Channel 4

CH4 4 Delivers Video On-Demand

Entire story (PDF; 165 KB)

Overview

British TV broadcaster Channel 4, wanted to satisfy viewer demands to watch Channel 4’s programming whenever and however they wanted. To do this it needed the capability to deliver programming on-demand via the consumer’s PC. It chose VeriSign® Kontiki Broadband Delivery Service to be the first to market with a secure, on-demand download service, “4oD”. In so doing, Channel 4 has been able to further promote its reputation as a technology innovator in the broadcast world. Using the VeriSign Kontiki platform, 4oD is outperforming original business case projections, and creating new opportunities to develop additional revenue streams in the future.

Key Challenges

To satisfy viewer demands to watch Channel 4’s programming whenever and however they wanted.
To maintain consumer loyalty to Channel 4’s linear content.
To make Channel 4’s huge range of archived programmes—spanning 25 years of broadcasting history—available on-demand.
To develop an infrastructure capable of delivering programming on-demand.
To future-proof the channel in a fully digital world by allowing Channel 4 to diversify its revenue streams.

“Consumers are no longer willing to make an appointment to view a programme; they want to view it at their convenience from any device at any time. Consequently, Channel 4’s content delivery strategy is to be able to broadly deliver content to as many platforms and ultimately to as many viewers as possible. Whether that’s across broadcast digital television, PC via the Web, set-top boxes, or mobile phones, it is up to us to look for ways to deliver the content they desire, in a format that can be viewed whenever and wherever they want to watch it.”

                                                          Bob Harris
                                                          IT Strategy and Architecture
                                                          Channel 4

Solution

VeriSign® Kontiki Broadband Delivery Service

Results

Channel 4 was first to market with a secure, on-demand download service (4oD)—a project that took under nine months to launch.
4oD has helped maintain Channel 4’s reputation as a technology innovator.
VeriSign Kontiki has opened up further opportunities to develop new revenue streams.
4oD is exceeding expectations and is currently well ahead of business case projections.

Read entire story (PDF; 165 KB)