Brightcove presents version 5 of its online video platform

Includes YouTube sync, Apple HTTP streaming, advanced statistics for HTML5, and big productivity improvements. Distribution and synchronization with YouTube allows clients to grow their online audience by automatically and simultaneously sending video content and metadata to their websites and YouTube, with a simple click.

Brightcove has introduced version 5 of its platform with enhancements that allow customers to expand their audiences, maximize the return on investments made in online video and accelerate productivity. New features in Brightcove 5 include YouTube syncing and distribution, Apple HTTP streaming for mobile apps and web, advanced data analytics for Adobe Flash and HTML5 video, and several feature enhancements to boost productivity.

Jeremy Allaire, director and CEO of Brightcove, highlighted that this new version helps “eliminate the complexity of online video publishing and distribution across different devices and display formats, accelerating productivity and offering added value.”

Among the new tools, synchronization with YouTube stands out. Distribution and synchronization with YouTube allows clients to grow their online audience by automatically and simultaneously sending video content and metadata to their websites and YouTube, with a simple click. Additionally, any changes to those videos in the Brightcove system are automatically updated and synced to YouTube.

Another improvement is the integration of Apple's HTTP streaming that allows adaptation of variable bitrate video for the Apple iOS device, including viewing high-quality large format videos over 3G and Wi-Fi connections.
Brightcove has also improved the software development kit (SDK) for mobile devices. The iOS and Android versions provide everything organizations need when it comes to mobile apps, including video playback, playlist navigation, large format playback, email and Twitter sharing, and a delightful full-screen viewing experience on tablets. Brightcove 5 also features a complete app for Apple's iPad as well as a starting point for creating video playback experiences on iPad.

Brightcove 5 also improves the presentation of statistical data with more than a dozen new reports, including measurement of playback levels, the most used search terms, the domains where the content is included, the overall attention span of the viewer, geographic reports and detailed information about the browser, operating systems and features of the end consumer software. All of this makes it even easier for the Brightcove customer to track progress and adapt their content and distribution strategies for greater success.

Developed in conjunction with TubeMogul, Brightcove 5 also introduces new advanced statistical tools for HTML5 video that make it possible to include video experience statistics for both HTML5 and Flash across browsers and mobile devices. This eliminates one of the biggest trade-offs associated with deploying HTML5 video, offering for the first time a comprehensive understanding of video performance.

The new version integrates support for live streaming of high-definition multi-bitrate video, developed from Akamai's HD technology, which offers faster startup, smoother playback and high resolution in HD for large live events. Additionally, new DVR player controls allow viewers to rewind during live broadcasts and return to the live broadcast seamlessly. Combined with advertising support and compatible with professional streaming solutions, Brightcove customers can enjoy superior HD streaming quality, even at the most viewed online events.

Finally, it is worth noting that loading acceleration tools have been incorporated that allow content to be available up to 20 times faster regardless of file size, and the possibility that, through Smart Players, customers can create and customize video players in one go, using a single design tool and a variety of templates, and use a single standard embedded code to offer video experiences in both Flash and HTML5.