Personalised video-on-demand learning, USA
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Californian based Chaos Media Networks is a distributor of a new type of video-on-demand programming that can be more personalised to the viewer’s needs. They have also developed the technology to enable more personalised content compared to just linear video. Their current target group is the cable companies initially in the United States. A
summary of the programmes on offer: -
The programmes are marketed to cable companies in
various modes:
Although, there is clearly a commercial dimension to the programme offerings aimed at generating revenue for the cable company, these methods do create new innovative ways of giving TV viewers access to content that is personalised more customised to their learning needs and interests. Chaos Media Networks have moved beyond just supplying a linear video-on-demand service to providing two-way, interactive, custom programming services that act as a guide, a tutor and an expert. For example, as
a person watches a language learning programme the Chaos system can
adapt to the person’s level of interest, skills, pace and fit within
their own schedule.
A screen-shot of a Chaos French lesson. Or, like a
personal trainer in the home, Chaos system can motivate and to put a
person through their on a personal fitness regime that is full of
variety, fun and results. For example, a person can start the week with
"steps" and end with kickboxing; take a break from aerobics
and concentrate on rock hard abs. The Chaos system learns a person’s
pace and routine - and creates a daily or "sometime" workout
plan, and then suggests other ways to stay fit, such as healthy cooking,
and nutritional tips. The system can even interrupt a person during the
day or night to remind them to stop snacking or to drink extra water-
just like having a motivational partner in the living room.
A screen-shot of a
Chaos getting fit lesson. At any time
while watching Chaos, it is possible to use the remote control to ask
questions on just about any subject and get the TV to show the answer
with a quick program. From the simple "How do I change my
oil?", or "Where can I learn about wine tasting?" to the
complicated "How can I quit smoking", the Chaos systems claims
to have answers for just about everything. This aspect of the service is
free to viewers.
A screen-shot of a Chaos “How do
I…?” More details of the VOD programmes available: -
Oasis, delivers a local
guide to hobbies, outdoor activities and education, human performance,
recreation, and sports. Many interactive topics are available regardless
of the viewer's experience level. Viewers can find out how to get
started on a particular sport, or, for the more experienced viewer,
improve his/her technique. Weekend venues, evening shows, sports, and
local community activities can all be found, planned and reserved at the
click of a button. At-home interactive lessons can also introduce or
help prepare the viewer for a new sport or hobby. Vacation plans, travel
destinations, and sightseeing tours can all be planned and previewed
on-demand with interactive services. Oasis is targeted toward Young
Professionals, dual income families, Senior citizens, and Hobbyists.
Soma from CMN delivers
daily programs on exercise, nutrition, and family fitness. Soma offers
on-demand aerobics, healthy cooking, and weight loss maintenance, along
with current news and advances in fitness and nutrition. Focusing on
novel exercise routines and a fun learning style, the interactive news
and programs are customized to fit the viewers' lifestyle and fitness
concerns whether they are individuals, couples or a whole family.
Customisable help and routines make personal training fun and easy while
the more experienced athlete can find new routines and fresh new ideas.
Soma is targeted toward Adults seeking fitness support, Health conscious
families, and Fitness product and service patrons.
Quest
delivers daily programs on education, academic preparation, and
tutorials for students of all ages. Quest offers on-demand math, civics,
and chemistry courses; along with specialty programs for home schooled
children and standardized testing. Focusing on national academic
standards and a fun learning style, the interactive classes and services
customize to fit the student's lifestyle and educational concerns
whether the subscribers are grade school, university or post-graduate.
Customizable tutorials and routines make learning fun and easy. Quest
targets students and education-minded adults, parents, and home-school
families.
Praxis is where viewers
turn for entertaining and practical solutions to real-world domestic
problems. Whether it's a feature program on building a home-office or a
quick video segment on how to fix a leaky faucet, or understanding home
equity loans, Praxis offers television-programming viewers can
immediately apply to their own lives. How-To, Do-It-Yourself, Finance,
Home & Garden, Auto repair, and dozens of other general interest
topics fill the broadcast line-up. Viewers can sit back and be
entertained, or use their remote control to learn, explore, get answers
and have fun. CMN provides interesting and relevant content to viewers,
complete with abundant targeted advertising avails for local merchants.
