Penthera in the press

TV Technology
Why Buffering Remains Every Video Provider’s Worst Nightmare

The mobile streaming quality is getting better, but not enough to meet viewer expectations. As the recent Disney+ launch showed, streaming can also provide a great deal of pain when users click the “play.” The trouble is that mobile viewership is more likely to introduce buffering issues.

November 27th, 2019

Cynopsis
Penthera Report: Latin Americans Love Streaming, But Frustration Is on the Rise

Among the findings in Penthera’s new Latin America Research report that should catch the attention of TV networks and advertisers: while Latin American respondents are enthusiastic about streaming (65% stream daily and 23% stream weekly), they are less patient with their US counterparts when it comes to streaming frustrations.

November 21st, 2019

Cord Cutter News
Offline Ad-Supported Downloads Could Bring in $3 Million Monthly to Services Like Pluto TV According to Penthera

Recently, we learned that ad-supported downloads will be coming to streaming services in the beginning of 2020. In an interview with Cord Cutters News, president and chief operating officer of Penthera Dan Taitz explained how offline viewing will benefit both consumers and distributors.

November 18th, 2019

Cord Cutter News
Offline Viewing With Ads Targeting Cord Cutters Are Coming to Streaming Services in 2020

This week Dan Taitz the president and chief operating officer at Penthera announced that ad-supported downloads would be coming to streaming services starting in the first quarter of 2020. This would open up the world of offline viewing through downloads to more services than ever before.

October 29th, 2019

Multichannel News
NYC TV Week: Video Streaming Wars Could Take Toll on Consumers

Consumers could soon suffer from streaming service fatigue as more offerings enter the marketplace, forcing consumers to pay more to access their favorite content, according to experts speaking at a NYC TV Week Streaming TV panel Tuesday. “We live and breathe this OTT media connected TV space, but we’re not competing just with ourselves,” said Dan Hurwitz, chief revenue officer for video software company Penthera.

October 29th, 2019

NYCTVWEEK
‍Penthera’s Dan Hurwitz on Consumers in Control

NYC TV Week’s Streaming TV panel “Consumers in Control (Or Are They?)” examines the current state of viewing habits in the streaming space, with a nod to behaviors, attitudes and preferences. "In my opinion, there are four components to a great experience," according to Dan Hurwitz, Chief Revenue Officer at Penthera.

October 25th, 2019

Fierce Video
Ad-supported downloads coming in Q1 2020, Penthera exec says

Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu and others have made downloads a table-stakes feature for subscription streaming services. But ad-supported downloads have yet to arrive. According to Dan Taitz, President and Chief Operating Officer at Penthera, the wait is almost over. He said that ad-supported downloads will debut in the U.S. (if not first in an international market) in the first quarter of 2020.

October 25th, 2019

Video Nuze
The Contest Between Connected TV and Mobile Has Been Greatly Exaggerated

Mobile video ad impressions are forecasted to grow 22% next year in the U.S., according to eMarketer. More importantly, mass adoption of OTT streaming services as an alternative to cable will likely drive the growth of mobile well into the future. There’s simply no easier screen than the mobile screen. It’s the one in-pocket. Connected TV and mobile aren’t at odds with one another

October 22nd, 2019

Fierce Video
Deeper Dive—Hulu’s ad-supported downloads were a tall order

Hulu leveled up this week when it finally added downloadable content for subscribers, something its competitors like Amazon and Netflix had done for years. What was delivered differed from what was promised. Josh Pressnell, Penthera's Chief Technical Officer, said his company’s solution overcame the technical difficulties with ads in downloads but that business concerns remained. Hulu could have relied on just its own in-house inventory for the service but likely needed inventory from external ad servers like Google and FreeWheel.

October 10th, 2019

nScreenmedia
Hulu download feature: limited reach, limited functionality

Hulu’s support for download is long overdue, but its limited coverage and functionality are sure to disappoint just about every Hulu subscriber. Hulu has made decisions that severely limit the number of people that can use the feature. According to Penthera, 80% of US SVOD users say the ability to download videos from a service is important to them. 42% say they are monthly users.

