Intrasonics Launches Heartbeat Encoding to Deliver Unparalleled TV Audience Insight

LONDON, April 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

World's first continuous encoding audio watermarking package to capture audience intelligence using second screen

Audio watermarking pioneers, Intrasonics, today launches its Heartbeat encoding package, enabling broadcasters to continuously and automatically audio watermark their entire output for the first time. The technology will allow broadcasters and their advertisers to capture deep insights on TV viewing habits and develop highly creative second screen experiences.

2012 saw programme makers adding innovative and varied interactive elements to their top TV shows using audio watermarking. The Heartbeat solution aims to put the broadcaster in control of second screen engagement on its channels, enabling them to use the rapidly growing number of viewers using a mobile device while watching TV to drive in-depth audience insights.

Heartbeat automatically inserts watermark codes into the audio broadcast at regular intervals. Whether consumed live or on catch-up, the codes can be picked up by suitably enabled apps on viewers' smartphones or tablets, meaning broadcasters can gain a detailed understanding of consumption patterns of their shows at any time. The codes also empower broadcasters to develop compelling additional content, such as access to exclusive content, play-along games and loyalty rewards.

Luc Jonker, CEO of Intrasonics, said, "We've seen some impressive second screen programming over the last few months, but already it's evident that 2013 will be the year it really takes off.

"Our Heartbeat product - a world first - will enable broadcasters to take control of second screen by easily, constantly and automatically audio watermarking entire broadcasts. The valuable data they can now glean, combined with the freedom they now have to develop ever-more innovative interactive content, has the power to transform both the effectiveness of TV advertising and how we watch TV."

The UK's Facejacker, Spain's El Hormiguero and Gandia Shore, Canada's Instant Cash and Belgium's Fastest Quiz in the World are among many programmes which have used the technology with hugely impressive results. Antena 3, one of Spain's top broadcasters, saw over 600,000 app downloads and more than 15 million items of content accessed in the space of just four months. Channel 4's Facejacker won 'Best App' at the Broadcast Digital Awards 2012 and MTV Spain has experienced extraordinary success with its MTV Xtra / Gandia Shore app served up around 500,000 pieces of exclusive content each episode.

The Heartbeat encoding package and its supporting Heartbeat Engine decoder (part of a new Intrasonics Software Development Kit) are available now.

About Intrasonics Ltd.

Intrasonics Ltd is a Cambridge, UK-based company specializing in acoustic data hiding technologies. Mobile phones equipped with a software decoder are able to recover the data embedded in broadcast audio and act upon it. Intrasonics supports levels of interactivity between broadcast audio and consumers which have not been previously possible. Intrasonics' technology is well protected by an extensive patent portfolio covering both the core technology and a variety of application areas. For further information, please visit: http://www.Intrasonics.com

SOURCE Intrasonics Ltd