The most advanced IPTV developments to date from Pace Micro Technology plc were on show this year at IBC2006.

The best of both worlds - going hybrid

For satellite operators looking to compete more effectively in the changing TV landscape, Pace demonstrated its satellite-IP hybrid set-top box. This hybrid set-top box can take both HD and standard definition (SD) content from satellite and IP sources, enabling a range of live broadcast and VOD options.

Content can then be securely distributed to other approved IP-enabled devices around the home, such as a PC, mobile unit or another IP set-top box, using both wired and wireless connections. With an embedded hard drive, stored content can also be securely accessed through the IP network.

IPTV for advanced digital services

Pace also showed, for the first time, its next-generation TIP850 reference platform. Using the latest silicon, this draws together today's most advanced digital TV services into just one device. Using IP delivery, the TIP850 is a high definition (HD) H.264 personal video recorder (PVR) offering the highest quality pictures and sound, with up to a terabyte of storage, for complete flexibility of viewing. With an optional DTT tuner this set-top box will be suitable for telecom operators looking to deploy large volumes of product to launch their full-service IPTV offering.

Mark Rooney, Head of IPTV at Pace commented: "By 2010 there will be an estimated 350 million IP connected devices sold each year. IPTV and IP home networking will therefore be very strongly placed, and we will see IP becoming the dominant force in media.

"Pace is at the forefront of this development. Building on our experience in the IPTV market - we first started shipping IPTV set-top boxes in 1999 and by the end of 2005 owned 10% of the IPTV set-top box market - and our ability to bring the latest technologies to market first, we are well-placed to give our customers the right mix of know-how and ability to successfully launch their IPTV or hybrid-IP service.