Xplore

Xplore app provides the framework for processing and displaying production metadata as additional information during playback of Video on Demand content. This gives viewers the opportunity to find useful information about actors, filming locations, clothing worn in the scene or any other kind of data collected during or after production in any given moment of the video.

Description

Xplore app is a flagship project of the German public service broadcaster Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg that aims to present the capabilities of HbbTV. Apart from commercial broadcasters it’s the only product on the market that enables metadata processing and its presentation to viewers. Metadata created during the entire production process, from the planning of the shoot to the final edit, is brought together and presented to viewers on a timeline parallel to Video on Demand playback. However, the collection of this metadata is also possible afterwards.

The developed HbbTV app requires a timeline of metadata, each metadata is linked to a specific piece of information on the timeline. This additional information can be background information on actors, film locations, historical events, commercial information e.g. on clothing or props, etc.

Xplore was developed as a plug-in for the use of ARD, but due to its compatibility can be integrated in any VoD player.

Impact

Xplore was developed as a stand-alone HbbTV app. As the app is dependent on existing metadata, it is currently only presented when film productions with corresponding metadata are released. Currently, it is planned to implement the function comprehensively in the ARD Media Library, together with further so called On Screen Events. Further plans include connecting a mining platform to generate metadata using AI-based person recognition for the case when production does not provide any metadata.

A survey of 1020 users showed overall great interest in the product and high user loyalty through frequent interaction. More than 60% find the app as "good" or even "very good", approximately 80% of the users say that the function is "easy to use".

First launch of the app was on 25th of August 2022 with one more screening later that year and one in 2023. Further play-out dates are currently being planned.