OIPF (Open IPTV Forum) and bmcoforum (Broadcast Mobile Convergence Forum) are delighted to announce the plans to join forces and merge the activities of bmcoforum into the OIPF.

This will result in a strong single entity with broad representation and influence across the fixed and mobile broadband industries, as the two bodies have each established a leading position in their respective spheres of activity. The merged activities will combine and optimize the resources and efforts of the leading organizations engaged in an effective standardization of mass market services and devices.

Multi-screen approaches including TVs, PCs, mobile devices and other screens are a logical next step for TV and media consumption, and as more mobile devices are integrated with IPTV they will bring an increasing level of interactivity and flexibility. Personalized linear and on-demand content services will be delivered into multi-screen environments both in the home and for consumers on the move. In particular, mobile devices may be used not only for watching TV, but also as service control points, allowing selection and control of personal content services.

In announcing these plans, YunChao Hu, President of the OIPF, said “The strength and breadth of the combined efforts will provide the opportunity to build on each organization’s established individual credibility. The merging of bmcoforum’s activities into the OIPF will create an entity with the influence and energy to more effectively drive the development and deployment of the blended services market“. Herbert Mittermayr, Chairman of the Board of bmcoforum, commented “The bmcoforum considers the extension of the IPTV to mobile usage and hybrid networks as an excellent vision to further develop the mass market for multiscreen media consumption. Joining the forces of both fora will unlock the potential of exciting new user experiences”.