DataBee, from Comcast Technology Solutions, launches new innovations for enhanced threat monitoring and zero trust implementation
PHILADELPHIA - June 10, 2024 - DataBee ™, from Comcast Technology Solutions (CTS), today announced new capabilities in its DataBee Hive™ security, risk and compliance data fabric platform. DataBee EntityViews™, powered by a patent-pending entity resolution technology, introduces automated detection chaining that improves threat hunting, security detection fidelity, and insider risk monitoring. An enhanced set of ZTNA and SSE controls compliance dashboards accelerate zero trust compliance and provide greater performance insight to help reduce an organization's risk.
“The DataBee security data fabric platform provides such a rich foundation for building out new capabilities and use cases, and innovations like DataBee EntityViews and our entity resolution technology are changing the game when it comes to threat hunting and insider threat monitoring,” said Nicole Bucala, Vice President and General Manager of DataBee. “I’m also thrilled to see how we’ve been able to leverage our Continuous Controls Monitoring capabilities into zero trust compliance dashboards that provide comparable visibility into any gaps in zero trust deployments.”
Zero trust network access (ZTNA) and security service edge (SSE) platforms have a rich reservoir of log data and insights into users, devices, and application activities that often go untapped for advanced security analytics.
To address this gap, DataBee provides connected data that works for everyone by weaving ZTNA and SSE solution logs with additional security sources and business insights. DataBee ‘connects the dots’ with DataBee EntityViews, powered by a patent-pending entity resolution technology. This innovation delivers increased security alert fidelity and actionability by using rich insights from zero-trust deployments without the need to manually correlate entities.
DataBee EntityViews automated detection chaining creates a ‘super alert’ to suggest immediate action to help organizations confront threats and reduce risk. This new capability helps companies dealing with “so many alerts, so little detections” not miss stealthy, slow, and low attacks. Low or medium-level alerts and activities from different systems can be woven together by DataBee’s fabric and enriched with signals from the transformed dataset to produce a meaningful alert timeline. These capabilities can be applied across a broad set of detection use cases and make user behavioral monitoring more comprehensive, improving threat hunting and insider risk monitoring.
Businesses can also use DataBee to accelerate their zero trust architecture (ZTA) journey with a new set of ZTNA and SSE controls compliance dashboards that can track the deployment of zero trust controls for key users, applications, and devices and continuously monitor that they are performing to desired standards. The insights provide a consistent and more accurate record of users and devices that access resources, and where and when those resources are being accessed.
DataBee will be demonstrating its new DataBee EntityViews capability and ZTA compliance dashboards at AWS re:Inforce, taking place from June 10-12 in Philadelphia. DataBee is a Gold sponsor. In conjunction with AWS re:Inforce, DataBee, AWS, and Accenture are hosting an event called Philly Above the Clouds on June 11 from 4:00-7:00 pm. This event will feature two panels including a CISO panel, “Innovation from Within”, and a technology panel, “Data at the Speed of Innovation”. Registration for the event can be found here.
For more information on DataBee EntityViews and the DataBee ZTA compliance dashboards:
Philly Above the Cloud: Cyber Executive Panel on Tuesday, June 11th
Threat Hunting with DataBee solutions page
Insider Threat Monitoring and Hunting with DataBee solutions page
DataBee and Zscaler Partner Solution Brief
Zscaler and DataBee Deployment Guide | Zscaler
About Comcast Technology Solutions
Comcast Technology Solutions, a division of one of the world’s leading media and technology companies, brings Comcast Corporation’s proven technologies to an evolving list of industries worldwide. We believe in continuous innovation, always looking for new and better ways to connect with our customers, as well as aggregate, distribute, and secure our own content, advertising, and data. We invest in and test these solutions, so you don’t have to — freeing you up to focus on accelerating your business, not your tech stack. Through our portfolio of solutions, we bring these innovations to the global marketplace, enabling our partners to think big, go beyond, and lead the way in media, technology, and cybersecurity. For more information, visit https://www.comcasttechnologysolutions.com or databee.buzz.
About Comcast Corporation
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.
Press contacts:
Mary Cosmides, Mary_cosmides@comcast.com, 267.207.5279
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January 28, 2016
NBCUniversal’s Seeso Powered by thePlatform
SEATTLE, WA – January 28, 2016 – thePlatform, the leading white-label video publishing company and part of Comcast Wholesale, today announced that it will partner with NBCUniversal’s Seeso, a new online streaming comedy channel from NBCUniversal Digital Enterprises. The subscription service debuted earlier this month.
Announced in 2015, Seeso will be a first-of-its-kind offering from NBCUniversal, providing comedy fans a premium, ad-free subscription service for $3.99 per month, across online streaming platforms, connected devices and other distribution partners. Seeso will feature exclusive, original series and stand-up from Dan Harmon, Upright Citizens Brigade, Cameron Esposito, Wyatt Cenac, and other comic illuminati, plus curated content including NBC Late Night Shows, “Monty Python’s Flying Circus,” “The Kids in the Hall,” the U.S. and U.K. versions of “The Office,” and more.
