Photos: BT shows what superfast broadband can do

FTTC to enable 3D film downloads, internet TVs and high-definition CCTV, says BT...

The rise of superfast broadband will give a boost to a range of technologies and applications, according to BT.

The telco, which is investing billions in rolling out fibre broadband in the UK, has been demoing some of the fibre-enabled apps businesses and consumers can expect in the coming years.

Internet TVs

Last week, at BT Centre in London, BT showcased a range of applications powered by superfast broadband, including this prototype of an internet-connected TV (shown above).

The TV integrates entertainment including film, TV and games downloads with the likes of email, social networking and other web apps into a single UI which can support multiple user accounts.

The high bandwidth provided by FTTC (fibre to the cabinet) means large files such as films and games can be downloaded in a matter of minutes, according to BT.

Incorporating a webcam into the TV set-up could also allow telehealth apps to be deployed through the interface in future, meaning the consumers of tomorrow could use their internet-enabled TVs to participate in remote consultations with their doctor.

3D TV

Another emerging technology that superfast broadband could support is 3D movie downloads.

BT demoed an autostereoscopic 3D TV - that is, a 3D TV that you don't need glass to watch - made by Philips, shown above.

Immersive video

Another future TV application that BT reckons could get a leg-up from superfast broadband is so-called 'immersive video content' which is recorded using multiple cameras.

According to a BT spokesman, future applications for the resulting 360 degree footage could include live televised sports that offer viewers the ability to change and choose camera angles during the event.

Business uses for the immersive footage could include travel companies or estate agents recording 360 degree footage of holiday destinations or properties to create virtual tours for sales purposes.

CCTV

With fibre within reach of more businesses, SMEs can look forward to a future of fibre-enabled HD CCTV, according to BT.

BT demoed multiple CCTV streams running on a single FTTC line (pictured above) which can also be used for other business functions at the same time.

Cloud computing

FTTC superfast broadband could also enable more businesses to tap into cloud computing, according to BT, which reckons SMEs can cut costs by buying software on a pay-as-you-go basis, and even swap out their more costly desktop hardware for thin clients.

Videoconferencing

Another enterprise-friendly application that may become more viable for a greater range of businesses thanks to fibre broadband is videoconferencing, according to BT - particularly for SMEs and start-ups that don't have access to a high-end telepresence videoconferencing suite.

With an FTTC line, BT demonstrated how a start-up could hold a remote video consultation via a PC, with the ability to share large image and video files during the conference (as shown above).

Multiple screens

BT also showed off eight separate screens running off a single FTTC line, noting that the rise of streaming video web services and multiple connected gadgets such as laptops, smartphones and tablets in each home is putting increasing strain on the home broadband connection.

In addition to a showcase at BT Centre, the telco has a mobile showcase for superfast broadband in the form of its 'Vehicle for Change' lorry which has been touring the UK to sell the benefits of fibre broadband to consumers and SMEs.