ADS Introduces Next-Generation Digital Asset Management

                              ADS Introduces Next-Generation Digital Asset Management

Content Searchability and Customization, Combined with Mobile Access to Digital Media Anytime and Anywhere, Empowers Users and Increases Business Agility

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. – April 12, 2011 – Advanced Digital Services (ADS) today announced ADS-Xpress, the first digital asset management system to make movie scenes, TV clips, previews, trailers, ads, stock video and other media assets immediately accessible via a web interface, quickly searchable to a selectable video segment, and downloadable to popular mobile devices, including the Apple iPad.  With the announcement, ADS is first to expand the scope of digital asset management to make media accessible to users when and where they want it, taking asset management beyond the familiar but inflexible web portal. 

ADS-Xpress addresses the requirements of studios, media companies, broadcasters, and post-production houses for more efficient and more cost-effective access, distribution, archiving and management of media assets.  While videotape remains a long-time standard with media companies, new digital models such as ADS-Xpress overcome the limitations of videotape by making media assets transferrable over secure public and private networks, instantly searchable, and immediately accessible by a mobile workforce.  While retaining the second largest US market share in distribution, archival, and production services involving tape, ADS – unlike other industry providers – allows customers to maintain their tape-based workflows while transitioning to digital methodologies.

Organizations with significant video assets recognize the value of a system such as ADS-Xpress in helping to manage content digitally. “As an organization concerned not only with the big picture but also with minute details, I think that having a system in which we can quickly access, view, and compare multiple revisions of our videos until we are happy with the final sequence, is invaluable,” said Brooke Schledewitz, Media Relations Manager for The Foundation for a Better Life.  ADS-Xpress can further benefit organizations that create and manage regional or market-specific variations of video content.

                 Searchable, Customizable Content Combined with Ubiquitous Access

The key to ADS’s competitive lead in digital media technologies is a proprietary “meta data” model, which enables users to eliminate manual end-to-end searches through lengthy video content by using key words or phrases to locate the content of their choice.  Users can search movies, clips, trailers, ads, or other videos on their customized ADS-Xpress portal, quickly locate and view the content they need, and save that content in its own file for ease of access.  ADS-Xpress also enables generation of custom content for specific classes of users and even for individuals.

By making content downloadable to iPads and other mobile devices, companies can empower workers to make business-critical decisions rapidly regardless of their access device or location – and can increase business agility by giving key decision-makers unfettered “anytime, anywhere” access to content.

“Every piece of media content is a strategic asset to its creators, and to the studios or production companies that bring it to market,” said Thomas Engdahl, president and CEO of ADS.  “Masterpieces that first appear on videotape endure laborious manual distribution processes, only to be made accessible later to a limited audience via an inflexible asset management system.  ADS set out to change that, and ADS-Xpress is the fulfillment of our vision.”

All-digital distribution, archiving and production with ADS-Xpress automates processes from transcoding through production, delivery and archival of media.  Because the process is “end to end” digital, no intervening manual processes are required, eliminating time-intensive production of media to tape and the resulting risk of errors.  ADS-Xpress content is protected by the strictest RSA data encryption standards, and ADS is an MPAA-approved facility – providing assurance to users of the security and safety of proprietary or pre-release content.

Creative Works Proliferate Digitally

Perhaps most importantly, ADS-Xpress delivers the full value of original creative works to their creators, owners, and viewers.   Access to video content in digital format allows creators to see their handiwork proliferate, almost virally, through electronic distribution, while enabling distributors to develop custom content tailored to individuals or groups of users. 

With ADS-Xpress, for example, ADS brings new sophistication to so-called electronic press kits – typically containing digitized versions of movie previews, selected scenes, critical reviews, and background data – customized to meet the needs of individual viewers and accessible at the click of a mouse on the viewer’s access device. 

ADS-Xpress Availability

ADS-Xpress reduces costs of distribution, archiving and management of media properties by eliminating the need for manual transcoding, physical distribution, and the cost of videotape, along with related labor costs. The service is available immediately. For more information or a free 30-day trial, contact ADS at (323) 468-2200 or sales@adshollywood.com.

About Advanced Digital Services

ADS (Advanced Digital Services) is a leading global provider of value-added, best-in-class post-production services that include standard definition/high definition, digital new media, restoration, duplication, digital asset management, encoding and electronic delivery services to the media and entertainment industry. The company employs many of the industry’s elite “craftsmen” and its highly skilled personnel possess significant industry experience and knowledge. ADS provides 24/7 audio and video post-production services, delivering the industry’s highest quality movie trailers, electronic press kits (“EPK’s”), episodic television programming, motion pictures and television spot advertisements. With a complete end-to-end digital workflow built to maximize flexibility, efficiency and quality, ADS serves the most respected and recognized motion picture and television studios, media and entertainment companies, and advertising agencies in the United States and abroad.

ADS’ customer-centered approach to projects results in the delivery of consistent high-quality assets, on time and on budget. For more information, contact 323.468.2200 or visit www.adshollywood.com.