VRT-medialab
VRT-medialab is the technological research department of the VRT, Flanders’ public service broadcaster, and consists of 20 researchers. VRT-medialab carries out research into the creation, management and distribution of media content. Its focus is on the Flemish media market, but VRT-medialab also pursues collaboration on a European and worldwide level. Although VRT-medialab is a part of the VRT, it has its own premises in Ghent, near the IBBT, the Interdisciplinary research institute for BroadBand Technology.
Historically, VRT-medialab has built up significant expertise in file-based media production. The main research areas were storage and network infrastructure, integration of production systems and the optimization of workflows. Related to this, the lab has extensively researched the feasibility of applying model-driven development concepts in media production in order to structurally optimize all production processes from preproduction and acquisition to post-production and publication. VRT-medialab is also a centre of expertise in distribution mechanisms for media content (wireless, internet, mobile, etc.) and has been active in domains such as distribution network management, frequency planning and media business modelling. The accumulated expertise in these domains has resulted in three spin-offs. Current research focuses on providing the programme maker with flexible platforms and tools that enable him or her to efficiently produce and distribute transmedia stories.
The research efforts of VRT-medialab concerning enhanced media experiences are focused on social media, mobile applications and customer-centric media consumption. The lab is working on a social network platform for media in Flanders by offering so-called second screen applications that extend the media experience beyond linear media consumption. Related research is performed on better understanding the digital media customers through analyzing their consumption patterns. The gathered data are used to deliver more value to both the broadcasters and publishers (e.g. through targeted advertising) and the media customer (e.g. through personalization).
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