Re: CTV finally gets around to streaming shows online in HD

On Mar 18, 12:54 am, "Brian Smith" <dcg_br...@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
"Taylor" <lukebenw...@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message

news:5f332509-4da9-4e96-a254-cdfd92156ce2@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx





from: mediacastermagazine.com

CTV Streams Online Content in HD

March 17, 2009

CTV will start streaming HD content, offering select titles through
its Internet video player in high-definition format in a test of
Akamai Technologies' AdaptiveEdge Streaming service.

"In response to the ever-growing demand for engaging online content,
we've made a strong commitment to delivering the highest quality video
streaming experience for our consumers," said Stephan Argent, CTV's
Vice-President, Digital Media. "Experimenting with Akamai AdaptiveEdge
Streaming will be an excellent learning initiative for us and is a
reflection of our ongoing efforts to evolve the user experience to a
new level."

CTV has worked with Akamai for years to deliver high quality online
video. This week, CTV says it will launching a pilot to showcase key
titles available online in true HD, via Akamai AdaptiveEdge Streaming,
in an effort to better understand audience reaction to higher-quality
content. The CTV HD Beta Player will allow fans of some of CTV's top
original shows to watch in clear, HD streaming video format while
enabling the broadcaster to solicit feedback from users.

Akamai AdaptiveEdge Streaming for Microsoft Silverlight adapts stream
quality based on a user's connection speed -- so consumers with high
bandwidth connections can experience true HD (720p+) quality streaming
while consumers with lower connection speeds can receive the highest-
quality video stream available for their levels of connectivity. At
the same time, media companies' online initiatives can benefit from
unprecedented network scalability and availability using distributed
HTTP-based Web servers across Akamai's globally-distributed network.
Akamai's unique combination of technology and network scale is
designed to enable consumers across the globe to enjoy a consistently
high-quality video experience with faster start-up times and less
buffering.

Since deploying the solution earlier this year, Akamai customers have
been delivering HD-quality video and significantly improved viewing
experiences. One of the immediate benefits many of these companies
have experienced is an increase in viewing times.

"With its new service, Akamai AdaptiveEdge Streaming for Microsoft
Silverlight, Akamai offers a scalable solution that brings true HD
(720p+) video experiences to consumers worldwide," said Eddie Amos,
general manager of the Developer Division at Microsoft Corp.
"AdaptiveEdge Streaming, powered by Smooth Streaming, an IIS Media
Services extension, brings a simple-to-manage approach to adaptive
streaming using HTTP-based Web servers."

According to Akamai data, during 2008, broadband penetration in Italy
grew by nearly 50 percent with 74 percent of Internet connections
connecting at speeds greater than 2 Mbps. Broadcasters like RAI can
take advantage of this adoption by delivering a high bitrate
experience to those users, while at the same time providing a
differentiated experience to users on varying connection speeds.

"We are delighted to be the first to offer our customers a solution
that fully integrates with the Microsoft IIS7 Smooth Streaming
technology," said Tim Napoleon, chief strategist, Digital Media at
Akamai. "This solution is the result of Akamai and Microsoft coming
together to help address the performance and quality issues associated
with the online video viewing experience, such as buffering and slow
start up times. We've received positive feedback from customers
including that they're seeing increased viewing times due to the
higher quality viewing experience."

If you're gonna knock a Canadian network for being in Dark Ages when it
comes to online streaming then go after Global. Those cheap and stupid
pricks have next to no content available and you can't even watch what they
do have full screen because the Asper's are too concerned about filling up
half the fucking screen with ads. I just wish they would go bankrupt. Did
you hear that bankers, etc. that are keeping them alive?!!!

Brian- Hide quoted text -

The Asper kids should feel humilated for what they did. Their daddy is
rolling in his grave at such a rapid pace, you'd think his coffin
would catch fire! Withering away a multi-*billion* dollar company down
to a $32 million in just a few years after his death must make them
ill.

===

CTV Becomes First Canadian Network to Offer High Definition Video
Online
Posted on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 - 03:13 PM

High definition streaming video is now just a click away for online
viewers across Canada. CTV.ca, Canada’s online destination for news,
sports and entertainment, is bringing high definition video to the
computer screens of Canadians with the launch of the CTV HD Beta
Player. CTV becomes the first Canadian network to deliver HD quality
content on the web.

The CTV HD Beta Player will allow fans of Canada’s #1 original comedy
CORNER GAS and hit CTV police drama FLASHPOINT to catch every minute
of action in clear, HD streaming video format from the comfort of
their home computer. MALAWI’S SONG, CTV’s first-ever, made-for-digital
production, will also be available for viewing on the HD Player. The
initiative is part of a beta program being conducted in connection
with industry leaders Microsoft and Akamai Technologies. In addition
to providing CTV and its partners with an opportunity to experiment
with HD technology online, the player will also be leveraged to
solicit feedback from users that can be used in the future development
of the player.

“Being the first Canadian network to offer high definition video
online is a reflection of our ongoing efforts to evolve the online
space,” said Stephan Argent, CTV’s Vice-President, Digital Media. “The
CTV HD Beta Player allows us to raise the bar even higher in our
commitment to delivering premium online content to Canadians on their
terms. Experimenting with this technology and incorporating the
valuable feedback we receive from our audience will be an excellent
learning initiative for us and provide us with significant insights as
to how HD video can enhance the overall user experience.”

The CTV HD Beta Player will run parallel with the industry-leading CTV
video player which, in combination with stellar programming and best-
of-breed technology, led to doubling video streams for Canada’s online
network throughout 2008, a reflection of Canadians’ growing appetite
for high quality online content.

The HD player will run on a new streaming video innovation called
Akamai AdaptiveEdge Streaming for Microsoft Silverlight, the latest in
streaming video technology to come from industry leaders Microsoft and
Akamai. This technology is different because it adapts stream quality
based on a user’s connection speed - so consumers with varying
bandwidth connections can experience HD quality streaming with instant
start-up times and no buffering. It will mark the first time the
technology is being used in Canada.

“We’re proud to support the CTV HD Beta Player and help CTV bring
stunning HD quality TV programs to Canadians.” said Mark Relph, Vice
President, Developer Tools and Platform, Microsoft Canada. “It’s
another demonstration of how Microsoft Silverlight is helping leading
Canadian companies deliver an unparalleled online viewing experience
to their users.”

Powered by Microsoft Internet Information Server (IIS) 7.0 Smooth
Streaming Technology, Microsoft Silverlight and Akamai’s AdaptiveEdge
Streaming for Microsoft Silverlight, this solution enables CTV to
deliver a high fidelity online viewing experience for the consumer
with instant start up times and no buffering.

“Akamai is pleased to be a part of this initiative to bring premium HD
programming to CTV.ca,” said Tim Napoleon, chief strategist, Digital
Media at Akamai. “We believe that Akamai AdaptiveEdge Streaming has
the potential to change the way consumers experience higher quality
video online. Showcasing these popular Canadian shows with adaptive
streaming is just another step in our long-standing relationship with
CTV as they push the envelope to bring viewers the most rewarding
viewing experience via the most advanced technology possible.”

The trial will run through the end of August and provide access to the
full seasons of both CORNER GAS and FLASHPOINT. The CTV HD Beta Player
can be viewed at:

http://hdbeta.ctv.ca/



- Show quoted text -

.