Research: International best practices in Smart TV propositions

Understanding the big screen

ComingNext.TV recently completed a extensive research in Smart TV and big screen propositions of some of the largest broadcasters and content creators in the world. The research focused on the specific requirements for the big screen and how these apps work together with other multiplatform apps.

You can read more about some of the results in our blogpost or find a description of the research and the apps below. Make sure to contact us if you want to find out more about the results.

The Big Screen

For many viewers the TV screen is still the main device to enjoy entertainment: from watching TV over the set-top box, casting VOD content using Chromecast or Apple TV, or playing video games using a Playstation or Xbox. The big screen is the end device in multi-screen media consumption; especially for long-form content.

Opportunities for Broadcasters

The big screen is no longer the sole domain for cable companies and broadcasters. New high quality content platforms have easy access to the big screen resulting in increased competition. Providing a seamless viewing experience across device is a competitive advantage. This way the big screens offers new opportunities for content creators to reach viewers directly and personally.

Answering key questions

This research answers questions many broadcasters have around their big screen strategy:

What are the UI/UX best practices on a big screen?
How to create a seamless experience between devices?
What type of personalisation should I offer?
What discovery strategy should I apply?
What revenue strategy works on the big screen?

Research Method and shortlist

An app short list is created based on expert validation and quantitative research. Based on interviews and market research an analysis framework is developed. The apps on the shortlist are extensively researched to create a set of best-practices in big app concepts. These results are supported by practical and hands-on video walkthroughs.

These apps made the shortlist: Netflix (Global), FoxNow (US), Arte (DE/FR), Stan (AU), MTV Play (EU).

The Analysis Framework includes:

UI/UX on different devices
Popularity of the app
Availability of content

Discovery options
Commercial models
Level of personalisation

Cross-platform features
In-depth case studies
Video walkthroughs

What you get

The research is structured in 4 deliverables. The results allow broadcasters to learn from international best practices, validate their current big screen strategy or improve their existing concept, and prioritise and scope new and existing functionality.

1. Research Report

Market overview including the longlist of big screen apps. The analytical framework validated by expert interviews and quantitative research and a description of the shortlist of apps.

2. Case studies

An extensive and detailed description of each app and its features with a strong focus on user interface and the user experience in line with the analytical framework.

3. Video walkthroughs (videos)

Detailed walkthrough highlighting the key functionalities and interface decision on different devices including smart TVs, set-top boxes, and game consoles.

4. Final presentation (optional)

Summary of the findings of the research including the market update, UX/UI considerations, commercial models, device based opportunities, dealing with personalisation and discovery, and international best practices.

Testimonial

Before undertaking a re-design of our All 4 big screen apps, we engaged ComingNext.TV to research international big screen apps in the VOD market.
Their international focus helped us to identify and analyse best practice by creating analytical case studies covering both product features and user interface design for big screen apps from across the globe.
The work helped us to validate our decisions relating to the scope and development approach we are now taking to the re-design. Maureen Glennon All 4 Big Screen Product Manager for Channel 4, UK

Want to know more?

Contact Isa Buchner for more information on the research and pricing information.

isa@comingnext.tv

Icons from The Noun Project.