Information is the key
Updated June 10, 2019
Information is the key
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Software Version
Other
Overall Satisfaction with IBM Watson Media's Video Streaming
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).
- 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
- 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.
We opted for IBM Watson Media's video streaming in order to stream live the events we organise and, at the same time, enlarge the possible audience of our training sessions to online attendees. Our usual outreach is about 150-180 people in terms of audience and 2-3 hours in terms of duration.
I am not familiar with the specific software SD - CDN contained by IBM's video streaming and its functioning. For this reason I am not in the position to describe if and how we have benefited from this capability in terms of video scalability. I will investigate further this option and update at a later stage this review.
From the channel dashboard, in the menu "metrics", it is possible to review and download data about the viewers of the channel. It is possible to personalise the time range. The website automatically gives a series of default graphics on these data. It is very useful and allows for additional insights (especially if, like in our case, we embed the video on a different website).
I must admit that, to my knowledge, we have not yet profited of the possibility to leverage on the artificial intelligence offered by IBM's video streaming as far as closed captioning is concerned. It is possible, however, that our viewers have opted to activate them because we do not foresee closed captioning to the events we stream.
We are currently using Ustream in order to realise webinars and broadcast live events, in order to expand our audience and minimise costs related to travelling and organising conferences. The player can be easily embedded in another online platform, allowing us to integrate live broadcasting of events and seminars to our website, allowing for greater visibility of our page.
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
- 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.
- Livestream, Youtube and Vimeo
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
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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