Syncbak launches SBTV OTT platform for local broadcasters

Syncbak Launches SBTV Platform Enabling Local Broadcasters to Reach Over-the-Top Viewers with Live or On-Demand Programming

NEW YORK — To expand over-the-top (OTT) adoption, Syncbak today unveiled its SBTV platform, which enables local broadcasters to quickly and easily build OTT channels and the corresponding SBTV app that provides consumers with access to local programming from anywhere in the U.S. – live or on-demand – on any device. Syncbak created the technology that powers live OTT, allowing networks, stations and studios to broadcast anything, anywhere and unlock new revenue.

Syncbak is hosting the inaugural “TechFronts” event, which focuses on mapping the future of OTT, at its New York Media Center this week. On Wednesday, May 16 at 10 p.m. Eastern, Syncbak will conduct the first-ever, direct-to-OTT live stream with dynamic ad insertion (DAI), to viewers across the U.S. in all 210 DMAs on the SBTV app or at Syncbak.TV. Executives from broadcast groups, local stations, and ad networks as well as producers will be in attendance.

Syncbak’s market-leading SimpleSync platform, which now powers more than 7.5 million hours of live local programming on services such as CBS All Access, Hulu, fuboTV, and hundreds of local station apps and websites, serves as the backbone for SBTV.

“I started Syncbak to connect every broadcaster to every viewer over the Internet. With SBTV our aim is even higher – to connect broadcasters, viewers, content owners, and advertisers. We see this as the future of OTT,” said Jack Perry, founder and CEO, Syncbak.

How SBTV Works

With SBTV, Syncbak offers local stations the tools to build live, always-on OTT channels within and beyond the markets they currently serve.

SBTV is comprised of three components:

• SimpleSync OTT Platform: Local television stations across the country can quickly and easily broadcast any content over-the-top to any vMVPD, as well as power their station websites and news apps with the easy-to-use SBTV platform. Any station in the U.S. can elect to be carried on the SBTV app at no cost, thereby instantly creating an always-on channel, through SBTV, with hyperlocal content such as live newscasts, locally-produced programming, syndicated shows, and more.
• Cloud Syndication Marketplace: Content owners can syndicate and license their programming for OTT delivery – live, on-demand or both – through local television stations that participate on SBTV. In addition, stations with original programming can be placed into the marketplace for it to be syndicated in markets where the broadcaster currently does not have a station. For example, Gray Television’s “MomsEveryday” is carried via OTT in its 57 markets across 56 DMAs and made available on SBTV to stations in the other 154 DMAs.
• adSync: Syncbak’s DAI technology automatically manages local and national advertising spots based on the location of the viewer. When the originating local station has exclusive rights to the programming, it can sell ads against that inventory, providing the station with an additional revenue stream.

“We’re very excited about the possibilities for our live local programming,” said Julia Campbell, Vice President of Media Systems, Gray Television. “With SBTV this past March, our station KTUU in Anchorage, Alaska was able to carry the Iditarod dogsled race live locally and build an audience nationwide.”

“SBTV gives our stations the tools we need to deliver our own, unique, hyperlocal OTT channels,” said Brian Brady, CEO of Northwest Broadcasting. “And, since Syncbak is the leader in providing linear feeds to the vMVPDs, I know every one of my stations is ready for subscription OTT as well.”

For the SBTV launch, Syncbak has seeded the Cloud Syndication Marketplace with a dozen shows, each with a handful of seasons. The first show placed into the marketplace, the James Beard Award-winning food series food. Curated., which airs in New York City, was immediately syndicated in every DMA where SBTV has a local affiliate.

“I’m excited about the possibilities this technology presents,” said Liza de Guia, creator and executive producer of food. Curated. “SBTV enables my series to organically expand its reach to places that want more engaging food programming. The potential for my brand is limitless, and connecting with local programming partners just got easier. Plus, if these partners want to attract more local lifestyle advertisers and I want more viewers, SBTV can help make this happen. It’s a win-win.”

Syncbak has opened the Cloud Syndication Marketplace to any content owner with live or on-demand programming wishing to syndicate for OTT on a local level.