Hybrid as a precursor to convergence
An undeniable crossover is happening between broadcast (DTT, DTH) and broadband (cable, DSL).
This evolution is driven from both sides of the spectrum. Broadband operators are relying on broadcast technologies (DTH, DTT) to increase service coverage and enhance bandwidth efficiency for the basic offering. Likewise, broadcast operators are increasingly relying on broadband to add interactivity and on-demand capabilities to their offer. In some cases this even implies broadcasters are leveraging transparent internet delivery or over-the-top (OTT) to add interactivity and on-demand to their offer.
The net result of all this is that while broadband operators initially added broadcast as a complementary distribution mechanism, IP technology has now gained relevance in digital TV at large.
In the specific case of cable operators, broadcast (DVB-C) and broadband (IP DOCSIS) naturally come together on the same conduit to create the optimal mix of bandwidth efficiency and interactivity.
Nagravision had the opportunity to contribute to the first hybrid reference deployments with NeufCegetel, Hansenet, BT, Numéricable and Portugal Telecom to name a few.
And mobile?
In fact, a similar evolution is occurring in mobile TV: a broadband approach, such as 3G, and broadcast distribution (DVB-H, FLO, STiMi etc) can mutually enrich each other in bandwidth efficiency and interactivity.
Bringing broadband and broadcast together in fact always relies on the same principles irrespective of the concrete broadcast and broadband approaches available to a any given operator. Operators who have either access to their own broadband infrastructure or have a formal agreement with a broadband operator can provide on-demand content in streaming mode. In any other case broadband delivery will happen in a network-agnostic way which de facto entails a PullVOD solution relying on over-the-top (OTT) delivery.
A real hybrid solution worthy of the name will have to address this full spectrum and provide full freedom to service providers to mix and match delivery networks that optimally match their local business- and geographical constraints.
