The whole world is talking about the new media these days. India is not very far behind. Both IPTV and Mobile TV have brought us on the world map and India's growth statistics have started appearing in the International surveys. Even at the recently concluded Broadcast Asia and CommunicaAsia 2007at Singapore, most talked about and demonstrated technologies were of IPTV and Mobile TV. Digital markets for digital communications have become passe. It is digital entertainment occupying the front rows now.
Mobile TV entered the arena much after IPTV but has gone far ahead because of its easy reach to the customers. Entertainment any time and anywhere has made mobile TV more popular. It matches so well with the life style of the modern man and woman. It satisfied their need for entertainment, communications, data transfers and voice conversation all through the same gadget any time of the day using that small little wonder we call mobile phone. Infact if we have a chance of achieving real convergence, it is through this little instrument. The best part is that this will always compliment the existing technologies of Cable Television and DTH and not compete with them. After all no one will watch television on that 3 inch screen for hours but it can prompt them to watch more of the big screen.
India's getting into the Mobile TV field, particularly the initiative taken by Prasar Bharti is a big step into the future. It will also speed up the launch of the services by private players like Bharti and Reliance. Imagine mobile users watching live sports events of Commonwealth Games in 2010 everywhere, be it in cars, bus or trains or simply taking a walk in the park.
We have gone ahead with DVB-H standard but the requirement of a costly and specialised handsets and a 3G network will make the technology a slow mover unless the cost of the instrument comes down drastically. However, I feel if some one starts with DMB, the technology the Korean and many countries in Europe are using, one can really be the winner as the technology works even on the existing networks.
IPTV on the other hand, will remain a slow moving technology as the infrastructure development for high-speed broadband network will take a long time. Till then it will remains a technology for the elite. We must find ways and means to create a hybrid network of Fiber, copper and co-ax to utilize the Cable Television's reach if we want this technology to flourish.
Introduction of addressability in the Non-CAS area is gaining momentum with TRAI suggesting support of regulations for those implementing CAS voluntarily in the non-CAS areas. Content regulations are also being talked about in the Media feverishly. We hope the Broadcasting Bill gets cleared in this Monsoon Session of the Parliament.
God, save our networks from Rains. Enjoy the Monsoon.
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