Amid all the talk of set top box (STB) virtualization an important underlying question is how much functionality is moved to the cloud and what is retained on the customer premises. This is important because it will play a major part in shaping the economics of STB virtualization, depending on how this is defined. There are many definitions, with the weakest being just the direct replacement of the STB with an Internet connected smart TV. This involves incorporating all key STB functions in the smart TV, including IP Multicast support, DRM integration and a SDK (Software Development Kit), enabling operators to create their own apps for the platform.
Broadcasters are increasingly migrating to IP based data networks for video distribution to cut costs and reach new audiences, but some are then finding it difficult to negotiate rigorous SLAs (Service Level Agreements) that underpin performance, robustness and availability. Part of the problem is that Telcos and others providing the IP transport services are themselves not fully up to steam with the more stringent requirements broadcasters have over QoS and reliability.
When the MPEG LA licensing organization, released its final Patent Portfolio License fee structure for High Efficiency Video Coding (“HEVC License”) for using the technology behind the latest generation compression scheme, many in the industry were quite prepared and are now saying all is well…. although it took longer than many had hoped to solve.
The broadcast industry is characterised by a desire to increase efficiencies while remaining as cost-effective as possible. This is especially important considering the prevalence of the multi-platform content delivery environment. Here, the two most crucial drivers for broadcasters and content owners are quality and cost-effectiveness. Broadcasters are striving to balance these needs while still meeting the exacting requirements of their viewers. Audiences now want to watch what they want, when they want and on whichever device they choose – be it a mobile phone, laptop, tablet or television. This appetite is driving the change in the industry but technology is struggling to keep up with this rate of evolution, especially as there is still dependence on the use of proprietary hardware.
Is today’s cable subscription model about to break? Will cable companies find cord cutters destroying their lucrative model—the one where you pay for 100 channels and watch only 10? The company Piksel says yes—maybe, but the giant content holders have to be careful.
The broadcast television industry is facing yet another major transition: the reverse auction of television channel assignments followed by the repacking of spectrum in the 600MHz band to make room for mobile wireless services.
The needs of mobile operators have leapt up the CDN (Content Delivery Network) agenda, reflecting the fast growing consumption of high bandwidth content on the move, chiefly video. As a result MNOs (Mobile Network Operators) had top billing at the recent CDN World Summit in London and not just as customers of the major CDN providers. MNOs are also actively engaging with CDN providers to streamline end to end content delivery so that consumers receive a better Quality of Service for mobile commerce and HD video.
In recent years, major events such as the Arab Spring and the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake have brought the role of citizen journalists into global prominence. As mainstream news outlets adapt to this emerging trend, professional journalists and average citizens alike can explore the use of satellite technology as a key enabler to delivering news from anywhere in the world.
