Best TV Everywhere/Authentication App (Programmer)
By
| March 12, 2014
Winner
Turner Sports – 2013 NCAA March Madness Live
This entirely new version of the app made it easier for fans to get the streaming content, offering a 4-hour preview before requiring authentication. That gave users plenty of time to gather the necessary credentials for TV Everywhere if it was their first time using the service. Video quality also was improved, and social media and brackets were integrated into the live video. The numbers speak for themselves: NCCA March Madness Live delivered 49 million live video streams—up 164% compared to 2012.
Honorable Mentions
EPIX App for PS4
Epix was the first premium network to launch an authenticated app on Sony’s new PS4 gaming system, earning lots of downloads through free preview periods and social media promotions.
ESPN – WatchESPN
The super popular app received a major update last year, including a Live Tool Bar that delivers on-demand clips from ESPN.com, scores, split screen mode and more.
NBCUniversal – USA Now App
USA is the leading cable entertainment net in NBCU’s TV Everywhere efforts, with the app available to approximately 60% of pay TV households.
Scripps Networks Interactive – Watch HGTV App
Scripps tackled replacing a video app that didn’t have an authentication wall with success, with more than 376K downloads on iOS through the end of November.