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Media Convergence
Electronic Communication - V BJMEM 30503 Hemani Kashikar

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Convergence of broadcasting and telecommunications are in their early stages. Convergence basically describes two trends: 1. the ability of different network platforms (broadcast, satellite, cable, telecommunications) to carry similar kinds of services; 2. and the merging of consumer devices such as telephones, televisions, or PCs.
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Examples

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Recent examples of new, convergent services include: Services delivered to TV sets via systems like Web TV; E-mail and World Wide Web access via digital TV decoders and mobile telephones; Using the internet for voice telephony.
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Whats possible

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This will make immediately available the vast knowledge base we have been busy computerizing It will also make direct voice and video communication available. Data sharing, with adequate security and safeguards, we allow information and commerce flow freely. We will create a true global village, with instantaneous multimedia communication which will provide substantial increases in productivity, a better quality of life, enhancements in education and recreation, and crosscultural understanding.
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Emergence of convergence
Advent of digital communications, which

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reduced information into discrete, identifiable and thus, more easily transferable pieces of information Network convergence utilizes this attribute of digital communication to efficiently and effectively distribute different types of information - voice, video and data on the same communication network Network convergence reduces the inefficient flow of voice, video, and data whose different characteristics led to the development of separate communication network that were designed differently, and are often incompatible.

Network convergence has also developed from the implementation of digital packet-switching technologies. Such as IP telephony that permits the transmission of voice, video, and data over computer network that were originally developed only for data transmission.
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What is it?

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Customers now want to pick and chose from narrowcast and broadcast. They want a fusion of voice, data, and video in all possible mixes. Convergence means the availability of multiple technology choices to fulfill the customer's desire for anytime access to people, information, and commerce.
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Factors driving convergence

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the transformation of the desktop computer through faster processors supporting advanced graphics and multimedia capabilities. The PC today is a collaborative communication and media tool .

Another factor driving convergence is the cost of maintaining three separate networks for voice, video, and data. Corporations can realize substantial saving in equipment, staff, and services by using converged networks.

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Convergence is not just about technology. Convergence is a debate about the impact of technology and a quantum leap towards a mature Information Society.

Impact on broadcast media

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But convergence does not necessarily sound the death knell of age-old-technologies. In fact, it leaves enough room for many technologies to co-exist and one will not replace the other outright. This is because no one technology can meet all the requirements of the market-place. Hence, each technology will find its niche and redefine new and old classes of service and user terminals. In this context one can safely assume that there will be a rash of new user terminals that will let us communicate in ways we dream.

for the broadcasters

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With more and more channels going pay to air, would open up subscription revenue for the broadcasters. In future it will emerge a major source of revenue and much large than the advertisement revenue stream . the channel will be carried on two platforms - Direct to Operator (DTO) and Direct to Home (DTH). In DTO channels are digitized and encrypted by the broadcaster. It operates using C band. The signals are downloaded by the cable operator by using the Integrated receiver decoder (IRD) and distributed to cable homes.
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It offers an alternative to the DTO service addressing superior reception with advance level of multi channel subscription revenue for broadcaster. The digitized channels are broadcast using the Ku (above 4800 Mhz). The consumers have the option to receive more than one signal which are downlinked by the consumer directly by using dish antenna at their home.

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