Hybrid and convergent platforms
The strong hybrid trend can be seen as a pragmatic precursor to the convergence of delivery networks (satellite, terrestrial, cable, DSL, mobile, etc.) and media consumption devices (TV, PC, mobile, portable players, etc.). The crossover between broadcast (DTT, DTH) and broadband (cable, DSL) is increasingly leading operators to redefine their needs in order to prepare for the future. This evolution is driven from both sides of the spectrum. Broadband operators are relying on broadcast technologies to increase service coverage and enhance bandwidth efficiency for the basic offering. Likewise, broadcast operators are increasingly relying on broadband to add interactivity and on-demand capabilities to their offer.
In the specific case of cable operators, broadcast (DVB-C) and broadband (IP DOCSIS) naturally come together on the same conduit to create the optimal mix of bandwidth efficiency and interactivity.
A similar evolution is occurring in mobile TV: a broadband approach, such as 3G, and broadcast distribution (DVB-H, FLO, STiMi, etc.) can mutually enrich each other in bandwidth efficiency and interactivity.
Much has been said about convergence over the past ten years. However, today it is no longer just a concept but a reality. There is a strong demand developing for media assets to naturally follow the consumer's rapidly evolving "digital lifestyle" in which it is almost taken for granted that content follows the consumer from one device and location to the next. New consumption habits have emerged offering real opportunities for the digital television industry. Technologically, the challenge is to offer consumers a consistent and simple media consumption experience. It is also to manage the entire content life cycle and create business models that match the increasingly varied and complex behaviour people are developing around digital content (watch, pause, rewind, store, take along, annotate, share, comment, find similar, file, etc.).