Distribution of multimedia services over the internet

The Internet has emerged as a powerful way of distributing media services. It provides new opportunities for the providers of media content and services, the network operators and equipment manufacturers, and the consumers. Innovative multimedia services are amongst the key drivers of the Internet take up, including mobile. The strong user demand for media services combined with the proliferation of the advanced user equipment presents a challenge for the content and service providers who always look for new ways of optimising the distribution in terms of reach, quality and costs. Neither the traditional broadcast distribution platforms nor the Internet alone can support all types of media services on all devices and in all cases. The Internet is essential for distribution of on-demand services whilst the broadcast model remains particularly important for linear media services. The two approaches are complementary and only in cooperation can they satisfy the entire market demand.