Broadcast News

Bookmark and Share
18/07/2016

PROVYS: OTT Rights. All Right.

News Image
"Why should I read this article?" you are probably asking yourself when seeing this tedious theme of licensing and rights, writes Martin Junek, PROVYS.

Well, in our industry, this subject is gaining more and more attention and it may appear on your desk as it directly influences financial health of your organisation.

Although revenue flows still dominate in mainstream classic linear television, broadcasters have already started arming their operations with new OTT (Over The Top) platforms to keep the younger generations of viewers hooked. In the last issue, we explained some of the management aspects of launching and operating these non-linear content delivery channels. There are still rather low revenues from this area and so broadcasters cannot justify generous staffing or heavy capital investment. They rather need a clever software which would bring in two basic functions: automatic (or at least semi-automatic) planning of the content publishing, and the management of more and more complex rights to put the content on air or on line.

Management of rights is more than a simple but important functionality as it also involves serious responsibilities and risks with regard to how the rights are described in the system and consequently, how, when and where the content is released. When broadcasters acquire any rights (for linear and non-linear delivery), it is highly advantageous if all those rights are effortlessly registered, described and monitored within the same information system (no names mentioned).

At the moment, there are five basic parameters, which we call dimensions, and which form the management framework. These dimensions are: distribution mode, platform, language, territory, and period; and they all have their own sub-parameters. In order to navigate through this multi-dimensional jungle, the system can use tabs to easily switch from view to view, or a customised screen can be created to efficiently access all necessary dimensions and their sub-parameters. Such a window is pictured here as a simple printscreen titled "Purchased Licence Detail".

In the example shown here in the tab "VOD Rights Properties", the complex hierarchy of the period dimension is illustrated. For "inclusive rights", which are derived from linear rights, different platforms exist such as SVOD Preview, SVOD Catch-up, etc., with each requiring an extended set of period parameters to ensure all combinations are accurately described. Among these parameters are: period after first episode, period after last episode, maximum number of offered episodes, exceeding licence period allowed, period blocking, reprises included, all runs included, etc., etc. Different platforms can be added as necessary, reflecting the exact requirements of each particular right held. The same flexibility applies to distribution mode, territory and language, with a comprehensive set of sub-parameters for each.

Arising from years of practical experience, many other sophisticated functionalities have been incorporated in the system, particularly financial control. The principal concern in this field is the question of SVOD subscription management, payments to rights holders, and amortisation of each and every right acquired. Amortisation includes accurate recording of the initial cost of every single right followed by the amortisation to-date, the current value and the expiry date for usage of the right. Different amortisation profiles are assigned to particular content and depreciated automatically.

"We have developed hundreds of other important features to keep broadcasters' health robust. Wellness in broadcasting operations is our ultimate objective," says Magdalena Bernhardova, OTT Expert at Provys.

Image: Screen of a licence detail.

www.provys.com

This article is also available to read at BFV online here, page 10.

(JP/LM)
Solidmate Ltd Memory Card Hire London

Top Related Stories
Click here for the latest broadcast news stories.

19/04/2023
Studio Immersive Acquires PMC Monitoring System
Studio Immersive is attracting projects from many top artists, record labels and production companies thanks to its combination of excellent acoustics
22/09/2023
DoPchoice Snapbags®, Snapgrids® & Snapbox® Snoot Ready For ARRI SkyPanel X System
Just as ARRI's SkyPanel X releases, DoPchoice is ready with their popular range of light control accessories. By incorporating the RABBIT EARS® mounti
21/09/2023
Major Deployment Of AEQ Intercom System At GAMERGY MEXICO 2023
Mexico is a very important market for video games worldwide, and once again the most important event will be held in 2023 with the second edition of G
19/09/2023
Desmet Studios Upgrades Its Intercom System To An RTS Solution
Desmet Studios has upgraded its intercom system to an RTS solution based around an ODIN OMNEO digital intercom matrix working in tandem with KP-Series
21/03/2024
Riedel's RefCam Referee Camera System Debuts In German Bundesliga
Riedel Communications' RefCam referee camera system made its German Bundesliga debut in a recent match between Eintracht Frankfurt and VfL Wolfsburg,
27/03/2017
Vimond Media Solutions Announces Improved Workflow For Rights Manager
Vimond Media Solutions has announced the launch of an improved version of the Rights Manager module at NAB 2017. The solution has been developed in cl
13/03/2023
MwareTV Offers Complete Content Management And Delivery Service
MwareTV has joined in partnership with a US content provider to deliver a complete one-stop service for ISPs, multi-dwelling organisations and more in
25/03/2024
RDK Management Joins Wiresless Broadband Alliance
RDK Management (RDK) has joined the Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) and that the two organisations’ members plan to collaborate on industry-wide ini
19/07/2013
Pilat Media's IBMS Multiplatform Enhancements
At IBC2013, Pilat Media will demonstrate the latest enhancements to its flagship Integrated Broadcast Management System (IBMS), the industry's most co
20/02/2023
Agile Content Unveils 2022 Year-End Forecast
Agile Content, a listed company and provider of Internet TV and broadcast solutions, has released its 2022 year-end forecast, maintaining its position
08/12/2017
Banijay Rights Selects Blue Lucy Solution
Blue Lucy has revealed that its Blue Lucy Asset Manager (BLAM) has been chosen by Banijay rights to manage their content catalogue of over 250,000 tit
23/03/2009
Digital Rights Group Wins Rights To Sell Me The Answer
Leading multiplatform distributor Digital Rights Group (DRG) has announced that it has fought off tough competition to win the format distribution rig
14/06/2016
PROVYS. Way Over The Top.
Readers of this magazine will recall the March issue describing how Provys, the leading designer of broadcast management software, had given rise to a
27/03/2024
Arrow Media Targets Story-Telling With Limecraft Online Content Management
Arrow Media, an award-winning producer of documentary, factual and non-scripted content, creates high quality programming covering a wide range of sub
05/01/2024
Astera Establishes New Product Management Dept
Astera has established a new Product Management Department as part of its ongoing commitment to enhancing product development and customer satisfactio