IBC : OKAST And Broadpeak Join Forces To Launch FAST 2.0 Solution

Convinced by the relevance of the new FAST channel distribution mode, OKAST and Broadpeak have joined forces to offer the FAST 2.0 solution.

With more than 500 OTT platforms and premium FAST channels deployed, OKAST provides a modular cloud solution — OKAST Channels — including programing, playout, transcoding, distribution and advertising monetization services.

Broadpeak designs and develops video delivery components for content providers and network operators deploying video streaming services. The company’s advanced video API cloud platform, broadpeak.io, offers as-a-service solutions for dynamic ad insertion, linear virtual channel creation, and content personalization.

Together, the two companies say they are laying the foundations for FAST 2.0, a new generation of technology designed to accelerate the deployment and performance of FAST channels by addressing three critical issues:

• By coupling Broadpeak’s advanced Server-Side Ad Insertion (SSAI) solution, available on broadpeak.io SaaS, with a new version of channel programming solution, OKAST Channels, OKAST introduces a high level of personalization of channel content with AI and real-time adaptation of a channel’s programming. Personal channels are as close as possible to the end-user’s tastes, reinforcing their attractiveness and their advertising performance.
• Channel distribution to multiple ConnectedTV (CTV) platforms and applications, all with specific requirements, generates very high costs for publishers and high management complexity for channel editors. By introducing “variant channels”, the solution makes it possible to adapt the same video stream to the many different formats, cultures, and advertising rules of broadcast platforms, drastically reducing distribution costs and editorial management.
• Channel distribution to incumbent PayTV operators, thanks to the integration of Broadpeak’s Advanced CDN solution into OKAST Channels’ distribution tools. It is now possible to seamlessly integrate FAST channels into an operator’s offering, and reach a new, very large audience in addition to that of the usual CTV platforms.

The companies said the integration of OKAST Channels and broadpeak.io creates a new generation of FAST platform. The FAST 2.0 solution enables publishers to better monetize their inventory while differentiating themselves in a unique way. By strengthening audience engagement through segmented programming and leveraging distribution on operator networks, this new solution accelerates the transformation of FAST channel distribution.

This joint FAST 2.0 initiative is part of the strategy of the European FAST4EU consortium, created by OKAST, to develop a European ecosystem to address the FAST market.

OKAST is strengthening its ability to distribute European channels and content to the widest possible audience, so as to offer local audiences in each market content that resonates with their values and culture, highlighting the breadth and quality of European programming available.

OKAST and Broadpeak will be demonstrating the FAST 2.0 solution at IBC in Amsterdam Sept. 15-18.