January 2021 - Streaming Video Blog

Closed Captioning Settings for Video Streaming

Written by Anthony Romero in Product Updates on 26 January 2021

Viewers now have more options related to how closed captions are displayed for video streaming content. This allows end users to customize closed captioning settings inside the video player for live and on demand captions. As a result, viewers can control a number of options from increasing font size for accessibility reasons to altering aspects like color of the display.

These settings are available for manually uploaded WebVTT captioning files and also automated closed captions from IBM Watson. Furthermore, the settings can be accessed and control the captions for mobile devices and desktops. However, please note there is a current limitation for these settings when viewing full screen on an iPhone.

Options for closed captions
Opening closed captioning settings
Stored CC settings

Revised Acceptable Use Policy

Written by David Mowrey in Company News on 15 January 2021

Tackling Broadcast Delays and Syncing Issues from Streaming

Please note IBM’s revised acceptable use policy:

Cloud Services may not be used in any jurisdiction for unlawful, obscene, offensive or fraudulent Content or activity. Examples of prohibited activities are advocating or causing harm; interfering with or violating the integrity or security of a network or system; evading filters; sending unsolicited, abusive, or deceptive messages; introducing viruses or harmful code; violating third party rights; or streaming Content that would constitute offensive speech, including Content that could be interpreted as racist or discriminatory, with the latter category specifically including speech that is intended to discriminate based on race or ethnicity, religion, gender or gender expression, or sexual orientation.

White Label Video Platform: Live Streaming & VOD

Written by Anthony Romero in Tips & Tutorials on 4 January 2021

Looking for a white label video player solution? Broadcasters can spend hundreds if not thousands on their setups, from top of the line cameras to hardware encoders that can allow for camera switching, only to have the end product touting another company’s brand which can cheapen the viewer experience.

IBM Watson Media offers a wealth of features to help customize and allow content owners to control a viewer’s experience. This is presented as part of a white label video platform and an enterprise video platform, allowing the removal of the IBM branding and also allowing content owners to insert their own. This article covers these features in more depth. It looks at where and how content owners can remove IBM branding and insert their own and also how content access can be restricted. This includes insight into how content owners can manage elements of the video player, embedding, viewer access, and also the channel page experience.