Innovative use of app sync technology is part of strategy to build global opera-loving audience
The Vienna State Opera is opening up performances for potential new fans and existing lovers of the music genre with a new app. The app enables over the top (OTT) TV viewing of operas, synchronised with the live opera performance.
Civolution, provider of technology and solutions for identifying, managing and monetising content, has announced that its Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) technology has been integrated with the Vienna State Opera's multilingual second screen app for live performances distributed as OTT TV.
The Vienna State Opera is quickly embracing the adoption of second screen companion devices and saw an opportunity to demystify the opera experience for potential new fans and provide a richer and deeper interaction for existing opera lovers.
'The opera is an experience people from all over the world would love to enjoy on a more regular basis,' said Christopher Widauer spokesperson for the Vienna State Opera. 'Through OTT delivery we are now able to provide access locally and reach a brand new and wider audience. By providing compelling second screen experiences, we aim to create a stronger link with viewers globally and enable them to better follow and enjoy the opera play, whatever their language or location.
'Bringing together various app developers and ACR technology by Civolution ensures that we are delivering outstanding second screen experiences, which really brings the opera alive on TV,' Widauer added.
The launch of this new app will enable event specialists to offer a local version of the opera to the viewer's screen by delivering synchronised translations of the lyrics to the viewer's own language.
Civolution and app development company PocketScience joined forces to develop the Wiener Staatsoper App for the Opera, which paves the way for opera companies to reach new audiences. This new feature relies on Civolution's ACR technology SyncNow, which enables the app to 'hear' watermarks in the OTT soundtrack, that are used to synchronise the app with the Opera. One of the key features of this approach is that however delayed the OTT experience is, the app is always in sync with the event, as the watermark is detected after its journey over the internet.
The app will ultimately provide a number of features such as partition display, information about the performance, details of the singers and provide multilingual subtitles of the play in English, Japanese, Korean and more, claimed Civolution.
The app will be available on iOS and Android from 27 October 2013 as part of the Opera's special OTT ticket offer, which is an important part of its strategy to modernise and build a global audience for opera.
'By delivering a synchronised experience between the stage and the second screen, the Vienna State Opera is enabling viewers to engage with the play in a way that has never been seen before,' noted Andy Nobbs, chief marketing officer, Civolution. 'We are very proud to once again be part of a visionary and exciting new project that sees synchronisation taken to new grounds.'
