From Broadcast (MULTICAST) to Video-Anywhere (UNICAST)

As video delivery evolves, collaborative relationships between content, hardware, and service providers may be essential if users are to receive the experience they demand. Are these collaborative relationships possible? What business and policy models will support them?

The traditional broadcast method of media delivery is the foundation for the network infrastructure design of cable and satellite providers in the US. Television and cable programming developed under the same premise. These investments in infrastructure and programming represent billions of dollars in both cost and revenue to providers, with billions more anticipated in capital investment by major telecom players like Verizon and AT&T.

Equipment enablers like Sling, Sezmi, ZillionTV, and Boxee facilitated even greater flexibility for users. 3G and LTE technologies now deliver video to mobile devices as handset manufacturers race to provide screens that enhance the viewing experience. Major content providers that previously only worked with cable and satellite providers have opened up some of their content online – gratifying viewers and irritating their major customers. Controversial issues of network neutrality continue to emerge in this ‘entertainment soup.’

Consumers have embraced receiving their information and entertainment in digital form on a variety of devices and are increasingly less likely to want their video locked-in to one in-home, traditional device.

At this event, our panels will evaluate the technological dynamics, economic forces and business issues, as well as public policy and social implications of this shift from broadcast (multicast) to video-anywhere (unicast).