A conventional broadcast schedule offers viewers instant access to
current topics, while subscription programming, interactive services,
and an on-demand library provide continued in-depth interactivity.
Praxis' broadcast programs are intended for general audiences with a
focus on Home Owners, adults of all ages, and goal-oriented
"active" viewers.
Locus is the central hub
for both large and small communities. Focusing on small business and
local events, the interactive style provides regular updates and
information on topics such as local professional services, traffic,
community arts, festivals, civil information, local government, weather
and traffic. Customisable help and services make investigating and
gaining access to public events and news a quick, easy, and fun
experience. CMN provides interesting and relevant programming to
viewers, complete with targeted advertising spots for local and regional
merchants. A conventional broadcast schedule offers viewers instant
access to current topics, while subscription programming, interactive
services, and an on demand library provide continued in-depth
interactivity.
Academy
from CMN delivers the professional education services for allied health
professionals, educators, and IT professionals. Academy also focuses on
non-academic and professional learning. Company wide risk management
seminars, OSHA certification, and system tutorials are offered. The
interactive style provides a fun and exciting venue for companies
seeking to educate customers and employees offsite. Customisable videos
and quizzes make quick learning and certifications easy, economical, and
fun. CMN provides interesting and relevant programming to viewers,
complete with targeted advertising spots for local and regional
merchants. A conventional broadcast schedule offers viewers instant
access to current topics, while subscription programming, interactive
services, and an on demand library provide continued in depth
interactivity. Academy is targeted towards working adults, companies
with large employee bases, Allied health professionals, and IT
Professionals.
Rx from CMN delivers
daily programs on healthy living, medical conditions, home care and
prevention. Rx offers on-demand diagnosis, medical Q&A, and modern
health care advice, along with current news on health and medical
sciences. Focusing on home care, patient and viewer education, family
concerns and personal improvement, the interactive news and videos are
customized to fit the viewers lifestyle and health concerns. Rx provides
interesting and relevant programming to viewers, complete with targeted
advertising spots for local and regional merchants. Rx is targeted to
health conscious families; Adults seeking self help solutions, chronic
illness patients, and health product and service patrons.
Alliance
from CMN delivers daily programs on interpersonal relationships,
self-help, and specialty interests. Alliance offers on-demand topics for
people such as epicureans, exotic cooks, gamers, pet owners, and lovers.
Focusing on affinity groups and a fun learning style, the interactive
services and programs customize to fit the viewers chosen lifestyle and
living patterns. Privacy and personal modesty are preserved for those
with a more reserved style. Alliance is targeted to singles or couples,
adventurous families, people seeking new lifestyles, and hobbyists.
Beacon is
Chaos Media Network's channel offering the best in personal discovery,
worship and spiritual programming. Unlike other religion-oriented
networks, Beacon in itself is completely non-sectarian. By expressing
personal preferences through interactive choices, the viewer customizes
Beacon to offer programming that adds personal meaning to each person's
belief system. With Beacon, seasonal and specific faith-based
programming is designed for the busy modern lifestyle. Traditional
family values and lessons are interactively taught to both young family
members and adults alike. With specific services for a wide range of
religious groups, Beacon acts as a valuable resource for the busy
worshiper. Beacon also offers nondenominational interactive programming
that helps viewers focus their thoughts and ideas, while exploring new
philosophies. Beacon is targeted to both youth and adults who are
seeking more knowledge on their spiritual journey.
Faze is family, youth and children's programming. On Faze, crafts, skills, and game ideas are presented for developing children and their parents. Older youth are provided with ideas for after-school activities and tutoring services. Concerned working parents can monitor and guide after-school viewing with simple menus and status reports. Parenting advice and family issues are discussed in formats suitable for all members of the family. Parent-child activities are encouraged, and Faze offers a large library of titles for the young and young-at-heart. Faze is targeted toward combined Parent/Child viewing, Kids, Tweens, Teens, and New Parents. Types of programmes include: -
Further Information Chaos Media Networks Web site |
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Last updated 30 April 2004