ITV

Tag: IPTV

  • Archer launches IPTV platform for Indian content in the US

    Archer launches IPTV platform for Indian content in the US

    MUMBAI: Archer Entertainment Media Communications which works in different areas of digital content has launched an IPTV platform, www.IndiaTVLive.com, in the US to distribute Indian content.

    Full-time broadcasting, in every Indian language, to 40 million Indians living outside of India and 1.2 billion Indian subscribers in India via www.indiatvlive.com and www.indiaradiolive.com will begin by 15 August 2006, marking the 59th anniversary of India’s independence.

    www.IndiaTVLive.com will stream Indian TV, radio and internet content to subscribers over IPTV. It will enable all Indian media via Internet Protocol to deliver television and radio channels real time, live and direct from India in as good as high definition television quality on wired, Wi-fi and cellular devices worldwide. The content will comprise news, sports and entertainment in all Indian languages.

    IndiaTVLive.com’s content and marketing partners include Shama Broadcast & Content Service India and Creative Content Services India owned and operated by Kedar Nath Gupta. Abhesh Verma is the CEO of India Broadcast Live, an Archer supported company.

    Archer Entertainment COO Munish Gupta said, “Teaming up with Abhesh, Archer was able to put together a state-of-the-art digital technology platform to broadcast the top channels from India. We will deliver channels real time and live from one of the fastest growing and dynamic countries in the world but also guarantee terrific consumer experience in terms of quality. This is the first time that the world will watch news and events as they unfold in India on any device connected by high speed Internet. This is just the beginning of what Archer and www.indiatvlive.com intend to deliver.”

    India’s Union Cabinet minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vyalar Ravi expressed delight that this new (IPTV) platform will connect expatriates with instantaneous news and information from India thereby making the ministry’s job simpler. “I personally know both the promoters, father (Kedar Nath Gupta) and son (Munish Gupta), and their hard and consistent work in media and for the community.” The Indian Minister added that the service could further enhance the fast-growing relationship and investment by overseas Indians into India.

    Verma said, “The platform provides us the extremely lucrative opportunity to reach both inside and outside of India. Overseas Indians represent the most affluent ethnic consumers of any expatriate group. Within India, we will target a whopping 500 million consumer class with a steadily rising broadband connectivity. There’s no doubt we will become the voice of India and Indians across the globe.”

    Archer Entertainment provided the initial funding for the launch and marketing of http://www.IndiaTVLive.com. Archer Entertainment CEO Michael Selsman said, “We remain committed to growing and diversifying the (IndiaTVLive.com) platform.”

  • B’cast, telecom industry divided on IPTV norms

    B’cast, telecom industry divided on IPTV norms

    NEW DELHI: A majority of broadcast industry stakeholders are against IPTV separated from cable service and have said this is likely to create more problems in an already vexed industry.

    A consultation paper issued by the broadcast regulator on IPTV and amendment in the Cable TV Act has drawn varied comments from stakeholders, including that IPTV should not be separated from cable TV and laws regulating it.

    “IPTV is similar to cable services in terms of content and mode of delivery. It would be appropriate to categorize it as a cable service rather than a telecom service under (the) Telegraph Act,” DTH licence holder ASC Enterprises has said.

    Agreeing with ASC is MSO Alliance, an apex body of multi-system operators in the country, which has sated that IPTV should not be dubbed a different service from cable TV.

    “Given the nature of IPTV services, which is akin to cable services, the effort on the part of regulator should be to propose amendments which would serve the purpose of keeping IPTV within cable services domain, rather than to suggest the ones which would take them away from the Cable Network Regulation Act,” MSO Alliance has said in reply to a consultation paper issued by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai).

    On the other hand, Star has said that treating IPTV differently from cable services, as had been suggested by Trai in its consultation paper, would give undue advantage to telecom companies that have been proposing to start IPTV services.

    “In the absence of parity in FDI norms, telecom operators would continue to enjoy better access to the capital required for digital broadband services. This would be to the detriment of other service providers like cable and DTH,” Star has informed Trai.

