CPH:DOX partners with Dacast for superior streaming solutions

Transitioning to a Continuous Streaming Model

The decision to transition to a continuous streaming model represented a significant strategic shift for CPH:DOX. Originally, their streaming efforts were concentrated around their annual festival, providing a limited window for viewers to access the content. This approach, while effective for short bursts of activity, did not support the growing demand for accessible, on-demand documentary content throughout the year.

Initially, CPH:DOX relied on a basic streaming service suitable for their short-term festival needs. However, as they transitioned to a continuous streaming model, they encountered several issues:

   – Limited Customization: Their previous platform offered minimal flexibility, hindering the integration of additional content like podcasts, articles, and director interviews.

   – Technical Difficulties: Frequent issues with features such as Chromecast led to numerous support calls and user frustration.

   – Content Management: The need to upload large volumes of content quickly was critical, especially during festival periods. Their old solution struggled with the required volume and speed.

They also faced key challenges in this new model:

   – Audience Expectation: Viewers increasingly expect 24/7 access to a wide range of content, requiring a platform that could support constant availability.

   – Content Volume: Managing and maintaining a large library of films and supplementary content, such as interviews and discussions, became crucial to keep the audience engaged year-round.

   – Scalability: The ability to scale the platform to accommodate varying levels of demand, from routine daily usage to the high traffic during the festival period, was essential.

“What we were aiming for, we could not achieve with standard out-of-the-box streaming services. Dacast provided the customization, reliability, and efficiency we needed to meet our unique requirements.” stated Bugge Lützhøft, Hero of Digital at CPH:DOX. 

Customization, Reliability, and Efficiency: Why Dacast Was the Perfect Partner

CPH:DOX needed a robust, reliable, and scalable streaming solution to handle the demands of a continuous streaming model. Dacast offered the capabilities required to meet these challenges head-on:

   – Superior Player and Customization: Dacast’s embeddable player provided a seamless user experience, integrating smoothly with CPH:DOX’s custom-built site. This flexibility allowed them to offer additional content and features previously unattainable.

   – Reliable Performance: The stability of Dacast’s player, particularly with Chromecast, significantly reduced technical issues and support calls. 

   – Efficient Content Management: Dacast’s platform enabled rapid uploading and scaling of content, crucial during festival periods when they needed to upload hundreds of films quickly. 

“One of the main reasons for choosing Dacast was their superior player that just works without any hassle. When we signed up, we could import 300 films right away in a morning, just two days before the launch.” the team recalled. 

The Impact of Dacast

The switch to Dacast has profoundly impacted CPH:DOX’s operations and user experience:

   – Enhanced User Experience: The improved player and seamless integration have led to a better viewing experience for users, reducing complaints and support issues.

   – Scalability: The ability to quickly scale bandwidth during peak periods ensures a smooth and reliable service during high-traffic times, such as their annual festival.

   – Content Variety and Flexibility: With Dacast, CPH:DOX can now offer a broader range of content, including exclusive interviews, podcasts, and more, enhancing the value of their platform.

Future with Dacast 

Looking ahead, CPH:DOX is confident in their partnership with Dacast. They plan to expand their reach beyond Denmark to other Nordic countries, despite the complex contractual agreements involved. Additionally, they aim to develop subscription models for educational institutions, further broadening their audience.

Simon Ørberg, CPH:DOX’s Project Manager, highlighted their future aspirations: “Expanding through the rest of the Nordic countries is a dream… That’s the goal.”

Conclusion

CPH:DOX’s journey with Dacast exemplifies how the right streaming platform can transform an organization’s capabilities and user experience. By addressing their technical challenges and providing a scalable, customizable solution, Dacast has empowered CPH:DOX to continue their mission of promoting documentary films to a wider audience.

CPH:DOX, one of the world’s most influential documentary festivals, faced significant challenges as they sought to expand their film festival experience into a year-round streaming platform. They believe documentary films can broaden our horizons and reduce the distance between us. Known for their innovative approach, CPH:DOX needed a robust streaming solution that could handle their unique demands. After evaluating several options, they found their ideal partner in Dacast.