non-linear video

The non-linear-video technology is commercially available via Fraunhofer FOKUS spinoff company BitTubes GmbH.
If you are interested in licensing NLV please contact nlv@bittubes.com

Overview

Non-linear video offers the platform for realizing interactive and personalized multimedia content. Videos are linked to related information thus making time independent navigation possible. The linear character of traditional moving pictures and video formats are enhanced with non-linear video towards multiple ways of interaction. The user can navigate at any time through objects, which are contained in the video content such as TV programs and films. As soon as the viewer clicks on an object that interests them, supplemental interactive information or video is displayed. This can be any multimedia content (image, text, animation, video, pdf), websites, or alternative communication methods such as telephone, chat, email as well as Web 2.0, community and social media services, which can be shown on a time basis or in subject to the user.Non-linear video supplements the previous available technology of pre and post rolls, commercial breaks, product placement, and overlays. Videos become clickable using links to content and additional information which are brought up parallel to the existing moving pictures. Metadata describe the objects in the video as well as possible ways to interact with it.

Cross platform interactive video utilization

Non-linear video works with many of the user devices available today. The technology of Fraunhofer FOKUS enables the convergent use of interactive video content on TV, the web as well as mobile phone. This unique environment makes interactive media available regardless of the end device and access platform.
The different ways for the viewer to interact, the graphic presentation of the supplemental information as well as the content itself all come in the best possible format for any type of user device.
Non-linear video thus offers diverse variations of both the visual aspects of and interaction with the content. As a result, it can offer interactive content, relevant additional information and communication channels custom-made for both the user and the device.

Content interaction and benefits

As opposed to traditional video, which limits interaction and use due to its linear nature, interactive video opens up new and diverse possibilities. FOKUS non-linear video supports multiple levels of interaction in the content itself as well as between the interactive objects and the supplemental information available. The viewer can access interactive video content using three basic levels of interaction:

• Moving picture content (video material)

• Interactive objects in video (text, audio, video, image, web)

• Communication channels (telephone, chat, email, web 2.0, social networking)

Whereas the level of moving picture content sparks someone’s interest in a topic or product, the newly created levels enable customization of content and make detailed information about the objects in the video available. In combination the interactive possibilities, that are carried out to produce a non-linear story line that, can be freely chosen and interacted with by the viewer.

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