    Presently in India, foreign investment in cable TV is capped at 49 per cent, while the government has okayed a proposal to raise the limit in telecom services to 74 per cent.

    Trai had invited comments from industry stakeholders on proposed amendments in the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 and existing telecom licenses for facilitation of growth of IPTV services.

    The basic intention behind the proposed amendments in the Cable Television (Regulation) Act, 1995 was to keep the IPTV service outside the definition of `cable services’.

    This means that IPTV service providers would not be covered in the definition of `cable operator’ and the Unified Access Service network used for provision of IPTV services will not get covered by the definition of `cable television network’ under the Cable Act.

    The 13 stakeholders that had got back to Trai with their comments on the issue include the following: NDS, ASC Enterprises Ltd, MSO Alliance, Cable Operators Federation of India, Hathway Cable & Datacom Private Limited, Reliance Infocomm Ltd, Ortel Communications Ltd, Zee Network, Star India, Tata Teleservices Ltd and the Internet Service Providers’ Association of India

  • ‘With cricket action coming up, Sony has initiatives lined up in the digital space’ : Kaushal Modi – Sony Entertainment Television India head licensing & telephony

    ‘With cricket action coming up, Sony has initiatives lined up in the digital space’ : Kaushal Modi – Sony Entertainment Television India head licensing & telephony

    After establishing its digital platform 2525 with a slew of activities in 2004, Sony India’s 2005 plan was to take it to the next level to turn it into a substantial revenue generating model. To drive the strategies, it needed an experienced hand in this space to head the division. The search ended in Kaushal Modi, who was then a key player in arch rival Star India’s digital strategies. Thus, in February 2005, Modi switched to Sony India in the capacity of head, licensing and telephony.

    Going into the second half 2006, Sony’s game plan now mainly revolves around the game of cricket and Modi is banking on the bonanza to contribute significantly to the growth of his digital activities. “With cricket action coming up, Sony has got lots of initiatives lined up in this space. The action will start ticking from October 2006 onwards. We are still working on our plans,” he says.

    On the licensing front, Modi is exploring new markets and under his leadership, Sony has even entered the arena of format sales. “Sony used to sell its shows in the international markets and was never into selling formats. This year, for the first time, we have tried exploring this space with soaps ‘Kaisa Yeh Pyaar Hai’ and ‘Yeh Meri Life Hai’ and the experiment has generated an encouraging response,” says Modi. And he is betting big on new content platforms such as Video on Demand (VoD) and IPTV to drive the growth in this sphere.

    In an interview with Indiantelevision.com’s Bijoy A K, Modi explains the market scenario, the strategies and the game plan for the year.

    Excerpts:

    This year’s MipTV witnessed the trend of TV producers investing in buying formats as against just broadcasters doing so. Would it make a negative impact on the syndication strategies of broadcasters?
    Yes. Earlier, broadcasters used to drive these activities at MipTV. But, now, the scenario has undergone a change. There are many international format companies, which are very keen on the Indian market. While bigger companies such as Endemol and Fremantle do have direct access to the Indian market through their offices in the country, some of their smaller counterparts — who don’t have direct access to India — depend on markets such as MipTV and Mipcom. This is the international scenario right now.

    Coming to the second part of your question, this trend doesn’t make a difference to our business strategies. We are content aggregators and not content creators. The format owners are never in a position to squeeze money out of their clients. It is up to the broadcaster (buyer) to pick up a format or not.

    Sony has taken its two shows – Kaisa Yeh Pyaar Hai and Yeh Meri Life Hai, which are not game shows – to MipTV in Cannes this year for the purpose of syndication and formatting. How was the experience? Have you struck deals with international companies?
    Earlier, Sony used to sell its shows in the international markets and was never into selling formats. Now, this year, we have kicked off our format syndication activities. We tried exploring this space with soaps Kaisa Yeh Pyaar Hai and Yeh Meri Life Hai and the experiment has generated an encouraging response. We haven’t signed any buyer yet, but there are enquiries from various foreign broadcasters. Some of the Asian and European (Germany and Poland) have expressed interest in the format. They want to recreate the content, giving it a local treatment. The talks are still going on.

