NBC Olympics' Apps Go Live

Adobe-powered apps will allow live streaming of all Olympic events as well as all Olympic content on NBC Sports Network, MSNBC, CNBC and Bravo

By George Winslow -- Broadcasting & Cable, 7/12/2012 12:00:00 PM

In a notable development that could help boost the popularity of TV Everywhere apps, two NBC Olympics' apps are now available for download at Apple's App Store and at Google Play.

One of the two previously announced apps, "NBC Olympics Live Extra," will allow subscribers of multichannel providers serving about 98% of pay-TV homes in America to access over 3,500 hours of content. That content includes all 32 sports, every athletic competition, all 302 events and all the Olympic content being aired on four NBCUniversal channels-NBC Sports Network, MSNBC, CNBC and Bravo.


The other app, "NBC Olympics," will allow users to access short-form highlights, event schedules, live results and second screen features for following live primetime broadcasts on NBC. This app will be available to anyone and will not require authentication as a multichannel subscriber.

The free apps are designed for Apple's iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch and for select Android smartphones and tablets.

The launches mark a significant expansion of Olympic coverage on digital devices that NBC is hoping will expand awareness of the games and primetime audiences.

Such a wide array of content available to authenticated subscribers could also significantly boost public interest in TV Everywhere apps and make them more of a mainstream phenomenon.

In developing the two apps, NBC Olympics turned to Adobe as its primary tech vendor, said Ashley Still, director of product management, video solutions at Adobe in an interview.

"The apps enable the first digital Olympics with unprecedented access to all of the Olympic competitions on mobile devices," Still said.

The apps rely on a variety of tools that make up Adobe's Project Primetime, which is designed to simplify and improve the profitability of delivering content to multiple devices.

Working with NBC, Adobe designed and built the apps using a number of its solutions, including Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat, Flash Building and others, Still explained.

NBC is also using Adobe Air to offer a consistent video experience across devices and has integrated the apps with Adobe Pass for authentication.

Additional Adobe tools, including Adobe Auditude and SiteCatalyst, are also being used for measurement and monetization.