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V. Rishi Kumar

Hyderabad, Oct. 7 With India on the verge of adopting Internet protocol TV (IPTV) services soon, a small digital device called ‘Home Gateway’ will serve as a single touch interface between the world outside and various gadgets/devices and digital assets including television and personal computers at home or a small office.

When a home acquires one such device which is similar to a set top box supplied by a direct-to-home (DTH) services provider, it is said to be a ‘connected home.’ This box becomes a single point interface for telecom and media players.

The ‘connected home’ concept is now a reality in markets such as France, Korea and Hong Kong, and it won’t be long before homes in India too take to these small cute looking devices that make a world of difference.

Cute because they come in innovative designs and shapes that suit a special occasion —be it New Year eve, Valentine’s Day or even X-mas, and, thereby, adorn the drawing room.

Home Gateway is a box connected to a cable network or telephone line that supports voice over Internet protocol, broadband and television services all in one, the trio referred to as a triple play.

Several operators in India including State-owned BSNL, MTNL and others such as Reliance Infocomm and Bharti Airtel are all set to offer the services once the regulatory issues are cleared.

During a recent visit of journalists to Huawei Communications Centre in Shenzhen China, the company demonstrated the power of these Home Gateways.

Typically, a Home Gateway comes with multiple ports that support connection to external line and various devices including TV, PCs within a home. These gateways can be programmed to record events, download information and entertainment, which can be viewed at leisure.

The best part of such a Home Gateway device is it bypasses the need for multiple cables. Just one cable will meet the requirement to offer triple play services. It won’t be long before operators offer them to homes in India!

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