Buyers Guide
Regulation and policy increasingly shape what streaming companies can do and how content is protected. This category covers the organizations and topics at the intersection of video and the law — content protection and DRM, copyright and anti-piracy, accessibility requirements, data privacy, broadcast and streaming regulation, and the standards bodies and government actions that influence the market. It includes both technology providers focused on security and compliance and the institutions that set or enforce the rules. For buyers and professionals, this area matters for protecting content and revenue, meeting accessibility and privacy obligations, and anticipating regulatory change across regions. Browse the directory below to explore content-protection, DRM, and regulatory and policy resources for the streaming industry.
38 companies
United States of America
The 8K Association (8KA) is a not-for-profit trade organization dedicated to accelerating the adoption of the 8K ecosystem through education, certification, and promotion. Unlike individual companies, 8KA unites key technology and entertainment providers across the entire 8K value chain, from content creation to consumer viewing. Its 8K Association Certification mark ensures products meet exacting performance and interface standards, providing consumers with a trusted benchmark. The association also drives industry collaboration through work groups that address content, distribution, and technical specifications.
United States of America
Access Advance LLC is an independent licensing administrator that manages patent pools for essential video codec patents, including HEVC, VVC, AV1, and VP9. Its Video Distribution Patent (VDP) Pool offers a single license covering all four major codecs with fixed tiered pricing, simplifying licensing for internet video distributors. The company also administers the HEVC Advance Patent Pool with over 25,500 essential patents and the VVC Advance Patent Pool, and offers a Multi-Codec Bridging Agreement for combined HEVC/VVC licensing.
United States of America
The Alliance for IP Media Solutions (AIMS) is a non-profit trade organization dedicated to driving the adoption of open, standards-based IP infrastructure for the broadcast and media industry. AIMS differentiates itself by bringing together broadcasters, technology vendors, and standards bodies to eliminate fragmentation and maximize interoperability through a comprehensive set of IP media networking standards. The organization recently achieved a major milestone with the certification of the first 48 products to the Internet Protocol Media Experience (IPMX) standard, demonstrating its leadership in providing a practical upgrade path from legacy SDI to IP and future cloud-based production. By fostering a collaborative roadmap validated by industry stakeholders, AIMS enables broadcasters and AV professionals to adopt best-of-breed IP solutions without proprietary lock-in.
United States of America
The Alliance for Open Media (AOMedia) is a non-profit industry consortium developing next-generation, open-source, royalty-free digital media technology. Its key innovation is the AV1 video codec, which provides high compression efficiency and broad compatibility as an alternative to proprietary standards. The consortium also created the AVIF image format and the IAMF audio format, focusing on interoperability and open web standards. These open technologies enable widespread adoption across streaming, broadcasting, and multimedia applications without licensing fees.
United States of America
Altman Solon is the world's largest strategy consulting firm exclusively focused on the telecommunications, media, and technology (TMT) sectors. The firm delivers data-driven strategies and execution-ready solutions to help TMT leaders and investors navigate change, unlock growth, and capture value across a rapidly evolving global landscape. Since the merger of Altman Vilandrie & Company and Solon Management Consulting in 2020, the firm has more than doubled its headcount, partner count, and revenues, expanding to 18 offices worldwide. Its deep sector expertise enables clients to implement go-to-market approaches, digital innovation, and global M&A with confidence.
United Kingdom
Analysys Mason is a specialist consultancy that helps businesses, governments, and investors make high-stakes technology decisions with confidence. The firm differentiates itself through deep analytical insight and advanced economic modeling, grounded in 40 years of proprietary research and experience across telecoms, digital infrastructure, software, IT services, space, and defense. Its experts deliver transformative change across strategic, regulatory, technology, transaction, and transformation initiatives, making projects investable and executable. With over 400 employees and 17 offices globally, Analysys Mason has delivered more than 2,000 projects in the past five years, serving clients in over 140 countries.
