I purchased 2 iPhones, figuring that since we produce content for mobile media and the web, we should have the latest products to test and show our clients. That said, I figured we should say what our findings are with regards this device in the short time we've owned them.
PROS
This is a great device unlike anything we've ever used, there is nothing that even comes close to its functionality, ease of use, design, clarity, etc. We find the videos from podcasts to be of the utmost clarity, with no lag times, and its ability to sync seamless (connected to a mac). The ability to connect to YouTube is also a very cool feature, with the videos fairly clear, and with tolerable load times. The other features such as photos, stocks, camera, weather, and calendar work as expected. Maps turned out to be a greater tool than I ever expected, providing traffic reports, directions, and satellite imagery. WiFi connectivity is fairly seamless in that it connects to any open network, which is great for surfing the web (To be fair, we have not tested secure networks). And finally, I really like the virtual voicemail feature. The future possibilities of this device look to be even more promising. With the potential creation of endless widgets for it, this phone can turn into a powerhouse device, tracking packages, making VOIP calls, watching IPTV channels, etc. Just look at the list of available widgets for OSX. I look forward to the creation of others to make this device fully shine.
CONS
I do have a list of cons, all of which you'll probably find on other message boards.
1. No Video Camera - even the simplest of phones record video now.
2. No Voice Dialing - need I say more?
3. No zoom feature on the camera.
4. Gmail cc's you on emails sent from the phone - annoying
5. No GPS on maps - I know I'm expecting alot from this one.
6. ATT service - The bar isn't raised that high, Internet is slow when available, and calls do get
dropped even when it supposedly has full signal. Lots of dead spots in LA (and New York I
hear).
7. Compression rate is different than AppleTV (Probably should be an AppleTV complaint)
which means we have to compress videos twice.
8. Search feature on YouTube is limited (Like AppleTV) therefore it is difficult if not impossible
to get to specific channels.
9. Speakers aren't that great - What should I expect for $600.00?
10. Keyboard cant go widescreen - would make texting easier.
11. No MMS messaging
12. No Legacy connections to ipod accessories (iHome, stereo docks, etc)- You mean we have to
buy all new accessories?!
13. No voice recorder - probably a new accessory I'll need to purchase; which leads me to
14. No radio, or Internet radio.
And finally
15. Battery life still sucks. - All I can say is keep your iPod handy.
Something else to note is that connectivity to many corporate servers for email, although seemingly possible, is not very likely; thereby keeping the blackberry useful. But for the most part, it is a great multi use device with some obvious limitations, but a definite leap for the future of not only phones, but any media device, not to mention the widget development possibilities, and considering the number of people who purchased one, it might be time to start reviewing your media marketing plan, and how you plan to reach them.
Joel Carter III
Imago Film Productions
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
First Impression iPhone
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Content & New Media Marketing
Content & New Media Marketing
Don't spend a lot to get the most from your content
Now that you've spent a considerable amount of time and money developing content for podcasts or your website, how do you get the most bang for your buck? While website streaming is an excellent way to maintain constant communication with current viewers, you must consistently look at new ways to attract more viewers. Additionally, some may feel as though a new marketing plan is in order. Realistically, however, just reviewing your current marketing plan and implementing simple promotional techniques may be all you need to expand your reach.
Broadcast to new Platforms
Historically, if you wanted to reach different market segments with visual content, you had to develop new content for each platform. With New Media, it is easier to take a single source of content that has been developed and expand it beyond a singular platform. This allows for reaching a wide range of audiences with a single message without changing the core material. Platforms such as iTunes, YouTube, MySpace, News outlets, Cable channels, IPTV, and even your own internal TV network are excellent outlets for viewers looking for information. These outlets are not only effective, but in most cases, very inexpensive ways to get your content seen by a wider audience. For instance:
- Your Website - A steady stream of one-time viewers from visitors of your website.
- ITunes / Podcasting - A steady growth of subscribers continuously receiving new content as you release it.
- YouTube/Community Sites – Exponentiation of one-time viewers in a shorter timeframe.
- Network Cable/TV - Locally reach 100,000 plus viewers instantly (market dependent).
- Your Internal Network - Capture the attention of everyone entering your facility.
Through a cohesive use of these and other platforms, you can leverage all or any combination to reach a targeted market to get your message across. By always cross-referencing platforms, viewers are aware of additional means of acquiring and sharing content.
Implement Cross-Marketing
It isn't always necessary to develop a new campaign to market your videos internally or externally. Take a look at your current marketing plan. What areas are available to add a logo, a link, a graphic, an ad, or to post an inexpensive flyer?
- Company newsletters and flyers are excellent ways to simply identify to your audience that specific content or series exist on a range of platforms.
- Electronic message boards are a simple way to advertise and communicate with viewers.
- Information boards in the facility can be used as advertising space
- Screen enabled devices such as electronic time clocks, phone systems, and even Kiosks, provide a targeted means of advertising.
- Use Email distribution lists to your advantage by adding verbiage, logos, and links to new content.