Specifically, Seeso will use thePlatform’s cloud-based mpx video publishing system to deliver on-demand and live streaming video services and commerce, providing centralized video uploads, easy workflow management, metadata management, subscriber management, transactions, viewing rights enforcement, and automated publishing across devices and video players. In addition, thePlatform worked with long-time technology partner Accedo, which created engaging user interfaces, and will provide customer care and support for the new online subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) service.
“We are very proud to play such a key role in bringing Seeso to fans’ screens across the U.S. and around the world,” said Michael Kurtzman, Vice President of Sales at thePlatform. “In the past year alone, thePlatform has helped major TV brands launch SVOD services across 25 countries. As this Seeso deployment shows, we can provide a robust online video solution that enables our content partners to focus their precious time on creating great content.”
Seeso will offer a variety of SVOD innovations, including an autoplay function, which provides immediate viewing satisfaction. Additionally, a hunt while you watch function will allow viewers to continue watching while they look for what to watch next; and a free-forever front porch, which will enable viewers to enjoy a subset of Seeso content – no credit card required – by entering only an email address. Additional information about Seeso is available at: www.Seeso.com. More information about thePlatform is available at www.thePlatform.com.
About thePlatform
thePlatform®, a part of Comcast Wholesale, is the TV industry’s leading video management and publishing company. Companies rely on thePlatform as their cloud-based, central hub for managing, monetizing, and distributing shows, movies, and other videos across any screen around the globe. Customers include: the majority of the top 50 most-watched cable programming networks, including AMC Networks, USA Network, History Channel, A+E, E!, Syfy, Travel Channel Media, and others; top broadcasters’ properties from CBS, FOX, NBCUniversal, CBC, Bell Media, Shaw Media, and others; the largest pay TV providers in the world, including Liberty Global, Comcast, Time Warner Cable, Cablevision, Cox, Rogers, BT, Telstra, and others; and OTT subscription services such as shomi, Stan, STARZ PLAY Arabia, Viaplay, and others. For more information: www.thePlatform.com.
All products, brands, and service names listed in this release remain property of their parent companies and do not indicate official support or endorsement for thePlatform or its products and services.
January 14, 2016
Comcast Wholesale Introduces New International IP Voice Termination Services
Denver, CO, January 14, 2016 – Comcast Wholesale, a leading provider of IP voice and data, broadcast and digital content distribution, recently added international IP voice termination to its portfolio of services for multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs), ILECs, CLECs and over-the-top (OTT) voice carriers. The new service gives operators the ability to take advantage of Comcast’s extensive network and scale to lower the costs of international calls and expand their footprint globally.
This service is the latest in Comcast Wholesale’s expanding solution set for MVPDs and voice providers. Comcast Wholesale began serving the industry with wholesale voice termination in 2012 and has since grown to more than 2.5 billion minutes of voice traffic per month for CLECs, ILECs, VoIP providers, international carriers and several of the largest MVPDs in North America.
Barry Tishgart, vice president at Comcast Wholesale notes, “We are excited to offer our wholesale voice customers high-quality international IP voice termination. The new service can help them expand their footprint overseas, increase efficiencies and navigate new technologies.”
Comcast Wholesale’s IP voice termination service uses the same network and is supported by the same resources that handle Comcast Cable’s own voice traffic. It is an ideal solution for carriers that originate their own traffic, such as MVPDs, many of which have already signed on to the new international service.
Comcast Wholesale will be available for meetings and to answer questions about international IP voice termination at PTC 2016.
About Comcast Wholesale
Comcast Wholesale, a division of Comcast Cable, is in the business of pioneering simple solutions for our customers. Our complete approach reduces the complexities of distribution through advanced network architecture, an extensive distribution footprint, continuous innovation of digital technologies, and optimized media management for a broad range of content. Scalable from small independents to global companies, our service portfolio creates a clear path to technologies that let you do more and do more simply. To find out how to simplify your world, go to www.comcastwholesale.com.
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Comcast, Comcast Wholesale and HITS and some other marks used here are trademarks or registered trademarks of Comcast. All other product or service names are the property of their respective owners.
September 28, 2015
thePlatform Named as Centralized Video Management System for STARZ PLAY Arabia
thePlatform’s Cloud-Based mpx System Supports Service in Middle East and North Africa
SEATTLE – September 29, 2015 – thePlatform, the leading white-label video publishing company and independent subsidiary of Comcast, today disclosed that it was selected by Parsifal Entertainment Group to provide the back-end video management and publishing system for STARZ PLAY Arabia. STARZ PLAY Arabia is the new, premium content, direct-to-consumer multiplatform subscription video service for select markets in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
STARZ PLAY Arabia has launched a premium video-on-demand service across the MENA region. The new service relies upon thePlatform’s cloud-based mpx video publishing system to support viewers across a variety of IP-connected devices. Technically, thePlatform’s mpx provides workflow management of video ingest; metadata management; subscriber management and viewing rights enforcement; automated publishing across devices and video players and sophisticated TV data feeds to power their web and app experiences.
