IP, IP and more IP greeted us as we went from stand to stand at IBC. Many vendors were keen to talk about their IP-based solutions, although some did say there were significant gaps to fill. Nevertheless, it is clear that many end users are mulling the move to IP solutions but are probably waiting […]
IP, IP and more IP greeted us as we went from stand to stand at IBC. Many vendors were keen to talk about their IP-based solutions, although some did say there were significant gaps to fill. Nevertheless, it is clear that many end users are mulling the move to IP solutions but are probably waiting for things to settle down. This seems to be a wait-and-watch period.
Manufacturers didnt exactly paint a rosy picture at IBC, with several having axed jobs across the globe just prior to the show. Some commented that with many end users stalling the deployment of traditional systems and considering moving to IP-based solutions, business was not as good as they would have liked it to be. Others said that the demand for new technologies has created the need for a new set of skills, which has made older hands outdated.
This transitional period has created some trepidation in the market.
In the meantime, in the region, rumours of big budget cuts at Al Jazeera Network have sent shock waves through the market. But I have also heard a bird whisper that another channel is coming up in the country.
On the other hand, we have also seen promos for a new movie channel on beIN Sports, which has caused a stir in the region.
What would beINs expansion into the entertainment genre spell, not just for the existing pay TV network, OSN, but also for the likes of MBC? Will beIN Movies be part of a subscription model or be available free-to-air? If beIN does choose a cost-effective subscription route, it could significantly change the dynamics of the TV landscape for both FTA and pay TV players.
Again, well have to wait and watch. In the meantime, BroadcastPro ME is hosting another roundtable in October, alongwith Snell Advanced Media (SAM), to gauge where the regional broadcasters stand in terms of IP-based solutions.
We also have only a month to go before our annual ASBU BroadcastPro Selevision Summit and Awards. Attendance is free but limited. Please register to attend. If you have a project to nominate for the awards, the time to do it is now.