Next-generation TV – Are we ready?

People want their experience to keep getting better, with greater control and interactivity in services such as cable TV, IPTV, mobile TV and internet TV. They want to be able to access these services using a mobile phone, desktop or laptop computer, tablet or television set.

In this scenario, the future of television has become interesting, and at the same time challenging, especially for technology providers and content creators, who are striving to adapt to this new reality.

Ericsson’s ConsumerLab did a study on television usage trends, which provided some clues about which new path to follow. One in four respondents said they were very interested in being able to access all of their TV or video content on all of their personal devices. At the same time, tablets and smartphones are being included in the TV/video watching experience. Multi-screen is already a reality.

In the study, it was also confirmed that 32% of respondents are not concerned with having or storing TV and/or video content, but rather having such content always accessible online. On the other hand, premium content and interaction via social networks are very high-priority activities. Moreover, people are increasingly willing to pay for HD (High Definition).

By increasingly adopting the “television anywhere and anytime” experience, and expecting all of their devices to be part of this entertainment experience, people are putting heavy pressure on content administration and the various delivery media/channels.

Television service providers and broadcasters must evolve from a linear and on-demand TV service offering to a multi-screen TV offering, which allows consumers to have a personalized experience that is completely their own, to raise the sense of belonging to the provided service, combining traditional TV service with access to social networks, OTT (Over-the-Top) content and interactivity, from the same unified browsing platform.

Obviously, in order for the operator to meet consumer demands, it is crucial that technologies be introduced into the market that can be easily evolved for the future, based on open standards, to make it easy to integrate and add new and innovative features, devices and services.

Many of these services are based on content derived from the internet, which is increasingly present in all entertainment spheres. In this new scenario, telecommunications networks must be prepared to meet the growing demand for large volumes of better quality video.

The entire segment faces a great opportunity and an arduous challenge, for which, over the next ten years, it must work and explore new ways to provide the next generation of television experience. The trajectory will undoubtedly be marked by changes in technology, mobility, multiplicity and interconnection of devices, commercial rights, and consumer desires.

Christian Frenza
Ericsson’s VP and Head of TV & Media Practice
for Latin America and the Caribbean