“We’re fully committed to giving people a groundbreaking subscription video service leveraging STARZ PLAY Arabia’s incredible content library and brand,” said Saleem Bhatti, CIO of STARZ PLAY Arabia. “Part of that commitment means using a back-end system with proven scale and versatility, which is why we turned to thePlatform.”
“We’re extremely proud to have been selected to play such a key role for STARZ PLAY Arabia in these growing international markets,” said Marty Roberts, co-CEO, thePlatform. “The service offers subscribers a compelling new choice in premium video entertainment, and we’re confident that mpx will deliver the enterprise-grade reliability and capabilities required to support the service now and into the future.”
STARZ PLAY Arabia is available in markets including: Bahrain, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Algeria, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Palestine, and Tunisia. Additional information is available at www.starzplay.com .
Earlier this year, thePlatform disclosed it was powering subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) services in Australia for Stan, the joint venture between Nine Entertainment Co. and Fairfax Media Limited, and shomi in Canada, a joint venture owned equally by Rogers Communications and Shaw Communications. Recently, thePlatform was cited as one of the vendors that plays prominently in the online video platform market according a Forrester Research report entitled, Market Overview: Video Platforms for Digital Media Companies . The report outlines that online video has gone from an ancillary strategy to a critical growth opportunity, and noted that “thePlatform has the most support for pay-TV operators and TV programming networks.”
September 10, 2015
Comcast Wholesale’s Comprehensive Live Video Streaming Service Unveiled at IBC
Comcast Wholesale® Offers a Full Suite of Content Delivery and Video Management Services for Live Linear Streaming.
IBC Amsterdam, September 10, 2015 – Comcast Wholesale, a leading provider of broadcast and digital content distribution services, announced the launch of its Live Linear Streaming service today. The new platform combines traditional and online video streaming workflows into a turnkey solution as part of the Comcast Wholesale portfolio of services. This unified approach to online video distribution allows content owners to quickly and easily turn-up, manage and enable ad- or subscription-supported live, over-the-top, channel experiences seamlessly to any device.
Comcast Wholesale’s Live Linear Streaming service provides customers with an end-to-end solution for online video distribution. Our capabilities include seamless content ingest, comprehensive encoding and packaging, thePlatform’s mpx video management system, playback, and delivery via the Comcast content delivery network (CDN) or another CDN. Equipped with broadcast support, security and monetization features, Comcast Wholesale’s Live Linear Streaming service gives customers the flexibility to launch everything from a single over-the-top (OTT) simulcast stream to a total TV Everywhere experience.
“Comcast Wholesale brings together proven solutions and expertise across our organization to offer a complete approach to video management and distribution,” said Barry Tishgart, vice president, Comcast Wholesale. “Our turnkey capabilities help customers manage and deliver content in a reliable, secure way with more flexibility than ever before.”
The Comcast Wholesale Live Linear Streaming service enables customers to deliver both traditional and online video experiences across devices while improving performance, reliability and control. The flexible solution allows customers to purchase individual service components that easily tie into their existing streaming ecosystems. In addition, the service features live-to-VOD workflow and publishing that instantly cuts live feeds and publishes as VOD assets to the web, thereby speeding monetization opportunities.
To learn more about Comcast Wholesale’s Live Linear Streaming, visit here.
About Comcast Wholesale
Comcast Wholesale, a division of Comcast Cable, is in the business of pioneering simple solutions for our customers. Our complete approach reduces the complexities of distribution through advanced network architecture, an extensive distribution footprint, continuous innovation of digital technologies, and optimized media management for a broad range of content. Scalable from small independents to global companies, our service portfolio creates a clear path to technologies that let you do more and do more simply.
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Comcast, Comcast Wholesale and HITS and some other marks used here are trademarks or registered trademarks of Comcast. All other product or service names are the property of their respective owners.
September 02, 2015
thePlatform Selected by Cinedigm as Central Video Logistics System for OTT Subscription Networks
SEATTLE – September 3, 2015 – thePlatform, the leading white-label video publishing company and independent subsidiary of Comcast, today announced that it has been selected by Cinedigm (NASDAQ: CIDM), the leading distributor and aggregator of independent content, to provide back-end video services for its newest OTT subscription networks. Specifically, thePlatform’s mpx will support CONtv , a joint venture between Cinedigm and Wizard World, a leading producer of live pop culture multimedia conventions, providing multiplatform OTT services geared toward the Comic Con community, and the Dove Channel™, an upcoming family oriented video network from The Dove Foundation .
