Industry Intensity at INTX 2016

In Boston, the Internet and Television Expo (INTX) is occurring this week. Cable industry participants and leaders are assembling to discuss the state of TV, and the conversation thus far has been pointed.

Comcast weighs in

This morning Comcast CEO Brian Roberts appeared on CNBC’s “Squawk on the Street” to discuss the future of television. As has been the case for some time now, he downplayed emphasis on the skinny bundle.

“We want you to have every possible choice, on-demand, on devices, on your TV,” Roberts said. “There’s a lot to be optimistic about.”

The Impact of OTT

At the event, several OTT-related announcements were made. Premium cable network Starz announced that its official app would be available on various Android devices, allowing viewers to access the “first-ever download capabilities from a premium pay TV streaming service.”

Peer-to-peer service BitTorrent revealed a free live multichannel service, which, according to a blog post, will offer linear programming from Clubbing TV, FAST&FUN, Fightbox, Filmbox Arthouse and others.

Called BitTorrent Live, the company says that “live television is a communal event that is shared by a society. The vast majority of the most watched television in the history of the medium have been live sports, news, and events, simultaneously consumed.”

“What we’re launching … is functionally a virtual MVPD,” said Erik Schwartz, vice president of media at BitTorrent Live.

The FCC

The FCC’s set-top box proposal drew a harsh reaction from several executives.

"Instead of unlocking the box, this proposal has unlocked fierce opposition from all quarters, from distributors, content providers, civil rights groups, labor unions and over 150 members of Congress," said National Cable & Telecommunications Association president Michael Powell.

FCC Commissioner Michael O'Reilly also made this thoughts on the proposal quite clear during a panel session.

"I would take the current proposal and throw it in the garbage. That's where it belongs,” O'Reilly told attendees.

The FCC was quick to fire back on Twitter.

Did you know that the average American household spends $231 annually on set-top box rental fees? #UnlockTheBox

— The FCC (@FCC) May 17, 2016

There’s one day of informative sessions left. What big news will be made?

Be sure to check out the Ericsson booth, #341.

Author: Brian Cameron

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