How does Move Networks stream television with such high quality?

Two key factors differentiate Move Networks from other streaming solutions and make it possible for us to deliver Internet television with the highest quality on the Web. First, our encoding process involves a step that divides video files into small segments we call “streamlets” and creates several copies of each streamlet. Each copy is encoded with a different bit rate, creating a whole range of quality possible for each streamlet. With different quality versions available, Move is able to adapt the quality of television streams to available bandwidth (more on adaptive streaming below).

Second, Move’s streaming architecture relies on standard HTTP Web servers to store the streamlets after they are encoded, but the server is not the brain that controls the video stream. A tiny plugin located at the client is the brain of the stream, and as viewers watch a television show on their computer, the client automatically recognizes the bandwidth available on their system and requests the highest-quality streamlets to match available bandwidth. As bandwidth varies, the intelligent client requests streamlets of higher or lower quality, as necessary. This adaptive streaming was developed internally by Move Networks. Because of adaptive streaming, Move Networks-delivered television starts quickly, displays the highest-quality images possible for each unique viewer, and never buffers.

Why would a publisher choose Move Networks over Flash or a company that streams video using Flash?

Media broadcasters with well-developed business strategies for publishing their premium television content online look for a streaming solution that delivers large audiences, long viewing times, and a sustainable economic model. Many publishers want to stream live events that draw hundreds of thousands of viewers, and they need a streaming solution that scales to the masses while maintaining high quality. Move Networks is the most logical solution for publishing Internet television because we offer the highest quality, significantly longer viewing times than Flash, and more accurate reporting than any other streaming provider.

Further, Move video playout can be easily integrated into a Flash player environment; Move has a robust set of APIs that allow Flash developers to work easily with Move Adaptive Stream protocol. As elements of Move’s end-to-end publishing solution, these factors mean greater monetization for media publishers.

What is Move Networks’ encoding process?

In the first step for preparing television content for streaming, Move Networks divides video into segments called “streamlets” and encodes them using a single process for multiple bandwidths (dial-up, broadband, wireless) and platforms (computer, television, cell phone). A dual-pass variable bit rate encode is used on both live and on-demand streams, preparing video images with sharp, HD quality. See Move Simulcode to read more.

How can Move Networks deliver Internet television that does not buffer?

Move’s unique adaptive streaming technology prevents our Internet television from buffering.

Think about why a video buffers: a greater amount of data is sent than available bandwidth can transfer. With Move Networks’ adaptive streaming, the intelligent client recognizes when bandwidth availability lessens and automatically downshifts video quality to a level the bandwidth can handle. When bandwidth increases again, the client automatically upshifts the video quality again. At all times during a video stream, Move Media Player displays the best-possible quality for a viewer’s available bandwidth.

What codecs does Move Networks rely on?

Move Networks uses On2’s VP6/VP7. In the future we will also support other standard codecs. Our modular architecture allows us to provide future support for codecs like VC-1 and H.264. Move’s goal will always be to align our technologies with the demands and needs of our publishers and programmers.

Does Move Networks support overlay technologies?

Yes, Move Networks supports overlay technologies, including Move overlays, Flash overlays, and more.

How does Move Networks work with consumer or mobile devices?

Move’s patented adaptive streaming enables content providers to easily encode and deliver to any device the highest quality video content that the device can handle. Devices range from large screen, IP-enabled televisions to mobile Internet devices and cellular phones. Move’s encoding technology is unique in that it enables publishers to “encode once, stream anywhere.” This includes streaming to any device—no matter the screen size or platform.

How can Move Networks report on every viewer and every viewing experience?

Move Networks’ media player is a tiny browser plugin viewers acquire through a quick download. Because each viewer must have the plugin installed in order to watch television on Move Media Player, Move Networks is able to gather important viewership statistics for every single viewer and viewing experience. The Move plugin records what shows are watched, exactly how long viewers spend watching during each viewing session, the location and time of day of viewing, and much more. Detailed, accurate, 1:1 reporting from Move Networks gives publishers business intelligence for monetizing their Internet television business.

What economic model does Move Networks offer media publishers?

Move Networks supports any economic model a publisher chooses, whether ad-based, subscription-based, or other. Regardless of the model a publisher chooses, Move Networks exists to make it succeed. Move Networks’ high-quality delivery always attracts the largest audiences on the Web, helping publishers monetize their Internet television offerings through higher ad revenues or increased subscriptions. Our unique streaming architecture is less expensive than other solutions, and our pricing continues to move toward zero marginal costs.

What have Move Networks’ customers, partners, and industry analysts said about their experiences working with Move?

“ABC views Move Networks as a fantastic partner that has allowed us to advance Internet television to where we are today. We are very grateful.” Skarpi Hedinsson, ABC

“When I first saw Move, I had never seen full screen look that good. Because Move’s technology has made consumers watch online, everyone’s confident now that Internet television will work. Move can make it work in the best way.” Shelly Palmer, Media Consultant

“Move offers a unique and obvious quality advantage compared to other video delivery options. The best brands with the best content want full control of their experience and their advertising relationships. The Move platform is the only choice on the market that optimizes this strategic imperative.” Bill Gurley, Benchmark Capital

“The Move Networks stuff really works.” R. Scott Raynovich, Contentinople