Videon Central: Leading the Streaming Video Revolution
If you own a Blu-ray Disc player, take a moment to thank Videon Central. Videon’s video streaming software can be found in more than 20 million Blu-ray players in the United States, and that number is growing daily.
Blu-ray is quickly eclipsing DVD thanks in large part to its ability to stream content from services like Hulu, Netflix, and Pandora. And Videon is at the forefront of this exciting transformation.
Videon is an independent software vendor and leading provider of Blu-ray Disc middleware and video streaming technology. Videon’s solutions enable video streaming in consumer electronics, high-end home theatre, in-flight entertainment (specifically private airplanes) and digital signage.
Todd Erdley founded Videon Central in 1997 in State College, PA. At launch, he had $3,500 (borrowed from his father), six employees and an aggressive business model. Today, 14 years later, Videon has $12 million in sales and employs 75 people. This dramatic growth was jump-started by two Ben Franklin Technology Partners investments in 1999 and 2000 totaling $400,000.
Financial Support—And Beyond
“Videon Central would not be here without Ben Franklin,” said Erdley, president and CEO. “[Ben Franklin's] John Vidmar in particular was instrumental in encouraging me to start the company. He has been a key adviser from day one.”
Erdley knows that Ben Franklin’s early financial investments were instrumental, “but it was their business support that allowed us to leap forward,” he said. “With their guidance in HR, marketing, accounting and market research, we were able to flourish.”
Videon takes great pains to stay ahead of the technology curve and adapt with the times—a secret to their growth and success. This leadership mentality is one of the reasons Videon recently received additional funding from Intel Capital to expand the company’s intellectual property in the rapidly growing Smart TV segment.
With Ben Franklin’s guidance in HR, marketing, accounting and market research, we were able to flourish.
—Todd Erdley, president and CEO, Videon Central
A Valuable Technology Partner
Videon’s commitment to staying on the cutting edge has led to partnerships providing critical software for Sony, LG and Samsung. Videon is currently working with Sony on Google TV, which is based on Google’s Android and Intel chip technology.
“When Videon began, we were based on DVD technology,” said Erdley. “If we had kept our focus on that, we’d be in a bad financial spot today. Instead, we adapted with the market and transitioned from optical to streaming video. That’s why we’re thriving.”
Videon anticipates 25% growth in the next year, based on consumers’ insatiable appetite for accessing video regardless of platform. Streaming video is still in its infancy, but the ways people watch videos are already going through upheaval—and Videon is leading the way with its software integration.
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