United States of America
ATSC is an international non-profit organization that develops voluntary standards for digital terrestrial broadcasting, with a focus on the ATSC 3.0 (NextGen TV) standard. This standard expands the broadcast spectrum beyond traditional television to enable innovative digital data services, integrating broadcast and telecom standards seamlessly. As a key industry body, ATSC empowers the broadcasting ecosystem by providing a future-proof platform for new services and applications.
United States of America
CableLabs is the global broadband industry's leading research and development consortium, driving innovation in cable technology. It is known for developing key specifications such as DOCSIS, Wi-Fi, and the 10G platform, which enable faster and more reliable broadband. CableLabs also operates a state-of-the-art lab and holds numerous patents, providing testing and certification services to ensure interoperability across the industry. Its collaborative ecosystem includes cable operators, equipment manufacturers, and startups, fostering advancements in connectivity and next-generation services.
United Kingdom
Cartesian is a specialist consulting firm serving the global telecommunications, media, and technology (TMT) sectors, offering a differentiated combination of strategic consulting, managed solutions, and data science. The company was acquired by AI services firm Bounteous in May 2026, expanding its ability to operationalize enterprise AI at scale. Recognized as a Boston Globe Top Place to Work in 2025, Cartesian is valued for its deep domain expertise and rigorous analytics that help clients transform products and services.
United States of America
The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) is the trade association representing the U.S. consumer technology industry, convening over 1,200 technology companies to drive innovation and growth. CTA differentiates itself through targeted advocacy, collaborative standard setting, and cutting-edge market insights that help businesses of all sizes shape the future of technology. It is also the brand behind CES, the world's most powerful technology event, which serves as a global launchpad for breakthrough products and industry trends. CTA's standards work and research provide a trusted framework for interoperability and market intelligence across the tech ecosystem.
United States of America
CTAM is a nonprofit trade association that unites leaders in media, entertainment, and technology to drive growth in the cable and telecommunications industry. It differentiates itself through collaborative marketing initiatives and executive education programs that help members solve business challenges and adapt to consumer behaviors. The organization provides a proven framework for knowledge sharing and innovation, focusing on strengthening the business and fostering industry-wide cooperation.
United States of America
The DASH Industry Forum (DASH-IF) is the leading industry body driving the adoption of MPEG-DASH through open standards and interoperable specifications. It provides the widely-used dash.js reference player, which serves as both a development tool and production player for adaptive streaming. DASH-IF also develops conformance and test tools, content authoring tools, and implementation guidelines that ensure seamless multi-vendor interoperability. In 2024, it became part of the Streaming Video Technology Alliance (SVTA), further solidifying its influence in shaping the future of streaming standards.
Deloitte's Technology, Media & Telecommunications (TMT) practice provides audit, consulting, tax, and advisory services to companies across the TMT sectors. It leverages Deloitte's global network and deep industry expertise to help clients navigate rapid changes driven by shifting consumer demands, emerging digital platforms, and breakthrough communications business models. The practice offers specialized solutions in areas such as AI & Data, Cyber, and Systems Engineering, and operates a dedicated research center that produces insights on TMT trends. Deloitte's TMT practice is differentiated by its comprehensive suite of services and its ability to combine industry knowledge with advanced technology capabilities.
United Kingdom
The DPP is an independent membership organization that provides data-driven insight and analysis to help media and technology leaders navigate change. It differentiates itself by curating a global network of over 500 member companies, including major studios, streamers, and broadcasters, to foster collaboration on common standards and workflows. The DPP’s research and events focus on reducing complexity and increasing interoperability across the media supply chain, offering a neutral platform for sharing best practices and planning for the future.
United Kingdom
DTG (Digital TV Group) is the UK's centre for digital media technology innovation, best known for publishing the D-Book technical specification that underpins the UK's digital terrestrial television platforms including Freeview, Freeview HD, Freesat, and YouView. It uniquely operates DTG Testing, an ISO 17025 accredited test laboratory that ensures digital television products comply with the D-Book standard. The association brings together over 120 members from broadcasters, manufacturers, and technology providers to collaborate on the future of television, embracing convergence of content and networks across all devices and formats.
