services regardless of which device they’re using,” says Glenn Zanoni. The fast progress of new features means that some products are bound to get superseded and not all will run the very latest features, adds Graham North, “this is one key reason that set-top boxes have been favoured as the route to upgrading, as the outlay is far less than that of a new TV.” Philips was one of the first companies to feature internet connectivity on a TV back in 2008, says Amit Rullay, and from the very beginning the company has championed ‘open’ standards. “Progress in this area is so fast that it is impossible to guarantee that all future apps will work on all Smart TVs,” he says, “but it’s our belief that only by adopting open standards can this risk be minimised.” Samsung says its latest high- end Smart TVs will be upgradable for any new developments in 2013.
Second Screen? The buzz-word at the moment is Second Screen – using a tablet, smartphone or laptop to interact with others or get additional information from the internet (such as an actor’s biography) while watching a TV programme. Is Second Screen a threat or opportunity for Smart TV manufacturers? Amit Rullay says, “The concept behind the Second Screen is to add to the experience of watching TV on a main set rather than replace it. So we don’t believe it will threaten TV manufacturers. In fact, as part of our Smart TV functionality, Philips has already made apps available for Apple and Android phones and tablets to operate our sets.” Second Screen is a fascinating development for the industry, notes Edd Uzzell, “We make tablets, TVs
Philips Cinema 21x9 Smart LED TV
and apps, so are well positioned to take advantage of it.” Second Screen is a great opportunity for Humax, claims Graham North, as it offers the ability to deliver more services to the customer, thereby adding new features to their TV product. “The key focus is making the experience of the second screen slick enough to ensure that the sharing of content from one device to another is seamless,” he adds. Samsung is also very positive about Second Screen, says Darren Petersen, pointing out that Samsung smartphones and tablets can use a feature called SmartView to watch TV content from a Samsung Smart TV. Glenn Zanoni thinks that, “The trend for using a second device while watching TV is an opportunity for us, and we’ve used it to ensure users are getting the best possible experience across their devices. For example, we have an app that enables users to control their Wi-Fi enabled Toshiba TV from their smartphone.”
Samsung Smart Hub
YouView The YouView platform – which is backed by the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and 5, as well as BT and Talk Talk – will offer a mix of Freeview, Catch-up TV services, high definition TV and PVR functionality. YouView’s launch has been much delayed, but the company says that it’s happy with current progress, and on track for a spring launch. But some wonder if the delay has hurt YouView’s prospects, although Graham North says that the fragmented Smart TV market presents YouView with a strong opportunity, because, “It’s supported by the main public service broadcasters and will offer a strong range of content in a consumer-friendly way.” Others point out that the Smart TV market is still relatively small, and so there’s plenty of space for a new platform. But will TV manufacturers already
offering Smart TV services will want to support YouView? The picture is unclear. Glenn Zanoni says, “YouView is a really interesting concept and we will make decisions around future product development following its market launch.” But Darren Petersen thinks that YouView is too late, “If it had been launched on time in 2010, it would have been a good success,” he says, “I’m sure YouView will be heavily promoted, but we are focusing on our platform.” Sony is also lukewarm about YouView’s prospects, “Our position is that YouView is a missed opportunity to become 'the' platform,” says Edd Uzzell, “we continue to engage with key industry stakeholders, such as the Digital TV Group, to discuss industry standards for connected devices. Ultimately this will be determined by what our customers want.” ■
March 2012 The Independent Electrical Retailer 19
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