As one of a few experienced multi-channel TV app (or channel) developers we have a unqiue perspective on the upcoming OTT (Over The Top) revolution.
In July, we started seeing an uptick in business inquries for assistance launching Roku channels for broadcasters, providers and operators, and networks.
Obviously we won't name them but take my word for it, they are LARGE customers serving millions.
Lately the trend has moved from Roku development to creating apps for all three major platforms. These include Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV.
I'd say this is validation the market is poised to explode!
Industry tracker Parks Associates released an article late last month stating:
"Parks Associates consumer research finds the majority (58%) of broadband households in the U.S. use at least one OTT video service on a monthly basis, while more than 25% of households use two or more services. "
Comcast isn't letting the trend go by them, earlier this year they rolled out a "skinny bundle", for $15 you get access to all major broadcast channels and HBO.
Initially they down played the service as a simple test. Now Fierce Cable reports "Comcast video chief Matthew Strauss told FierceCable that the company is conducting beta trials of its new streaming skinny bundle, dubbed Stream, in Boston. He also said that a broader launch of Stream is "imminent."
They go on to say "In July, Comcast said it would launch the $15-a-month Stream service in Boston "at the end of the summer." The company said it would then launch the service in Chicago and Seattle, "with plans to make it available everywhere in our footprint by early 2016."
Here is lofty perdiction we've been holding onto for some time, the cable companies will eventually morph into more of a utility service like power or gas, they'll provide broadband service.
If this is true, and the future is in OTT devices like Roku, Apple TV or Fire TV, the current playing field has been leveled for indepent broadcasters and networks to make huge gains in the television market utlizing their existing social or other presences.
Have 20M people visiting your site to view your content, now you can drive all 20M to watch your broadcasts on their TV with little to no worry about them having access. In the current market you'd have to strike deals with cable operators in multiple markets to have your broadcast channel available in their lineup.
Poof! -- That's all been changed.
Need to take advantage of this once in a lifetime market opportunity? Contact us right now.
Seriously.. don't wait, do it now.