Content Production Technologies

5

New Content Production and Distribution Environment

Manabu Ito

This chapter describes a new environment for content production and distribution on the basis of the facts mentioned in preceding chapters. New content production entails the proposal that video materials be used as many times as possible and the editing process be executed in any editing studio by an edit decision list (EDL) through the Internet. As for content distribution, multicast-like unicast delivery was studied and active video delivery resulted. An electronic museum could well be an application for content distribution.

5.1 CONTENT DISTRIBUTION ENVIRONMENT

Until recently, content distribution has been limited to satellite or terrestrial TV broadcasting and package media including videotapes and DVDs (digital video disks). Viewers usually checked their favorite programs from the schedule, watching them in real time or recording them on video or DVD. They also rented videos and DVDs from rental stores to play back at home.

However, interactive-type program distribution was recently launched. This allows viewers to request any video they want at anytime, anywhere. This type of service can be brought about: by technologies, such as Moving Picture Expert Group (MPEG), which can digitize content; by diversification of playback terminal from PC to mobile type, and by broad use of high-speed networks, such as optical fibers. In this section the focus is on the variety of content distribution types.

5.1.1 CONTENT ...