Disney+ Hotstar, the over-the-top (OTT) platform, introduced a new artificial intelligence (AI) tool on Monday that will improve the user experience. The streaming giant claimed that the AI tool will optimize video streaming. This is for one to consume less data while keeping the quality of the video unchanged. The new feature will also make it more data-efficient to download videos from the platform for offline viewing. Notably, the company announced last month that it would stream a select number of Premier League matches in 4K resolution.
Disney+ Hotstar to use an AI video optimisation tool
In a press release, the video-streaming giant announced the introduction of AI-powered video optimisation technology. It is essentially an advanced encoding feature. This feature can optimize data consumption on the basis of user habits and scene complexity. Disney+ Hotstar claimed that the technology will let users spend less data. At the same time , they won’t have to compromise on the quality of visuals.
The report also added that users can expect a reduction of 25 percent when downloading videos. This is aimed at making the content on the platform more accessible to users with limited data. Detailing the AI feature, Disney+ Hotstar said that the technology uses AI to understand user consumption patterns. Besides, it also analyzes the context and complexity around each scene. It is difficult to understand how user patterns are linked with data optimization. The context and complexity of the scene are likely being processed with computer vision to brighten darker scenes while not increasing data usage. The company highlighted that the technology is currently pending patent.
Mukund Acharya, the Head of Technology at Disney+ Hotstar further explained the new AI-powered encoding technique. He said that it can improve the watch time per GB by 12.5 percent. This means users can watch more content on the same data budget.
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