SPROCKIT at the 2015 NAB Show is once again showcasing the rising stars in the broadcast world. These hand-selected entrepreneurs show promise with disruptive solutions that solve some of the tough problems in the ever evolving media and entertainment industry. These energetic companies will have the opportunity to collaborate with decision makers and influencers in the industry as they showcase their innovative products.
SPROCKIT 2014 Summary
In this and future posts, we’ll run through the list of 2015’s bright stars.
aioTV is a cloud-based toolset that allows service providers to aggregated a mixed bag of linear, VOD and Internet video into a single, scalable viewer experience. A common, rich user interface is delivered across TV, PCs, tablets and smartphones.
Bcast is a social media and broadcasting channel that allows streaming from and to mobile devices. Members can set up their own Bcast channel or subscribe to a wide variety of channels that are searchable by location and keyword.
Channel Master offers TV Freedom DVR+, an HD DVR for subscription-free TV. This dual-channel DVR is connected to an HD antenna and high speed Internet to deliver high quality broadcast and OTT content and linear video. The consumer-first model provides more exposure to content providers through a single device that uses familiar DVR technology.
Cinemacraft/Videogram analyzes video and generates a unique summary of the different sized keyframes arranged like a “comic book.” Each keyframe can be played and shared separately and can be embedded. The original video is left undisturbed and retains original copyright and advertising.
Built specifically for the television industry, clypd provides end-to-end workflow automation that seamlessly integrates into existing TV systems. clypd provides automation of operational tasks and provides sales channel tools to help introduce new revenue sources. Audience data can be modeled and fused with viewership data streams to provide actionable insights.
Cognitive Networks, a SPROCKIT alumnus, is an automatic content recognition platform and combined with their real-time Engage™ API allows content producers and TV networks to engage their audience in an interactive and fun way. Advertisements and messages can be synchronized with live or time-shifted content to deliver coupons, additional content or any call to action.
DataClay’s Templater allows Adobe After Effects users to automate video content customization. The arduous task is replaced by a workflow solution that transforms content into dynamic elements. Templater’s design-aware engine automatically adjusts elements to produce beautiful, quality results.
ExciteM, another alumnus to SPROCKIT, is a multi-platform solution that allows content producers to engage with an audience using a variety of social mediums, including Facebook, Twitter and Google+. The SMS and IVR platform allows viewers to interact with text or a phone call. Second screen experiences allow viewers to participate in contests or polls. An analytics dashboard provides customers with important charts and metrics.
Fluendo created the GStreamer framework, an open source product that allows delivery of high quality and legal multimedia content. Whether streaming content or playing a DVD, Fluendo’s products ensure that the proper licensed codecs are used, avoiding patent infringement.
iSpot.tv provides real-time TV advertising metrics that measure ad effectiveness, optimize TV media and analyze competitors. An easy to use rating system and Ad Effectivness Ratings allow comparison with the rest of the industry.
Kwicr is a mobile delivery network that speeds content delivery of any mobile app. App owners simply embed the Kwicr SDK (which they report takes less than 5 minutes) and traffic speed increases regardless of time of day or location. Kwicr optimizes data transfer and proactively compensates for packet loss. App owners can track the results with mobile analytics. The Kwicr service is deployed on every major cloud service for optimal performance.
Limecraft Flow is a digital co-working space for creatives. All video footage, images and documents are stored in a searchable library. Flow’s private cloud integrates existing storage and asset management services and integrates with scriptwriting and editing software. Flow’s unique proxy-based approach allows material to be viewed instantly in the browser, speeding production cycle time.
Multipop’s patent-pending technology creates an interactive layer that can be used to increase viewer engagement. Deliver any additional content, like polls, merchandise or commentary. Multipop wraps around any video player, including YouTube, Vimeo and Brightcove. Simple templates provide the platform for creating content. Integrate content or sell the space. Multipop also provides analytics which can be turned into improvements to the program without having to republish.
NIMxchange from Generation Technologies is fully cloud-based and provides news content management and distribution. Users pay as they go, with no hardware purchases or contracts required. NIMxchange targets station ownership groups, networks and news agencies. Professional quality video is delivered in the format needed and permissions-based architecture secures and protects copyrighted content. The service also provides automatic archiving.
Wow, that is only the first fourteen companies! We’ll cover twelve more in the next post. Exciting products from very creative people. SPROCKIT is located in the North Hall at the 2015 NAB Show.
