ABI Research released their latest report on mobile TV, forecasting accelerated worldwide adoption in 2012 and predicting up to $20 billion in revenues by 2015.
Many believe the last hurdle for cable operators and other service providers to provide live TV on mobile devices is the real-time transcoding of programming from the bandwidth-hefty MPEG-2 into the bandwidth-thrifty MPEG-4/ H.264, but this isn’t entirely the case.
Service providers are quickly learning that transcoding isn’t the hardest part of mobile video—it’s the integration and management of all the equipment to perform the variety of necessary video processing functions. While it’s certainly possible to cobble together transcoders, ad splicers, etc. into a viable solution, the cost and complexity of managing these devices is a tremendous headache, and reliability becomes a significant factor.
To address this obstacle, RGB has developed the Video Multiprocessing Gateway (VMG) as an “all in one” solution multi-screen video using a single management system. Rather than assemble multiple independent “pizza box” transcoders, ad inserters, etc., service providers can take advantage of the chassis-based VMG and its family of flexible modules, each devoted to a specific application, such as transcoding. Service providers can populate a multi-function VMG with any mix of modules for transcoding, ad insertion, etc. they require and easily manage everything with a single user interface. This modular system also allows for easy, license-based upgrades, while the carrier-class platform ensures superior reliability. The VMG is currently involved in several multi-screen video trials and the feedback is both positive and helpful in further refining the VMG to make it the ideal solution for mobile TV.
As we approach accelerated adoption in 2012, be sure not to count out 2011. Subscribers’ appetite for mobile video may likely accelerate faster as the popularity of mobile devices, such as the iPad and iPhone, continue to proliferate. The key to ensuring that service providers can scale their limited trials into a ubiquitous service are innovative new products like the VMG that take video processing to a new level.