Evolution of digital entertainment applications, content, and technology is forcing the existing fixed and mobile TV ­ecosystems to morph so as to achieve accessibility to and shareability of digital entertainment from everywhere any time. The need for ­increasing bandwidth, ubiquitous coverage, and seamless connectivity is driving fixed and wireless service providers to consider innovative and hybrid delivery models in combination with walled garden as well as Internet based content sources to reach as many end users as technologically feasible. Besides the principal fixed broadband technologies like xDSL, Cable, and FTTx that are currently leveraged to deliver (IP)TV-based entertainment, wireless access technologies including WiMAX, Satellite Networks (DVB-SH), and Third Generation Cellular Networks (EVDO, HSPA) are being positioned as either alternative access platforms or means to expand overall coverage.

Furthermore, the content distribution platforms with underlying technologies as well as devices capable of accepting content from multiple delivery systems are essential elements in the digital entertainment value chain. And in order to ensure secure, fast delivery and exchange of content and facilitate access to applications, service and technology providers are architecting dedicated solutions within the content, platform, at the network edge, and embedding the requisite functionality into customer devices.


In this article, we will explore the trends in the technologies used for distribution of and access to digital entertainment and different interactions between various players in these ecosystems.



Digital Entertainment Applications and their Requirements


Some of the popular applications to deliver digital entertainment to the consumer include Video on Demand (VoD), Multimedia Streaming, Online gaming, IPTV, and HDTV programming. The mix of these services offered by service providers will determine the capacity requirements for the data flow along the value chain. For example, Satellite and Cable operators have determined that a minimum of 100 Mbps in guaranteed throughput would be required for digital entertainment networks. This benchmark is based on peak data rates per stream carried over the network to a typical household with one SDTV and two HDTV receivers and takes into account the "trick-mode" playback features.

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