Switzerland
The DVB Project is an industry-led consortium that designs open, vendor-neutral technical specifications for digital media delivery across broadcast, broadband, and IP networks. Unlike proprietary solutions, DVB standards are developed collaboratively by the world's leading media and technology companies, ensuring broad interoperability and global adoption. With over 1.5 billion DVB receivers in use worldwide, DVB specifications are the de facto global standard for digital television, enabling seamless content delivery and interactivity across devices and platforms.
Switzerland
EBU Technology & Innovation is the technology and innovation arm of the European Broadcasting Union, the world's foremost alliance of public service media. It facilitates collaboration among over 100 member organizations to develop standards, share best practices, and drive innovation in broadcasting and media technology. The department oversees strategic programs, working groups, and the annual Technology & Innovation Awards, fostering co-development and knowledge exchange. Unlike commercial vendors, EBU T&I focuses on collective problem-solving and advocacy for public service media's technological future.
EY's Media & Entertainment practice is a global professional services provider that helps media and entertainment companies navigate disruption by offering integrated assurance, consulting, tax, strategy, and transactions services across more than 150 countries. The practice differentiates itself through dedicated sector leaders like Javi Borges (Global M&E Sector Leader) and Rahul Gautam (Americas M&E Consulting Leader), who bring deep industry expertise to help clients create customized experiences, develop agile business models, and unlock innovation. EY's thought leadership on 2026 trends emphasizes simplicity, authenticity, and the rise of experiences, guiding companies through ecosystem transformation. Their multidisciplinary, globally connected team delivers end-to-end support from customer experience design to operations transformation and risk management.
Switzerland
The HbbTV Association is a global, non-profit industry association that harmonizes the broadcast and broadband delivery of entertainment services. It develops the HbbTV specification, which enables innovative, interactive services over broadcast and broadband networks. The specification integrates elements from existing standards like OIPF, CEA, DVB, MPEG-DASH, and W3C. The association has around 80 members worldwide and is registered in Switzerland.
United Kingdom
IABM is the global trade association for the broadcast and media technology industry, representing suppliers that account for over 80% of the market's revenues. It differentiates itself through its comprehensive suite of member services including market research and intelligence, industry training, standards representation, and executive networking opportunities. As an independent and not-for-profit organization, IABM also serves as an AI advocate and provides 24/7 support to help members navigate digital transformation in the MediaTech ecosystem.
United States of America
The Media Coding Industry Forum (MC-IF) is a non-profit industry consortium dedicated to accelerating the adoption of MPEG media coding standards, with an initial focus on the Versatile Video Coding (VVC) codec. It differentiates itself by bridging the gap between standards bodies and the market, providing practical implementation guidance, tools, and fostering cross-industry collaboration to ensure VVC is well-suited for widespread deployment. MC-IF serves as a central hub for information on VVC implementations and usage guidelines, helping to enable advanced media solutions across the ecosystem. Its credibility is reinforced by a board of directors drawn from leading technology companies including Nokia, Tencent, Intel, and Qualcomm.
United States of America
MovieLabs is a non-profit technology research joint venture founded by major Hollywood studios to drive innovation in media creation, distribution, and content protection. It differentiates itself by defining voluntary specifications, standards, and workflows that enhance interoperability and efficiency across the industry, such as the MovieLabs 2030 Vision for next-generation production. The lab focuses on areas including production security, interoperable workflows, ontology for media creation, and enhanced content protection, partnering with universities, corporations, and standards bodies. Its work helps set the bar for future technology advancement, empowering storytellers with new technologies to deliver better media experiences for consumers.
