IPTV limited to 'niche services'

IPTV is failing to deliver and will remain a niche product in many markets, according to industry experts.

Neil Anderson, vice president of global services at Spirent Communications, said that the technology is being held back by a lack of understanding which is making it unattractive to consumers.

"The providers do not understand the architecture and the design required to support the quality of experience that customers are used to," he said.

"Telcos using IPTV to capture the market traditionally monopolised by cable TV should be taken with a grain of salt."

Colin Mann, managing editor of IPTV International, agreed that uptake had not been impressive in most territories. "IPTV will continue to be a niche product in many markets," he said.

Anderson told at a panel debate at NetEvents in Barcelona that, although he had earmarked IPTV as a "disruptive technology" two years ago, the "only thing it has disrupted is people's viewing pleasure".

See also:

Networked video coming to a TV near you

Vertical integration key to internet/TV convergence, says analyst  29 Jan 2008

China's IPTV market disappoints

Licensing roadblocks deter investment  16 Jan 2008

O2 promises UK IPTV service in 2008

Operator aims to mirror success in Czech Republic  18 Dec 2007

Virgin Media pauses nationwide TV service

At least 2009 before firm can bring four-play outside cable regions  27 Nov 2007

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