ZoneTV will utilize media logistics tools from Ooyala, plus Video Indexer from Microsoft Cognitive Services, to automate the curation of video content of a customizable suite of linear TV channels scheduled to launch this fall.
ZoneTV has licensed digital-first content that it will curate into specialized channels delivered to pay TV subscribers. For consumers, the channels will initially appear like any traditional linear channel. But ZoneTV's service allows consumers to combine linear, on-demand and customized choices into a new offering called ZoneTV Dynamic Channels. The company's ability to curate 6,000 hours of videos on the fly in the channels is intended to create a personalized experience for the consumer.
"We're building the next generation of pay TV services, so we need next-generation tools. With the combination of Ooyala's platform and Microsoft Cognitive Services, the ZoneTV Programming Studio delivers an unmatched capability to enhance the TV ecosystem and translates into a one-of-a-kind viewer experience," said Jeff Weber, CEO of ZoneTV.
Content discovery will be facilitated using the ZoneTV Programming Studio, which is integrated with Ooyala's Flex CMS and with Video Indexer, part of Microsoft Cognitive Services, to curate fine-tuned specialized channels.
The combination features algorithms to characterize content; the platform automatically extracts and analyzes metadata to identify video genre and content sentiment, pulls topics from speech and text, translates captions into multiple languages and integrates subscriber analytics. The algorithms are intended to reduce manual processes that can slow content curation and introduce errors in metadata translation and application.
"Ooyala puts a premium on collaboration, which is what our Integrated Video Platform solutions are all about. To be the bridge bringing Microsoft AI innovation to ZoneTV, an exciting North American programmer, is putting us at the center of reshaping TV for tomorrow," said Jonathan Huberman, CEO of Ooyala.
ZoneTV will utilize Ooyala's Flex Platform, the company's customizable solution for video production and distribution workflows, for its end-to-end video workflow for both new specialized channels and its VOD assets. Flex runs on Microsoft Azure Media Services and can transform assets into any format for distribution to any device with Ooyala's video platform; and it automates transcoding, packaging and syndication. Ooyala Flex workflow tool can be 100% cloud-hosted.
The collaboration features a workflow solution with both operational dashboards and creative dashboards for editing, content review and metadata entry.
"ZoneTV shows what Microsoft Cognitive Services can do for TV programming. By integrating their content with Microsoft Azure, they can leverage Azure Media Analytics and Ooyala Flex for automated content indexing, potentially driving more value for ZoneTV affiliates and subscribers," said Sudheer Sirivara, general manager, enterprise video at Microsoft.