVs during charging.

Alongside its sustainability initiatives, Irdeto is also a champion of DEI in the media and entertainment technology industry. Lisa Spencer, VP of Marketing at Irdeto, said, “Innovation in tech is driven by new ideas, which is why it is essential tech companies need diversity of thought. But diversity in tech shouldn’t be justified simply because it supports innovation. Ultimately, it’s just the right thing to do, and Irdeto believes the media technology industry should reflect the wider world, celebrate people’s differences and tackle the challenges facing underrepresented groups.“

Exceptional support for Exceptional Minds

Another winner at the Corporate Star Awards was Exceptional Minds for Best Charity. Exceptional Minds is an academy and studio preparing young adults on the autism spectrum for careers in animation, visual effects, 3D gaming and other related fields in the entertainment industry. It provides technical and general work readiness training tailored to help students fulfil their artistic and professional potential. 

Renard Jenkins, who sits on the advisory board of Exceptional Minds, said, “Making the media and entertainment technology industry more diverse hinges upon inclusion, which in turn requires equity by ensuring people receive the right support based on their unique background. This is something we’ve strived to achieve with Exceptional Minds by giving young, neurodivergent people the opportunity to pursue their dreams in the entertainment world.”

The journey to a more diverse and sustainable industry continues.

While it is important to celebrate the achievements of the corporate and non-profit organizations working hard to bring positive ESG-led change to the media technology industry, it’s also important we don’t become complacent. 

My fellow Bitmover, Anuja Vagh, Head of Integrations, said that the biggest changes she’s seen from the industry are “recognising that DEI and sustainability are important and valid issues to be tackled.” Yet, Anuja also noted that “There is a lot more we can do in the industry. We need to think about changing the culture and attitudes that are deeply embedded in society that we often don’t recognise them for they are. At this year’s IBC, there were still many instances of casual sexism against women, which show that we as a collective, not just women, need to create an environment where it is unacceptable.”

So, ultimately, we here at Bitmovin are proud of the changes we’ve made and also our fellow Corporate Stars Award winners and finalists for making the industry more diverse, inclusive and sustainable. However, we also understand that we, as a company and an industry, we are embarking on a journey. So instead of continuously asking, “Are we there yet!?” let’s commit to evolving and learning so we can become the change the world needs.

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