Information is the key
Updated June 10, 2019

Information is the key

Anonymous | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User

Software Version

Other

Overall Satisfaction with IBM Watson Media's Video Streaming

I think they should focus on a specific area in the broadcasting of videos, which is the live part. As Facebook and Youtube are introducing their live recordings/videos, Ustream should focus on it and become the "best in town" for live broadcasting. One of the most appreciated features is the easiness of use of its app and the connection to the regular channel.
I have used other platforms in the past and I must admit that Ustream is not the most straightforward. In addition I have experienced connection issues (still to be verified if only linked to my corporate internet connection). The channel menu is a little overwhelming and packed with options organised in a way that does not match my point of view.
Ustream is used by one of our clients in order to share video and broadcast their live events. Ustream was recently introduced and it replaced another similar service. The reason behind this shift can be, probably, linked to the additional features offered by Ustream (for example the possibility to ask to users to access an event only by giving their email address, the geographical localisation of viewers, etc).

Pros

  • You can ask viewers to attend only if they give you an email address so that you can create your mailing list for further info/questionnaires/other events.
  • You can locate where your viewers are from, in order to understand if you were able to attract the correct audience.
  • The chat is automatically supervised so, in principle, you do not need to have someone checking on improper use of the chat.
  • You can personalise the off-air contents as well as the videos on demand

Cons

  • Maybe the chat can be improved a little, to make it easier to access.
  • It should be given the possibility to embed the video also to non-logged in users.
  • Provide full features in the demo mode, in order to better understand what is possible to do with Ustream and better decide whether to pay or not.

GOOD: I would suggest to use Ustream whenever there is a live event and you would like to have it streamed around the world. Especially if there are some additional activities to be carried out after your event, you can collect the email addresses of those who are connecting to your event.

NOT APPROPRIATE: I would not use Ustream if I want to be easily found on the internet because, in this case, people would rather directly look on YouTube.

IBM Video Streaming Feature Ratings

Using IBM Watson Media's Video Streaming

4 - They are all business consultants
4 - The support is ensured by the same 4 people who use the tool.
  • webinars
  • live events
  • live presentations
  • webinars
  • live online sessions
  • live streaming of events
  • webinars
Most likely the subscription will be renewed
  • More visibility
  • increased participation
  • larger audience

Evaluating IBM Watson Media's Video Streaming and Competitors

Yes - Before IBM Watson media's video streaming service we had a subscription to LiveStream. The service was changed when the previous subscription was about to expire. Since we changed product, I must admit that I had not followed the developments (if any) of the previous provider. At the current stage, we do not plan to further change provider.
The features given by Ustream for broadcasting live events where not comparable to its competitors. The amount of information retrived about the audience is the real added value that was given by Ustream. Information on viewers is fundamental not only in the production of video materials but in the current society.
  • Price
  • Product Features
  • Product Usability
  • Product Reputation
This solution was presented to us by a former consultant. The functionalities were the ones we were looking for. In general tems, the single most important factor in the decision is the price. Generally speaking, all the service providers for this kind of solutions offer very similar opportunities thus the price is our most important factor.
In general, I think that I would not change my evaluation and/or the selection process described beforehand. Unless there will be a breakthrough proposal/service offered by one company in the field of live broadcasting of events, I think that the price will still be the most important factor influencing our decision making.

IBM Watson Media's Video Streaming Implementation

  • Implemented in-house
Change management was minimal
  • we opted out the producer software
  • minor technical problems

IBM Watson Media's Video Streaming Support

When I had a problem it was solved, but they couldn't explain why it happened and (most importantly) how to avoid it in the future
ProsCons
Quick Resolution
Good followup
Knowledgeable team
Problems get solved
Immediate help available
Support cares about my success
None
No - There is already a subscription fee.
I had a problem because the channel appeared to be disabled. I contacted the support in the morning (CET time) and only after I recognised that actually support (if I remember well) follows the US time zone. Nonetheless the support was available and operated their magic in order to have my channel up and running

Using IBM Watson Media's Video Streaming

ProsCons
Like to use
Relatively simple
Easy to use
Well integrated
Consistent
Quick to learn
Convenient
Feel confident using
None
  • off air
  • channel page
  • metrics
  • initial set up
  • header
  • chat
Yes, but I don't use it

Comments

  • Bob Lee | TrustRadius Reviewer
    Bob Lee
    commented 8 years ago
    Hello. I'm Bob from the Voice of the Customer team here at Ustream, an IBM Company. Thank you taking the time to review our platform. We appreciate your insights and are very grateful for your business. One thing that jumped out in your comments was regarding the discoverability of videos in contrast to YouTube. It's a fair point but I wanted to share that it is very easy to syndicate your Ustream videos to YouTube. It's a feature that many of our customers use in order to ensure that their content gets maximum distribution. If you'd like, I'd be happy to ask our Customer Success team to give you more info on how to use our syndication feature. Thanks again for your review and feel free to reach out if there is any way I can help.

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