Link to Sept., 2003 Viodi View
Viodi View September Issue – Addendum
IBC 2003 – A View from the other side of the Pond:
Taking exception to last week’s article in which I described Peter Lowten’s journey to the International Broadcasting Convention [IBC] in Amsterdam as a “junket”, Lowten proves in this week’s article that he did actually peruse the convention floors of the IBC. Further, he brought back some interesting insight from the world of television and communications technologies. Although the IBC would appear to have little to do with the heartland and independent telephone companies, most of the major suppliers of iTV and video equipment were at this event and they provided Peter with their latest views on the technology that will impact independent telephone companies……Click here to read the rest of the article.
From the Ashes…..A Disruptive Server
Many of you may have seen the announcement earlier this week from a relatively new server company, Movidis, discussing the launch of their new Video on Demand [VOD] system, the Molecular Media Server (MMS 1000™) and associated Business Management Software system. The server uses blade-style PC hardware, while the business management software is built on the foundation of early VOD pioneer, Diva. Promising pricing of $89 per stream with all of the bells and whistles of larger servers, Movidis is attempting to be a disruptive force in the VOD market, allowing both small and large operators to bring VOD and network PVR functionality to the masses.
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IBC 2003 – A View from the other side of the Pond:
by Peter Lowten, Pixel Consulting
Actually Ken, my junket/boondoggle to the International Broadcasting Convention (www.ibc.org ) was a hard 6 day slog through nearly 38,000 square meters (400,000 square feet for those of us too old to go metric!) of Exhibition space dedicated to all things video, combined with a very full 5 day Conference session! The mood was ‘business positive’, information and insight were there in abundance, the panels and presentations very forward looking. The industry just felt more focused there than at the last few exhibitions I have attended in the USA.
It is interesting to note the significant differences between the business landscape in Europe and that in the USA. For example HDTV is years behind in roll-out – only Australia (yes, I know it’s not in Europe but it is closely tied to it!) has launched over-the-air HDTV, and that only because of Government mandate.
The push to EDTV – basically wide-screen PAL – has been quite successful. 16×9 aspect ratio TVs are reasonably priced and the conversion has been much cheaper both for content originators and transmission entities. Generally, European consumers have not jumped on the large screen TV bandwagon, but the mid size widescreen offerings have been easy to integrate and accept. My opinion is that this will smooth their transition from analog TV through EDTV to HDTV, rather than the larger single step being taken in this country.
Similarly Europe is not as dominated by cable as the USA – although it is a significant force along with satellite delivery – nor indeed is there much like the Independent Telco structure. So if it is so different, why was IBC important for Independent Telcos to know about? One reason; xDSL has a very strong foothold so European and US companies are developing product ranges that have appeal in the USA and Europe (and the Far East). With a tight market in the USA many companies will pursue opportunities – and therefore put development dollars/euros/pounds – into technology with broad appeal. Secondly Europe seems more standards oriented than the USA. Often looking at the work on committees and standards from their viewpoint shows what will become valuable over here.
What was shown? – Or ‘How much CAN you get in a 2 lb bag…?’
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