CONtv offers free-to-consumer, ad-supported streaming, as well as a premium subscription option for $6.99/month, featuring exclusive access to Comic Con events, panels, talent, and related content. The Dove Channel is a digital streaming subscription service, launching in fall 2015, targeted to families and kids seeking high quality and family friendly content approved by The Dove Foundation, best known for its film reviews, ratings and endorsements of family programming. Under today’s agreement, thePlatform’s mpx will serve as the cloud-based, central video publishing system for the digital networks, and support other video-related initiatives, for viewers on PCs, smartphones, tablets, and TVs, via Xbox, Roku, Apple iOS, Android, and Samsung devices.
“Cinedigm continues to propel the industry forward with robust digital entertainment networks, like ConTV and the Dove Channel,” said Marty Roberts, co-CEO of thePlatform. “As a testament to the speed, flexibility and scalability of our solution, we’re excited to play a key role in supporting Cinedigm’s video publishing efforts across some of its newest, multiplatform initiatives.”
“At Cinedigm, we’re committed to bringing broadcast-quality TV experiences to audiences, wherever and whenever they want to watch,” said Erick Opeka, EVP Digital Networks, Cinedigm. “thePlatform is globally recognized as a leading video management and publishing company for the TV industry, and its mpx system provides us with the ability to efficiently scale our existing and next-gen content distribution services across virtually any device.”
Spanning cult TV, sci-fi, horror and fantasy films, grindhouse classics, martial arts adventures, and more, CONtv’s extensive program offering includes: Voltron, Godzilla,Hellraiser, Blade of Kings, Legend of Zelda, Super Mario Bros, Stargate Infinity, Yu-Gi-Oh, Digimon, and others. Additionally, CONtv will debut original series throughout the remainder of the year, including the innovative horror/reality series, Fight of the Living Dead, with digital celebrities Joey Graceffa, Jesse and Jeana (PrankvsPrank), and Justine Ezarik (iJustine); Last Fan Standing, hosted by pop culture icon Bruce Campbell (The Evil Dead); and My Morphing Life, which follows actor and Wizard World regular Jason David Frank, the original Green Power Ranger.
The Dove Channel will feature newly acquired and original programming, as well as offerings from Cinedigm’s vast library of family-friendly, faith and kids’ content, includingVeggieTales, Fraggle Rock, The Adventures of Black Beauty, Swiss Family Robinson,Davey & Goliath, Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss, Where the Red Fern Grows, and more.
Additional information about Cinedigm is available at: http://www.cinedigm.com/ . More information about thePlatform is available at www.thePlatform.com.
About Cinedigm:
Cinedigm is a leading independent content distributor in the United States, with direct relationships with thousands of physical retail storefronts and digital platforms, including Wal-Mart, Target, iTunes, Netflix, and Amazon, as well as the national Video on Demand platform on cable television. The company’s library of films and TV episodes encompasses award-winning documentaries from Docurama Films®, next-gen Indies from Flatiron Film Company®, acclaimed independent films and festival picks through partnerships with the Sundance Institute and Tribeca Films and a wide range of content from brand name suppliers, including National Geographic, Discovery, Scholastic, NFL, Shout Factory, Hallmark, Jim Henson and more.
Additionally, given Cinedigm’s infrastructure, technology, content and distribution expertise, the Company has rapidly become a leader in the quickly evolving over-the-top digital network business. Cinedigm’s first channel, DOCURAMA, launched in May 2014, and is currently available on iOS, Roku, Xbox and Samsung, with additional platforms currently being rolled out. Cinedigm launched CONtv, a Comic Con branded channel in partnership with WIZARD WORLD, on March 3, 2015. The Company’s third OTT channel, DOVE ENTERTAINMENT CHANNEL, will be a digital streaming subscription service targeted to families and kids seeking high quality and family friendly content approved by Dove Foundation. Adding to Cinedigm’s diversified portfolio of digital networks , in early 2015 the Company announced an OTT partnership with TV4 Entertainment and the planned launch of the BRIGHT edu-tainment OTT channel.
Cinedigm™ and Cinedigm Digital Cinema Corp™ are trademarks of Cinedigm Corp. www.cinedigm.com. [CIDM-G]?
July 21, 2015
Comcast Wholesale Teams with Rovi to Deliver an Interactive Program Guide
Independent Cable Show, Boston, July 21, 2015—Comcast Wholesale, a leading provider of digital content distribution services, and Rovi, a leader in discovery and personalization digital entertainment technology solutions, announced today the deployment of the ROVI DTA Guide to Comcast Wholesale’s HITS customers. The Rovi DTA Guide is an interactive program guide specifically for digital terminal adapters (DTAs) for both SD and HD signals. Comcast Wholesale’s HITS service is an MPEG-2 HD and SD cable distribution platform used to deliver linear content to cable operators of all sizes.
“We are excited to offer this robust interactive program guide solution from Rovi to our HITS customers on the NAS conditional access platform,” said Leslie Russell, Vice President for Comcast Wholesale. “DTAs allow operators to save bandwidth by eliminating the majority of their analog feeds. The Rovi guide will further enhance the viewer experience and offer new content discovery opportunities to customers using DTAs.”
