A Guide to Navigating the Challenges Ahead
I usually maintain a positive outlook, and this blog follows suit. However, this time, I am addressing specific issues that, if left unattended, could lead to significant problems for service providers and customers alike. Those of us in the TV industry know that we have experienced multiple generations of technological evolution, and many of these technologies are still deployed. I call it technology stratification – like the rings on a tree – when the old technology is no longer used, the new technology is built over the top in a cap-and-grow model. This has led to many older technologies – including set-top-boxes (STBs) – being deployed to customers.
Consider this: if a 12-year-old STB still fetches a $5 monthly rental and offers satisfactory value to the customer, that’s a win. However, specific, looming issues demand our immediate attention – this is what I term the “legacy TV time bomb.”
We can broadly categorise the challenges into two distinct classes:
- Fixed-Date Issues in Legacy TV Systems
- Variable-Date Issues in Legacy TV Systems
Fixed-Date Issues in Legacy TV Systems
This first issue class is based on expiring certificates. These problems come with a clearly defined deadline, after which service disruptions are inevitable unless pre-emptive measures are implemented.
- PowerKey Certificate Expiration in Cable STBs
In the case of cable STBs, the expiration relates to PowerKEY deployments, which Light Reading industry observer Jeff Baumgartner has commented on. PowerKEY certificates expire in November 2024, and if nothing is done, TV service will stop for customers with impacted STBs. As Baumgartner mentions, there are solutions, but these are costly, and only some STBs have a recovery mechanism.
- Verimatrix Certificate Expiration in IPTV STBs
A similar issue is present in IPTV STBs related to a certificate expiration for Verimatrix, one of the most broadly deployed digital rights management (DRM) systems with early IPTV systems. This issue will impact STBs in October 2024, and again, if no remedial action is taken, it will result in service outages for impacted STBs. Again – similar to cable – there are options for updating client and server solutions – but as with cable, these solutions may be expensive and unavailable for all STBs.
Variable-Date Issues in Legacy TV Systems
Variable-date issues in the TV industry represent a category of challenges that, unlike fixed-date issues, do not have a specific timeline but are equally critical. These issues can arise unexpectedly and have a significant impact on service quality and customer satisfaction. Let’s explore the key variable-date issues that operators need to be aware of:
- Hardware Failures, Particularly DVR Hard Drives: The first is hardware failures – especially failures of hard drives used for user-recorded content (DVR). Electronics generally, but spinning disks specifically have a finite life, and as devices are in the field for 7, 9, 11 years, and longer, the likelihood of failure will increase. Most operators handle field failures on an ongoing basis, but with some of these issues, there is likely to be a wave of failures as deployed devices all reach their maximum lifespan.
- End-of-Life (EOL) Support for Older STBs: A second issue in this class is EOL support for STBs. Many hardware manufacturers are starting to end support for older STBs. An operator may take the view that they will leave the devices deployed in the field, but as we saw in the previous section, not acting may not be an option.
- Incompatibility with Network Upgrades: Network upgrades to expand broadband services, including fiber roll-out and DOCSIS 4.0, mean that older STBs will no longer work.
- Changing Consumer Expectations and Market Dynamics: Finally, the pace of change in TV continues to accelerate, and consumer expectations are being set by OTT apps and not by cable TV STBs. Customers eventually will realise they can get more compelling content more easily from other providers and churn. This churn may even be off your data services, as studies have shown a popular TV offering tends to make a customer much more sticky. It is great to have those customers on 12-year-old STBs paying for TV service and paying rentals, but they are churning, and you need to have an attractive alternative to retain them.
Options to defuse the Legacy TV Time Bomb
If you’re dealing with certificate issues in your TV deployment, it’s crucial to recognise that procrastination is not an option. Immediate action is not just advisable; it’s necessary. But what actions can you take? Let’s explore the options.
Option 1: Direct Solution for Certificate Issues
The most straightforward approach is to address the certificate issues directly. This might seem like the path of least resistance, but it’s important to consider its limitations:
- Limited Scope: This approach may only cover some deployed STBs.
- Cost Implications: It can be an expensive fix.
- Temporary Relief: It doesn’t address other underlying issues and only delays the inevitable aging of your STBs.
Option 2: Comprehensive Overhaul of Your TV Deployment
Given the limitations of the first option, a more holistic approach might be to overhaul your TV deployment completely. This is a significant step, but it could be the most effective in the long run:
- Futureproofing: A complete overhaul can address not just current issues but also make your system resilient against upcoming challenges.
- Broad Impact: This option allows you to tackle a range of issues, not just those related to certificates.
Introducing EspialTV: A Tailored TVaaS Solution
In this context, EspialTV emerges as a viable solution. As a TVaaS (Television as a Service) offering, it provides a comprehensive and evolving solution for operators in the USA and Canada. Here’s why it stands out:
- Rapid Deployment: EspialTV can be set up quickly, minimising disruption.
- Low Risk and Cost: It offers a solution with minimal financial and operational risks.
- Continuous Evolution: Unlike static solutions, EspialTV continuously evolves to address current and future issues.
Taking Action with Enghouse
To tackle the time bomb of certificates and other related issues, consider reaching out to Enghouse for a conversation on how EspialTV can meet your specific needs. This is more than just solving an immediate problem; it is strategically positioning your TV deployment for long-term success and sustainability.
Visit our website to learn more: EspialTV: The Future of IPTV – Low Investment, Rapid Launch, and Flexible Deployment (enghousenetworks.com), or contact us today.