October 8th, 2019

Broadcasting + Cable
3 Things VOD Providers Need to Compete in the Streaming Wars

The video-on-demand space is already saturated, but the number of media giants entering the space is going to turn the market into a veritable “bloody” battleground. Platforms can invest all the money in the world on programming, but that doesn’t matter if viewers can’t find the content .The average adult watches 40 minutes of mobile video a day. But mobile connectivity is prone to issues like buffering, slow start times, and failed ad loads.

October 7th, 2019

Media Post
Downloading TV Content Via Mobile Devices Is On The Rise

Downloading TV content on mobile devices by consumers when they are unable to stream TV content is on the rise. Penthera’s premium video service clients have seen their users download 3.5 to 5 pieces of video content each month on average.

September 27th, 2019

eMarketer Pro
Latin America Digital Video 2019

Latin America’s digital video market is growing, fueled by consumer demand for “anytime, anywhere” content. And we forecast that 45.3% of the region’s population will watch digital video regularly this year. Latin America has one of the fastest-growing mobile phone markets in the world. According to Penthera data from a 2018 study, more than six in 10 internet users in Latin America watched TV shows and/or movies on their mobile devices every day

September 19th, 2019

eMarketer Pro
Germany Digital Video 2019

Germany's digital video market is growing. We forecast that 58.1% of the population will watch digital video in 2019. In Germany, there will be more than 47 million digital video viewers in 2019. According to Penthera and EMI Research Solutions, one-third of internet users in Germany ages 18 to 50 streamed movies and TV shows on their mobile daily in October 2018.

September 19th, 2019

eMarketer Pro
France Digital Video 2019

The digital video market in France is growing despite being behind Europe and far behind the UK. We forecast that over 57% of the population in France will watch digital video in 2019. France still lags in mobile streaming adoption, compared with Germany, the Netherlands and the UK, according to an October 2018 Penthera and EMI Research Solutions survey.

September 19th, 2019

Total Medios
Cómo El Comercio Electrónico Mobile Impacta En La Publicidad Digital

Hoy la inversión mobile representará 2/3 del total invertido en medios digitales. El 87% de los argentinos lo utiliza para conectarse a la red. Los usos más frecuentes son: trabajar, estudiar, hacer compras y ver videos como programas de televisión y películas. Según datos de Penthera de octubre de 2018, 6 de cada 10 usuarios en América Latina ven programas de televisión y/o películas en sus dispositivos móviles diariamente, seguidos de aproximadamente 1/4 (24,9%) que lo hacen semanalmente.

September 18th, 2019

AiThority
AiThority Interview with Josh Pressnell, CTO at Penthera

It’s not enough, anymore, to just offer the right content. More and more, users are expecting the user experience they get with that content to be compelling as well Features, such as Download2Go, which were once dismissed by Netflix and other industry leaders, are now industry standards. Penthera’s mission is to allow viewers to watch the video whenever and wherever they want. We provide Software Products that facilitate the delivery of Video Content over wireless networks to mobile devices.

September 9th, 2019

MarTech Series
TechBytes with Josh Pressnell, CTO at Penthera

Penthera has been focused on the challenges mobile customers experience when consuming video for nearly a decade. It’s not enough, anymore, to just offer the right content. Users are expecting the experience they get with that content to be compelling as well. Features, such as Download2Go, which were once dismissed by Netflix and other industry leaders, are now industry standards.

August 29th, 2019

Mobile Marketer
‍Criteo, MoPub see 90% jump in conversions with in-app native ads

Criteo's reported ad metrics from MoPub indicate that in-app advertising delivers solid results for marketers while also generating more revenue for app publishers. Currently, more than one-fourth (28%) of surveyed marketers said they have trouble delivering video to in-app users, per a survey by mobile video software company Penthera.

August 28th, 2019

Digital Information World
‍Gen Z use smartphones as a constant source of entertainment, says a study

Gen Z is the fastest-growing generation group in the U.S., and also the most addicted generation to watch videos on mobile. TikTok is another popular app among Gen Z that can be used by brands and marketers to target youth through a smaller screen. However, another recent study by Penthera revealed delivering compelling in-app videos on smartphones are troublesome for many.

