Streaming Forum Preview: Enhancing the Second Screen Experience with Video
For all the hype surrounding second-screen and companion apps, from an online video perspective, most of what's available today has been something of a disappointment. While there's no shortage of games, polls, sports stats, behind-the-scenes information, and social media interactivity, there's been a dearth of video content available for second-screen apps.
From one perspective, that makes sense: When people are watching shows and movies on their big screen, the argument goes, the last thing they want is to be distracted by video content on their tablets or smartphones. From another perspective, though, second-screen apps offer a golden opportunity for content creators and publishers to keep viewer engagement high by supplying supplemental video content that's not available anywhere else.
It's that perspective that will be explored at a session at Streaming Forum called "Enhancing the Second Screen Experience with Video," presented on Wednesday 19 June at 10:30 a.m. by Chris Knowlton, VP of product management at Wowza Media Systems. In fact, Knowlton argues, content providers now have a golden opportunity to "combine their existing streaming media capabilities with the provision of over-the-top content" designed especially for the smartphone and tablet screens. Knowlton will discuss the ways in which second-screen usage is changing, as well as the most common types of second-screen functionality, based on recent research.
As befitting a representative from a media server company, though, Knowlton will also discuss the convergence of streaming and OTT workflows, with an emphasis on how to add second-screen video to your existing workflow. He'll also discuss best practices, specifically "attractors" vs. "detractors" when it comes to creating a holistic experience that combines first and second screens for viewers.
The session is part of the Media & Entertainment and Video Infrastructure focus areas at Streaming Forum, which will be held at Park Plaza Victoria in London on 18-19 June. There's still plenty of time to register, so sign up today and bring your second screen-related questions next Tuesday.