Content Discovery Platform

A Content Discovery Platform is an implemented software platform for consumers to search for television content online^[1] using recommender system tools such as recommendations or TV search engine. It can be used to deploy new services or enhance existing systems whilst powering EPGs.^[2]

A content discovery platform utilizes television and video on demand meta-data in order to discover appropriate content, whilst reducing ongoing maintenance and development costs. A Content Discovery Platform delivers personalized content to websites, mobile devices and set-top boxes. It consists of key individual modules based on a Relevance Engine social search that suggests appropriate content according to individual preferences. As operators compete to be the gateway to home entertainment, personalized television is a key service differentiator.^[3]

Methodology

In order to work with television related content, a search algorithm is used within a Content Discovery Platform to support traditional TV grid views, and also provide TV search results. Personalization and recommendation are tools that promote content effectively within a TV guide; these recommendations are either based on a single show, a set of shows, or a full user profile, and can be used to highlight scheduling, or video On demand, and pay television content within a TV guide. Bespoke analytical analysis can also be undertaken to understand specific requirements relating to user behaviour and activity.

A variety of algorithms can be used:

• Collaborative filtering of different users’ behaviour, preferences, and ratings
• Automatic content analysis and extraction of common patterns
• Social recommendations based on personal choices from other people^[4]

On the television set a Content Discovery Platform can be integrated with the network infrastructure and middleware, but does not sit on the Set-top box. By integrating with the network, the platform acts as a cloud computing solution. This means that the solution requires minimal integration, and there are no additional set-top box costs.

Evolving landscape

As the connected television landscape continues to evolve, search & recommendation are seen as having even more pivotal role in the discovery of content.^[5] With broadband connected devices, consumers are projected to have access to content from linear broadcast sources as well as internet television. Therefore there is a risk that the market could become fragmented, leaving it to the viewer to visit various locations and find what they want to watch in a way that is time-consuming and complicated for them. By using a search and recommendation engine, viewers are provided with a central ‘portal’ from which to discover content from a number of sources in just one location.

UK-based company TV Genius launched its 3 Screen Content Discovery Platform,^[6] in 2005 which provides a content search engine, and consumer recommendation tool.

References

1. ^ Spotting the Gorilla - the Content Discovery Challenge
2. ^ Portals and publishers vie for online TV supremacy
3. ^ Zenterio Integrates TV Genius Platform
4. ^ http://www.tvgenius.net/resources/white-papers/an-integrated-approach-to-tv-recommendations/
5. ^ The New Face of TV
6. ^ TV Genius 3 Screen Content Discovery Platform

External links

• Official site
• Better content and more innovation by TV Genius managing director Bob Eggington The Guardian article