Brussels, 24/11/2014 (Agence Europe) - Development of technologies is proliferating, with, for example, the appearance of Ultra HD video and television, and the European Union must be able to respond to the demands of users for access to these technologies “anytime, anywhere and on any device” if it is not to see a new digital divide open up. That is the view expressed by the experts taking part in a debate, Innovation, Evolution & Convergence: ensuring access to “next generation video”, held at the European Parliament on 20 November as part of the 6th European Innovation Summit.
In light of the ever increasing data traffic as a result of the new technologies, the experts believe that the European Union must promote all platforms, including satellite, if demand is to be satisfied. Michel de Rosen, CEO of Eutelsat and Chairman of ESOA (European Satellite Operators Association) advocates a hybrid solution integrating satellites and terrestrial solutions, without which the number of European viewers denied the HD experience could rise to 80%. Trying to use only terrestrial infrastructure would be illusory. The experts believe that to adapt terrestrial infrastructure to high-speed technologies would require new connections, which would be both time-consuming and costly (over €150 billion plus the billions of euro needed on entry into service). Hybrid solutions combining satellite and terrestrial infrastructure are best placed to support flexible and long-term digital evolution. Satellite networks are capable of providing an advanced TV experience on any screen, live and on-demand, accelerating the delivery of triple-play services (television, internet and telephony) and delivering innovative video and public services to any home device anywhere, according to the experts.
This is a view shared by DG Connect Deputy Director General Roberto Viola: “Ultra High definition Video is clearly a key driver of future user demand. Satellite and terrestrial broadcasting are the most efficient means of delivering it to users over a wide area. I hope that in Europe we will soon see the emergence of converged approaches that integrate satellite and terrestrial technologies that allow the provision of high speed internet applications and high definition video services”. (IL)