These are just a few of the minimal investment ideas for effectively marketing on New Media platforms by leveraging the greatest potential of your current marketing collateral. Our next newsletter will cover new ideas in content production or "New Media" in the healthcare industry. For questions, comments, suggestions, or for assistance in further developing your content series, please email us at info@imagofilms.com, or subscribe to our blog .
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Imago Film Productions Wins Second Telly Award
| "Imago Wins Second Telly Award" May 30, 2007 10:00: AM PT -LOS ANGELES-
Imago Film productions one of the pioneers in video podcasting; specializes in new media production and multi platform distribution solutions for corporations and medical institutions. Through the use of podcasting, internet streaming, IPTV, and other distribution channels, Imago has helped organizations effectively produce award-winning programs that leverage their internal and external communication, training, marketing, and sales environments. Recognized as one of "America's Best Hospitals for Top Medical Care in 16 Specialties" in 1998 by U.S. News & World Report, Good Samaritan supports eight Centers of Excellence that focus on advancing the science of medicine while providing outstanding patient care. Each year, Good Samaritan admits approximately 17,000 patients (excluding births, which would add approximately 3,600 more to the total) and handles more than 93,700 outpatient visits. More than 4,100 surgeries are performed annually in 18 surgical suites. Founded in 1979, the Telly Awards is the premier award honoring outstanding local, regional, and cable TV commercials and programs, as well as the finest video and film productions. Winners and Finalists represent the best work of the most respected advertising agencies, production companies, television stations, cable operators, and corporate video departments in the world. With a 26 year history of recognizing creative excellence, the Telly Awards is a widely known and highly respected international competition. Judges evaluate entries to recognize distinction in creative work - entries do not compete against each other - rather entries are judged against a high standard of merit. With a record 12,500 entries from all 50 states and numerous countries, this year's Telly Awards has been the most successful and competitive in the over a quarter-century long history of the Telly. |
_files/image003.gif)
Joel Carter III
Imago Film Productions, Inc.
626.675.6933
www.imagofilms.com
This message and/or any attachments may contain confidential and/or legally privileged information and is intended for use only by the intended addressee. If you are not the intended addressee, you are not authorized to disclose, reproduce, or distribute the contents of this message or take action based on information contained herein. If this e-mail is received in
error, please notify the sender immediately and delete any remnants of the message from your system.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Creative Podcast Outsourcing Services
Imago Film Productions is now expanding to provide creative outsourcing services. We are adding new members to the Imago creative team on a weekly basis, enhancing our skill sets and our ability to meet your creative needs on a one-time, temporary, short term, or even long term basis. From branding consultation, internal marketing, graphic and web design and maintenance, to sound design, on-site video production, special effects, and post production, we can provide a dedicated expert to meet your unique needs on your schedule.
Many of our clients are already benefiting from these services. Call today to see what cost effective services we can provide for you.
What is Video Podcasting
& how to benefit
Let’s start with the basics, Podcasting is a web feed of audio or video files placed on the Internet for anyone to subscribe to. Podcasters' websites offer direct download of their files and most importantly, subscription feeds of automatically delivered new content; distinguishing it from a real-time stream. Podcast subscriptions allows users to identify and acquire programs from a variety of sources for listening or viewing offline at whatever time and place is convenient to them.
To be honest, this is still the infancy stage of this media distribution shift; many of the possibilities and benefits of video Podcasting have yet to be realized; however many companies are utilizing Podcasting in ways that have already proved beneficial. Mainstream media, for instance, currently Podcast television shows, music videos, and news reports on an as-wanted basis; allowing users to stay current on missed “live” information. Apple has seen a substantial market in the pay-per-download of subscriptions in that they released a statement in October of 2005 stating it had sold over 1 million videos in less than 20 days; solidifying the validity and marketability of video Podcasting.
Other industries too are beginning to identify the benefits of incorporating Podcasting as a form of communication and distribution. Four major reasons for this are:
Market Expansion
Podcasting has a worldwide stage, content can be viewed anywhere, anytime, immediately.
Regular Updates
Companies can provide information to employees, clients, and prospective clients immediately, saving time and money over slower methods of distribution.
Flexibility
Companies can use Podcasting to promote or pitch their product or service, train a wide area user group, and provide timely updates to clients.
Convenience
Whether its releasing information specifically for the iPod, or for other mobile devices such as mobile phones with video capability being released this year, users can download information automatically, and view content whenever they choose, wherever they are.
Imago Film Productions, currently uses this technology to keep clients up to date on the progress of their promotional videos, documentaries, video training, and presentation development. In addition, we are currently developing in conjunction with industry professionals, video training on video production, MS Project, and regulatory training content for purchase by subscribers. In addition, we have developed a real estate product that may change the way users shop for homes.
The possibilities, benefits, and ways to utilize Podcasting and similar methods are changing rapidly. As users flock to purchase the increasingly available devices that can handle subscribed content, the greater the possibilities for any industry to target, capitalize, and enhance market share.