German multiscreen software provider 3 Screen Solutions (3SS) and Netherlands-based artificial intelligence (AI) technology company Media Distillery have joined forces to launch a new AI-based end-to-end service for platform operators.
The solution features a combination of machine learning methodologies to recognise visual and audial aspects inside video, including faces, speech, topics, logos and text. This deep content understanding and indexing of what actually makes up an item of video content enables user searches with highly diverse and accurate results, according to the companies.
The platform combines Media Distillery’s technology with 3SS’ 3Ready front end and UI/UX solution, bringing the era of true personal TV a step closer. It makes it possible for viewers to enjoy their own virtual linear channel tailored to their individual preferences, comprising content from the operator or broadcaster, web, library, live, on-demand, catch-up, etc.
What differentiates Media Distillery’s AI technology is that it makes each item of content searchable by creating a broad range of metadata, with a depth and variety beyond that which is typically available using alternative solutions, according to the partners. The result is that the operator gets deep content understanding. Viewers can not only search for a programme by title, they can search by persons of interest, event or recommendations by topic.
The solution helps operators become better content aggregators because they can gain deeper understanding of the content they own or have rights to use, and will get a better understanding of all the possibilities to monetise it. It also enables the operator to execute next-generation advertising strategies, serving ad relevant to the viewer’s individual taste.
“While it may be easy to search for content, we all know it is not always easy to find it,” said Roland Sars, CEO of Media Distillery. “With our new joint solution with 3SS, viewers will get much more personal TV experiences, and finding their desired content will be quicker, easier and more intuitive.”
Kai-Christian Borchers, managing director of 3SS, added: “With its AI expertise and innovation, Media Distillery is redefining the potential of content aggregation; it transforms an operator’s ability to really harvest content to get maximum yield, benefitting revenues while enabling great, personalised experiences for subscribers. The TV of the future will be both simple and personal, and the combination of Media Distillery and 3Ready is making that future possible today.”