August 28th, 2019

Streaming Media Blog
The Challenges and Best Practices For Inserting Ads Into OTT Downloadable Videos

As OTT services evolve, more consumers are going to expect content to be available offline as part of the user experience. AVOD providers haven’t offered download capabilities in the past (while some SVODs have) is that delivering video advertising offline adds a lot more technical complexities.But Penthera has come up with an interesting work-around for this, so that offline ads can still promote engagement: their SDK is built to track click-heres.

August 28th, 2019

Mobile Marketer
In-app ad impressions jumped 26% in Q2 on video strength, study finds

In-app mobile advertising is surging as the industry tackles concerns about fraud. The findings also indicate that video content is a major driver of mobile activity. Yet more than one-fourth (28%) of marketers said they had trouble delivering video to in-app users, per a recent survey by mobile video software company Penthera.

August 21st, 2019

Mobile Marketer
28% of marketers struggle with in-app video delivery, study says

More than one-fourth (28%) of surveyed marketers said they have trouble delivering video to in-app users, per a survey from Penthera.. The survey highlights struggle areas, including, crucially, the creation of video content that actually encourages users to gain awareness of a brand and engage it more frequently.

August 12th, 2019

Media Post
‍App Challenges Rise As People Spend More Time In Them

The increase in app use has prompted marketers to build in features like advanced search and opt-in push notifications, but one in five marketers now say they face high opt-out rates, poor click-through rates, and cumbersome program management challenges, according to Penthera's survey findings released this week.

August 7th, 2019

Broadcasting Cable
Why is Mobile Still an Afterthought For Streaming Services?

The recent upfront and NewFront festivities made it loud and clear that TV networks, advertisers and consumers are all embracing streaming video. Globally, the mobile video viewing audience is nearly 2.4 billion people a TV-only stance could prove costly in the future.

August 1st, 2019

Ad Age
Over-the-top services demand a next-level ad experience

If marketers continue to make do with a mish-mash of outdated plays from traditional TV and digital, OTT will never realize its true advertising potential.

July 26th, 2019

Video Nuze
Time is Right for AVOD Downloading

Over the years a variety of SVOD providers have enabled downloading. But AVOD providers have been on the sidelines as fans of their programming look to SVOD sources to satisfy their offline viewing habits. Penthera is addressing these ad downloading issues by using a similar approach it has with video downloading.

June 27th, 2019

Cynopsis
6 Reasons AVOD Providers Can’t Afford to Ignore Download

Mobile video download has become a feature that users rely on to solve some of their most persistent viewing issues. The ubiquity of mobile video download is still primarily limited to subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) services, like Netflix, Showtime, Amazon Prime, and others. But now, download for AVOD technology has entered the market, and AVOD providers should take advantage.

June 25th, 2019

Marketing Land
‍In OTT video, features are as important as content

Marketers must understand the benefits of collaboration with product teams to promote UX and other aspects of their business users care about. The direct-to-consumer nature of OTT video means that marketing departments at these services should be thinking beyond content.

June 19th, 2019

Broadcasting Cable
‍Apple Seeks to Bundle OTT Providers, Will the Networks Cede Their Customer Connections?

Apple may serve as a distributor for many of these OTT services, possibly leading viewers to reorient and interact with their subscriptions through Apple TV, rather than the providers' owned-and-operated apps.

June 17th, 2019

Video Nuze
‍Mobile Video: Understanding the On-the-Go Viewer [VIDEO]

Advertising in mobile video is an important revenue stream for many content providers, so understanding how to optimize the viewer experience is essential. At the 9th annual Video Advertising Summit on May 29th, mobile video advertising was the subject of a panel including Dan Hurwitz Chief Revenue Officer of Penthera.

June 13th, 2019

Streaming Media
Penthera Creates Dynamic Ad Solution for Downloaded Video

Downloaded movies and TV shows won't be ad-free for much longer, if a new offering from Penthera catches on. The mobile video software company recently released Download2Go for AVOD, which allows ad-supported streaming services to insert ads into downloaded content.

