Foxtel subscribers are set to enjoy a more streamlined experience with the introduction of Switch Media’s AdEase technology.
This week Foxtel introduced server-side ad insertion to replace its client-side solution which will provide a more seamless viewing experience on smartphones and tablets. Christopher Stenhouse, CEO of Switch Media, said the roll out of AdEase now meant that Switch was delivering a full over the top (OTT) solution for Foxtel.
“Switch worked with Foxtel to build and maintain their revolutionary Foxtel Go app which enables subscribers to take their pay-tv viewing with them as part of their subscription. We also worked with them to develop Foxtel Play to deliver TV channels directly to IP connected devices to meet the expanding demand for internet connected content viewing,” Stenhouse said.
“The switch to AdEase was the logical step to further enhance Foxtel’s services. With its capacity to create a seamless viewing experience between advertisement and programming play out, AdEase allows Foxtel to continue providing the high quality viewing experience the public has come to expect from their home TV’s.
“As a CMS platform-agnostic solution, it plugs into and works with any existing systems and workflows in place, meaning content does not need to be re-ingested. AdEase can take existing video streams, detect the ad breaks, and stitch ads into the stream.”
Foxtel is now using Switch’s full suite of products for their end-to-end OTT delivery including Media Manager, MasterApp, AdEase, Switch Live and Live2VOD.
The technical advantages of AdEase include:
- Dynamic Server-Side ad insertion for VOD, linear and live video content
- Enables pre, mid and post roll ad insertion
- Platform agnostic, so no media re-ingest required
- Advanced anti-ad blocking capabilities
- More accurate audience targeting capabilities
- Zero buffering
- Continuous TV-like experience
- Ad detection and replacement capabilities
Foxtel’s director of product, Michael Ivanchenko, added: “Foxtel has a long-standing relationship with Switch Media from development of the multi-award winning app for our online coverage of the London 2012 Summer Olympic Games, to the build and ongoing support for other Foxtel services. AdEase is yet another innovation from Switch that helps us to deliver a world class viewing experience to our subscribers.”
Since its launch of AdEase at the National Association of Broadcasters show in Las Vegas earlier this year, Switch Media has had high levels of interest in the product globally with various business and partnerships now underway following the event.
