ITU’s latest global Application Challenge encourages

developers around the world to create innovative IPTV apps running over ITU
standards.

 

 

Applicants are encouraged to think creatively about the
IPTV
platform and the opportunities it offers. The best app submitted by an
individual or SME will be awarded USD10,000, thanks to platinum sponsors
Sumitomo Electric Networks, Inc. and Dentsu Inc.

 

 

There is a separate category for corporate entries, and
winners will receive their awards at a special event at the ITU Telecom World
2011 show in Geneva in October.

 

 

While highlighting the rapidly expanding range of the
IPTV ecosystem, this latest ITU App Challenge is designed to stimulate
ground-breaking ideas from all corners of the globe.

 

 

ITU has pioneered a raft of standards for IPTV, which
are set to transform global viewing habits. Global standards such as these will
be key to take-up,” said Hamadoun Toure, secretary-general, ITU.

 

 

With this technology we have all the advantages of traditional
-linear’ TV combined with the flexibility that the Internet offers. This
challenge offers a fantastic opportunity for people to be creative, and I hope
we can inspire some truly innovative thinking,” Hamadoun added.

 

 

IPTV represents a major new business opportunity for
telcos, content providers and existing broadcasters. ITU’s IPTV standards are
being incorporated in product offerings from vendors and service providers
around the world. The standards cover a wide range of topics including interactive
services, content location, terminal specifications, metadata and QoS.

 

 

Companies from Brazil, China, Japan, Korea, France, and
elsewhere have already implemented ITU’s IPTV standards in commercial TV and
set top box products.

 

 

In China and Japan, ITU IPTV is already deployed with
several million subscribers. A test service is being conducted in Singapore,
with test beds to start shortly in India, Canada, China, Thailand and France.

 

 

By Telecomlead.com Team
[email protected]