    Please comment on the demand for our homegrown properties abroad? Do you keep the international market also in mind, while developing original formats?
    The advent of new technologies is changing the face of the international content syndication market. In the international market, new content platforms including Video on Demand (VOD) and IPTV have been boosting this business segment. The new technology helps the content aggregator to target niche consumer segments, however small in size they are.

    For example, if you have 5000 Indians living in a certain area in Japan and you want to target them with your content, you can do that with the help of these new technologies. Thus, you have a viable business model in hand. This has opened up new markets across the globe.

    Speaking about the potential of Indian properties in the international markets, there is a significant Indian diaspora – though not critical enough to drive the business — supporting the trade. Genre-wise, I would say there is a stress on movies.

    South East Asia has always been the strong traditional market for Indian content. But now, with the advent of new content platforms, Europe and Africa have also started showing interest in our content. European channels such as RTL2 (Germany) have been showing a lot of interest in Indian content. As I mentioned earlier, there is a demand for movies. But, at the same time, some of these European channels now want to try shorter series as well.

    Hence, developing homegrown properties, which can be saleable in the international markets also, sounds a lucrative idea. But, our main focus continues to be India and the strategy has always been to leverage on the original Indian content. For us, the Indian viewer always comes first while conceptualising ideas.

    What will be the size of the content syndication market with regard to Indian television? Please speak on the market dynamics including growth potential and competition.
    It is a highly fragmented market in India and it will be very difficult to put any number to it. Apart from the three or four big players, there are several medium-sized companies and then hundreds of smaller players including sub-brokers. The traditional syndication market is stagnant. New content platforms will drive the business. This will be driving almost 50 per cent of the revenues in the near future.

    Competition is there in all forms, whether it is producers or broadcasters. Speaking about Sony’s content syndication plan, I would say we haven’t yet exploited the segment to the full extent. We have just started. Healthy competition definitely helps. With competition, you have new markets opening up across the globe. Players keep moving, looking for greener pastures.
    ‘The advent of new technologies is changing the face of the international content syndication market‘

    How much does the content syndication business contributes to Sony India’s kitty?
    It is definitely not a topline driver for Sony. It is more of a bottomline driver. Though it contributes a miniscule compared to other revenue streams, it plays a significant role in the total scheme of things. It creates a market value for the channel. It creates added revenue opportunities through an existing property. We have to keep in mind that, here the channel is not making any new investments.

    Speaking about the future potential, content syndication & licensing will contribute well to drive exponential growth.

    Star India recently revamped its short code 7827 and looks very aggressive on its interactive and digital plans. What can we expect from Sony this year in this space?
    With cricket action coming up, Sony has got lots of initiatives lined up in this space. The action will start ticking from October 2006 onwards. We are still working on our plans.

    Speaking about our digital presence, Sony already has a Wap site. But we haven’t been promoting it much since the Wap technology is still in its nascent stage of growth in India. Hence, we haven’t been banking on the Wap site much to drive user downloads. A good percentage of our content download happens through the telecom operator sites. We are also weighing options to launch a mobile voice platform.

    Please elaborate on your digital and wireless strategy
    The entire department has been created to leverage the opportunities this space offers. Sony envisages that, the future is going to be digital. New technologies driven by mobile phones, iPods and other handheld devices will spearhead an exponential growth. The atmosphere is very encouraging since mobile connectivity in the country has really picked up. Keeping the changes in mind, we are closely working to build a digital content bank and making our programming and content available across all the available platforms. The thrust will be on creating a dedicated mobile and internet community.