“The Rovi DTA Guide is a comprehensive and feature-rich solution specifically designed for subscribers accessing digital content on analog televisions,” said Sarah Gaeta, Rovi’s Vice President of Product Management. “We are confident that HITS customers will find value in the guide and greater satisfaction in their viewing experiences and content discovery.”
The Rovi DTA Guide extends the experience of digital cable to subscribers that use analog televisions. It provides the interactive program guide along with detailed program information and parental controls for both HD and SD formats. The Rovi DTA guide is compatible with multiple hardware vendors and supports various types of remote control units.
The National Authorization Service (NAS) from Comcast Wholesale provides an economical conditional access solution to receive, process, control, and distribute digital video, audio and data services. The affordable headend management service supports multiple widely deployed set-top boxes and DTAs. Combined with HITS, these platforms enable expansion opportunities through decreased bandwidth usage, making way for new product and service offerings.
About Rovi Corporation
Rovi is leading the way to a more personalized entertainment experience. The company’s pioneering guides, metadata and recommendations continue to drive program search and navigation on millions of devices across the globe. With a new generation of cloud-based discovery capabilities and emerging solutions for interactive advertising and audience analytics, Rovi is enabling premier brands worldwide to increase their reach, drive consumer satisfaction and create a better entertainment experience across multiple screens. Rovi holds over 5,000 issued or pending patents worldwide and is headquartered in Santa Clara, California. Discover more about Rovi at Rovicorp.com.
About Comcast Wholesale
Comcast Wholesale, a division of Comcast Cable, is in the business of pioneering simple solutions for our customers. Our complete approach reduces the complexities of distribution through advanced network architecture, an extensive distribution footprint, continuous innovation of digital technologies, and optimized media management for a broad range of content. Scalable from small independents to global companies, our service portfolio creates a clear path to technologies that let you do more and do more simply. To find out how to simplify your world, go to www.comcastwholesale.com.
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Comcast, Comcast Wholesale and HITS and some other marks used here are trademarks or registered trademarks of Comcast. All other product or service names are the property of their respective owners.
July 08, 2015
Comcast AdDelivery™ Launches a New Integrated Solution for Managing Television Viewership Promotions
Denver, CO, July 8, 2015 – Comcast AdDelivery, a Comcast Wholesale™ service, today announced an integrated promotional content management solution for cross-channel spots used by cable television networks and other content owners. The integrated solution provides a single platform for cable operators and multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs) to manage promotional content and national, regional or local media placements purchased by the content owner.
The integration of promotional spot delivery into Comcast AdDelivery’s platform features a comprehensive quality control solution that supports a wide variety of video and audio formats. Promotional content can be transcoded into the exact required receiver format, saving extra steps in the content management workflow.
The new promo workflow also integrates with Comcast AdDelivery’s ad management solutions. This results in unified delivery of “tune-in” TV spots and other promotional content into the traffic management systems used by TV networks, individual broadcast TV stations and cable operators. It allows content owners to direct and monitor the placement of cross-channel marketing materials that will be secured through purchasing ad avails on other TV networks or broadcast and cable outlets. The workflow also supports locally inserted promotional spots while using a single, automated and cloud-based workflow.
The workflow can be used to upload, store and track cross-channel spots and other promotional content that will be downloaded for tagging with local information, such as channel numbers or affiliate/distributors branding, and inserted onto a local ad avail. The fully-automated solution shortens the timeframe required for distributing viewership promotions from days to hours.
“Comcast Wholesale is committed to bringing simplified solutions to the distribution ecosystem that revolutionize and drive efficiency into an extremely complex marketplace,” said Todd Porch, Vice President Comcast Wholesale. “With cross-channel promotion becoming increasingly important for driving viewership, these enhancements serve as yet another example of how our innovation is keeping our customers at the forefront of the market.”
Capable of delivering tens of thousands of HD and SD ads per day, with orders often sent within less than two hours using Comcast’s 100G fiber backbone, Comcast AdDelivery currently provides ad distribution services for over 10,000 national, regional and local advertisers. Its footprint encompasses the vast majority of all U.S. broadcast and cable television channels as well as local broadcast television stations, local cable ad sales operations and other MVPDs, local radio stations and Web-based video content providers.
About Comcast AdDelivery
As part of the Comcast Wholesale portfolio of services, Comcast AdDelivery operates an automated video asset management solution that utilizes Comcast’s 100G fiber backbone for cost-effective, customizable and secure delivery of HD and SD television advertising spots to national, regional and local media destinations across the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. Comcast AdDelivery provides advertisers, agencies and post houses a fast, efficient and reliable method for managing and distributing video assets from postproduction to broadcast. More information may be found here.
