VisualOn, a leading multimedia software company, recently unveiled its industry-first AI-based universal content adaptive encoding solution, the VisualOn Optimizer, at the International Broadcasting Convention (IBC) 2023. The Optimizer has already shown promising results, achieving an over 40% average speed rate reduction while maintaining video quality.
Known for providing premier media player software to top streaming companies like Amazon, Verizon, Telefonica, and Virgin Media, VisualOn continues to push the envelope. The firm has offices across the globe, including locations in China, Japan, and South Korea.
The new product employs efficient AI models to adaptively analyse and configure encoders in real-time. Yang Cai, CEO of VisualOn, elaborated on its capabilities, stating, “Optimizer uses efficient AI models to analyse the content before or in parallel with the encoder, configuring in real-time to achieve optimal results.”
Pilot testing with customers, such as Intigral—the media and advertising arm of Saudi Telecom—revealed substantial improvements in key performance indicators (KPIs) like start-up time and buffering ratio, besides the significant speed rate reduction.
“We’re not just stopping at the encoding process. On the player side, we’re also introducing features like ultra-low latency and multiscreen functionalities. These are tightly integrated with an analytic solution to help service providers better understand viewer experiences,” added Cai.
One of the standout aspects of the VisualOn Optimizer is its universality. It is designed to be encoder-agnostic, working with any compression standard and both VOD (Video On Demand) and live streams. It can be easily integrated into customer workflows without requiring additional hardware or changes to existing components.
Cai stressed the importance of this innovation, “This product can significantly reduce operating expenses for streaming OTT services, which is crucial as they are still struggling to turn a profit. We see the Optimizer as a game-changing technology in an industry that is rapidly embracing OTT streaming and exploring new business models like Free Ad-Supported Television (FAST).”
Moreover, the company also introduced the Remote Lab, an innovative product allowing customers to remotely test and debug issues.
As the streaming industry grapples with increased demand but also increasing operational costs, solutions like the VisualOn Optimizer offer a lifeline. Not only does it improve efficiency but it also opens avenues for creative processes to leverage AI, according to Cai. “People are going to do more and more in addition to broadcast; they’re going to do OTT streaming. Optimizer is one of the new, exciting technologies that will help the industry a lot.”
For an industry in constant flux, continually looking for ways to improve profitability without sacrificing quality, the VisualOn Optimizer appears to offer a promising pathway forward.