conax061115.qxp_conax 06/11/2015 10:30 Page 2
DTT extends the potential
for large volume operations
Terrestrial platform investments and growth plans
are most successful when backed by highly reputable
security solutions.
ree-to-view and pay-TV
operators collaborate for DTT.
Working together, pay-TV, free-toview operators and regulators in numerous
regions have transformed key challenges
into successful operations with high
growth potential! When platforms are
based primarily on public broadcasting
content, highlighting primarily free-to-air
content, content security is not usually a
priority. However, one should keep in
mind that as operations grow, pay-TV
content providers will likely show interest
in favourable opportunities for
cooperation. Adding premium pay-TV
content increases platform value for freeto-air providers and provides a competitive
edge towards satellite and cable platforms.
A few key DTT benefits:
F
l Additional space for channels within
the same spectrum
l Sharing frequency and equipment
reduces costs
l Ability to offer more channels
DTT is expected to have strong
growth following analogue shutdown
To optimise platform benefits and prepare
for future expansion, DTT operators are
advised to plan to include a strong, futureoriented content security solution during
the initial planning phase, in preparation
for lucrative pay-TV services opportunities
and potential platform growth. Early
planning will enable smooth introduction
of pay-TV to the platform at a later stage
and easy deployment of advanced
multiscreen services as the platform and
consumer demands grow.
Subsidised set-top-boxes provide
great business benefits
Subsidised STBs reduce the consumer’s
up-front investment making it easy to
jump on board an operator’s offering. The
revenue stream comes from a healthy
growing base of monthly subscription over
a period of years. Deploying set-top boxes
capable of accessing both free-to-air and
pay-TV makes it possible to not only
reduce set-top box costs and ensure
deployment of high quality set-top boxes,
it also increases wider potential for new
content services and the best consumer
experience – translating to retention of
eyeballs to the platform. Chipset Pairing to
secure content and set-top boxes protects
the platform’s joint return-on-investment,
maximises profit potential and ensures
that the set-top boxes cannot be hijacked
for use by another or illegal service.
Importance of STB quality
A key concern of regulators and
broadcasters is ensuring that set-top boxes
are of sufficient quality. DTT operators are
encouraged to establish a test and approval
regime for set-top-boxes to ensure the
requirements of the operator. For best
results, experience has shown that it is
necessary to have a testing and approval
regime in place from project start. In a
horizontal market, the emphasis on settop-box quality and functionality is even
more important to assist