About Comcast Wholesale
Comcast Wholesale, a wholly owned subsidiary of Comcast Cable, is in the business of pioneering simple solutions for our customers. Our complete approach takes the complexities out of distribution through advanced network architecture, an extensive distribution footprint, continuous innovation of digital technologies, and optimized media management for a broad range of content. Scalable from small independents to global companies, our service portfolio creates a clear path to technologies that let you do more and do more simply. To find out how to simplify your world, click here.
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Comcast, Comcast Wholesale and Comcast AdDelivery are trademarks or registered trademarks of Comcast. All other product or service names are the property of their respective owners.
Media Contact:
Andy Holdgate
720.270.1325
Holdgatepr@comcast.net
June 22, 2015
thePlatform Takes On Video Sourcing Challenge for Pay TV Providers
Announces general availability of Unified Ingest Service for set-top boxes and other devices
Capability, currently used to support more than 20 million pay TV subscribers, is now widely available to cable, telco, and satellite providers worldwide
SEATTLE – In today’s market, pay TV operators have little recourse when collecting all of the source videos and files necessary to support their channel packages, video-on-demand (VOD), and other video offerings. Existing options are complex and inefficient due to the siloed nature of legacy ingest systems. Today, thePlatform, the leading white-label video publishing company and independent subsidiary of Comcast, announced the availability of a dedicated, cloud-based Unified Ingest Service to centrally manage all of the video and related metadata files that operators want to publish to subscribers’ set-top boxes (STBs) and other IP-connected devices.
Historically, operators rely on disparate ingest systems for live broadcast video, VOD, IP video, and the associated metadata for shows and movies – making the entire process unnecessarily difficult, timely and costly. For example, copies of the same show or movie are often unnecessarily duplicated and processed. Richer descriptions of a particular show, which exist online to improve search engine optimization (SEO), do not make their way back into the traditional TV user interface (UI), guide data, or VOD descriptions, perpetuating a subpar search and discovery experience in the living room.
thePlatform’s new Unified Ingest Service provides a streamlined system that can manage direct feeds from satellite transmissions, traditional video pumps, operator-owned content delivery networks (CDNs), and external CDNs for online video sources. It provides the centralized back-end resource needed to better package, promote and sell video services. For the first time, this capability is available as a standalone service for pay TV operators, or as part of a broader suite of video publishing services powered by thePlatform’s mpx system.
“Pay TV providers want to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and set themselves up to deliver a richer TV experience to subscribers – which means getting things right from the start,” said Marty Roberts, co-CEO of thePlatform. “Right now, the act of collecting video and metadata is a real mess. We’ve invested in our Unified Ingest System to help operators tackle this issue and create a new foundation for innovation. In fact, we already provide this kind of functionality to support more than 20 million pay TV subscribers across STBs and other devices. So, we decided to productize it, and make it generally available to the broader cable, telco, and satellite TV provider community, starting today.”
Unified Ingest Service: Video Files & Metadata
The Unified Ingest Service enables pay TV providers to migrate easily to a secure, cloud-based system to centralize their own video and metadata intake efforts. Operators can use thePlatform’s advanced workflows in their transcoding farms and tailor uploads, use existing feeds to ingest video and metadata, set up Watch Folders to monitor ingested files automatically, and onboard massive video libraries quickly and easily. The Unified Ingest Service encompasses ingest of both video files and metadata.
Video file ingest provides greater simplicity for dealing with content providers and the versatility to shift more towards IP-delivery in the future. Specifically, it:
Supports the industry’s shift to terrestrial delivery and an emphasis on receiving one high definition mezzanine file that can then be modified for both traditional cable delivery (MPEG2/QAM) and IP delivery, along with closed-captioning versions and images;
Provides advanced workflows to get these files into all formats needed for legacy STBs, next-gen IP STBs, game consoles, tablets, smartphones, and more; and
Works seamlessly with thePlatform’s optional mpx Accelerate service – which enables customers to store high-quality mezzanine video files near their transcoding services, making them easily accessible and reducing the time required to transfer files for processing; rapidly convert files simultaneously to multiple formats, and delivers extra transcoding capacity that automatically scales when customers need it.
Metadata ingest centralizes and normalizes metadata from multiple sources. Specifically, these include:
TV listings and program descriptions from traditional metadata providers such as Gracenote, Rovi, Red Bee and others;
Episode and movie descriptions from both the TV VOD Asset Distribution Interface (ADI) ingest standard and online video sources; and
Complete cast and crew lists, and additional metadata, directly from networks and studios.
As many of these sources have their own unique IDs, the Unified Ingest Service supports multiple reference IDs, as well as file matching upon ingest. Since many of these metadata sources provide substantially large files, ingest adapters have been designed to parse these files efficiently. For both video files and metadata, the Unified Ingest Service also monitors and validates the ingest process and data fields in order to flag errors before content is passed into operators’ delivery systems.
thePlatform’s Unified Ingest Service provides pay TV providers with a foundation to leverage their existing infrastructure investments while migrating towards an all IP-based architecture. It is part of thePlatform’s continued focus to serve the TV industry’s multiscreen expansion. Indeed, thePlatform was recently cited in a Forrester Research report entitled, Market Overview: Video Platforms for Digital Media Companies . The report outlines that online video has gone from an ancillary strategy to a critical growth opportunity, and noted that “thePlatform has the most support for pay-TV operators and TV programming networks.”
