Rising to the Content Delivery Challenge
Emerging technologies enable more capacity and better quality for digital content. For example, applications can use sensors in mobile devices to identify the best way to connect to content, when to get it and even tweak capacity needs when the best possible resolution is not needed. But despite this, we are rapidly approaching a time when the numbers of devices and their hunger for content will take capacity demands to such heights that we have to make some big choices. “In the near future devices and networks will have the intelligence and support to choose the best method of delivery,” commented Sami Susiaho at BSkyB. “But one of the biggest issues that has to be addressed is that we don’t use spectrum in the same unified way across the globe,”
We can select how to deliver content, depending on its type and where it is delivered; usually choosing between unicast and broadcast. Using cable or satellite technology to deliver live content to set top boxes (STBs) that convert it to high quality pictures is a good example of broadcasting in action; but adding user specific content to enhance the user experience can hardly be broadcast. When it comes to multicasting, some of the big challenges come from choosing the right format suitable for supporting a large number of mobile devices.
In response to these challenges, Cambridge Wireless (CW), the leading industry forum involved in the development and application of wireless technologies, has organised the Digital Delivery and Content SIG event that will take a holistic approach towards methods used to deliver content to digital devices, while determining whether the requirements have to change or whether we have to adapt. Held in the techUK London offices on 8th April 2014, this half-day event will discuss current device requirements along with broadcast, unicast and multicast delivery and how these are affected by the constant rise in demand for content and emerging technologies.
Speakers will include David Thompson of Airsense Wireless, Tansir Ahmed of Orange and Mark Swarbrick from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), who will be presenting the Government’s digital communication infrastructure strategy that aims to address new opportunities for content providers and ensure that the UK continues to benefit from world-class communications networks as technology and the digital economy develop further. Matthew Stagg of EE will also share his views on video distribution for OTT (Over-the-top) content. “To effectively deal with the forecast tsunami of mobile video, networks need to evolve from communications networks to video distribution networks,” said Matthew Stagg. “We need discussion platforms like this CW event to drive the debate and exchange knowledge between all parties. Only then will industry-wide engagement create a mobile video ecosystem, improve the customer experience, encourage innovation and ensure the long term viability of the mobile video industry.”
The Digital Delivery and Content SIG is championed by Dev Audsin of Orange, Tim Cook of Arqiva, Russell Inman of Praxsys, Chris Nokes of BBC Research & Development and Sami Susiaho of BSkyB
To join this event to discuss the pros and cons of both unicast and broadcast, the value proposition of user specific content, challenges we face and the benefits we can derive from the tailored content, visit the CW event web page.
For further information on becoming a Founder Member and attend future SIG events for free, please visit: www.cambridgewireless.co.uk/sign-up