IPTV has £1bn future

In a subject close to my heart, the Register states that the IPTV industry could become worth one billion pounds just in the UK. Sourcing details from NOP, it goes on to say how a survey of 1600 UK residents found that average prices of £25 a month would be acceptable.

This is true, providing the content is there. The hardest factor about producing compelling IPTV is ensuring that the content provided is attractive to the target audience. With digital TV now the norm in the UK, and multichannel homes growing every day, more content isn't enough. Viewers want compelling, engaging content to get them to watch it, let alone pay another £25 per month for it.

Still, the industry has masses of potential. My previous work in an IPTV company has shown how some of the services available in the UK today, specifically Video On Demand, can provide significant changes to viewing habits and the perception of TV services.

The one key aim is to get the content right - you get that, and everything else is achievable, without it, you're throwing money and effort away.

Man Utd 1 West Ham 0

Okay, so its a football post - but what can I say? I'm a Man Utd fan, and its important to me!

Anyway, good to see Ruud back on the pitch and scoring again - I know that Saha has been on form, but Ruud is too consistent at the moment to leave out for 5 games. Hopefully SAF will remember that and play him for a few matches now.



5 points clear of Liverpool, with no hope of catching Chelsea, its not bad, but we have to be closer to them this time next season.

Can't wait to get into the new house, and get HDTV to see all this on - watching on a portable at the moment and frustrating doesn't even come close to describing the experience!!

Moving house

Right, so the house moving process continues, with having just had a Homebuyer survey completed on the property.

Didn't cover off a couple of the concerns I had specifically asked for it to, so there is going to be a bit of hassle there getting those checked, but otherwise it is fine!!

This is great news as it is an older, listed property which will make any renovation or repair work expensive!!!

With the survey and financing all in order, it is still looking good for a late April move, which ties in nicely with work commitments. I just want to get into the place now, as it feels like we have done a lot of the hard work, and it just keeps dragging on.

Still, the end is in sight, and just have to plough on through to completion now. Keep your fingers crossed!

HDTV

So, a subject that is close to my heart, and one that I am actively seeking to engage in.

I, like many just starting in this arena, need to buy equipment to get involved. This means,

• a new TV
• a new satellite subscribtion (can't get cable)
• linking my PC with my TV to get downloaded HD programmes onto the TV

I'll address all of these items individually, as its important for you to understand decisions made, and the value of some features or services.

Still - its going to cost - I anticipate about £3,000 to get the right setup that will last me for many, many years, and offer a substantial improvement over my current setup.

The biggest drawback at the moment is the house - I haven't bought it yet!! This is going through the process at the moment, and I'm sure that many of you will agree that this is long-winded and dull!!

Aiming for an end of April moving in date, and should that happen, that will give me the green light to move forward on the HDTV front.

I'll be keeping you up to date on both of these 'projects' as time goes by.

Welcome to the blog

Well, it was finally time to actually set this one up. Basically, a blog following some of my daily activities, interests and views as time goes on - nothing new, but a unique take on life today.

You're welcomed to post comments with your views and response, and I'll always try to reply or take your posts 'on board'.