System Status: Service fully operational.
September 2009
Advanced video technology backed by World Trade Centre Hull & Humber
World Trade Centre Hull & Humber is helping an East Yorkshire media company expand its global reach while at the same time making its own international mark in digital communications.
It has reached an agreement with Hull-based BestFrontSeat to promote and sell its advanced video delivery technology to the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) network, potentially enhancing and strengthening the connectivity and opportunities between the 334 centres worldwide.
The technology allows video to be broadcasted live via the internet supported by state of the art video compression system that ensures the viewer experiences the highest picture quality and the client the lowest bandwidth delivery cost. Files can also be downloaded as instant video on demand counteracting the problem of differing time zones.
Broadcasts are delivered across a high-speed, dedicated global deployment network using hundreds of servers deployed in 18 regional data centres. The guaranteed, high-security delivery uses proprietary software products, and is integrated into the BestFrontSeat ‘always on’ server and deployment network.
Key to the saleability of the product is the development of the ‘e ticket’ system that effectively allows ticket-only secure access to live events and Video On Demand (VOD). The unique software also allows viewers to interact remotely by sending comments and questions either though their computers or mobile phones with the added benefit of instant communication from the event venue to every viewer’s desktop.
World Trade Centre Hull & Humber and BestFrontSeat have developed a package for other World Trade Centres involving an annual licence fee being paid for the service.
Andy Mowbray, World Trade Centre Hull & Humber manager, said that by embracing BestFrontSeat’s technology, Hull would have the opportunity to position itself at the forefront of global integrated digital communication.
“We are extremely keen to help BestFrontSeat to reach its potential through the utilisation of its product in this distinct global setting.”
Dietmar Goetz who is in charge of Cologne-based World Trade Centre TV, said that he was exploring methods with his specialist teams to implant BestFrontSeat technology into the mechanisms of communication across the WTCA network.
“The technology could be enormously beneficial to us and in addition we hope that BestFrontSeat will find a new marketplace through taking advantage of the WTCA global membership.”
BestFrontSeat, was founded four years ago by Hull businessman Peter Kemp. It has grown substantially over the last 12 months and now employs 14 staff. Its technology has been used recently to stream live coverage of:
The International Ballroom Dancing Championships to thousands of viewers worldwide
Part of the Beijing Olympics to a Chinese audience
The Lockout, a regular live music event which promotes new talent from the well-known venue, Dingwalls in London
Mr Kemp said that the nature of the WTCA network was entirely suitable for the technology due to its collaborative and educational-led approach.
“World Trade Centre events and conferences can be broadcast live and viewers will still be able to contribute remotely. This will increase participation and reduce the carbon footprint associated with international travel.
“Research shows that web sales of TV shows and movies are expected to grow from 1.5 billion in 2007 to 5.9 billion in 2010, so there is a huge opportunity for BestFrontSeat to get a slice of this market.”
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About World Trade Centre Hull & Humber
World Trade Centre Hull & Humber is funded through Yorkshire Forward and Hull City Council, with support from UK Trade and Investment and the University of Hull. The intention is that it will work towards a commercially sustainable position, through selling services.
Its partners include:
East Riding of Yorkshire Council
Hull & Humber Chamber of Commerce
Hull Forward
Hull City Council
Humber Economic Partnership
North East Lincolnshire Council
North Lincolnshire Council
UK Trade and Investment
University of Hull
Yorkshire Forward
Language is Everything
Andrew Jackson
Baker Tilly
PricewaterhouseCoopers
KPMG
Its services include:
Acting as the first point of contact for investment and trade enquiries, and signposting any enquiries from the World Trade Centers Association network
Providing the knowledge, assistance and contacts to facilitate investment into Hull & Humber.
Providing leadership for the promotion of trade and investment
Organising trade missions to explore new markets and receive delegations
Providing current information on products and services in the city region; performing customised trade research; and offering contacts, leads and referrals
Offering practical international trade courses
Taking a leading role in hosting trade-oriented events, and having a year-round display space for local products and services
Providing a one-stop-shop for information and trade links
Providing ‘front of house’ facilities for companies to do business in high quality surroundings