IPTV punted at Satcom conference

Johannesburg, 23 Feb 2006

Internet Protocol TV (IPTV) could become the next video distribution platform in Africa, says Michael Antonovich, executive VP of PanAmSat.

He was speaking yesterday at the Satcom conference in Sandton.

Antonovich believes Mpeg 4 compression technology will allow IPTV to become much more viable.

Mpeg 4 will allow for the maximisation of the bandwidth on offer, allowing for a greater number of channels, he said.

The introduction of voice over Internet Protocol and Skype has allowed people to bypass the public switched telephone network, he noted.

"So telecos around the world are forced to offer a more complete service," he added, in reference to triple play (combined phone, Internet and TV bundles).

Key to success

He warned that for IPTV to be a success, differentiation from traditional TV alternatives is required - such as the broadcast of exclusive channels and the targeting of niche markets.

He predicts IPTV will develop a new industry in encoding, in order to translate the broadcast content into "distributor-friendly format".

Telkom recently announced its IPTV strategy is about to enter the trial stage among a closed group of testers, and also indicated it may apply for a broadcast licence.