Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ R&D's research goals – some definitions
Posted by Jon Page on , last updated
In September our Controller outlined Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ R&D’s and referred to how integral we are to realising the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ’s Internet future. He detailed how our IP Studio project has already demonstrated its capabilities as a role model for future media production, and hinted at the new types of experiences that we could deliver in a world where most content is produced and broadcast over IP.
We got to this point after four years of work investigating what broadcasting could mean in the Internet age. The creation of our prototype (see video above) gave us a backbone to a new broadcasting system for an IP environment. As IP Studio exists online it means that we can do different things with content. We can tailor it, make it interactive, responsive, have it change dynamically dependent on a user’s device, location or time constraints. In parallel with our IP Studio work we created a number of what we refer to as "New Content Experience" prototypes such as , , , and . Now at the beginning of our next phase of research we are upping the ante in this field as well as taking IP Studio’s development to the next level.
When the time is right we want the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ to be able to offer these new types of content experiences for audiences as part of its mainstream offering. But a world where broadcasting happens over the Internet throws up a variety of different questions and problems. As a result we have categorised our next round of research goals to look at these through five lenses. We might use these definitions in future posts so watch out for updates.
1. Defining new experiences that are genuinely new
Identify and develop new types of content, formats and use cases enabled by ubiquitous IP connectivity, rich data and new consumer devices. These will intend to greatly enrich the user’s experience and enjoyment of media, and create compelling motivations to consume Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ services online.
2. The means to make
Enable the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ to implement an IP-centred production system, based on IP Studio, that is capable of delivering new types of content experiences built to principles as well as supporting existing kinds of content.
3. The means to enjoy
Explore and define consumer-end capabilities and solutions for an IP-based broadcasting system (in our case IP Studio), that are needed to enable users to enjoy new experiences as intended.
4. The means to manage and use data effectively
Establish data capabilities and structures that are fit for a future Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ. This area will focus on content metadata, content publishing data and personal user data. It will explore the ethical use of that data to create new experiences for our audiences, leading to a scalable model that could form the basis for standards for the creative industries. It’s important to enforce here that personal user data protection is always considered!
5. The means to deliver
Investigate how content, old and new, can be delivered at scale over fixed and mobile IP environments to inform standards and the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ’s distribution capability. We have defined a five year research arc for each of these areas; of course, our plans will evolve as we make new discoveries and as technology and society move on. What we do know however is that Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ R&D will lead the way – as it always has – in an era where the internet will exist in every aspect of the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ.
Jon Page, Head of Operations, Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Research & Development