June 6th, 2019

nScreenMedia
New download solution for AVOD services

Penthera has just announced a new solution that lets ad-supported video service providers support one of the most popular SVOD features: video downloads.  In this interview, the company’s CRO explains how the solution works.

May 30th, 2019

Forbes
Making Downloadable Advertising Work

As the amount of ad supported OTT grows, the market for ad-supported downloading is growing along with it. Many of them have previously been held up by the inability to run any sort of advertising on downloaded programs, a new solution from Penthera, a software firm that specializes in download and OTT viewing solutions, appears to have solved that crucial problem.

May 30th, 2019

Marketing Land
5G won’t solve ad-supported video’s playback issues

If ads are destined to upset target audiences through buffering, slow load times or poor quality, then advertisers aren’t getting their money’s worth.

May 15th, 2019

Cynopsis Media
Keys to OTT Success

As OTT service evolves, keeping consumers happy means ensuring the best viewer experience possible. Daniel Hurwitz, Chief Revenue Officer, Penthera, shares his insights on the features that add value and inspire loyalty.

May 3rd, 2019

TV Technology
Mobile Video Must Rise To Cable’s Playback Standard

Mobile video is still talked about as a “new” technology, which means it gets graded on a curve. Mobile video buffering used to be really bad, so now that it’s OK, everyone seems to accept that as a victory. But viewers themselves aren’t going to stand for minor improvements.

May 2nd, 2019

Marketing Land
In the battle for mobile engagement, branded apps hold untapped value

To effectively market in a mobile world, brands need to think of their apps as mobile video mailboxes. Consumers spend an overwhelming majority of their mobile internet time within apps. Recognizing this trend, the world’s biggest brands have developed apps as tools for providing services.

April 12th, 2019

Variety
5 Things Hollywood Needs to Know About 5G

Compared with today’s 4G, the next-gen 5G standard promises faster speeds of at least 20-fold, instant response times, vastly improved network efficiencies and longer device battery life, among other benefits. Following the first commercial 5G launches in the U.S.

April 10th, 2019

Advanced Television
Research: Mobile streaming frustrations growing

As more and more OTT viewers cut the cord, they demand on-the-go options but are less tolerant of technological and experiential shortcomings than they were even a year ago, according to the study.

March 20th, 2019

Streaming Media
Mobile Video Frustrations Are on the Rise: 88% Report Issues

Mobile video streamers are more frustrated than ever. It's not that quality is getting worse, but that expectation are rising. Viewers have high expectations for video, even on mobile devices.

March 19th, 2019

MarketingLand
Video on demand’s future requires an ad model built around the experience

In a crowded marketplace, the best VOD ad experience is the one that makes the most impact with the least intrusion.

February 28th, 2019

Streaming Video Alliance
Video Delivery Trends

Despite its growing popularity, streaming video is a relatively young technology, especially when compared to traditional broadcast television.

February 28th, 2019

Forbes
Why Downloading May Be A Big Part Of The Coming Streaming Wars

With the OTT "Flixcopalypse" about to happen, making content downloadable is an easy way for new services to make subscribers happy.

February 21st, 2019

Light Reading
How Sports TV Viewership Is Changing

The way we watch TV shows and movies has been forever transformed by mobile devices and the video-on-demand industry. But another surprising consequence of these developments is that the way people consume sports content is also dramatically shifting.

February 11th, 2019

PhocusWire
How airlines can sweat existing assets to capture in-flight eyeballs

Apps have become a ubiquitous part of travel, helping consumers manage their itineraries, make reservations, and even check in to board a flight.

February 11th, 2019

eMarketer
Podcast | Understanding Mobile Video Viewers

In the latest episode of "Behind the Numbers," we're talking about consumers' mobile video viewing habits and preferences.

February 7th, 2019

SalesTechStar
SalesTech Interview With Daniel Hurwitz, Chief Revenue Officer At Penthera

Dan Hurwitz discusses how CBS, AMC, Showtime, Starz, and other OTT players are innovating to power their streaming and download experiences.

