Seagate ST3500312CS Embedded Hard Drives in Televisions - Page 4

Embedded Hard Drives in Televisions Opportunities for Business Growth This interoperability radically simplifies the transfer of content between sets and among various devices. Using the Ethernet port, consumers can save files stored on their PC, or download files from the Internet directly to a portable cartridge drive, plug the cartridge into the port on the back panel of their television set, and view the content on the television screen. Opportunities Abound for Consumer Electronics Manufacturers Increasing consumer demand for televisions with embedded and removable hard drives, and innovative content delivery models, such as IPTV and Tru2Way technology, expose a variety of market opportunities for consumer electronics manufacturers. IPTV and True2Way technology embody the most significant advances toward the perennial industry promise of interactive television. By delivering on this promise and facilitating greater portability of personal digital media assets, manufacturers can take full advantage of these opportunities to grow their businesses well into the future. Tru2Way-Extending Interactive TV Formerly known as the Open Cable Application Platform (OCAP), Tru2Way is software platform that allows recording and viewing devices to connect directly to cable's interactive digital services, enabling a completely new cable television architecture. By putting the cable box on an open platform, manufacturers can embed the box components in televisions and other devices. This technology lets consumers directly access content and services from any True2Way-enabled device without the need for cable installation and set-up. In October 2008, Panasonic debuted its Tru2Way-ready Viera Plasma HDTV-the first of its kind on the market. But the value proposition for Tru2Way technology extends beyond more sophisticated devices. Innovative companies can develop products across a range of home media applications that integrate the Tru2Way network. And content and service providers can deliver new offerings that increase interactivity and change the way viewers experience and participate in television programming. IPTV-Merging Internet and Television Service A method of delivering television programming using an IP network and high-speed broadband infrastructure-IPTV is truly game-changing technology. While traditional broadcast television relies on the continuous transmission of the same pool of content to viewers, IPTV effectively removes this limitation. IPTV technology enables viewers to access a broad network of content and select the content they want to watch. Several factors support a growing market for IPTV in the coming years. First, access to highspeed broadband is growing. According a survey conducted in 2007 by the Pew Internet and American Life Project, 55 percent of all Americans have broadband Internet connections in their homes-and this number is steadily rising.7 Moreover, developed nations worldwide follow the same trend.8 Based on these statistics, the growth of the IPTV market over the next several years is likely to be strong. In Japan, for example, which boasts one of the fastest-growing broadband penetration rates in the world, the number of IPTV subscribers is expected to exceed three million by 2012, up from an estimated 400,000 subscribers in 2008.9 In addition, intense competition between telecommunication companies and cable providers continues to drive significant investment in IPTV. And technology companies like Microsoft and Apple, to name just a few, are also making a strong play for their products and services in this market. 7 Source: Pew Internet and American Life Project report: www.pewinternet.org/ppf/r/257/report_display.asp 8 Source: Gartner press release: www.gartner.com/it/page.jsp?id=729907 9 MarketWatch report: www.marketwatch.com/news/story/Research-Markets-a-Report-Examining/story.aspx?guid=%7B8B2CD1AA-70B2-4D81-BDCE- 4 23ED24333B5B%7D