IP Video @ Supercomm 2005

IP Video @ Supercomm 2005 Agenda

Unlike the false starts of the last decade, events of the past year have proven that the delivery of video and other content services by telcos is here to stay. The efforts of the telcos are not limited to a single technology approach as both small and large operators are implementing innovative ways to transport video over wireless, fiber and copper networks.

As fast as they innovate, however, the rollout of new features and services, such as gaming, High Definition programming and video on demand, is being demanded from an increasingly sophisticated customer base. The IP Video Conference @ SUPERCOMM will feature a variety of perspectives from industry leaders on the current state and future direction of video and the telco market.

JUNE 6, 2005

10:30 AM – 11:25 AM - Studio Requirements and the Impact on Technology Decisions

From refined compression algorithms, such as MPEG-4 and Windows Media, to advances in local loop transport, new technology offers local exchange carriers a way to transform their network, allowing them to provide a bundle of multiple services. The challenge for carriers will be to meet the quality and protection requirements of the various content owners as they augment their networks. This panel will take an in depth look at the technology implications of the content owners’ requirements on things such as compression, shared headends, and Conditional Access (CA)/Digital Rights Management (DRM).

11:30 AM – Motorola Keynote

12:30 - 2:00 P.M - Services – Is the Future Now? .

High Definition Television, Video-On-Demand, and portable digital video recorders; these services and devices were promised for years and years and, while we were waiting, they matured into offerings that are becoming widespread. Enhanced and advanced services, such as video telephony, multiple camera angle programs and television instant messaging are a few new services that have long shown promise. The panelists in this session will discuss the rollout of these and other services and will look at the impact of external factors, such as the Plug and Play agreement, as it relates to customers embracing these new services.

2:05PM – 3:15PM - IT’S 2005 AND CONTENT IS STILL KING

The explosion in broadband services over the past few years has been a result of content that people find relevant. In addition to the mainstays of network programming, there are a whole host of niche content sources and programming networks. The panelists in this session will look at existing and future content alternatives available to operators and will discuss why some programming approaches work, while others do not. They will discuss the importance of content protection, as well as the increasing significance of product placement, advertising and other forms of sponsorship and why these topics are important to content producers and licensors.

3:20PM – 4:20PM - GRASSROOTS CONTENT – GROW IT LOCALLY

Successful operators are finding that one way to differentiate is through the creation of content that is unique to their community. Operators are working with their communities to film local high school sports, create documentaries and video live events. This session will look at the motivations for creating local content, examples of successful content creation and tips, tools and techniques for operators wanting to create their content.

JUNE 7, 2005

9:15 AM – 10:00 AM: THE REGULATORY LANDSCAPE FOR BROADBAND – ROUNDTABLE

The differences between cable operators, telephone companies and, even, wireless carriers is increasingly blurring as these once distinct entities are now offering similar services. Regulation has been a challenge as the rules that governed these once different industries do not have the same relevance in today’s converged environment. This roundtable will discuss the current regulatory challenges and opportunities that must be overcome to ensure a truly level playing field for all broadband operators. Topics to be discussed include the role of local franchising, the impact of past FCC rulings on things such as retransmission consent, must-carry and program access, and the prospects of a rewrite of the Telecom Act.

10:00 AM – 11:10 AM: THE IMPACT OF BACK OFFICE OPERATIONS ON A SUCCESSFUL ROLLOUT OF VIDEO AND BROADBAND SERVICES

Telcos with successful deployments of video and other broadband services realize the importance of understanding the impact of a new service on the operations function of their organization. By looking at the affect on operations during the development process, these successful companies are able to anticipate and implement processes to hasten the rollout of services in a quality manner. Speakers in this session will discuss some of the techniques for streamlining operations, including the importance of automated subscriber provisioning, integrated customer relationship management and billing systems.

11:10 AM – 12:00 AM: THE IMPACT OF OPERATIONS ON THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCE

Pleasing the customer is the ultimate goal of the successful bundled service operator. A big factor in the creation of a positive consumer impression is how seamless the operations aspect of an operator’s installation and service is. This session will look at the importance of the user interface as a way of helping the consumer choose between a myriad of content choices. It will also look at technology that can reduce installation time, through the reuse of existing house wiring, leaving more time for installation technicians to provide customer training.

12:00PM – 1:30PM - LUNCH

1:30 PM – 2:40 PM: SUCCESS CASES OF TELCO DEPLOYMENT OF VIDEO AND BROADBAND SERVICES
Every day, telcos are proving that it is possible to offer video services and be competitive with the entrenched satellite and cable competition. From the production of local content to advertising alternatives to unique programming bundles, telcos small and large are finding success in a number of unique ways. This session will feature panelists from telcos that have successfully deployed video and other broadband services.

2:40PM – 3:20PM: ADVERTISING – CONTENT OR CLUTTER?

As the business models of television change, the role of advertising is sure to change. Put in the right context, advertising has the potential to add value to content. It is clear that revenue obtained from various forms of advertising will increasingly represent a significant portion of an operator’s top line. This panel will look at the role of advertising in the success of operators providing bundled services. Panelists will discuss how advertising products need to be integrated across services, creating a greater value than stand-alone offerings of directory pages, Internet ads and television spots.

3:25PM – 4:20PM: PRACTICAL USES OF INTERACTIVE TELEVISION

The term interactive television has been hyped so long that it is difficult to believe it is already here in various forms. From set-top enabled games to election polling to on-demand video services, millions of consumers are using various forms of ITV on a daily basis. This panel will look at different ITV services that have already gained success in the market and which future.