Digital & HDTV: East leads West

摘要

JOE O'HALLORAN takes a look at the rapidly growing Asian broadcast market and considers the opportunities (and threats from piracy) offered by this vast region. To most of us here in Europe, the Asia broadcast market assumes great significance. Let's face it, it's in Asia that most of the technology used in broadcasting originates or whose vital components are sourced. And despite some local economic problems in the region, Asia is a hotbed in terms of broadcast technology. In fact, one could say that the Asian marketplace is way ahead of Europe in a number of key areas about which most would argue are the key elements for broadcasting's future. In particular, digital TV adoption, IPTV and, most interestingly of all, wireless telephone based TV. So what is driving things in Asia and what lessons can be learned for broadcasting as a global industry?