iMedia R093 Key Terms: 4.1 - Distribution platforms

This is the methods by which media products are delivered to audiences, including the marketing campaign.

• Distribution
• Delivery

One of the most popular forms of distribution, they can be more responsive than websites, however some require an internet connection to use, even if they’re downloaded onto the device.

• Online distribution: apps
• Online distribution: multimedia
• Online distribution: websites

Online services that are not website based, such as Steam™. Allows a community experience, online services often have to be downloaded and can take a lot of space.

• Online distribution: apps
• Online distribution: multimedia
• Online distribution: websites

A popular method because of it has a wider audience reach. Can distribute content in different ways such as: videos, audio and images. Less favoured to apps as some are not as responsive or as user friendly.

• Online distribution: apps
• Online distribution: multimedia
• Online distribution: websites

Lots of people have access to a laptop or desktop computer which makes it a good choice to distribute content. Not very portable and may need to be constantly plugged in.

• Physical platform distribution: computers
• Physical platform distribution: interactive TV
• Physical platform distribution: kiosks
• Physical platform distribution: mobile devices

Provides users with more flexibility and not tied down to a viewing schedule. Has to be physically plugged in to access.

• Physical platform distribution: computers
• Physical platform distribution: interactive TV
• Physical platform distribution: kiosks
• Physical platform distribution: mobile devices

Automated system that provides users with real-time information. Fixed in one position and cannot be moved around.

• Physical platform distribution: computers
• Physical platform distribution: interactive TV
• Physical platform distribution: kiosks
• Physical platform distribution: mobile devices

A small, lightweight and portable platform that allows users to access content on the go. Limited battery life and would need to be charged.

• Physical platform distribution: computers
• Physical platform distribution: interactive TV
• Physical platform distribution: kiosks
• Physical platform distribution: mobile devices

Portable and cheap method of distribution but can be easily damaged.

• Physical media distribution: CD/DVD
• Physical media distribution: memory stick
• Physical media distribution: paper-based

Portable method distribution but expensive and easy to misplace/lose.

• Physical media distribution: CD/DVD
• Physical media distribution: memory stick
• Physical media distribution: paper-based