About thePlatform
thePlatform® is the TV industry’s leading video management and publishing company. Companies rely on thePlatform as their cloud-based, central hub for managing, monetizing, and distributing shows, movies, and other videos across any screen around the globe. Customers include: the majority of the top 50 most-watched cable programming networks, including USA Network, History Channel, A+E, E!, Syfy, Travel Channel Media, and others; top broadcasters’ properties from CBS, FOX, NBCUniversal, CBC, Bell Media, Shaw Media, and others; the largest pay TV providers in the world, including Liberty Global, Comcast, Time Warner Cable, Cablevision, Cox, Rogers, BT, Telstra, and others; and OTT subscription services such as shomi, Stan, Viaplay, and others. Founded in 2001, thePlatform is an independent subsidiary of Comcast based in Seattle, with offices in New York, Washington DC, Toronto, London, and Sydney. For more information: www.thePlatform.com.
May 06, 2015
Co-CEO, Marty Roberts talks to FierceCable about TV Everywhere at INTX
thePlatform Co-CEO, Marty Roberts, talked with FierceCable’s Mike Dano yesterday at INTX about TV Everywhere:
The cable industry’s TV Everywhere business is finally starting to shed the awkwardness that hobbled its initial launch efforts, according to thePlatform’s co-CEO Marty Roberts. However, one major issue still needs to be ironed out: Exactly which ads will users see when they log into their TV Everywhere services?
“It’s unclear” how the advertising situation will play out in TV Everywhere, Roberts said here on the sidelines of the cable industry’s INTX trade show.
Roberts explained that, after several years of stops and starts, the TV Everywhere business has been largely built out by most cable companies. “It’s been evolving and getting better over time,” Roberts said. “Most TV Everywhere strategies have been worked out.”
To read the full article, head on over to FierceCable.com
March 31, 2015
thePlatform Tapped as Central Video Publishing System for shomi
Provides back-end video management for Canadian subscription video-on-demand service
Seattle, WA – thePlatform, the leading white-label video publishing company and independent subsidiary of Comcast, today announced that it is providing back-end video management services for shomi™, the new subscription video-on-demand service, launched in Canada late last year. shomi is a joint venture owned equally by Rogers Communications and Shaw Communications.
thePlatform’s cloud-based mpx video management system provides several back-end functions for shomi. Specifically, mpx provides easy workflow management of video ingest; metadata management; subscriber management and viewing rights enforcement; and automated publishing across device and video player profiles.
“shomi has raised the bar for multiscreen video entertainment for Canadian viewers,” said Marty Roberts, co-CEO of thePlatform. “By providing a scalable, flexible, and enterprise-grade video management system, we’re helping shomi provide its subscribers with access to their favorite shows and movies, on their device of choice.”
“We needed an experienced and reliable partner that would help us get up and running quickly,” said Dennis Kuzmar, Sr. Director, Technology, shomi. “thePlatform is renowned globally for its role in supporting video businesses and multiscreen video services, and they’ve been a great partner to help meet the evolving needs and aggressive production schedule of an SVOD start-up.”
The Canadian streaming service is available now in beta to Rogers and Shaw Internet or cable customers, while conversations continue with other BDUs. Subscribers can enjoy shomi online and on select tablets, mobile devices, set top boxes, and Xbox 360.shomi will also be coming soon to Chromecast. shomi features an all-star TV content lineup of Canadian exclusives, day-and-date releases of buzz-worthy series, and past-seasons of many of the hottest shows on television. Beyond TV binges, shomi offers hand-picked movie favorites and fun kids-and-family content.
thePlatform’s cloud-based mpx video management system provides management and publishing services for shomi.
More information about shomi is available at www.shomi.com.
March 31, 2015
thePlatform Selected as Central Video Management System for “Stan”: Australia’s Premier Subscription Video-on-Demand Service
Stan, the Joint Venture between Nine Entertainment Co. and Fairfax Media, taps thePlatform’s mpx to Power New Streaming Service
Seattle, WA – thePlatform, the leading white-label video publishing company and independent subsidiary of Comcast, today announced that it has been selected by Stan, the joint venture between Nine Entertainment Co. and Fairfax Media Limited, to provide back-end video services for Stan, Australia’s premier subscription video-on-demand service (SVOD).
Stan offers unlimited access to thousands of hours of entertainment, with first-run exclusives, award-winning TV shows, classic catalogue content, blockbuster movies and kids content for just $10 per month, with no lock-in contracts. Under today’s agreement, thePlatform’s cloud-based mpx video publishing system will manage Stan’s TV services to support viewers on PCs, smartphones, tablets, and TVs via Google’s Chromecast or Airplay via Apple TV. thePlatform’s mpx video management system provides several key functions for Stan. Specifically, mpx provides easy workflow management of metadata management; purchasing support through a payment gateway; subscriber management and viewing rights enforcement; and automated publishing across devices and video players.
