Audio and Video Streaming Services

Your customized and free Flash video streaming player

All accounts include a free Flash video streaming player that can be customized to match the look and feel of the broadcasted programming. The player is rich in features, allowing for a complete media hub to be located within a single application.

Key features for the player include the ability to live chat while streaming and view channel information, both of which allow engagement from viewers. Broadcasters with several channels can also allow viewers to switch between channels, creating an all-in-one media streaming player.

DaCast is a white label service, so content can be broadcasted freely without association. It includes the ability to integrate a custom logo, and also has a skin-like interface where colors and dimensions can be altered. A small, sleek player for audio can also be used by changing the dimensions in the embed code.

The Flash player also includes a payment interface already built-in, called Pay-in-Play, which allows viewers to purchase content directly from the player.

Full support for your existing media content with video on demand

On top of live video streaming services, DaCast also offers a full offering to host video on demand (VOD) content.

The system supports a wide range of video and audio file types, including MOV, MP4, FLV, F4V, M4V, MP3, M4A and AAC. These files can be uploaded within the back office interface, allowing a cloud-like structure without the need for a central point to upload content.
There are no storage fees or additional costs for video on demand content.

Integrated playlist scheduler for your content

Previously recorded media files can be treated as individual channels, allowing for runtime statistics and skiable points in the stream, or as part of a larger "playlist" of files.

When constructed in a playlist, the user determines the order that the files play in and this can be edited, added to or rearranged at any time. Show openers or program sponsors can be easily inserted between existing content. Users can string together hours of programming as well, creating a traditional TV channel-like experience.

Monetizing services for your audio and video streaming channel

Without the need for additional signup, monetization can be added to audio and video channels from DaCast. Traditional ad-based and also direct monetization models are supported by the system.

Unlike other solutions which profit themselves by placing ads on content, DaCast users can generate revenue themselves by placing advertisements on their channels. All ads are pre-negotiated, and available instantly after sign up without stipulation. Advertisement content is user selected, presenting genres and CPM information for each. The CPM presents a range of revenue, depending on length and provider, which is generated for every 1,000 impressions.

For direct monetization for premium content, DaCast presents two options which include subscription and pay-per-view. Subscription content is paid for once and then accessed over a period of time. This can be set to weekly access, monthly access or many other options included annual subscriptions. The rates are all defined by the broadcaster. Pay-per-view is content accessed by the minute or event, as users pay directly for an allowance of time to enjoy a video or audio stream. Flexible viewer options are allowed such as the ability to make multiple purchases. All of these are presented from a secure platform with a built-in token system to prevent abuse from users trying to share purchased content.

The integrated Pay-in-Play system

To help convert a viewer into a paying customer, DaCast has developed a unique payment system located entirely within the player.

Called "Pay-in-Play", this feature simplifies the payment process and creates a situation where the viewer never has to leave the page. Pay-in-Play supports both subscription and pay per view options, while it automatically sends an e-mail receipt of the transaction to the viewer.

To pay for a stream, all the viewer needs is an e-mail address or an existing DaCast account and then they can input their credit card information to complete the transaction.

Monetizing video and audio in packages

Broadcasters with large or even modest sized media archives have the ability to bundle premium streams for viewers.

Content creators can select any number of streams and sell them to viewers for a single price. Broadcasters can offer their entire catalogue of material to subscribers for a single fee. Similar content, such as all the videos from a certain year or on a particular subject, can also be grouped and sold. Packages are user defined, and can be grouped in whatever method that makes most sense for the broadcaster.

Analytics and audience monitoring for your channels

Provided in the back office after signing in, the analytic interface is highly detailed, allowing for instant familiarity for viewing audiences. It is structured for easy and quick results, and offers specific views for ads and subscription statistics. The analytics are broken down into demographics automatically after being gathered, listing viewer geographic locations and other data.

Data collected in the analytics can also be easily exported as a CSV file, making it easy to build reports from information for the online video service.