IP Convergence: Beyond VoIP, Beyond Cost Savings

Hello Gert,

It's been a long time ago when we discussed transmission systems (8TR695, 1990/1991). I think your observations on HDTV or mainly spot on, as the video revolution will come from the massive user base of consumer grade Digital Video Camera's and HDTV is still far too oriented at professional broadcasters. Nevertheless, there are already HD quality consumer cameras out there for a reasonable price that could foster a massive growth in the YouTube and it's likes area, when upload bandwidths become available in the 10s of Mbit/s (as it is with various FTTH network roll outs).

I'm very interested in your second part, in particular whether you plan to discuss IPTV versus YouTube style services and Delay-TV via the Internet that seems to get far more traction than most expected. Also transmission over the Internet to already high definition computer screens might alter video use far more than currently foreseen. I just think about the hospitals that hang video cameras for parents in the baby nursery departments and provide them with password secured access or the clowns and actors that 'play and entertain' via video a group of very ill children that are cloistered to their home.

Hope to see you discuss that kind of applications of video over the Internet too. It changes TV as-we-know-it far more than most format enhancements.