Digital TV Central and Eastern Europe '08

Speed Networking: A chance to get to know your peers before the start of the conference and set a relaxed and informal atmosphere
 

UPC is the biggest cable operator in Central & Eastern Europe, building a portfiolio that also includes a DTH platform, channels, through Chellomedia, and an advertising sales business. How has the company managed operations across a number of countries and how is it maintaining its position in an increasingly competitive market?
 

RTL has been active in Central and Eastern Europe for many years, establishing successful operations in several countries.
How has the company developed a regional strategy and what are the criteria for making investments in particular markets.
 

Over the last three years MTV Networks International has pioneered an innovative licensing business model that has seen the rapid expansion of the MTV Networks footprint across Central and Eastern Europe. Bhavneet Singh provides insight into the opportunities, risks and practicalities of bringing this model to life from the Baltics to Bosnia.
 

How is Eutelsat establishing a position in Central and Eastern Europe and what opportunities does it see?
Will satellite continue to drive the majority of the digital TV growth in the region?
 

• Key developments in CEE media markets
• How global developments in media markets are affecting CEE markets
• Credit trends for Eastern European sovereigns
• Implications for CEE media companies, their ratings and prospects

Many markets in Central and Eastern Europe are quickly catching up on their western counterparts. Cutting-edge technology and new business models are emerging, but how can viable strategies be established?
 

The appetite for premium programming is growing in line with the proliferation of new channels. Which business models work in the region and how are new technologies creating new opportunities to reach viewers?
 

Digital satellite is booming in Central and Eastern Europe, providing an efficient and low-cost means of distributing pay-TV. Will their impressive growth continue and how will satellite platforms increase ARPU?
 

• Are subsidies for set-top boxes the only way to attract subscribers?
• How do HD and thematic channels drive consumer interest and boost revenues?
• What challenges are unique to Poland?
• What are the plans for further product development and roll-out?

• Will more capacity to the region trigger new DTH start ups?
• HDTV in the region - when and where?
• Can satellite operators facilitate cross-border DTH operations?
• Synergies between different DVB platforms (DTH, DTT, CATV etc)
• Will broadcasters launch more channels to maintain advertising revenues

Pay-TV models are being challenged by piracy in the region.
How can broadcasters and operators combat this and create propositions that customers are willing to pay for? How is this impacting release windows?
 

Speed Networking: A chance to get to know your peers before the start of the conference and set a relaxed and informal atmosphere
 

Some international players are now regarded as "local" players because of their approach to business and the length of time they have operated in the region. How do they operate and is the need for local partnerships as strong once they are established in key markets?
 

International broadcasters and producers are increasing their focus on Central and Eastern Europe, investing to better target individual markets. Which strategies are working and how are broadcasters, producers and operators collaborating?
 

• Experiences in driving the customer base
• Experiences in driving ARPU
• Future challenges and developments for an IPTV portfolio

With competition between pay-TV platforms intensifying, customer acquisition and retention are vital. What strategies are operators adopting to entice customers and how are pricing, products and customer management playing their part in building loyalty?
 

Free-to-air broadcasters are bracing themselves for digital switchover and heightened competition from new entrants.
How can they maintain their relevance in the digital age and how are policy makers ensuring success for switchover for governments, viewers and broadcasters?
 

• What lessons has D-SMART learned so far?
• How can an advertising-driven business model be applied to pay-TV?
• Can a pay-as-you-go model be adopted for premium content?
• How do interactive services feature in the overall business plan?

Western Europe is witnessing an explosion in online video - are the Central and Eastern markets far behind? Which online video content is proving popular online and how can this be monetised?