ASIAN IPTV summit in Hong Kong

This service is often provided in conjunction with Video on Demand and may also include Internet services such as Web access and Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP), where it may be called Triple Play, and is typically supplied by a broadband operator using the same infrastructure.

IPTV is expected to grow at a brisk pace in the coming years, as broadband is now available to more than 100 million households worldwide. Many of the world's major telecommunications providers are exploring IPTV as a new revenue opportunity from their existing markets and as a defensive measure against encroachment from more conventional Cable Television services.

All the major issues concerning the successful implementation of IPTV will be covered, including potential new revenue streams and the technologies to deliver them, bundling of services, security and digital rights management and risks involving piracy and illegal duplication.

"IPTV is the new frontier for telecoms convergence and with Asia's high demand for latest technology solutions from users, the time is right for a forum to share experiences and learn about the prospects as well as the potential pitfalls," said Asia Forum organiser Ian Johnson.

"This show is unique. It will give a cross-country perspective on the Asia IPTV marketplace, with operators from Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, India and China describing their rollout experiences as well as roadmaps to further - or initial - deployment," added Johnson.

Scientific-Atlanta vice president, Sandeep Vohra, will deliver the keynote speech. The company is implementing the MPEG-4 encoding system for IP PRIME, a centralised, satellite-delivered IPTV distribution solution enabling telcos to bundle traditional standard and HD television programming with their voice and broadband services.

For more: www.iptv-asia.net.