Continuing to fortify its technological and content roster, Pac-12 Enterprises is teaming with Ooyala to develop and deploy the Pac-12 Digital Network.
The 24/7 online network will enable authenticated subscribers of Pac-12 Networks' distribution partners to watch live content on connected devices, when the seven linear channels bow on Aug. 15, marking the first time an authenticated "TV Everywhere" platform will launch alongside its television network.
News of the Ooyala partnership, financial terms of which were not disclosed, comes on the heels of Pac-12 Enterprises' enlistment of InDemand and Comcast Media Center to provide network delivery and myriad other technical services and support.
In mid-August, the Pac-12 Networks is scheduled to launch a national network, as well as six linear regional services mapping the conference footprint in Northern California (Stanford and Cal); Southern California (USC and UCLA); Oregon (Oregon State and Oregon); Washington (Washington State and Washington); Arizona (Arizona State and Arizona); and Mountain (Utah and Colorado) areas.
In addition to offering state-of-the-art digital television broadcasting through Pac-12's web properties for subscribers of its telecast partners, Pac-12 and Ooyala will collaborate on a suite of TV applications for iOS and Android tablets and smartphones that each user can customize to create a personalized content experience, specific to their favorite teams, sports and related content.
These applications will facilitate content ranging from live and on-demand sporting events, analysis and commentary, statistics, press conferences, documentaries and other elements extending beyond the telecasts. They also will enable and encourage social viewing and live interaction and capitalize on Ooyala's ability to personalize Web-delivered video experiences, leveraging its expansive global video analytics footprint, detailed content trending data and the social graph of individual viewers.
Moreover, Ooyala will provide live ad insertion across all connected devices.
Down the road, the Pac-12 and Ooyala will also develop both paid and ad-supported content models for regions of the world not supported by Pac-12's telecast partners.
"This is the first time ever that TV Everywhere has been used to deliver truly differentiated, high-value entertainment experiences that augment traditional programming, rather than simply protect a walled garden. We're laying an entirely new foundation for seamlessly integrated broadcast and internet-delivered content with the most immersive and engaging fan experience ever," said Gary Stevenson, president of Pac-12 Enterprises, in a statment. "Ooyala is on the forefront when it comes to convergence of mobile, social and video. Their focus on big data analytics and personalization is a perfect match for our vision of extremely personalized, highly social TV. Our partnership brings together two world class teams in sports and technology to deliver the type high-caliber innovation the Pac-12 Conference is known for."
Noted Ooyala CEO Jay Fulcher: "It's a privilege to work with the Pac-12 team which shares our commitment to innovation, and to be part of its digital TV deployment from the ground up. Together we're putting the technology and processes in place to deliver a progressive fan experience that people can enjoy on any device from any place. And with an unlimited capacity to broadcast any sporting event from anywhere - even those not available on cable or satellite - Pac-12 will be on the cutting edge of live broadcasting in the digital age."
