By Roland Mestric, Director, Video Solutions Marketing, Alcatel-Lucent
Before the iPhone, the world of TV was relatively simple. Linear TV programs were delivered to the TV set over the air or to its set-top box (STB), which was directly tied to the cable coax, the home gateway or the satellite dish.
Now everything has changed.
Video-enabled, IP-connected devices with ever-greater screen resolution are flooding the market. Tablets, smartphones and smart TVs are running on many flavors of operating systems. All use different protocols, formats and standards. With these devices, end users have many options to watch video. These include being attached to the service provider’s managed network, or being directly connected to the Internet and consuming ‘over-the-top’ content. Moreover, end users want to watch their favorite content on demand; they no longer want to be restricted to linear programming. This adds yet another level of complexity to this whirlwind of change.
Covering all IP video options results in countless protocols, proliferating standards and loads of acronyms. Even industry watchers can find the rapidly evolving world of IP video confusing. That’s why I created this IP video streaming infographic.
Seeing the upside
In a simple yet comprehensive way, this infographic outlines the multiple steps in video processing and streaming needed to reach all end user devices. At each step, the graphic identifies the key standards, formats and protocols, as well as their role and where they fit into a network transformation strategy. And, once we can grasp the big picture, we’re in a better position to see the way forward.
IP has paved the way for new, over-the-top entrants who compete with pay TV providers for both content and customers. This presents an enormous challenge to traditional service providers, especially those with legacy networks. However, looking more closely, moving video delivery into the IP domain also presents enormous opportunities. In fact, the move to IP video enables technological advances that benefit the wider TV ecosystem.
So what are the benefits of IP video?
- Content can be delivered over unified networks that reduce capital and operational expenses.
- Intelligence can be added to the delivery network to enhance the end-user experience.
- New applications and services delivery can be accelerated as the back-end system is migrated to cloud-based services.
- And, the door can be opened to new relationships and revenue opportunities with content owners and advertisers.
Migrating to IP video
Assuming these benefits of IP video, operator networks must be effectively scaled. This is a must before they can deliver what viewers want on whatever screen they prefer, and before IP technologies can pave the way forward. The path to transformation covers three main areas:
1. Simplified home environment
2. Distributed delivery
3. Cloud-enabled/virtualized back-end
Look for the best of the best
Whatever path your transformation takes, the key to success is to view your IP video transformation as part of your overall upgrade strategy—not as a one-off project. To do this, you’ll need an integrator with as big a vision as yours.
I’d look for an integrator who brings together the best products for each solution component in your market. This means working together with a trusted partner who can customize an IP video transformation plan based on the latest innovations and best-of-breed products. That way, you won’t be encumbered by legacy code and allegiance to ageing products.
To keep your project on track, you’ll want a partner with comprehensive set of integrator capabilities that ensure shorter time-to-market and faster ROI. You’ll benefit from:
- Expert knowledge of new and legacy technologies
- Field-proven processes and tools to accelerate execution
- Business and network modeling expertise
- Lessons learned from transformation projects in your market
- Formalized project governance and execution
Where is IP video headed?
Today TV and video is delivered over a blend of legacy and IP networks. In the next few years, we’ll see all video delivered over all-IP networks. That view is generally accepted, but if I had to go further, I’d predict that:
- Multiscreen video consumption, time-shifting viewing habits and service personalization will continue to erode broadcast and multicast efficiencies. As a result, every end user will ultimately be served with a unique stream (with the exception of a few popular live TV programs and TV channels that will remain on multicast).
- Dedicated video platforms will migrate to cloud-based services, enabling faster delivery of new applications, accelerating time to market and transforming costs.
- The functions of today’s STB hardware will be carried out by both the network and the connected device itself—so the traditional STB will disappear.
Taken together, these changes will enable service providers to deliver a great user experience in a more cost-effective way. And, subscribers will get a truly personalized viewing experience that they’ll love.
Links
Download our ebook: Future vision for IP Video
View the Prezi presentation: See the future vision for IP Video
Alcatel-Lucent IP Video innovation
Alcatel-Lucent IP Video services
