Titancast and WRAL

WRAL is a real leader in the local TV world. They consistently push the technology envelope. Today, via the NAB newletter there is a review of the Decisionmark system WRAL has been using to control webcasts.

From the newsletter: (subscription required)

"Over the past six years, Decisionmark has been talking about TitanCast technology, leading up to a February 1, 2006, announcement of the launch of a pilot project, called Apollo, using Capitol Broadcasting's WRAL-TV, the CBS affiliate in Raleigh, NC. According to Decisionmark, through TitanCast, it is possible to authorize local Webcasts to only those viewers who could receive the signal with an antenna. TitanCast technology:

• Authorizes: determines authorized channels by using Decisionmark's patented Geneva technology and broadcaster-audited and maintained Coronado data warehouse which contains technical specifications for all broadcast towers;
  
• Monitors: allows each broadcaster to monitor on-line viewership compliance in real-time. (using ProximityTV technology); and
  
• Reports: tracks the consumption of content and reports back to broadcasters.

Decisionmark CEO Jack Perry said at the time of the announcement: "With TitanCast, local broadcasters will finally be able to take advantage of all the capabilities presented by the Internet. The local nature of over-the-air broadcasting and the worldwide reach of the Internet are no longer mutually exclusive. Viewers will have a viable platform that grants them unparalleled convenience and accessibility to content that is available both in real time and on-demand."

According to Jim Goodmon, President of Capitol Broadcasting, TitanCast technology will offer unlimited opportunities for both the networks and the affiliates. "Decisionmark's TitanCast technology allows us to test the mutual benefits of an affiliate-friendly use of the Web to deliver programming. What I'm really excited about is the fact that it's live on the Internet although video-on-demand is what everyone is talking about."

Jack Perry has a blog: Chef Titan.