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used for Internet / interactive connections is much higher than simplex / broadcast , so even rural places where today DTH might be the only option will be covered with mobile or LEO Internet access , causing TV to shift to OTT .”

“ Absolutely ,” asserts Lindsay-Davies , adding that his work as Chair of the DCMS Future of Television Distribution Infrastructure Working Group is looking into this . “ LEO satellite solutions are likely to play a vital part in getting IP to regions other IP solutions cannot reach - the Heineken solution ! As for the long-term role of DTH my guess is , as with all distribution mechanisms , this will ultimately be determined by audience numbers .” SPECIFICATION . “ The DVB Native IP specification allows satellite networks to complement CDNs , enabling the delivery of adaptive bitrate streaming directly to the home , with multicast adaptation handled by CPEs that revert the content back into unicast ,” advises Emily Dubs , head of technology , DVB Project . “ This revolutionises DTH by offering satellite operators a way to address connected devices with native IP content . The large footprint of satellite means that live channels can , for instance , be made available for streaming in remote areas where terrestrial networks would fail .”

“ DTH does have a role to play in more

“ LEO satellites are likely to play a vital part in getting IP to regions other IP solutions cannot reach .” - Richard Lindsay-Davies , DTG

geographically-dispersed markets , as the technical feasibility and economics of IP / OTT in these regions relative to satellite will remain challenging for at least the mediumterm ”, suggests Mediagenix ’ s Verbesselt . “ The real question is the future of DTH in more concentrated markets , such as the UK , but this is also related to regulatory issues and the principle of universal access to PSBs . So even in a concentrated market such as the UK , there are some places where it may be sensible to reach viewers with DTH , to ensure universality .”

“ Satellite , like over-the-air ( OTA ) broadcasting , is a pure broadcast medium ,” contends Witbe ’ s Hinard . “ Its future largely depends on the availability of broadband infrastructure for additional services such as replay and restart . While satellite will remain relevant in regions with limited broadband access , its long-term viability for direct-tohome ( DTH ) services is uncertain . Canal Plus , for example , recently removed its channels from DTT in France , signalling a shift in distribution strategies .” 5G . As to the role that 5G might play in the future , Bolin suggests this is primarily on the production side . “ For delivery , the spectrum efficiency and bandwidth of 4G is already good enough . What 5G offers that is of significant value , and is new on the production side , is the combination of managed / guaranteed QoS . Maybe even more , it also offers the possibility to build local private 5G networks with QoS and Mobility Management on unlicensed spectrum ” he adds .

“ 5G is reshaping the way we experience content on mobile devices , offering enhanced streaming quality that minimises buffering , reduces latency , and supports