    Convergence of television and portals appears to be the latest mantra for entertainment. Please elaborate on Sony’s plans and the progress in this segment.
    We have our online presence in setindia.com. To offer content through broadband, we have tied up with SifyMax. This association helps us to offer some of our popular shows such as Fame Gurukul and Indian Idol through broadband. This way, we are able to capitalise on the significance of SifyMax as a popular destination for online content. This is a win-win situation for both of us. We also have content associations with Indiatimes and Tata VSNL.

    How do you plan to leverage Set India’s programming portfolio with the mobile initiatives? Are there plans to make mobisodes out of your popular soaps?
    I would say, the Indian market is yet to see a proper mobisode. The mobisode revolution is still bit away in the horizon as the technology is not yet ready to accommodate it. What we all have been doing is, repurposing our content for mobile phone. And the advantage: you can target different audience segments with various niche products made out of a single programme.

    Globally, most of the mobile companies are getting out of the content sector to focus on their main areas of strength. In India also, should mobile operators have to move out of the content space? Please offer your take on this.
    The international market has been witnessing lots of alignments between content providers and the technology companies. Internationally, we have entertainment companies sticking on to content operations, while technology companies concentrating on the technical aspects. Obviously, you can’t lay your hands on both the businesses because it is difficult to focus on these diverse segments. The same applies to the Indian market as well.

    Are you looking to partner international companies in the digital space? What is your take on the global scenario?
    Sony in talks with some of the players for digital distribution of content and we have already got Jump TV on board in this space. We are in advanced stages of talks with some of the European and US players and an announcement in this regard will be made soon.
    What are the issues that will foster an even faster mobile market growth in India?
    What is critical is creating best practices and formula for the industry. Industry practices should be standardised so that, it will encourage the players to roll out a variety of services. There should be flexibility in pricing. There is huge potential in areas such as voice offerings and subscription services. By working together as a team, we can capitalise on the huge growth potential the space offers.
    Will web streaming as a concept catch up in India?
    Web streaming is yet to catch up in the country because of the bandwidth issues. But, with falling broadband prices, it has got a huge potential to deliver, especially in the area of interactivity. If the government’s bandwidth targets for the fiscal are met, the market would undergo a tremendous change.
  • Interactive Television Networks expands to key Asia Pacific markets

    Interactive Television Networks expands to key Asia Pacific markets

    MUMBAI: The US-based Interactive Television Networks, Inc., a global player in Internet Protocol Television (IPTV), has announced the launch of its ITVN Asia service.

    “We are very excited to introduce ITVN’s revolutionary technology to the Asian market,” says ITVN Asia MD Noah Lieberman. “We anticipate a robust response to ITVN in these markets, as the high speed internet infrastructure in the Asia Pacific region has enjoyed widespread development, especially in countries such as Japan where IPTV customers enjoy fiber-optic cable at speeds up to 100 Mbps.”

    By the end of 2007, everyone in Japan will have access to high speed internet, according to a plan by the Japanese government.

    As part of their multi-year agreement, ITVN Asia has pre-purchased ITVN subscription services and hardware as well as committed to short and long term subscriber targets, states an official release.

    “We are pleased to be able to extend the ITVN brand into these new markets,” says ITVN CEO Charles Prast. “ITVN Asia users will initially enjoy Silver Screen, which delivers the golden age of cinema to their home television. In addition to Silver Screen, ITVN Asia plans to launch additional music, movie, sports and video game channels.”

  • Packet Vision to launch addressable IPTV advertising delivery platform

    Packet Vision to launch addressable IPTV advertising delivery platform

    MUMBAI: UK based — Packet Vision, the addressable IPTV advertising specialist, will commercially launch its new TV advertising delivery platform in September at the International Broadcasting Convention 2006 (IBC2006).

    The exhibition will kick off from 8 September and culminate on 12 September at Amsterdam.

    The platform has been designed to enable both ‘push’ and ‘pull’ advertising: enabling ads to be highly personalized to match viewer demographics, even down to individual household level, and allowing subsequent viewer interaction that is much more sophisticated than is currently possible, according to an official statement.

