Verizon (NYSE: VZ) and AOL's media-focused IP transport wing, Verizon Digital Media Services (VDMS) is taking closer aim at the broadcast industry with its latest acquisition, Volicon, a video capture and archiving vendor. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
VDMS will use Volicon's technology to create a seamless transition service to take broadcast feeds and channels directly to cloud-based over-the-top delivery services.
The services Volicon provides will complement similar video workflow tools that VDMS uses now, including the ability to generate assets, clips and highlights from broadcasters' video footage. Volicon already has a significant presence in the television and video industry, which will help VDMS extend further into this market globally, Bob Toohey, VDMS president, said.
"Volicon's role as a trusted provider to more than 1,200 broadcast and video operators around the world, combined with deep expertise in video monitoring and analysis, will improve visibility, transparency, and quality of our clients content and ads over our global delivery footprint," said Toohey.
Shifting broadcast operations from a "big iron" environment to an IP-based, cloud infrastructure is an ongoing trend in the television industry, particularly as networks look to offer more over-the-top options to viewers as well as save money up front on operations. Providers like Imagine Communications have put together high-profile deals with the likes of Disney/ABC Television Group to provide similar services, as well as teaming with VDMS on content delivery for its clients.
However, VDMS has the additional challenge of bringing video to Verizon's mobile users through its Go90 OTT service. Volicon's assets could very well bring some added efficiencies to the service in the form of, for example, better-optimized video clips and social media sharing capabilities.
For more:
- see this B&C article
- see the release
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