February 7th, 2019

Clickz
Does Netflix's "Bandersnatch" foreshadow the future of video content?

Black Mirror's "Bandersnatch" episode provides viewers with a unique experience and Netflix with a ton of data. Will more interactive content follow soon?

January 9th, 2019

Martech Adviser
In a Mobile World, Ad-supported Video Must Innovate to Survive

Like all mobile video, ad-supported video faces the challenge of availability. Buffering, poor WiFi signal and other playback issues can cost providers eyeballs and the corresponding ad revenue, making offline playback options more important than ever, says, Dan Taitz, President, Penthera.

December 12, 2018

Videonuze
The Big Lie of Streaming Mobile Video

"Download enables users to watch online or offline, making it the missing ingredient to increasing viewer engagement—because in order to engage, the first thing you have to be is available."

September 18, 2018

IBC.org
Interview: Joshua Pressnell, Penthera

"Mobile video viewing has increased from a fringe activity to a required feature, says Penthera Chief Technology Officer Joshua Pressnell..."

August 2, 2018

Light Reading
‍Get Ready for Streaming Video Downloads

"As it becomes clear that the shortcomings of video streaming aren't going away any time soon, providers are flocking to incorporate download into their mobile offerings. So OTT companies have a new question on their hands: With download options as the new normal, how can they go above and beyond to optimize the mobile video experience for their viewers? I predict that the next popular feature will be subscriptions..."

July 16, 2018

Forbes
‍Downloading TV Shows Finally Comes Of Age (With Ads)

"As someone who travels frequently, the main downside to the shift in VOD TV several years ago from an iTunes-style rental model to a Netflix-style streaming one was that I no longer had the ability to download many of the shows I wanted to watch..."

May 11, 2018

TV Rev
‍‍The Downloading Renaissance

"When Apple’s iTunes Store kicked off the streaming revolution back in 2005, it was by offering downloadable copies of popular TV shows.13 years later, downloading is staging a comeback as networks and viewers realize that there are still major benefits to being able to watch a show without having to rely on the availability of a wifi signal or 4G mobile..."

May 23, 2018

eMarketer
‍‍Buffering Is the Streaming Snafu that Won't Go Away

"There are few things more frustrating for cord-cutters than getting home from a long day’s work and queuing up their favorite show online as they kick back on the couch, only to realize they can’t watch in peace and harmony because the video won’t load correctly..."

Mar 29, 2018

nScreenMedia
‍‍Half of Mobile Video Viewers Want Ability to Download

"With more than half of U.S. adults watching video on a smartphone, the smallest screen has become one of the biggest targets for video services. Unfortunately, the experience is anything but perfect. New data from Penthera shows the ability download video is a popular cure for the temperamental mobile streaming experience..."

Feb 22,2018

Finsmes
‍‍Penthera Partners Completes $6M Equity Financing

"Penthera Partners, a New York-based creator of download-to-go (D2Go) software, received $6m in funding.The round was led by Liberty Global Ventures, the venture investment arm of Liberty Global International, an international cable company and a Penthera customer..."

Oct 10, 2017

Video Nuze
‍‍Penthera Raises $6 Million to Power Video Downloads

"Penthera, which makes software to power video downloading to mobile devices, has raised $6 million from Liberty Global Ventures, the venture investment arm of Liberty Global International, which is the biggest international cable company and chaired by John Malone. Liberty Global is also a Penthera customer..."

Oct 11, 2017

CED Magazine
‍What Do Consumers Think About Download-to-Go Options?

"In the ever-expanding world of instant entertainment gratification, a growing number of people want access to their TV shows and movies on mobile devices even when they don’t have solid internet access. They could be on a plane or a train with limited or no WiFi, or maybe they’re on vacation in an area that has poor coverage. Among the companies that have stepped up to offer customers the ability to download content to their devices rather than only stream are Comcast and Netflix, and according to a new study, it would behoove more providers to pay increased attention to this option..."

May 24, 2017