Triple Screen IPTV On the Way

The Coming of Cloud Computing

The development of multimedia and telecom technologies has surrounded consumers with a vast array of services and smart terminals. A set-top box, for example, is necessary for accessing IPTV services, PCs or laptops enable access to the Internet, and for video conferencing, video phones or VCS terminals are mandatory equipment. The potential downside to such diversity is that consumers may tire of terminals with specialized hardware or software functionalities when considering whether they will subscribe for new services.

The concept of Cloud Computing has been introduced to solve this problem. It represents a technological revolution that seeks to change the way IT resources are utilized (see Figure 1). A unique network platform using cloud computing and distributed network structure can perform all computing, processing, and adapting tasks, and eliminate the need for terminals to support complex hardware or software functionality. In this way, consumers can use any terminal to access any service provided the terminal is connected to the universal network platform. The platform has open interfaces for delivery of various content and services.

EyeWill Allows Access to Anything, Anywhere and in Any Way 

As a leading supplier of integrated telecom products and solutions, ZTE is committed to technological advancement and innovation. The company has launched an “EyeWill” solution to preempt the service and network trends brought about by cloud computing. It is not only a solution but also a platform that can be the carrier’s multimedia operation center for accessing any device at any time.

In addition to IPTV services, ZTE’s EyeWill platform delivers a variety of multimedia services including video surveillance, video conferencing and communication, gaming, voting, gambling, shopping, and web-based services. When on the EyeWill platform, users can access these services using their terminal of choice (e.g. PC, set-top box, PDA, mobile phone, or video phone).

Moreover, the platform allows multimedia content to be shared between different user terminals. It supports emerging new “Triple Screen” services.

Forthcoming Triple Screen

ZTE’s Triple Screen concept is based on a universal network platform that converges IPTV, Internet IV, and Mobile TV in order to generate revenue for operators. 

Triple Screen delivers innovative services through various terminals. Based on the EyeWill platform, it allows users to view broadcast TV or VOD at home using a set-top box, in an outdoor environment using a mobile handset, or in office using a PC or Laptop (see Figure 2). Moreover, users can quit a VOD program on one screen (e.g. the TV screen), and continue to watch the program on other screens (e.g. the mobile phone or PC screen). They can also book and share content, follow links, get favorites, set parental controls, and query bills freely on three screens. Converged services over a universal EyeWill platform aim to improve user loyalty and cut down the churn rate. Once users become accustomed to convenient services, they will not find reason to change to others.

Convergence creates lower TCO. Operators need not overinvest in building independent networks and establishing different operation teams for each service. A universal platform lowers CAPEX, and a single team per platform lowers OPEX. With ZTE’s Triple Screen, 1+1+1>3 for operators.

Why Choose ZTE?

Professionalism, experience, and reliability are key attributes that operators look for when choosing a supplier to help them develop a convergent multimedia platform in the cloud computing era. Because the convergent triple screen platform is built upon a large-scale integrated solution involving multimedia, mobile, and Internet services, a provider with extensive experience in the three fields is the best choice. Current Triple Screen services are mostly implemented with IT-based equipment. However, guaranteeing the stability and QoS of such equipment is not easy. Adopting a carrier-class equipment solution ensures reliable commercialization of a large-scale multimedia network (such as IPTV) with a subscriber base exceeding 100,000.

As a leading telecom equipment vendor with R&D strengths in a wide range of products, ZTE is capable of delivering large-scale integrated multimedia solutions. The company has accumulated a wealth of experience in deploying large-scale commercial multimedia services. Its EyeWill solution has been successfully implemented for more than 20 operators worldwide, and now reaches out to more than 2 million activated users. According to the research agency Frost & Sullivan, ZTE ranks among the top 5 global IPTV middleware manufacturers; it is 1st in the Asian market and 3rd in the global market with a 9.1% share (see Figure 3). ZTE’s reputation as a leader in the IPTV industry has also been widely recognized by authoritative organizations such as UBS, IDC, and OVUM. ZTE is the best partner for building convergent multimedia platforms in the future.