(29 November 2007 5:25 pm)

MUMBAI: Painting a vivid picture of a future world where consumers will be able to "watch what they want, where they want it and on whatever device they happen to be carrying", panelists at the Digital Future Symposium - part of the Asia Television Forum - also highlighted the various issues that would crop up in such a scenario.

Foremost would be: How to prevent piracy and other forms of digital theft.

In the first of three panel discussions of the day, panelists - ranging from broadcasters to academics to industry experts - gave an in-depth look into the different types of 'New Media' and how these were affecting traditional forms of media.

In the second panel discussion on Digital TV and Electronics, industry specialists talked about the different strategies taken to ensure content is protected. FujiTV Television Network IPR supervisor Youji Itagaki described Japan's unique system of encrypting free-to-air content at the source. Consumers would then need a set-top box and smart card in order to view programmes.

Itagaki also described how Japan deployed a 'copy management' system where content stored in a hard drive would disappear after a copy is made. "It is like magic, but Japanese microchip companies can make it (happen)," he quipped.

Other panelists similarly gave an overview of the different technologies - both hardware and software - that could be used to protect content.

Media Development Authority of Singapore chief information officer Yeo Chun Cheng, gave a presentation on MDA's Role in the Changing Media Landscape. "MDA studies in a holistic way how to effect changes that will allow the media industry to grow. This includes looking at the areas of finance, capability, R&D, infrastructure and the regulatory environment," he said.