Rovi launches search engine website + acquires SideReel.com

Rovi, a behind-the-scenes force in everything from metadata to copyright protection, recently launched AllRovi.com, a search-and-recommendation engine for entertainment content, and bolstered that effort with the acquisition of SideReel.com, a leading source of links to TV content online.

What’s different about this Rovi move is that its core product, electronic programming guides, is essentially getting some exposure on the open web as opposed to the connected devices that has been its focal point to date.

Rovi is going to be a strong player given the depth of content and personalization technology they bring to the game.While AllRovi.com has plenty of film and music content to bring to the mix, Sidereel will have them covered on the TV side.

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Business Models for On-Demand Lifestyles

The CONNECTIONS Europe Summit afternoon begins with the Business Models for On-Demand Lifestyles panel moderated by Stuart Sikes, President, Parks Associates.

Where is profitability in the connected lifestyle? What are the “rules of engagement” (business, regulatory, consumer) for implementing access to new content and applications? This panel examines the critical factors for monetizing the connected lifestyle:

• Monetizing online content

• The role of advertising and other revenue-generating programs

• Understanding the needs of content producers and owners

• Application stores, microtransactions, and the mobile provider

Speakers include:
Wim Bus, Senior Vice President of Product Management & Operations, Civolution
Keith Donovan, Sales & Marketing Director, Intamac Systems
Rob Lewis, CEO, Omnifone
Theodore May, VP Content & Value Added Services, Synacor
Neerav Shah, VP Business Development, Verimatrix