Strategy > FINDING THE SIMPLICITY IN THE COMPLEXITY, PRIVATE VIDEO NETWORKS 101
Originally Posted: Jan. 2007
BACKGROUND
Private Video Networks (PVN) or Digital Signage Networks have become widespread over the past few years especially at retail. Major drivers for the fast pace adoption of this communication, branding, and advertising medium has been the convergence of market and technology factors including;
1. The widespread deployment of robust terrestrial and satellite private networks across many large organizations. It has become very efficient and cost effective to transmit large data, image, and video files using broadband distribution.
2. The cost of display technologies including Plasma and LCD screens has drastically gone down to the point that they have become a viable substitute for other traditional communication mediums such as printed signage.
3. Software to create, manage, and schedule content for a private video network has evolved to the point that an entire network can be managed by a small collaborative team from one central location using desktop computers and server technologies.
The emergence of PVNs has also taken root in mass transit systems (TTC Subway System), retail banking, and more recently in large workplace and office settings such as contact centers.
Private Video Networks (PVN)-Key Elements
A. Content Strategy / Content Creation- In the world of private video networks content is king. It is critical that businesses looking to deploy a network across their organization take the time to develop an overall communication and content strategy that will support key corporate objectives and complement other communication, branding, and promotional efforts. Once this has been solidified content must continually be developed or re-purposed with the strategy in mind, and with the goal of keeping the programming fresh and relevant over time.
B. Content Management and Scheduling - As you might expect, one of the most challenging aspects of implementing a private video network comes from the need to store and track huge amounts of creative files, messages, and data over time so that it can be programmed and then re-purposed and re-programmed at another time . In addition, the content needs to be scheduled for "narrowcast" on a daily basis. New software technologies make it possible for content Management and Scheduling specialist to manage client content programming efficiently and effectively in the same manner and with the same quality standards found on cable television. These new tools allow businesses to manage and schedule content from a central location and to enjoy the targeting flexibility to deploy content across an entire network, or to a specific region, location, and even to an individual display.
C. Media Content Distribution – A private video network leverages the speed, efficiency, and cost effectiveness of distributing media files across broadband terrestrial, satellite, and wireless networks. The development and deployment of a video network can either be deployed over a company's existing private wide-area-network or by establishing a new network system outside of an organizatoins’s WAN and firewall. Content and scheduling updates are usually affected during non-peak hours to minimize network related broadcast cost and not affect other network priorities.
D. Playback Systems-There is a wide assortment of playback options available today. Video playback systems can be single or multi-channel players that are generally IP addressable and receive, store, and play the content intended for a particular location. This offers maximum flexibility, control, and targeting opportunities. The playback technology selected is driven by the content strategy and therefore should be customized to a client’s unique communication, branding, and promotional needs.
E. Video System Design and Installation / Plasma and LCDs – The general public still associates a private video network by what they see. -the Plasma or LCD displays hanging on the walls, pillars, or from the ceiling. Manufacturers such as NEC, LG, Sharp, Panasonic, and Planar, are some of the leading suppliers of digital display technologies who are constantly investing in R&D to best adapt their technologies to the particular feature set requirements of PVNs. The final piece of the solution involves selecting experienced system integrators that will properly design and install the PVN system components within the varied business environments.
SUMMARY - For those of us living in the industry for a long time, much of these details are imprinted in our minds. That being said, my personal experience has revealed that this high-level overview really helps orient potential clients in a manner which allows them to move to the needs assessment phase with more confidence, and with a comfortable understanding of all of the major moving parts to be considered.
BACKGROUND
Private Video Networks (PVN) or Digital Signage Networks have become widespread over the past few years especially at retail. Major drivers for the fast pace adoption of this communication, branding, and advertising medium has been the convergence of market and technology factors including;
1. The widespread deployment of robust terrestrial and satellite private networks across many large organizations. It has become very efficient and cost effective to transmit large data, image, and video files using broadband distribution.
2. The cost of display technologies including Plasma and LCD screens has drastically gone down to the point that they have become a viable substitute for other traditional communication mediums such as printed signage.
3. Software to create, manage, and schedule content for a private video network has evolved to the point that an entire network can be managed by a small collaborative team from one central location using desktop computers and server technologies.
The emergence of PVNs has also taken root in mass transit systems (TTC Subway System), retail banking, and more recently in large workplace and office settings such as contact centers.
Private Video Networks (PVN)-Key Elements
A. Content Strategy / Content Creation- In the world of private video networks content is king. It is critical that businesses looking to deploy a network across their organization take the time to develop an overall communication and content strategy that will support key corporate objectives and complement other communication, branding, and promotional efforts. Once this has been solidified content must continually be developed or re-purposed with the strategy in mind, and with the goal of keeping the programming fresh and relevant over time.
B. Content Management and Scheduling - As you might expect, one of the most challenging aspects of implementing a private video network comes from the need to store and track huge amounts of creative files, messages, and data over time so that it can be programmed and then re-purposed and re-programmed at another time . In addition, the content needs to be scheduled for "narrowcast" on a daily basis. New software technologies make it possible for content Management and Scheduling specialist to manage client content programming efficiently and effectively in the same manner and with the same quality standards found on cable television. These new tools allow businesses to manage and schedule content from a central location and to enjoy the targeting flexibility to deploy content across an entire network, or to a specific region, location, and even to an individual display.
C. Media Content Distribution – A private video network leverages the speed, efficiency, and cost effectiveness of distributing media files across broadband terrestrial, satellite, and wireless networks. The development and deployment of a video network can either be deployed over a company's existing private wide-area-network or by establishing a new network system outside of an organizatoins’s WAN and firewall. Content and scheduling updates are usually affected during non-peak hours to minimize network related broadcast cost and not affect other network priorities.
D. Playback Systems-There is a wide assortment of playback options available today. Video playback systems can be single or multi-channel players that are generally IP addressable and receive, store, and play the content intended for a particular location. This offers maximum flexibility, control, and targeting opportunities. The playback technology selected is driven by the content strategy and therefore should be customized to a client’s unique communication, branding, and promotional needs.
E. Video System Design and Installation / Plasma and LCDs – The general public still associates a private video network by what they see. -the Plasma or LCD displays hanging on the walls, pillars, or from the ceiling. Manufacturers such as NEC, LG, Sharp, Panasonic, and Planar, are some of the leading suppliers of digital display technologies who are constantly investing in R&D to best adapt their technologies to the particular feature set requirements of PVNs. The final piece of the solution involves selecting experienced system integrators that will properly design and install the PVN system components within the varied business environments.
SUMMARY - For those of us living in the industry for a long time, much of these details are imprinted in our minds. That being said, my personal experience has revealed that this high-level overview really helps orient potential clients in a manner which allows them to move to the needs assessment phase with more confidence, and with a comfortable understanding of all of the major moving parts to be considered.