Lack of broadband critical mass, content aggregation plague Tier 2, 3 IPTV deployment
Jan 22, 2008 8:20 AM
IPTV Update: What is being done internationally to enable IPTV operators to achieve greater control over their networks and maximize bandwidth?
Manish Matta: To offset bandwidth limitations in the network, we have always adopted the most efficient codecs available at the time — from MPEG-2 when we first started deploying our RollingStream IPTV system with international operators to MPEG-4 Part 2 for some more recent deployments and then, of course, we now provide MPEG-4 Part 10 to our customers to minimize the bandwidth consumption and guarantee superior viewer experience.
The objective is to minimize the packet size and optimize the network performance. Today, we are enabling superior IPTV service over ADSL and ADSL2 networks. On the infrastructure side, we support RPR functionality in the network and also support FTTx for enhanced higher bandwidth applications in systems throughout the world.
IPTV Update: As telcos make their initial deployments of IPTV networks, what steps should they be taking to futureproof their systems to ensure they support new advanced entertainment experiences consumers may seek over time?
Manish Matta: First and foremost, the operator needs to choose the right vendor. This choice is critical because it is often the difference between success and failure. The vendor should be the operator’s partner and develop and provision the network to the individual requirement of the operator.
From a technical perspective, the network for IPTV needs to be able to scale — not for thousands but for millions of subscribers at the same time — to provide a superior user experience. The network should be optimized for increased unicast traffic because, often, the complexity is in the unicast and on-demand traffic.
The other question to be answered is in the context of the network evolution. For instance, does the solution assure migration to mobile based applications seamlessly or not? A streaming architecture assures a migration path to mobility since the content is being pushed from and stored at the network. It takes the onus of content storage away from the end user. Finally, the IPTV solution should be able to support value applications like HDTV, personalized/interactive content, 3-D effects, online purchase, etc. that will generate revenue for the operator.
IPTV Update: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Manish Matta: The choice of the IPTV partner is as imperative as the choice of the voice network partner for the operator. The operator and vendor need to be partners that understand the needs and priorities of each other very well and work towards a common objective that is a win-win for both — and ultimately provides the best user experience.
This is critical because a lot of deals are transactional in nature and price-driven. The difference between a successful and failed venture is in the effort put in at the onset to establish the partnership nature of this relationship. An IPTV network lays the foundation for future applications, which will be revenue generators for the operator. IPTV is just the framework for future applications.
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