    “Addressable IPTV advertising has huge potential but its development has been hampered by the lack of appropriate technology to deliver it,” says Packet Vision managing director Patrick Christian. “Our platform makes it possible for TV advertising to achieve the level of personalization that tends to be associated more with the internet: not only in how ads are carried and the ways in which consumers can interact with them, but also with regard to their measurability which can be instant and precise.”

    The release adds that the demonstrations of the network-based Packet Vision delivery platform, which combines all the functions of video server, splicer, IP router and management system in a small, scalable unit, will be available throughout IBC2006.

    Christian envisages that the platform will appeal to a wide range of advertisers, network operators and broadcasters: “It makes TV advertising feasible even for smaller niche or locally-oriented businesses, as well giving large advertisers an easy platform on which sophisticated and highly interactive ad campaigns can be built.”

    He adds, “We have taken some lessons from the highly successful internet advertising model and our business model will make it possible even for smaller network operators and those without advertising sales operations to generate income from television advertising.”

  • KyLinTV rolls out Hunan TV in North America

    KyLinTV rolls out Hunan TV in North America

    MUMBAI: Telecoms and media companies are gung-ho about growing area of the Internet Protocol Television (IPTV). KyLinTV, which provides Chinese programming via IPTV in North America has rolled-out an entertainment channel from China, Hunan TV.

    The KyLinTV subscribers can now watch the most popular Hunan TV programmes such as Super Voice Girls and more.

    At present, KyLinTV is offering 26 live broadcast channels. According to an official release, KyLinTV subscribers have three ways to enjoy Hunan TV programmes. Viewers can tune in to live Hunan TV broadcasts on KyLinTV, and are able to watch any programme that they may have missed using the Hunan TV channel companion. 

    The broadcast channel companion preserves the lineup of news and entertainment programmes for 24 hours, and is a feature unique to KyLinTV. 

    In addition, KyLinTV subscribers can take advantage of Hunan TV On Demand, an exclusive library of the most popular Hunan TV programmes.

    Hunan TV has brought the age of the Super Voice Girls to KyLinTV. China’s answer to American Idol, all episodes from the 2006 Super Voice Girls can be accessed on KyLinTV using Video On Demand (VOD).

    “Through the use of IPTV technology, KyLinTV is delighted to offer the top entertainment channel from China to our subscribers,” said KyLinTV CEO Nancy Li. “The VOD companion and on demand features available to KyLinTV subscribers ensure that they will never have to miss any of the popular Hunan TV programs they want to watch. We are committed to making the most popular Chinese entertainment easily accessible to all of our subscribers, and to offering the most choices in Chinese entertainment.”

    “Hunan TV is extremely pleased to be in a partnership with KyLinTV,” said Hunan TV director general Wei Wenbin. “KyLinTV is an innovative service that gives Hunan TV the perfect opportunity to have our content reach the Chinese-speaking families in North America. We look forward to a prosperous future with KyLinTV.”

    By September 2006, KyLinTV will offer a total of 26 live broadcast channels in real-time to KyLinTV subscribers. Each broadcast channel will be offered with a KyLinTV VOD companion that will preserve KyLinTV broadcast titles for 24 hours, maintaining access and convenience for the benefit of KyLinTV. 

    An on demand library will offer access to past episodes of hit shows as VOD, offering the most choices to North-American consumers.

  • Disney channels now available on Thailand’s True IPTV

    Disney channels now available on Thailand’s True IPTV

    MUMBAI: : A partnership deal has been signed between Walt Disney Television International (Southeast Asia) and True Digital Entertainment Co. Ltd. to make Disney Channel and Playhouse Disney Channel available on True IPTV, slated to start this month.

    True IPTV Thailand’s Internet Protocol TV (IPTV) provider, is a pay-TV service with an ‘a la carte’ pricing model. It is available to viewers at a monthly subscription of Baht120 (US$3) for each of the commercial-free Disney channels, informs an official release.

