UPDATED 14:12 EDT / NOVEMBER 16 2011

Digital TV Gains Investor Interests on a Global Scale

We can’t deny the fact that digital TV is a quickening trend.  It is estimated that at the end of 2011 there will be more than 35 million connected TVs and by 2012, over 65% of TVs sold will be connected TVs.  And this is validated by some of the moves from companies like Google, recently having launched their 2.0 update for Google TV.  And the latest Time Warner Cable survey showed that there are a growing number of subscribers to services including Apple TV, Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, Spotify, Rdio, Pandora and Slingbox, which can be enjoyed on connected TVs as well as your computer.  And where there’s growing consumer interest, there’s investors waiting in the sidelines for an opportunity to be a part of the next big thing.

 

YuMe, the operating system behind its TV 2.0 product, has received a strategic investment of $12 million from Samsung Ventures, the venture capital arm of the Samsung Group, and Translink Capital.  This new round of funding will be used to expand YuMe’s footprint in the nascent connected TV space, and fuel global expansion.

“We invest in companies that are leaders in fast-growing markets, and YuMe is a clear leader in connected TV monetization,” said Stephen Lee, Principal at Samsung Ventures. “YuMe’s video advertising technology and three-screen expertise has the potential to accelerate the industry’s efforts to incorporate monetization strategies into all connected devices, including Samsung Smart TVs.”

YuMe’s solution for Connected TVs, the Embedded SDK, includes the technology that any CE manufacturer needs to create a monetization platform in their devices. The Embedded SDK integrates with YuMe’s flagship technology, ACE for Publishers, and the YuMe Connected Audience Network. ACE for Publishers enables publishers to simplify video ad serving and management functions across all connected device channels—online, mobile, and connected TV—to drive higher revenue, streamline processes, and lower operating costs. ACE for Advertisers, an end-to-end, buy-side video campaign management system, provides an enterprise-class solution and professional services package that mitigates the complexity of video ad campaign management. The Connected Audience Network, YuMe’s premium in-stream video ad network, gives publishers and advertisers more reach, brand safety, contextual relevance, controlled syndication, interactive YuMe Ads, and consistent delivery across all digital media platforms.

YuMe reportedly serves over 1 billion ad impressions per month on its global video ad serving infrastructure.

There’s another option to enjoy watching TV if you’re not into the whole connected TV scheme, Boxee is now selling a $50 device that lets users toggle between broadcast TV and web video options.  Boxee CEO Avner Ronen said that it is a cord-cutting device meant to help nerds watch cable TV for free.

Fanhattan’s also looking to expand its contributions to the blossoming digital TV ecosystem, with the launch of a new iPhone app.  The entertainment discovery service for watching on-demand movies and TV shows from across the top digital media services, Fanhattan’s iOS app ties directly to Netflix, Hulu Plus and iTunes to recommend and provide on-demand entertainment on the go.


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