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“ While access to IPTV is set to approach universality in the next decade , the report highlights the sizeable group that will – without support – remain reliant on Broadcast TV ,” suggests Rob Collier , head of strategy at MTM , and co-author of the report .

“ As with the move from analogue to digital over a decade ago , there are a raft of considerations and ramifications for the entire TV ecosystem to navigate as we shift towards IPTV . This crucial report – a year in the making , and with leading industry insights – explores trends in TV viewing habits , the future role of IPTV , and the importance of ensuring that no one is left behind . It ’ s an important read for anyone in the industry and we ’ re delighted to have helped bring clarity to such a complex issue .” CPE . In practical terms , what are the implications for Customer Premises Equipment ( CPE )? Is this the death knell of the set-top box ( STB )? According to Johan Bolin , chief research and innovation officer Ateliere Creative Technologies , all screens are being consolidated into the global tech ecosystems and ‘ connected ’. “ As a result the STB market will likely collapse ,” he suggests .

“ The traditional set-top box may be on its way out , but not its modern reincarnations in the smart TV , the TV stick , or box of popular video platforms ,” adds Stephane Guez , cofounder and principal at Dalet . “ These devices can harvest data from the audience that is key to monetisation through personalised programming or accurate targeted advertisement .”

“ We are in the process of updating the

DTG In-Home Connectively Guide at the moment , so this is front and centre in our thinking ,” reveals the DTG ’ s Lindsay-Davies . “ IP routers and their Wi-Fi performance in particular are central to the future of TV distribution . I see the STB evolving to include use as a vehicle for SaaS cloud connector services .” ANACHRONISM . “ It may seem an anachronism in the 21st century that many consumers still depend on hardware boxes to access channels and on-demand services , especially in view of the proliferation of smart TVs ,” suggests Ivan Verbesselt , chief strategy and marketing officer , Medigenix . “ The demise of the STB has been touted for well over a decade , yet it has proven to be the ultimate come-back kid . One chief reason is the ultimate control over the User Experience the STB offers , still a very pertinent point for premium pay-TV services , irrespective of the delivery network . Even many Connected TV ( CTV ) scenarios in pure OTT delivery still rely on a hardware device to offer a consistent experience across the wider consumer base with its great variety in TV sets . In a way , Google TV , Amazon Fire , Apple TV and Roku are all STBs . It is a safe assumption that these CTV devices will - for the foreseeable future - complement the native support of the very same services on Smart TVs .”

“ The term ‘ set-top box ’ has evolved ,” agrees Yoann Hinard , COO at Witbe . “ While traditional multi-tuner STBs with DVR functionality are declining , external OTT devices – such as Fire TV , Apple TV , and operator-managed STBs like Vodafone and Canal Plus – remain relevant , largely due to Smart TV fragmentation and longer TV replacement cycles .”

“ With over 15 different Smart TV OS ecosystems , performance and compatibility vary significantly . External devices provide a standardised , controlled experience . Additionally , consumers upgrade HDMI sticks and OTT devices far more frequently than they replace their TVs , keeping these external solutions in demand . However , as cloud-based solutions take over , multi-room , multi-recording STBs are unlikely to remain viable ,” he adds .

“ The STB may be on its way out , but not its reincarnations in the smart TV , or the TV stick .” - Stephane Guez , Dalet

DTH . As to whether satellite has a longterm Direct to Home ( DTH ) future in terms of TV distribution , Ateliere ’ s Bolin suggests it depends on “ how long ‘ long-term ’ is , but ultimately no . The value of spectrum when