IPTV SOLUTIONS, NEXT-GENERATION VIEWING OPTIONS TO SHAKE UP REGION’S BROADCAST AND MEDIA INDUSTRY

With mobile data traffic in the GCC expected to exceed 7.7 million terabytes per month by 2021, coupled with the rapid adoption of Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) and other next-generation viewing options, the landscape of the broadcast industry in the region is experiencing drastic changes due to shifting trends in consumer behaviour.

IPTV, television delivered over broadband, and Over The Top (OTT) methods used for viewing video on demand (VOD) will be key topics at the Content Congress which runs alongside the 23rd edition of CABSAT, taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 21 to 23 March 2017.

Speakers from 20th Century Fox, Starzplay, beIN, ICFLIX, TwoFour54, Iflix and MBC are among the leading companies Middle East taking the stage at the Content Congress to discuss the latest innovations and trends in the industry.

The Content Congress will return with support from Diamond Sponsor, Irdeto; Platinum Sponsors, Ross Video, Huawei and Viacom; Gold Sponsors; Dolby and Gracenote; and Silver Sponsors; GSL Pro and Clarivate Analytics, hosting industry leaders for the fourth year running.

Carlos Tibi, founder and CEO of ICFLIX said: “The OTT landscape has grown rapidly. The number of connected devices such as tablets and smart TV’s is fuelling the demand for OTT because consumers love the convenience and accessibility of being able to watch what they want, when they want, and where they want.”

As the popularity of on demand viewing in the GCC continues, outlets throughout the region are exploring new opportunities to deliver streamed content and unique services to customers for the first time. ICFLIX are amongst the regional companies adapting to customer trends in order to capitalise on the growing demand for VOD.

Added Tibi: “We are continuously enhancing our user experience through our website and native applications to meet the demands of a rapidly growing market and deliver the best user experience possible as well as to pinpoint monetisation options for business.”

The congress will feature a keynote address from Martin Gaiss, SVP Content of 20th Century Fox on the next generation of filmed entertainment, focussing on personalised content on demand. Gaiss will also be joined by Amine Lalami, CCO, ICFLIX; and Danny Bates, CCO, Starzplay for the youth debate, discussing the changing landscape of filmed and personalised content, and how to monetise audiences on mobile devices.

The tailored event is an opportunity for industry professionals to test, use and experience the latest equipment in the broadcast, satellite communication, content delivery and electronic media industries.

Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President, Events & Exhibitions Management, DWTC, said: “CABSAT’s importance to the broadcast, satellite, cable, media and entertainment industries has never been more relevant, as we are seeing such drastic shifts in customer behaviour. Speakers at the Content Congress are opening up key discussions on the issues surrounding the market and will provide their keen insight on the best solutions that can be applied in this region.

“As the most influential show of its kind in the Middle East, it’s imperative that we host these debates and discussions and bring regional and global industry leaders to the table in order for businesses to logistically plan for the future and survive in the changing landscape.”

CABSAT continues to be the foremost platform for the broadcast, production, content delivery, digital media and satellite industries, and the hub for buyers, sellers and experts across the region. CABSAT 2017 will run from 9.30am to 6.00pm on March 21 and 22, and 9.30am to 5.00pm on March 23 at Dubai World Trade Centre. For more information please visit www.cabsat.com.

Caption:    The Content Congress will tackle changing trends in consumer behaviour in content consumption, running alongside CABSAT, 21-23 March at the Dubai World Trade Centre