Charging for Video Streaming

Megisto Systems has announced support for real-time and content charging for streaming video services. Megisto's Mobile Services Delivery System (MSDS) Video Streaming solution offers mobile network operators a powerful solution for charging and control of real-time streaming media. Capabilities include pay-per-volume downloaded, pay-per-time viewed, subscription-based charging, time-sensitive media charging, and flexible service authentication. Megisto is working with video streaming technologies, such as those delivered by RealNetworks and Oplayo, to deliver broad support across multiple mobile devices.

"Video downloads have a shelf-life, depending on the content they contain," said Gordon Saussy, CEO, Megisto Systems. "Brian Lara's 400 not out or Barry Bonds' 661st home run are record breaking achievements that will stand the test of time, but the value of the video download dramatically decreases within hours. Mobile operators are perfectly positioned to deliver premium content such as sporting highlights, film trailers and music videos direct to subscribers' handsets. The challenge is charging in a way that reflects both the dynamic value of the content and the multitude of methods in which users can choose to interact with the content. Megisto's MSDS Video Streaming solution gives operators the flexibility they need to deploy, support and charge for a wide range of streaming video and audio applications, opening up new high value revenue streams."

Andy Bairsto, Principal Analyst at Chorleywood, commented: "As demand for video streaming services begins to grow, mobile operators will need to ensure they have adaptable solutions in place that can offer a range of charging models dependent both on the type of content and its audience. But in order to capture the mass consumer market, these (often complex) charging models must remain transparent to the user so that they enjoy the experience, have confidence in the service provider's ability to charge them correctly for it, and come back to use the service again."

The MSDS Video Streaming solution supports streaming video content, initiated over WAP 1.x, WAP 2.0 and HTTP, transmitted over multiple channels, formats, and signaling standards - such as RTSP - and industry standard file formats for data compression, delivery and synchronization."

Posted to the site on 21st April 2004