French digital news broadcaster
BFMTV has launched ‘Live Vertical’, claimed to be the world’s first in
converting standard TV streams into vertical frames that are better suited to viewing
content on smartphones.
Live Vertical presents a new
way of managing live production workflows. With the addition of a dedicated
stream, the traditional horizontal format of television is automatically
‘rezoned’ into a mobile-friendly vertical format.
Whenever BFMTV is viewed from a smartphone, the entire mobile screen will be occupied with content, regardless of device, brand or model. This improves on the standard approach which broadcasts a horizontal image into a vertical screen, which often makes it too small and difficult to watch.
Developed in conjunction between BFMTV’s parent company, Altice
France, and start-up Wildmoka, this
innovation also overcomes the mismatch between the fact that most smartphone
users naturally hold their devices in a vertical position, whereas TV content continues
to be broadcast for a horizontal screen.
The partnership between both organisations represents a shared ambition to innovate and improve the mobile user’s viewing experience.
Arthur Dreyfuss, CEO of Altice Média,
said: "Altice France is adding a
new dimension to the medium of television, with a unique user experience.
“This
innovation is the result of our historical and eternal desire to explore new
formats, to continue our investments, and to combine technical progress with editorial
quality to present ever more accurate information."