In 2017, the Internet TV landscape was still far from peaceful. From the power struggles among regulators and market players, to capital-driven alliances; from the ambition to disrupt traditional television to the integration of artificial intelligence; and from the challenges of monetization to the evolving big-screen ecosystem, the industry was a complex web of competition and transformation.
Of course, even more troubling was the situation at LeTV, once a dominant player in the market, now facing numerous difficulties.
First, order is gradually emerging. The industry, although vibrant, is no longer as chaotic as it was a few years ago. The transition from disorder to order marks a step toward maturity. This shift is evident in policy development. Major platforms like iQIYI, Tencent Video, Youku, and PPTV have aligned with Internet TV licensees, while China Mobile's past violations have been curbed. As a result, the entire industry chain is slowly returning to the regulatory framework, and the licensees are learning the hard way about the challenges of compliance. Although full compliance hasn't been achieved yet, the industry has entered a positive trajectory, laying the foundation for future developments such as live broadcasting access, application management, and billing systems.
On the terminal side, by the second quarter of 2017, there were 208 million digital cable TV subscribers, while the total number of Internet TV integrated devices (TV + set-top boxes) reached 245 million. Considering activation rates, replacement rates, and usage statistics, the number of active Internet TV users had just surpassed 150 million. While it will take time to fully compete with traditional TV, the reach of Internet TV terminals is already vast. Whether through smart TVs or IPTV, Internet TV has gained a clear advantage in the device space.
The business model is also maturing. How Internet TV generates revenue has always been a challenge. However, as user habits around online video payments evolve, along with increased coverage and engagement, the business model is becoming more sustainable. Payment and advertising services have grown into multi-billion-dollar markets. Moreover, with the decline of traffic bonuses on PCs and mobile devices, the potential of TV screen traffic is expected to grow significantly.
Despite these positives, challenges remain. The industry is not without its issues. After a booming year in 2017, there is still much work to be done. According to Li Ming, CEO of Future TV, there is still room for improvement in areas such as industry standards, business model drivers, and the depth of industry chain integration.
One major issue is the lack of standardized frameworks. In an era where data is a key driver of productivity, intelligent, refined, and personalized operations are essential. However, Internet TV lacks unified standards across terminals, technologies, and management. This gap hinders progress and limits the ability to leverage big data effectively.
Another challenge is the lack of horizontal coordination within the industry chain. Information asymmetry and poor communication between stakeholders lead to inefficiencies and wasted resources. This makes it difficult to develop services like payment, advertising, and applications. For example, despite being seen as a valuable advertising platform, Internet TV still faces challenges due to the absence of independent third-party monitoring agencies for ad performance.
Additionally, vertical integration remains underdeveloped. As industries mature, they tend to move from horizontal mergers to deeper vertical integration. While various Internet TV models have taken shape, there is still a need to explore deeper integration around large-screen scenarios, content, and high-quality products to enable more refined commercial operations.
Looking ahead, the scale of users highlights the rapid growth of Internet TV commercialization and the industry’s potential. This presents important opportunities but also raises higher social responsibility expectations. All parties must work together to create a standardized, healthy, and orderly Internet TV environment.
To address these challenges, participants in the Internet TV industry need to find innovative strategies at both micro and macro levels.
At the Wuzhen World Internet Conference, the importance of collaboration became clear. Just as there is no love or hate without reason, there is no event without purpose. Similarly, no organization exists without a reason—especially for industry leaders.
At this stage, the development of Internet TV may require an industry-coordinating body. Led by Future TV and approved by the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television, the Internet TV Working Committee was established. Li Ming, CEO of Future TV, was appointed as the first chairman, with representatives from six licensees serving as deputy directors. At the launch, Li Ming presented the "Program of Action," signaling a new era of cooperation and standardization.
The involvement of key figures like Luo Jianhui, Director of the Network Division of the State Administration, emphasized the importance of regulation and unity. With seven major licensees leading the effort, the committee holds significant responsibility. Everyone shares the same sky and must work together to build a better future.
As mentioned by officials from Oriental Pearl and BesTV, the establishment of the committee represents a “big assembly†aimed at setting industry norms and standards. Once these are in place, all parties can align their interests and achieve long-term growth.
Looking forward, Li Ming envisions a more ambitious plan: creating a solid industry organization that brings together licensees, content providers, video platforms, local media, telecom operators, hardware manufacturers, and more. The goal is to build a unified market where each participant is fairly represented and benefits from a clear position in the ecosystem.
This is not just a policy coordination body—it is an organization dedicated to integrating the Internet TV industry and building a strong ecosystem. As Lei Jun once said, it’s about making many friends and engaging only a few enemies.
While 2018 promises to be a tough year for the Internet TV industry, the presence of organized efforts gives hope for a more structured and prosperous future.
PET Braided Pattern Sleeve is a protective covering or sleeve made from braided fabric or material that is designed to be worn by a pet. It is typically used to protect the pet's limbs or body in situations where they may be at risk of injury or abrasion. The braided design helps to provide flexibility and comfort for the pet while also offering a layer of protection. Pet braided sleeves are commonly used in situations such as post-surgery recovery, wound healing, or for pets with skin conditions that require added protection. They can be easily put on and taken off, and are available in various sizes to fit different breeds and sizes of pets.
PET Cable Protection Sleeve,Heat Protection Wire Sleeving,Hose Protection Sleeve
Dongguan Liansi Electronics Co.,Ltd , https://www.liansisleeve.com