A new global report from MRG shows how hybrid IPTV STBs are helping IPTV Operators "jump-start" early service deployment or extend the reach of their existing video IP Networks. By merging existing digital video broadcast programming with IPTV services, Operators are finding they can significantly slash CapEx and lead-time costs from typical IPTV deployment costs. In 2008, there were already 14.4 million installed hybrid STB units worldwide, with estimated growth to 22.3 million in 2012.

Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Hybrid IPTV Set-top Boxes — Global Market Forecast & Strategy Critique: 2009-2012" report to their offering. The purpose of this report is to identify the different hybrid STB products being used in the global IPTV and Cable market, assess the business models available to Service Providers, and to analyze the business models and market drivers behind the entire hybrid sector. The report also analyzes market size and growth for 2008-2012 for hybrid STBs by region and type; and measures the quality of the hybrid service business models. By doing strength/weakness analysis on the various hybrid business models, the report allows SPs to objectively measure which plan can work best for them; and allows vendors to understand the strategic environment in which each configuration of hybrid STB works best.

Deploying IPTV in the MDU market is a “no brainer” for service providers, according to the free whitepaper by market research and consultancy firm In-Stat. Deploying IPTV in high density environments offers significant cost savings compared to single-family housing markets. In this economy, services providers are looking to maximize the return for every infrastructure investment dollar, and MDU deployments provide just that.

The Broadband Forum announces the latest broadband and IPTV statistics, which show impressive growth in the face of the global economic downturn. Its report, prepared for the Forum by industry analysts Point Topic, shows that broadband grew by 16.6 million lines globally in the last quarter alone, with more than three million being added across North America - while IPTV continues to expand strongly.

Mass media organisations face serious challenges in making the transition from legacy businesses to digital. Nowhere is this more evident than with the struggle to identify the future of television programming on the Internet.

This report reveals the original Web TV series – talk shows, sitcoms, reality and real-time productions – with innovative formats that are pioneering effective online business models and meeting the entertainment needs of the new global audience. WeVision is a unique framework for a new medium that is distinct from broadcast television. It describes the business and creative principles for how online media should engage, communicate and connect with their viewers.

Streaming video and music distributed across the Internet, an IP TV network, or a mobile handset will generate more than $78 billion in network-derived and content-derived revenue into the US markets over the next six years, according to a new market research study from The Insight Research Corporation. Streaming media refers to the transmission of digital audio and video files over an IP network or wireless network in real time or on-demand, while prohibiting users from storing the files locally.

Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report is available in its catalogue. The delivery of TV is undergoing one of the biggest transformations in its history, driven by technological innovation and changing consumer habits. Over the next few years, the entire broadcast market will make the transition from analog broadcast to digital services. The movement away from analog free-to-air services – such as those received over an aerial – to digital terrestrial television and free satellite will be a major leap forward in the provision of digital TV to the public.

Quality of Service on IPTV networks, for both operators and their customers worldwide, can now be greatly improved thanks to the efforts of a dedicated team of experts at the Broadband Forum.

The approval and release of "Splitter Testing" Technical Report 127 creates - for the first time - the opportunity for network operators and independent test labs to carry out a system level test across four key IPTV network elements; the DSLAM, the CPE modem, the Central Office Splitter and the CPE Splitter. Testing splitters as part of a complete system assures the new TR-127 compliant splitters will prevent disturbance of the video signal by a telephone signal on the same line.

Dell’Oro Group reports that the number of DVR-equipped, pay-TV set-top box unit shipments contracted 20 percent year-over-year in the first quarter this year and accounted for one-third of the total set-top box shipped during the quarter.

MRG shows that 2008 actual IPTV subscribers ended up at about 1 million over its last forecast in late 2008, or 21.3 million, resulting in projected subscriber growth of 26.9 million in 2009 to over 81 million in 2013. Combined (last-mile) CapEx revenue plus service revenue will grow from US$9.7 billion in 2009 to US$25.6 billion in 2013

Research and Markets announces the addition of the "Europe Telecom Insider / Vol. 1, No 4, Edition 6 - Europe's Five-Year IPTV Forecast: Mostly Cloudy, but Temperatures Slowly Rising" report to their offering.

The EU economy, along with that of much of the rest of the world, is in a deep recession, and 2009 is expected to see the first full-year contraction in GDP since the early 1980s. Central & Eastern European countries will generally face greater downside risk than most Western European countries, owing to weak currencies, capital flight, large external liabilities and much higher refinancing costs. WE countries will likely experience a GDP decline (in local currencies) of around 3-5% in 2009, while in CEE countries, GDP contraction will range from -1% in Poland to -15% in Latvia. Under the pressure of the economic crisis, some telecom and media services, such as mobile TV or VoD in some markets, are seeing lower adoption rates, and service revenues are shrinking. Still, not all markets and all services are seeing significant declines. For example, pay-TV subscribers are expected to grow by 8% in 2009 to reach 163.4m across the European region, despite the challenging economic environment.

Rather than wait for tru2way to fully develop, cable operators are planning to roll out interactive TV services to compete with telco IPTV by deploying an existing technology that can deliver interactive features to legacy set-tops now being used by customers, according to the latest report published by Light Reading's Cable Industry Insider.

New Web shows are connecting with the online youth and young adult audience, via original and interactive formats that are supported and funded by global brands.

The UK is at the cutting edge of developing original cross-media productions that encompass the Internet, mobile, television and even real-life events.

From the reality backpacking adventure of The Gap Year to the drama of launching a record label in The Secret World Of Sam King, UK shows encompass major themes including careers, relationships, travel, music, fashion and lifestyle trends.

UK Web Shows Now for the first time brings together emerging new business models, key commercial and creative partnerships, and how young Web audiences are engaging with characters, stories and sponsors in this dynamic medium.

Shipments of set-top boxes are expected to peak this year, at least in mature markets, and then commence a gradual decline. However the rolling series of analog TV shutoffs in countries around the world, combined with the strong uptake of high-definition TV sets, mean that HD STBs will form a growing fraction of the total market. HD STBs are expected to account for about 30% of all STB shipments as soon as 2010.

The IP set top box market grew 55 percent in 2008, but such breakneck growth will not continue, reports In-Stat. Many telcos have already launched TV services, so there are fewer new customer prospects. In addition, the economic climate is sapping investment in new telco TV systems.