HDTV, IPTV, delivering content to mobile devices, and hybrid set-top boxes (STBs) were some of the hottest topics at IBC 2008. IBC e-Daily caught up with a number of top executives at the end of the show to discuss the major trends and preview what we might be talking about at IBC 2009.

IBC e-Daily: Are the major trends at IBC 2008 different previous shows?

David Gillies, director of technology, Pace: There is a maturity of evolution in Internet technologies that are now being reliably integrated into content providers platforms so advertising can be incorporated into downloaded content and accessible via STBs. 3D TV displays, used with or without glasses, are now at an acceptable standard for end users. The next step is to adapt video encoding technology such as H.264 to 3D broadcast signals, which will open up the opportunity for pay-TV operators. You have the launch of DVB-T2, which will broaden the availability of HD content across all delivery platforms. Finally, we are seeing how we are already moving beyond HD to ultra-high definition, which will initially impact digital cinemas and then eventually homes.

Tom Munro, CEO, Verimatrix: We are definitely seeing the IPTV market maturing, which was evident on the show floor. I don’t think anyone doubts that IPTV has gone mainstream, and cable and satellite operators are taking notice. In fact, IP technologies are enabling traditional pay-TV providers to provide more compelling and interactive services across platforms. There is less new technology and more integration and deployment. With the advent of these hybrid networks, it is becoming more difficult to classify operators. When compared to recent IBCs, the emphasis on over-the top delivery systems was more evident along with the influence of IP technology on traditional TV delivery.

Geir Bjørndal COO, Conax: Hybrid has been the major trend at IBC this year, but we are beginning to see it more of a reality now. Apart from that, I can’t really detect any new buzzwords. There has also been more of a focus on on-demand TV as well as mobile TV.

Mike Ivanchenko, senior vice president, worldwide sales, OpenTV: In previous years it was possible to identify the signature theme of the show — what was supposedly the potential killer application that was going to drive digital. This year is focused on realizing that potential and bringing it to market in the most efficient, cost-effective way. There’s been a shift from it being an advancing industry to one that has matured enough where cost of deployment are just as important as revolutionary features.

IBC e-Daily: Do you believe the way we consume content will fundamentally change over the next two years?

Gillies: I don’t expect to see a revolution in how we consume content but rather a constant evolution of access to content on different platforms over a number of years. For example, content is available in broadcast and broadband environments, and broadband is both fixed and mobile. Access to the same content across multiple delivery mechanisms will free the consumer further from the constraints of scheduled TV.

Munro: Personalized TV is part of the competitive landscape in this new world. True implementations are likely some way off, but as we grow into multi platform delivery systems with an emphasis on consumption at the consumer’s convenience, personalization features that drive revenue will be more and more prominent.

Bjørndal: To have library-type of television on your platform will be more of an asset in the next couple of years, but this has issues to do with getting rights from content providers for content. It is not necessarily a strong revenue generator.

Ivanchenko: Connection with the viewers and a one-to-one relationship has always been important in TV. We are seeing advancements which make that one-to-one contact far more meaningful and significant. We are at the start of this phase of the digital evolution and while it will become common place, it will not be within the next two years.

IBC e-Daily: What do you see as the major growth opportunities and threats for your company?

Gillies: We expect this to be HD PVR. This is still a new technology for consumers, penetration levels are low, and with so many homes now owning HD-ready panels, demand will grow and new services will be launched. Analog switch-off around Europe and in the United States and the widespread adoption of digital of course will also provide many opportunities.

Munro: Around the world, analog broadcasting systems are being shut off. As this happens, cable operators will likewise make the transition to digital signals. Even without the analog shutoff, cable operators are motivated to make a digital conversion: they can add more channels, they can support high definition and they can offer video on demand. We are well positioned to provide CA, DRM, watermarking, and other security solutions to this market. Furthermore hybrid delivery systems represent a major opportunity. As the majority of the world moves to digital delivery, we see this type of network topology dominating the landscape.

Bjørndal: There is big growth for us, as there are still many digital transitions taking place. Because we derive one-third of our revenues from satellite, one-third from cable and one-third from digital terrestrial television, we feel as though we can play in all areas of the market. We think it will get much harder to get more satellite business though.

Ivanchenko: We have reached a point in the marketplace where multiple inputs to a set-top device or enabled monitor have become standard. The role of the middleware is to manage those connections, and with the myriad of sources of content, middleware has become not only far more important but potentially the most important software component in the device. This is a tremendous opportunity for OpenTV as the requirements to manage that environment was envisaged within our architecture from the start. The fragmentation and diversity the broadcast environment presents enhanced opportunity for the role of middleware.

IBC e-Daily: What will be the major talking points and trends at IBC 2009?

Gillies: I expect to see more of what we have seen in 2008, with more of the new ideas we have seen this year moving towards commercialization. We should also start to see news about operators taking serious steps towards the launch of home networking and over-the-top content, which will begin to dominate over managed IP services.

Munro: Given the macroeconomic environment, I think we may see more industry consolidation and vertical integration. IPTV will be less a niche and more part of the pay-TV mainstream and the role of the Internet will continue to grow.

Bjørndal: I think hybrid boxes will be the main talking point. There is more focus on bundling, and we will look to launch products that will enable operators to provide these services using different technologies in a seamless way.

Ivanchenko: Device interoperability and seamless peripheral connections. Connectivity, home networking will also emerge.