“thePlatform has an impressive track record of managing large-scale video subscription services worldwide,” said Mike Sneesby, Chief Executive Officer of Stan. “mpx enables us to centralize our video publishing efforts and provide our subscribers with an abundance of world class content, on their device of choice, for just $10 per month.”
“Stan is changing the way Australians watch their favorite TV shows and movies, with unlimited access to a massive library of first-run and award-winning content, at an affordable price,” said Marty Roberts, co-CEO, thePlatform. “We are excited to help manage Stan’s TV services by providing efficient and scalable video publishing across PCs, smartphones, tablets, and connected TVs, with enterprise-grade reliability.”
Stan’s impressive line-up of content includes first-run rights to Better Call Saul, the highly anticipated prequel to Breaking Bad, as well as exclusive SVOD rights to all seasons of Breaking Bad. Other first-run shows include the Golden Globe-winning Transparent and critically acclaimed Mozart in the Jungle. Stan also has exclusiveSVOD rights to Roadshow’s blockbuster new release movies. Other content licensing agreements announced include Sony Pictures Television, MGM, CBS, Viacom International, BBC, ABC, and SBS.
thePlatform’s regional operations are based in Sydney, led by Regional Director, Matt Moran. The company focuses on serving pay TV operators, television networks, broadcasters, and OTT subscription providers. Additional regional customers of thePlatform include Telstra, SBS, Sky New Zealand, and others. Recently, thePlatform was cited as one of the vendors that plays prominently in the online video platform market according a new Forrester Research report entitled, Market Overview: Video Platforms for Digital Media Companies. The report outlines that online video has gone from an ancillary strategy to a critical growth opportunity, and noted that “thePlatform has the most support for pay-TV operators and TV programming networks.”
Additional information about Stan is available at: www.Stan.com.au.
September 23, 2014
Comcast AdDelivery Launches Solution for Inserting TV Ads Into Both Linear And Video On Demand TV Programming
Denver, CO
The Comcast Wholesale™ division of Comcast Cable has developed a new solution to support advertising placements into both linear and video on demand (VOD) television programming. Accomplished by integrating the workflows of its Comcast AdDelivery™ and VOD content aggregation and delivery platforms, the new solution allows advertisers, their agencies, and creative shops to manage cross-platform advertising campaigns running in prior episodes of TV series that may be viewed via VOD as well using a single cloud-based web portal.
“Providing a full service solution for digital ad insertion across both linear and on demand is a valuable improvement for television advertising,” said Matt McConnell, Senior Vice President and General Manager Comcast Wholesale. “This brings the advertising community closer to its vision for an ‘Advertising Everywhere’ ad management solution for reaching TV audiences across all TV and Internet-based platforms and markets.”
By combining the resources of its advertising and VOD delivery operations, Comcast Wholesale can provide advertisers with an integrated ad management solution that taps into one of the industry’s largest platforms for reaching viewers of linear and on demand television programming.
Comcast AdDelivery currently supports more than 10,000 advertisers, agencies and post houses and distributes spot TV advertising directly into the traffic management systems used by most national and local, cable and broadcast outlets in North America as well as media reached by global ad delivery platforms.
Comcast Wholesale’s VOD content delivery platform distributes more than 20,000 hours of on demand video programming per month for over 275 content providers, providing a wide range of VOD services from one central location including content acquisition, transcoding, editing and distribution. The platform combines automated workflows and remote management capabilities for accelerating the delivery of VOD to designated MVPD (multichannel video programming distributor) markets with a highly skilled technical support team that can support rigorous quality assurance objectives.
About Comcast AdDelivery
Comcast AdDelivery, part of the Comcast Wholesale division’s portfolio of services, operates an automated video asset management solution that utilizes Comcast’s 100G fiber backbone for cost-effective, customizable and secure delivery of HD and SD television advertising spots. Comcast AdDelivery provides advertisers, agencies and post houses a fast, efficient and reliable method for managing and distributing video assets from postproduction to broadcast with distribution to national, regional and local media destinations across the U.S. More information may be found here.
About Comcast Wholesale
A division of Comcast, the Comcast Wholesale unit offers third party businesses access to services and technologies developed and proven by an industry leader, including Comcast AdDelivery and HITS® (Headend in the Sky). From content distribution and media management, to advertising delivery and IP services, the Comcast Wholesale services portfolio helps businesses launch new products and remain competitive through lower up-front investment, improved efficiency and faster time to market. More information about the range of Comcast Wholesale services may be found here.
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Comcast, Comcast Wholesale and Comcast AdDelivery are trademarks or registered trademarks of Comcast. All other product or service names are the property of their respective owners.
Comcast Wholesale:
Andy Holdgate
720.270.1325
Holdgatepr@comcast.net