The streaming giant, Hotstar, has been working on a new AI video optimization tool that promises better viewing experiences for its subscribers.
According to Hotstar, this innovative tool promises to cut down on data consumption without affecting the level of video quality experienced.
The data usage by Disney+ Hotstar's users will be reduced by a significant 25% in downloading videos. This will make it easy for users to download videos for offline watching. This would ensure an efficient usage of data mainly if you use limited data plans.
The actual AI models behind the tool remain unknown, however, the company has confirmed that the technology is pending patent.
Mukund Acharya, Head of Technology with Disney+ Hotstar said, "This AI tool may add more hours to the watch on the same data budget." He further noted that their new AI-based encoding technique can boost by as much as 12.5 percent the watch time per GB, saying, "So in essence, viewers can watch more hours of their favorite shows without burning through their data."
It employs the newest encoding technologies for minimal data usage without trading off video quality. The AI optimizes the usage of data when viewing videos to allow the user to view the same resolution and enjoy smooth streaming but with a smaller data footprint.
According to Disney+ Hotstar, the AI-based tool analyzes and optimizes video streaming by keeping track of user consumption patterns alongside scene complexity. Dark or complex scenes, for example, will be passed through processing without the extra load of data as a result of AI-driven computer vision technology.
Disney+ Hotstar has filed a patent for the AI video optimization tool, and that in itself speaks to the innovation in that technology. The background-running AI finds ways to fine-tune the consumption of data based on the context of every scene so that the experience can both be efficient and pleasing.