ITSthe1 participates at the inaugural IPTV show in Dubai

IPTV, the delivery of TV content and video-on-demand (VoD) via existing copper or fibre phone networks, using IP as a medium, has emerged as the most revolutionary service proposition that is not only changing the industry, but also the way we consume entertainment.

"Dubai has been in the forefront of IPTV not only in the region, but also in the world", were the words of Tony Fernando, Managing Director of ITSthe1. "By providing Fibre-to-the-home, with IPTV technology in the new developments of Dubai Marina as early as 2001, Dubai carved its mark in the IPTV world".

"Many of the developed countries were still running pilot tests on IPTV, while Dubai was implementing the same", he continued. "Hosting of the first ever IPTV World Forum for the Middle East and Africa in Dubai, is testamony to the lead Dubai has set in this front, and ITSthe1 is proud to be participating at this inaugral exhibition" he said.

ITSthe1, based in Dubai, specializes in providing IPTV services throughout the Middle East and Africa, through strategic partnerships. ITSthe1 provides IPTV services and solutions in the form of Consultancy, Network Design, Systems Integration, Planning, Monitoing and Value Added Services.

When questioned about what IPTV really brings to the world, Tony said "For the Service Providers, the Telcos, IPTV makes good business sense. When you can provide Voice, Data (Internet) and TV using the same medium, it brings the costs down drastically", he iterated.

"You don't need one set of cables for TV, another for Telephony and a third for Internet. All these services can be provided over the same medium".

"But from the enduser perspective it is not the technology that make the difference", emphasised Tony.

"For an enduser, it may not mean much more than a few less cables with the introduction of IPTV initially. It is by adding Video on Demand (VoD) services, Games, Network Recording capabilities, ability watch any missed programs, browse the internet, check Email, video conferencing, all coupled with Middleware that provides customised interactive menus, identifying individual members of the family with their own favourite viewing preferences makes the whole TV viewing experience very compelling".

"IPTV enables these services to be provided easily and ITSthe1 is well placed to provide all these services in the region with its partners" he said.

The Middle East and Africa's first ever major IPTV event, the IPTV World Forum Middle East and Africa is attracting record levels of interest due to the continued broadband expansion in the Middle East and Africa - subscriber figures are up by nine per cent in the last quarter alone to over SEVEN million.

Running parallel to the conference is a free exhibition previewing the latest technology from some of the industries leading companies. The conference and exhibition is being held at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel on 5th and 6th November.