Years in Cable: 25+
Education: BS, Business Administration, The Ohio State University; MBA, St. Joseph’s University
One Word that Best Describes Me: Innovative
Smith continues to drive the roadmap and future product strategies for Evolution Digital. Tops on his list will be focusing on the launch of Evolution’s IP hybrid set-top box launch and continuing to build strategic partnerships that complement Evolution’s tech solutions. An appointee to the FCC’s Downloadable Security Technical Advisory Committee, Bhise continues to speak at various cable events. He also has the Synacor team executing its four-pillar strategy for growth, which includes increasing its value among cable customers and extending its products globally. Burke continues to lead Rovi’s product business groups, worldwide sales and marketing.
The biggest innovation in cable over the last year: The biggest innovation of late is the progress that has been made with conversation services, in particular the use of voice to identify and consume entertainment content. In this digital age, convenience is key, and viewers are constantly looking for faster and easier ways to consume content. The ability to speak to your devices and navigate entertainment platforms with your own voice is propelling cable into a Jetsons-like world and beyond. Conversation services have the ability to place cable on the road to becoming part and parcel to the Internet of Things and connected living room ecosystems.
What does the future look like for skinny bundles and flexible packaging? With the abundance of entertainment choices, both in terms of content and viewing options, consumers are increasingly eager to create customized packages. Traditional pay TV needs to adapt to these changing consumer demands. While some OTT platforms may offer original content, others are beginning to offer TV-anywhere streaming capabilities or specific programming, like sports. In the coming year, skinny bundles and flexible packaging are going to prove to be important tools for our industry.
Favorite charity event I work with: I am a strong advocate for children with special needs. I serve as a board member to Variety, the Children’s Charity in Philadelphia.
