Satellite: Still at the heart of the industry

The Telstar satellites which enabled the first intercontinental transmissions in 1962 were transformational for the broadcast industry.

Indeed, Telstar captured public imagination such that a tune recorded by The Tornados and named after the satellite was a number one hit in both the USA and the UK. The first trans-Atlantic satellite television transmission from the USA was made via Intelsat I, nicknamed ‘Early Bird’, in 1965. And, when Sky launched in 1989, we had entered a new era in which satellite established itself at the heart of broadcasting.

That today’s viewing landscape is somewhat different is, of course, a huge understatement.

“We are very much in the age of ATAWADAC - any time, anywhere, any device, any content,” smiles Michel Azibert, Deputy CEO and Chief Commercial and Development Officer at Eutelsat.

Goonhilly Earth Station CEO Ian Jones agrees. “TV habits are indeed changing,” he says. “Cord-cutting is a reality in all markets, and viewers are increasingly turning to OTT services. Broadcasters and pay-TV providers all recognise that viewers now expect to be able to watch their favourite content on the device of their choice, at home or on the move.”

And, speaking of OTT: Hans Massart, Market Director, broadcast at Newtec, notes that, according to a recent Unisphere report, OTT viewership will overtake traditional viewing before 2020.

New opportunities
Deepak Mathur, EVP, Global Sales for SES Video develops the theme of changing viewing habits with some interesting numbers.

“The proliferation of screens in our daily lives has…