29 March 2016

Consumers demand high quality video content at home and on the move. This trend highlights the fact that video remains the most significant pinch point in existing networks, whether fixed or mobile - affecting not only the user experience but also posing challenges for network operators. These next generation TV services call for a smarter infrastructure.

This EIF debate, hosted by Michal Boni MEP and EIF Steering Committee member, brought together cable operators, satellite operators and broadcasters to address this issue and answer key questions. Mr Boni MEP opened the debate by naming the players of this new digital media ecosystem.

Ole Ledang, Director Broadcasting Division at Telenor Satellite, noted that satellite technology, among other features, has a capability to deliver high-quality simultaneous video broadcasting to large audiences. He also noted that the future of video distribution will require a combined technological solution based on local market differences.

Simon Fell, Director of Technology & Innovation at EBU, pointed out the fact that for broadcasters all means of video distribution are important. He noted that it is important to ensure that all devices, receiving content via broadcast or broadband, can co-exist and complement each other.

Matthias Kurth, Executive Chairman and Member of the Executive Committee at Cable Europe, spoke about recent changes in the video content supply and consumption market. He spoke about the needs for infrastructure investments, standards and regulation. “Competition will choose winners, not the regulation”, he concluded.

Andreas Röver, Pincipal Administrator at Regulatory co-ordination and business Unit at DG CONNECT, European Commission, joined the debate as a first respondent and presented the ways European Commission is working to ensure users’ access to high quality video content across the EU.

Highlights from Twitter:

 

#EIF Let's define #media #convergence as ‘the phenomenon where digitisation of content, as well as standards and technologies.

— Michał Boni (@MichalBoni) March 15, 2016

More harmonization and less regulation are necessary to ensure access to high-quality content anytime and anywhere.@EIFonline @MichalBoni

— GSMA Public Policy (@GSMAPolicy) March 15, 2016

 

Satellite operators will deliver TV content to MNOs, Ole Ledang Telenor Satellite#connectedtv @EIFonline @TelenorSat pic.twitter.com/PWVpezpsGu

— Aarti Holla (@aarti_holla) March 15, 2016

EBU Director @EIFonline on convergence: making the best of broadband, mobile and broadcast. pic.twitter.com/ayz0ZSSLAI

— Nicola Frank (@BXLNicola) March 15, 2016

  • #AUDIOVISUAL TECHNOLOGY

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