Switzerland
MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) is the international standards body responsible for the series of compression and media coding standards that underpin the entire digital video industry, including MPEG-2, MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, and HEVC/H.265. Unlike commercial vendors, MPEG differentiates itself through its open, consensus-driven development process within ISO/IEC, producing foundational technologies that enable interoperability across billions of devices. Its standards have been recognized with five Technical Emmy Awards for categories such as AVC/H.264, HEVC/H.265, MPEG File Format, MPEG-DASH, and MPEG Font Format, reflecting its enduring impact on global media delivery. MPEG continues to expand its scope into areas such as 3D graphics, haptics, and genomic data coding, maintaining its role as the primary architect of the world's media infrastructure.
United States of America
NAB is the premier trade association representing over 8,300 commercial and non-commercial radio and television stations in the United States, providing strong advocacy and resources to advance the industry. It offers a free legal hotline, grassroots support, and innovation programs such as NEXTGEN TV and hybrid radio technology to help broadcasters seize digital opportunities. Through its Leadership Foundation, NAB promotes diversity, leadership development, and community service initiatives, reinforcing its role as the unified voice for broadcasters navigating regulatory and technological change.
United States of America
NAB Show is the premier global event for broadcast, media, and entertainment, produced by the National Association of Broadcasters. It convenes creators, technologists, and decision-makers to explore breakthroughs in AI, the creator economy, sports, streaming, and cloud. With curated show floor destinations, immersive education, and unmatched networking, it attracts buyers with real influence and remains the industry's catalyst for innovation.
Canada
The North American Broadcasters Association (NABA) differentiates itself as a collaborative forum where North America's most influential broadcasters share best practices on cutting-edge issues that no single company can address alone. Its official status at the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) provides members with direct insight and influence over global technical standards, spectrum policy, and digital transition. NABA actively addresses emerging challenges such as AI in journalism, cybersecurity, and sustainability, while also working to protect broadcasters' spectrum and signal integrity. This unique combination of industry collaboration and international representation sets NABA apart from other regional broadcast associations.
United States of America
New Media Ventures (NMV) is a seed fund and national network of angel investors that provides early-stage capital and strategic support to media and technology startups driving progressive political change in the United States. Unlike traditional venture capital firms, NMV focuses exclusively on scalable, revenue-generating startups that create long-term impact beyond any single election cycle, targeting sectors such as media and narrative, organizing and advocacy, and elections and civic engagement. The firm has mobilized over $50 million to more than 70 startups since its founding in 2010, including notable companies like Upworthy, PushBlack, Indivisible, and Pantsuit Nation, demonstrating a strong track record within the progressive movement. Led by women co-presidents, NMV differentiates itself through its open, transparent, and accessible investment process, leveraging a network of engaged investors who serve as lead investors, advisors, or board members to ensure portfolio company success.
Spain
OMB Broadcast is a Spanish manufacturer of radio and television transmitters and antenna systems, with a strong international presence in over 90 countries. The company has earned FCC certification for its compact FM transmitters and holds ISO 9001 quality management certification. Its recent alignment with the Abrans Group and showcase of a 5G Broadcast transmitter at NAB 2024 underscore a commitment to innovation and global expansion in wireless broadcasting technology.
United States of America
Pearl TV is a business organization of U.S. broadcast companies that drives the industry's transition to ATSC 3.0 (NEXTGEN TV) through collaborative initiatives. In 2026, it launched the NEXTGEN TV Converter Box Program to ensure affordable access for over-the-air households, and previously introduced the 'FastTrack to NEXTGEN TV' program with MediaTek to accelerate device adoption. By uniting eight major broadcast groups representing over 820 stations, Pearl TV provides a unified voice for advancing local broadcast television and digital media platforms.
RIST Forum is a nonprofit industry association that drives the adoption of the Reliable Internet Stream Transport (RIST) standard, an open specification for low-latency live video transport over unmanaged networks. Unlike proprietary solutions, RIST ensures interoperability across vendors through clear specifications while allowing individual companies to innovate within their implementations. The forum brings together over 150 members from across the broadcast and streaming ecosystem to collaborate on the standard, which is also available as open source in projects like LibRIST, VLC, and FFmpeg. This open, community-driven approach differentiates RIST from closed protocols and gives buyers confidence in a widely supported, future-proof technology.
