Public Funding for Bafta Media Technology Limited

Awaiting Public Summary

ContentSlate allows users to create and embed ‘slate’ information in digital moving image content. There is a long tradition within production and B2B contribution of providing ‘slate’ information at the start of filmed or edited media. For example, the title, running length, releasing organization and detail of the specific instance might be included. This ‘slate’ information is placed at the front of all B2B media exchanged between producers, broadcasters, post production facilities, their clients and other professional film and video organizations worldwide. In the digital domain, this has been replicated without change – no advantage is taken of digital possibilities, and unwanted legacy from audiovisual tape is too often preserved. The ContentSlate project will create a digital-savvy visual ‘slate’ and embed metadata for machine discovery at the same time, suitable for the media asset’s digital existence. The ContentSlate project provides a much-needed industry utility, and during the ‘proof of market’ project the commercial ‘hotspots’ for adoption and application will be explored and validated

The VQ-INDEX project creates a decision-support toolset, measuring and reporting impact of visual quality for video. Internet traffic is comprised over 50% of video. However it is likely that over 20% of current traffic is wasted (i.e. equal or better quality could be produced using 20% less payload). As streaming methods migrate to newly-standardised MPEG-DASH, which supports 'observation events' and a back channel for data, it is possible to track viewer behavior relative to visual quality, assessing impact. The VQ-INDEX project creates a quality signature for original media, analyses the quality of media distributed to users, and contrasts this with user behavior (e.g. stream abandonment, fast forward, skip) enabling content owners to assess performance.

The REQUAL1 project creates a mechanism to continuously refresh and provide REnewable QUALity for distributed video. It creates a new service allowing rights holders of moving images to maintain the highest quality digital masters in the cloud, and to re-generate distributed content as networks, displays, delivery platforms and codec standards evolve over time. This has the benefit of delivering the highest possible quality of visual experience to viewers, maximising the value and earnings of licensed media. Project results will be implemented in the future within BAFTA’s revenue-facing business unit, BAFTA Archive Research, for commercial availability. The core strength of the BAFTA service is media coding excellence, which in turn impacts the quality of viewing experience along with the economics of distribution. In providing the optimal ‘bang per bit’ to the viewing experience, and the opportunity for content owners to manage an integrated yet open supply chain, the REQUAL project secures renewable quality for video, driving revenues to creative producers and media rights holders.

Awaiting Public Summary