Cloud DVRs Are on the Rise

Telefónica, a telco IPTV operator in Spain, has nearly tripled its video subscriber total since December thanks to its cloud DVR rollout. Telefónica’s early success in Spain is a good indicator of what’s to come in North America when the benefits of cloud DVR services catch on.

A cloud-based DVR system offers a range of flexibility and accessibility that consumers can’t get through the traditional STB-based service. Consumers are able to schedule recordings from anywhere at any time, and then stream those recordings to mobile devices or computers without worrying about exceeding storage. They will also gain access to a variety of content libraries with a recommendation engine.

Because cable operators are able to remotely provide software updates to millions of homes through the cloud, consumers won’t have to deal with purchasing a new STB with more storage or even upgrading their current one. Alticast offers a cloud DVR solution that reduces maintenance of disk storage for operators while making it possible to add features and content as needed. It’s just a matter of time until the cloud DVR becomes the new standard, and Alticast has technology to keep up with the times.

The UHD Alliance Sets Industry-Wide Standards for 4K Content

The Ultra High Definition Alliance (UHDA), a group made up of nearly 30 industry heavyweights, has been working diligently to develop specifications for 4K products and services that will make UHD programming even more appealing to consumers.

Hanno Basse, the president of the UHD Alliance, says “The Alliance believes that the most compelling next-generation experience delivers 4K resolution, high dynamic range, wide color gamut, high frame rate, immersive audio and other features that create a dramatic new experience for consumers.”  

Knowing that companies like 20^th Century Fox, Netflix and DirecTV are working together to set standards for 4K content, consumers will feel confident in their decision to upgrade to UHD. Based on the fact that worldwide 4K TV sales beat expectations in 2015, and are expected to make up 61 percent of TV sales by 2020, consumers are already recognizing UHD as the “next-generation video standard.”

While UHDA is setting standards on everything from acronyms and feature descriptions to color gamut and audio, cable operators will need to set a standard for the way they deliver this premium content. Alticast offers many cost-effective solutions to ensure that UHD content is secure from piracy and unauthorized use, putting operators’—and consumers’—minds at ease during the transition.   

For more information on the 4K specifications, check out CED’s article here.

Cable Operators Offer New Services Through the Broadband Pipe

Cable operators have learned to maximize the prodigious capacity of their networks to deliver new and unique services to complement their traditional video offering. Based on the growing adoption of their home security services over the last year, operators have clearly made a good business decision.

With security as the smart home’s foundation, operators can further monetize the fat pipe by up-selling additional IoT services. In addition to their high capacity networks, MSOs have a unique advantage as they can leverage the set top box, which could serve as the IoT hub in the future smart home.

Because the smart home is still in its early stages, cable operators have the opportunity to position themselves as leaders in the IoT market— and they are off to a good start. They are already playing a more prominent role in educating current and potential customers about the importance of energy monitoring and automation applications in the home. Read Silbey’s full article on how security services boost MSOs here. 

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