United States of America
SCTE (Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers) is a non-profit professional association that drives the advancement of cable telecommunications engineering through technical standards, workforce education, and certification programs. As a subsidiary of CableLabs, SCTE plays a key role in accelerating the deployment of new technologies across the broadband industry. The organization hosts the TechExpo, the largest broadband event in the Americas, and maintains a membership of over 25,000 individuals. Its focus on continuous training and standards development sets it apart as a central resource for cable engineering professionals.
Luxembourg
Sisvel differentiates itself as a neutral, independent licensing partner that bridges patent owners and technology adopters through tailored licensing solutions and patent pools. The company manages programs across mobile communications, IoT, Wi-Fi, digital video and broadcasting, and audio/video coding/decoding, enabling frictionless IP dealmaking. With a global footprint of eight offices on three continents and a team of 56 employees, Sisvel provides flexible, accessible commercialization solutions that reduce friction in the innovation ecosystem. Its focus on collaboration and efficiency creates a level playing field for both patent holders and licensees, setting it apart in the intellectual property management space.
United States of America
SMPTE is a global professional association that sets over 800 technical standards for the media and entertainment industry, covering broadcast, film, digital cinema, and audio recording. Its standards ensure interoperability and quality across production and distribution workflows, making it a foundational body for engineers and technologists. Through education, conferences, and an engaged membership community, SMPTE drives innovation and best practices in motion imaging and television. The organization's century-long legacy and focus on technical excellence distinguish it as a key standards developer rather than a commercial vendor.
United States of America
SMPTE is a global professional association of engineers, technologists, and creatives in the media and entertainment industry. It is best known for publishing over 800 technical standards that underpin broadcast, filmmaking, digital cinema, and professional media workflows. The organization differentiates itself through its collaborative standards development process, educational programs, and industry networking events. SMPTE's standards are widely adopted worldwide, making it a trusted authority in media technology.
United States of America
The Streaming Video Technology Alliance (SVTA) is a global technical association that differentiates itself by providing a neutral forum for companies across the streaming video ecosystem to collaboratively solve technical challenges. Unlike individual vendors, the SVTA focuses on developing best practices, technical specifications, and open-source software like the Common Media Library to improve the delivery of high-quality video at scale. Its working groups address critical issues such as measurement and quality of experience, advertising, and playback, with over 30 published documents freely available to the industry. This collaborative, pre-competitive approach helps shape industry standards and ensures a more consistent end-user experience.
United States of America
The Ultra HD Forum is an open industry body that accelerates Ultra HD adoption by establishing best practices and guidelines for the future of television. The Forum differentiates itself through its collaborative approach, bringing together broadcasters, service providers, and technology vendors to drive consensus on technical standards and interoperability. Notable innovations include the integration of AI and IP workflows into live production, and support for the latest codec VVC (H.266), demonstrated at IBC 2025. As a crucible for interoperability testing, the Forum ensures that diverse Ultra HD content is commonly available across all distribution methods.
United States of America
Via Licensing Alliance is the world's largest patent pool administrator, formed in 2023 through the merger of Via Licensing and MPEG LA. The company aggregates patents around key innovations and offers streamlined licensing solutions for standardized technologies, operating dozens of programs covering nearly 50,000 patents from over 500 patent holders. As an independently managed subsidiary of Dolby Laboratories, Via LA provides a trusted bridge between innovators and implementers, driving efficient IP licensing that accelerates technology adoption globally.
United States of America
The Video Services Forum (VSF) is an international industry association that drives interoperability and standardization in professional video networking. It is best known for publishing the TR-03 and TR-04 technical recommendations that later became the SMPTE 2110 standard, a widely adopted framework for video over IP. VSF also organizes the annual VidTrans conference and facilitates interoperability testing and educational programs for its members.
