TV Connect, the connected entertainment event, has announced the first innovations that will populate the show floor at the ExCeL in London on April 28th-30th. New solutions and services span the entire video content ecosystem, from Ultra-HD-enabled set-top-boxes to the latest developments in content protection, TV app stores and data-driven video services.

The video industry is increasingly turning to digital consumption, leading to more personalised TV experiences. To enable consumers to better access the content that they want. Jeroen Ghijsen, CEO at Metrological, believes that the industry needs to offer tailored TV apps, stating: “TV Connect brings together the key stakeholders in connected entertainment and shines a spotlight on how to monetize new services, like operator branded app stores and new app experiences. TV app stores require more than to simply upload a few popular apps on the TV screen. Sophisticated TV app strategies are based on a framework approach that enables operators to run their device or middleware agnostic TV app store, integrates app content with the live TV viewing experience, and gives operators the tools to optimize and monetize their own branded app store. At this year’s show, Metrological will demonstrate how operators can bring new app content and interactivity to the consumer experience, including our award-winning solution for UPC Hungary, which delivers Over-The-Top content and apps to legacy set-top boxes.”

In addition to TV apps, Sarah Kiefer, Senior Marketing Manager at Ooyala EMEA, thinks that data-driven strategies are a prerequisite for operators looking to launch personalised TV experiences. She commented: “Ooyala is delighted to be sponsoring this year’s TV Connect event in London as the show brings together the top leaders in the entertainment industry across Europe and abroad. We’re looking forward to showing how premium content providers can have data-driven strategies that boost monetisation, personalise experiences for individual screens and grow audience engagement for today’s untethered viewers, all of which will be explained during our panel: “How Can Big Data Fully Create a New Advertising Paradigm?” on Wednesday, 29 April.”

According to Vestel, offering the right device to access content is crucial in enabling digital TV to thrive. Hakan Kutlu, Deputy General Manager, Vestel, explained: “We are bringing our latest line of digital, satellite, terrestrial, cable, IP and OTT set-top box solutions; Curved, Ultra HD, Smart and hotel TV, as well as interactive flat panel display, digital signage and video wall solutions to TV Connect 2015. With more devices entering the multiscreen mix than ever before, our demonstrations will remind the industry of the crucial role that hardware plays in enabling the next stage of video consumption to emerge. Leading the European market in digital products, we have already established agreements with the major digital television operators in Europe for the production of digital television and set-top boxes.”

However, more devices also lead to more challenges in content protection according to forensic watermarking specialist NexGuard, a Civolution company. Pascal Marie, Product Management & Partners, NexGuard, added: “Consumers now demand a seamless experience across all devices used to watch their favourite content, whether the latest Ultra-HD Hollywood blockbuster or a local television production. The proliferation of devices used to access high quality content, such as connected TVs, tablets and game consoles, means that the recapture and illicit distribution of all types of content is a greater threat. To address this, it is imperative that content owners have robust content protection measures in place for both Set-top-boxes and Over-The-Top-based services. At TV Connect, we will explain how live sport, UHD T-VoD, and other valuable assets can be safeguard through our unique forensic watermarking solutions.”

Consumers increasingly use unmanaged devices such as smartphones, tablets, game consoles and smart TVs. Yet, the set-top-box remains the main gateway to any TV content in the connected home, according to device manufacturer Infomir. Viktor Artyushchenko, Commercial Director at Infomir LLC, explained that the company will launch a new range of set-top-boxes that support the latest industry standards, including HEVC, at TV Connect: “Infomir LLC has been attending TV Connect for a few years as it provides us with a perfect occasion to reinforce existing partnerships and establish new ones. This time, we are presenting our new HEVC Set-Top boxes, including the high-power MAG257 on STiH301 processor and premium IPTV/OTT set-top box MAG350 on Broadcom processor, as well as a new, more convenient version of our free Middleware Stalker.”

TV Connect brings companies from all parts of the content industry together in order to offer a springboard for innovation and allow existing technology providers to design the future of video. With over 200 exhibitors, the show floor provides a unique meeting point for the connected entertainment industry as it moves from linear broadcast to increasingly tailored video services, enabling consumers to claim ownership of their TV experiences on any device.

Joanna Jones, Events Director at Informa Telecoms and Media, concluded: “Over the years, TV Connect has become a meeting point for innovators to share insight and launch new products and services that are reshaping the way we consume video. The market is now on the lookout for integrated services that comply with all the stakeholders’ requirements, whether content providers, device manufacturers and consumers, who are increasingly taking part in the TV experience. Demos from experts like Infomir, Metrological, NexGuard, Ooyala and Vestel will enable the entire industry to discover how each element fits in the larger content puzzle.”

TV Connect, the world’s leading event on connected entertainment, is organised by Informa Telecoms & Media.  The event takes place on April 28-30 at the ExCeL in London.

Categories: OTT, Press Releases