    Walt Disney Television International (Asia Pacific) Senior VP and MD Nicky Parkinson said, “It has been Disney’s strategic focus to develop compelling content and utilize leading-edge technologies in response to consumer demands of getting quality entertainment experiences in the most relevant way. IPTV is anticipated to be a major entertainment platform in Thailand and we are extremely excited to work with True, an innovative industry player providing the first IPTV here, to embrace this fast-growing opportunity and bring our two branded channels to Thai kids and families.”

    Walt Disney Television International (Southeast Asia) MD Raymund Miranda said, “Being responsive to the technological advances of TV programming distribution is a priority for us at Disney Television and the launch of our channels on True IPTV marks an exciting milestone in our business in Southeast Asia. In the long-term, IPTV is expected to penetrate 55 per cent share of the Thai TV market and we look forward to working with True IPTV, the leader in this space, to make that forecast a reality.”

    True IPTV was launched by True Corporation Plc, Thailand’s integrated telecom operator providing fixed line telephone, mobile, broadband and multimedia services. The company plans to expand its operations in Thailand to reach out to local audiences through selected animated programming on both Disney Channel and Playhouse Disney Channel which are dubbed in Thai. Also, number of live-action series have Thai subtitling. In addition, an English language feed is also available in appropriate areas, adds the release.

    Commenting on the partnership, True Corporation Plc MD Thiti Nantapatsiri said, “We’re pleased to have the two Disney channels on our new IPTV offering and we’re confident that our growing number of subscribers will enjoy Disney’s unique brand of quality entertainment.”

  • Irdeto to help ETV make the transition to pay

    Irdeto to help ETV make the transition to pay

    SINGAPORE: Irdeto, which works in the area of providing content security for digital TV, IPTV and mobile networks, has announced that ETV has chosen its digital TV solution to help protect ETV and ETV2 as they get converted from free-to-air to pay TV services.

    ETV VP operations K. Bapineedu says, “ETV and ETV2 are known for providing the best of family entertainment and leading edge news, and thus, it was crucial that we protect this content with the most robust conditional access solution possible..

    “Irdeto’s reputation as the proven leader in the industry with an unparalleled record of three generations of uncompromised smart cards in the market was key in our decision to go with their content security solution.”

    Irdeto CEO Graham Kill said, “Leading broadcasters like ETV-Network realise that content security plays a key role in securing revenue. Irdeto offers a choice in proven content security solutions that support many different business models creating new business opportunities for content owners and network operators.”

    Irdeto’s India country manager Rahul Nehra says, “We are committed to curtailing piracy on local and national levels. In order for ETV-Network to achieve a successful conversion from free-to-air to pay TV services, a tried and tested content protection solution was crucial. We are pleased to be selected by ETV-Network to protect two of its key local-language channels.”

  • India to hit top IPTV slot in Asia Pacific by 2015: Kagan Research

    India to hit top IPTV slot in Asia Pacific by 2015: Kagan Research

    SINGAPORE: So what if IPTV is still taking baby steps in India? Come 2015 and India is going to be the third most happening market for IPTV in the Asia Pacific region in terms of the number of households that will have the service, just behind China and Japan, according to projections by Kagan Research.

    What’s more, the total pay-TV revenues forecast are expected to grow from $13.1 billion in 2004 in the Asia Pacific region to an estimated $38.0 billion in 2015. On the other hand, IPTV revenue share will rise from 0.7 per cent in 2004 to 12.9 per cent in 2015. With this, telcos will capture a significant portion of Asia Pacific total pay-TV revenues.

    At present, IPTV has been launched or is in the trial stages in the following countries in the Asia Pacific region: China (trial), Hong Kong, India (trial), Indonesia, Japan, Korea (trial), Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore (trial), Taiwan and Thailand (trial). In the countries, where IPTV is on a trial basis, operators are either running a trial in selected markets or lobbying respective regulators to lift their grip on pay TV licensing. 

