The new solution works with HTML5, Flash and native application protocols to bring seamless live mobile viewing experience to Scripps’ nine TV markets.
Scripps Intros Live Streaming To Mobile
The E.W. Scripps Co. is deploying technology in all nine of its television markets that will allow its stations to deliver live video programming to virtually any mobile device.
“When it comes to delivering news and information, we already own live coverage on television and the Web. That’s what our audiences have come to expect of us. This move brings that level of commitment to the exploding smartphone and tablet consumer space,” said Adam Symson, vice president of interactive for the Scripps television division. “We’ll now close the gap and aggressively deliver live continuous coverage to the massive and growing on-the-go audience.”
The new platform — from EndPlay Inc. — works very simply. A user opens the mobile app of his or her favorite Scripps station. When circumstances warrant — such as periods of breaking news or severe weather — the app’s on-screen display will prompt users to view streaming content. Clicking on the prompt will open a live media player that may be a simulcast of the station’s on-air content or may be coverage that is unique to that stream. Users will also be notified of a live streaming event using push notifications as well as SMS and email alerts.
The new technology becomes available in September (check the local apps for each market’s debut) and will be accessible on devices with the Apple operating system (iPhones and iPads), the Android operating system (smartphones and tablets) select Blackberry devices, and via a mobile Web browser.
EndPlay’s mobile live streaming solution sues Intelligent Rendering technology to recognize specific device details such as the operating system to optimize the experience for each individual user. Working with HTML5, Flash, native device players and other appropriate protocols, the new solution delivers live streaming video regardless of form factor to nearly any smartphone or tablet.
Each market-specific application will also feature opt-in text and in-app mobile alerts, prompting users to tune in to a live stream for special content, such as severe weather warnings or breaking news. At launch, the solution will support Apple iOS, Android OS and BlackBerry OS smartphone and tablet devices.
BRAND CONNECTIONS
The markets included in this pioneering launch are:
- Detroit — WXYZ
- Phoenix — KNXV
- Tampa, Fla. — WFTS
- Cleveland — WEWS
- Baltimore — WMAR
- Kansas City, Mo. — KSHB
- Cincinnati — WCPO
- West Palm Beach, Fla. — WPTV
- Tulsa, Okla. — KJRH
While the app may sometimes feature a simulcast of the core news programming being transmitted by the station’s broadcast tower, the group will look to this technology to build out unique live content offerings designed specifically for the mobile audience.
“We weren’t content to follow the crowd and wait to see what others might do in the mobile space,” continued Symson. “Our live streaming functionality is an example of an entrepreneurial local station group leading the way to push our programming to wherever the audience is in a way that’s most convenient for the viewers. This isn’t a novelty for Scripps; it’s the core of what we do — we’re just devising new ways to do it.”
The stations’ live streaming content is the latest effort by Scripps to expand its capabilities in mobile content delivery. The company helped form Pearl Mobile DTV, which establishes the standards for mobile broadcasting using over-the-air towers to deliver a signal to specially equipped devices.
Comments (2)
Tony Alexander says:
September 8, 2011 at 4:06 pm
But, is this available out of market? As an example, I live in Cleveland and I sign up for the WEWS service, but I travel to Los Angeles every week. Can I get the WEWS service in LA? If not, this is another example of a broadcaster not really getting the IP functionality. IP has no bearing on a local market.
len Kubas says:
September 8, 2011 at 4:38 pm
you must be confused, not Scripps. IP, it seems to me, works just about anywhere, including, one has no doubt, Los Angeles. Of course, they don’t have the rights to present much (non-local content) out of their market. So, you won’t be able to watch Jerry Springer from WEWS when you’re in LA. But, one suspects that syndicated and network programming is available in Los Angeles and other markets. You see, they have these mythical entities called “television stations” and they transmit their signals — almost magically — over the air, for free, with no need for IP, UDP, or “protocol stacks.”