MobiTV: Europe can take the lead on TV Everywhere
July 22, 2011
A truly converged multi-screen TV service is within Europe’s grasp says MobiTV, the company that powers the branded TV services of all the major wireless operators in the US market. Operators in Europe are well placed to capitalise on the demand for connected TV, following last week’s report from Parks Associates, which revealed that 30 per cent of European consumers are more than ready for TV Everywhere services.
With the report indicating that 50 per cent of consumers want to be able to access DVR recorded content on an Internet connected device, there is a growing appetite for TV Everywhere in Europe. While the US market has fragmented; split between traditional cable TV, mobile TV and OTT services, there is now the opportunity in Europe to combine all these disparate elements to deliver a seamless experience between the STB, smartphone and tablet device.
Charlie Nooney, the CEO of MobiTV, Inc. believes that consumer demand for TV Everywhere has opened the door to a truly converged three-screen offering that will allow service providers to cater for TV audiences inside, and outside, the home. Interest in converged TV services has also been driven by the consumer uptake of ‘video equipped’ smartphones and tablets with higher resolution and screen sizes of up to 11 inches.
Nooney explained: “Consumer expectations of how they consume TV content has irrevocably changed and the traditional definition of TV as a linear broadcasting model no longer applies. The emergence of connected devices that provide access to a vast range of applications and services has altered the TV viewing experience. In the US the TV audience can choose from a range of different content, the challenge is to find a provider that can deliver an integrated service across multiple platforms and devices.”
He added: “Continuity and mobility is the key to three-screen television. Mobile TV and video, which could be available on smartphone or a tablet, has always been perceived as a standalone service, but in fact it is the key to delivering an integrated three-screen service. A converged TV service anchored to the STB in the living room would allow European operators to extend the coverage of primetime shows, live sporting events and VoD content inside the home, and allow the subscriber to stay connected even when they step out of the front door.”