    Some of the key considerations when planning a ‘Pay TV Service’ are: ‘Pay’ factor – who, how much, subsidies; ‘TV’ factor- programs, user experience, positioning, potential revenue stream; ‘Service’ factor- look and feel of service and customer service. 

    In terms of the content strategy, some of the trends in IPTV that can be followed in Asia are: 

    • Start with satellite turnaround signals which already have an Asian footprint as these require little inhouse programming expertise.

    • Invest in brand-name channels to build critical mass and position as a ‘complementary’ and not ‘substitute’ service to traditional PayTV.

    • In-house content department and capabilities give operators the edge, e.g. self-programmed channels, marketing, licensing and legal expertise.

    • Local content/ self-programming are essential for competing with traditional Pay TV operators.

    • PVR/ TiVo has started in Taiwan and Australia on traditional Pay TV platform.

  • IPTV: Expanding the content, engaging the viewer

    IPTV: Expanding the content, engaging the viewer

    SINGAPORE: Television broadcasting is now far more challenging than conventional terrestrial cable and satellite delivery. With the influx of multiple services and delivery platforms like HD, VOD, IPTV (Internet Protocol Television), interactive and multimedia services, consumers are now exposed to a whole new world of entertainment!

    “IPTV is soon going to transform the television landscape. The transformation of television is introducing new technologies in the domain and represents a true transformation in broadcast television,” said JJB Associates Australia principal consultant John Bigeni at the session titled Expanding the Content, Engaging the Viewer on day two of BroadcastAsia 2006.

    A word of caution that was thrown was that companies that are mulling entering into IPTV, should go beyond what is currently being offered by broadcasters. In short, IPTV should go beyond “Me Too” television. “Telecos should move from being providers of transport to being providers of experience. A message to the Telecos is clear – It is not good enough to deliver “Me Too” television,” said OpenTV (Greater China) general manager Ren Xiaoyan.

    Explaining what “Me Too” television was, Xiaoyan said, “Electronic Programming Guide (EPG) and Digital Music comprising services like broadcast TV on-demand, program packages, pay per view, channel favorites, parental controls, multiple service providers and T-commerce, are provided by broadcasters too. So it is not enough for IPTV service providers to just provide all of this.”

    Enhanced programming comprising video mosaics, different camera angle, selection, live information, program enhancements, content, promotion and lifestyle portals should be synchronised with the broadcast stream to provide a rich viewing experience. On-Demand services, on the lines of what is being offered by Comcast, comprising VOD, Push VOD, Pull VOD, PVR, NPVR, PVR To Go and Multiroom & Media Control can be offered based on the network architecture and cost.

    Apart from that Quad Play experiences offering live TV, DVR and remote record, unified voicemail, Email and games will further the experience to a different level.

    IPTV also allows for advanced advertising and in turn providers additional revenue streams for providers. “Addressable advertising is possible through IPTV apart from ad telescoping (provide more detailed spectrum for example provide a commercial of five minutes instead of the regular 30 seconds. One can also target the ad based on demographic,” Xiaoyan said.

    On the other hand, games and gaming services can be also provided over IPTV via pay per play or subscription model, in addition to communication services like email, chat and SMS.

    “In order to save call center cost, many companies are now providing in-house customer care services for instant updates on programme booking and billing,” Xiaoyan said.

    So what’s the promise of IPTV? While, it cannot be simply “Me Too” TV, the advantage it has is that digital TV has not yet fulfilled its true potential as it has been hampered by narrowband (as opposed to broadband) and no return channel. Also, it does not provide the on-demand experience and iTV (Interactive Television) never really took off. But now, IPTV can bring in better content and experience through narrowcasting, faster channel change, faster application and content download and better on-demand services.

    While it all sounds hunky dory, IPTV’s dirty little secret is that cable and satellite channels are already providing all of this! So how does IPTV compete? Xiaoyan provides the answers.

    “Companies providing IPTV can’t just focus on video. They have to run and run faster in the competitive environment. They have to work with advertisers and programmers, work out new content deals and business models and not just limit themselves to their vendors,” he concludes.