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The Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas clearly revealed that the TV industry is changing rapidly and video content is shifting from computers to television sets, says Shirlene Chandrapal*.

From voice and gesture command technology, personalised content discovery to tailored advertising experiences based on preferences, CES exhibitors proved that TV is becoming increasingly interactive.  Manufacturers are beginning to think about how TV interacts with other devices, for example using a tablet or mobile as a remote control and incorporating social media into the viewing experience.

Social video will be the format of choice for planners with an eye on the long game, according to Unruly’s What’s Next For Social Video report. “The honeymoon for the 15-second pre-roll ad is coming to an end as advertisers demand better execution and cut-through and move budgets from push formats towards pull solutions – even pre-roll is starting to morph into an interactive multichoice medium,” says Unruly.

Two thirds of UK consumers respondents are prepared to pay for films online, according to the Media & Entertainment Barometer from KPMG. The survey, conducted by YouGov, also indicates that BBC iPlayer has the highest level of awareness of steaming services, with nine in 10 people having heard of the offering, ahead of ITV Player and LoveFilm, writes Mark Terry.

YouTube has partnered with airline Emirates, Ridley Scott Free Productions and the Venice Film Festival to create an online film fest, writes Mark Terry.

The Your Film Festival is a global contest to find a single filmmaker who will get a cool half a million dollars’ worth of production grant. Participants need to submit their short – 15 minutes or less – story-driven videos to the dedicated YouTube channel. The viral-video outfit says all genres and formats are welcome, including live action, animation, documentary, web-series episode and TV pilot.

When you hear Xbox, most people think gaming, says Dean Carignan*. From a marketer’s perspective, that means reaching the 18-to-34 year-old male. This idea that Xbox is only for gamers is a common misconception, even among savvy marketers, but many are starting to realize Xbox LIVE is not just for gamers.

Last month, Microsoft announced the launch of an all-new Xbox 360 experience, introducing the next generation of television entertainment including the first group of new TV and entertainment content from partners like LoveFilm & Sky Go, 4 on Demand, blinkbox, Crackle and Dailymotion.

China’s online video users buy a greater number of consumer durables and digital products and this core group of heavy viewers can determine the relative effectiveness of campaigns, says a new report Online Video Audience & Media Value, from Youku.com and GroupM China.