StreamExchange launches The Video Player for iPads

StreamExchange wowed publishers at the Specialist Media Show with the timely launch of their online media player which enables multiple videos to be published to ipads and other handheld Apple devices. A real frustration for viewers browsing on iPads and iPhones is the message "this video can't be viewed in flash", which StreamExchange avoids by utilizing Apple's native H264 format. The StreamExchange picture quality on an iPad is stunning.

Unlike most app based video players (single video on demand players only) the StreamExchange Player lets you scroll through a picture-based playlist. Click on any of the pictures and it brings up the video, all within one interface, so no need to go back and forward from a list on another page.

With support for multiple formats, picture based playlist on one page, and stunning picture quality, StreamExchange delivers the most exciting user experience for media players on i-devices and online.

StreamExchange Launches Northamptonshire-TV

What a whirlwind the last few weeks have been launching a brand new Internet TV Channel to showcase the beautiful County of Northamptonshire.

The Launch of Northamptonshire TV on the LetYourselfGrow website has not been without hitch – namely the calling of a general election days before the planned launch date, which resulted in a month long enforced delay while the political process held sway. And whilst the politicians were still swaying, we finally went live. A very successful coalition between StreamExchange and the marketers at Northamptonshire Enterprise Ltd, who are delighted with their new marketing tool.

The StreamExchange production team have had the fun of drag racing at Santa Pod (torrential rain during the day we filmed didn’t dampen spirits), learning a Tudor Galliard with school children at Sulgrave Manor, climbing the ramparts at Rockingham Castle (we managed to avoid the dungeons!), surveying the world from the roof of Althorp House, and discussing life, the universe, and Princess Diana with Earl Spencer, all of which (and more) can be seen on the channel...

Destination Growth

Visiting EEDA's excellent Destination Growth Busines event yesterday, we were struck by the number of experts and entrepreneurs advocating innovation, especially in recessionary times, as the key to business success. Internet TV is nothing if not innovative, and definitely effective.

“Just as customer reviews became the online retail must-have in 2008 and 2009, interactive video is proving its worth and is set to take centre stage.”

• Sheila Dahlgren, senior director of marketing at Adobe Scene7, for Internet Retailing

“a fantastic communication tool. We are very excited to be able to broadcast media via the internet in such a user friendly and interactive format”

• Mark Overton, Arena Media Services

Have you heard the buzz? It’s interactive, it’s effective and achievable whatever the budget. Media savvy organisations are realising just how powerful a marketing and communications tool interactive video is.

Now organisations can enliven their web presence with a customised media player designed in the company’s livery to enhance their website and branded with their logo. Viewers can click straight through from the video to interactive surveys or e-commerce sites. It is also possible to replicate the branded player and its content on third party sites, further raising the company’s profile.

New figures out from M&S Direct show that since the launch of its online TV channel in April its online sales have been boosted by over 30%, and 90% on some products. Online retailer Ebags lifted its conversion rates by 50% among shoppers who pressed play, and as much as 139% for shoppers who watched the entire video – a powerful sales tool!

Add to that the option to charge for content (training films for example) through pay per view and subscription channels, the ability to stream live events, and it becomes an interesting tool for every organisation.

This doesn’t have to mean a lot of costly tv production. Sometimes the most simple videos can be most effective. But with the convergence of media and the use of set top boxes it is also an option to reach a wider audience watching on conventional tv’s and plasma screens.

StreamExchange Directors Fiona Ryder and Caroline Oldrey have over 20 years experience in digital media and television production and enjoyed meeting business delegates at the Destination Growth event to talk more about media streaming and the business solutions it offers.