I thought that things were supposed to quieten down during the summer, but I seem to be busier than ever.

I’m not just talking about product launches. No, this year, I seem to be constantly attending conferences.

Thankfully, they’ve been very useful. The recent Digital Channels Conference, sponsored by Astra, was a case in point.

Apart from the disappointing opening speech by Sky’s managing director, customer group, Brian Sullivan, which amounted to nothing more than a party political broadcast of behalf of BSkyB, I found most of the content to be of interest.

The highlight for me was the keynote presentation by broadcaster and journalist, Andrew Neil, who gave an impassioned speech on the future of TV.

Mr Neil offered up his predictions on how the rise of internet TV will affect the traditional broadcasting platforms.

He also outlined how the UK is lagging behind other countries when it comes to broadband speed.

This, he said, is the main reason that the internet TV revolution hasn’t started in the UK.

According to Mr Neil, when the speed of UK broadband hits 50 Mb – it’s currently at around 4Mb – internet TV will finally hit its stride.

Sadly, according to Ofcom, this is a staggering ten years away.

Hardware manufacturers like Sony, Sharp and Panasonic, said Mr Neil, are already selling TVs with built-in internet connections in anticipation of this so-called tipping point.

Yet another exciting new technology which is, in turn, a great opportunity for independent retailers, is being hampered by the powers that be.

Why can’t the UK get its act together when it comes to broadband speeds? Just like our public transport network, it's an embarrassment.  

I must admit that I’ve yet to fully embrace internet TV, as I find it constantly irritating waiting for footage to buffer – I’m a busy man for whom time is precious.

I do, however, love the idea of being able to download and watch what I want, whenever I want to, dispensing with the need for traditional TV schedules.

I’m just not sure I can wait ten years for the privilege.

seanhannam@dmgworldmedia.com