Digital TV News

Clover’s Week: Vive La Commission

Ian D. Nock — Fri, 25 May 2012 12:46:12 +0000

The Competition Commission has put forward some convincing arguments on Sky’s movie rights, Canal+ is hoping it can do the same, writes Julian Clover.

via Clover’s Week: Vive La Commission.

ONO completes multistage refinancing

Ian D. Nock — Fri, 25 May 2012 12:45:52 +0000

Indebted cablenet ONO has completed a refinancing across 12 different lenders.

via ONO completes multistage refinancing.

UPC launches CI Plus module in Austria

Ian D. Nock — Fri, 25 May 2012 12:45:25 +0000

Following deployment of the CI Plus modules in the Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland, UPC Austria has now also started offering CI Plus to its digital TV subscribers.

via UPC launches CI Plus module in Austria.

Viasat Norway to broadcast 3D London 2012

Ian D. Nock — Fri, 25 May 2012 12:44:35 +0000

Viasat Broadcasting in Norway is to transmit the London 2012 Olympics in the 3D format following a sublicensing agreement with public broadcaster NRK.

via Viasat Norway to broadcast 3D London 2012.

Dutch cable continues to lose market share

Ian D. Nock — Fri, 25 May 2012 12:44:01 +0000

Ziggo and UPC, the two largest cable operators in the Netherlands, continue to lose market share.

via Dutch cable continues to lose market share.

When DVRs sleep, do they dream about energy-saving chips? — paidContent

Ian D. Nock — Fri, 25 May 2012 12:41:50 +0000

Ranked by the National Resources Defense Council NRDC as a domestic electrical power hog on gluttonous par with the refrigerator, the HD DVR is about to be put to sleep.

via When DVRs sleep, do they dream about energy-saving chips? — paidContent.

Entropic Unveils Set-Top Box SoC for Cable and IP-Client Markets

Ian D. Nock — Thu, 24 May 2012 23:22:30 +0000

Entropic Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq:ENTR), a world leader in semiconductor solutions for the connected home, today introduced its latest generation of high-performance set-top box system-on-a-chip (SoC) solutions, offering cable and IP markets a dual-core ARM® (LSE:ARM; Nasdaq:ARMH) Cortex-A9 processors with integrated NEON™ technology. The “TSC17x/18x” STB SoC family delivers on, advanced security, and ecosystem support required by leading global multiple service operators (MSOs) and original equipment/device manufacturers (OEMs/ODMs).

via Entropic Unveils Set-Top Box SoC for Cable and IP-Client Markets.

Lescure to re-visit Hadopi | Advanced Television

Ian D. Nock — Thu, 24 May 2012 23:22:09 +0000

Pierre Lescure, former head of Canal Plus, has been handed the task of re-examining France’s Hadopi anti-piracy law.

via Lescure to re-visit Hadopi | Advanced Television.

How to Build a Sony Connected TV app

Ian D. Nock — Thu, 24 May 2012 23:21:53 +0000

Edd Uzzell, Category Development Manager at Sony, describes the process by which content owners, brands and developers can create a connected TV app for the Sony platform.

via How to Build a Sony Connected TV app.

Virgin Media reacts to U-turn in Sky Movies probe » Digital TV Europe

Ian D. Nock — Thu, 24 May 2012 23:21:33 +0000

UK MSO Virgin Media has railed against the Competition Commission’s provisional findings, issued yesterday, that said there is adequate competition for movies in the first pay TV subscription window in the UK.

via Virgin Media reacts to U-turn in Sky Movies probe » Digital TV Europe.

Channel 4’s 4oD views up 15% » Digital TV Europe

Ian D. Nock — Thu, 24 May 2012 23:21:17 +0000

Channel 4’s online VOD platform 4oD recorded 41 million views in April, taking the total number of views in the year to-date to 177 million, up 15% year-on-year.

via Channel 4’s 4oD views up 15% » Digital TV Europe.

UPC Poland launches split screen service for multiple sports channels » Digital TV Europe

Ian D. Nock — Thu, 24 May 2012 23:20:53 +0000

UPC Poland has launched a service enabling users to watch up to 12 sports channels simultaneously.

via UPC Poland launches split screen service for multiple sports channels » Digital TV Europe.

Emerging markets drive satellite TV growth

Ian D. Nock — Thu, 24 May 2012 23:17:18 +0000

The satellite pay-TV industry reached revenues close to $90 billion (EUR72 billion) in 2011, up from $79 billion in 2010, according to Euroconsult.

via Emerging markets drive satellite TV growth.

Chris Dziadul Reports: A Balkan perspective

Ian D. Nock — Thu, 24 May 2012 23:16:48 +0000

Message from Romania: when the going gets tough, the tough stay positive.

via Chris Dziadul Reports: A Balkan perspective.

Foxtel completes Austar deal | Advanced Television

Ian D. Nock — Thu, 24 May 2012 23:16:28 +0000

Australian pay-TV operators Foxtel and Austar have completed their merger transaction, creating a national subscription television service intended to deliver innovative new digital products and content for all Australian consumers.

via Foxtel completes Austar deal | Advanced Television.

Germany’s Sky Go launches on iPhone

Ian D. Nock — Thu, 24 May 2012 23:16:05 +0000

Germany’s Sky Go has launched on the iPhone and iPod Touch with a slate of new series and movies from Sky Atlantic.

via Germany’s Sky Go launches on iPhone.

Sony formally quits Sharp LCD joint venture, takes back every yen it invested – Engadget

Ian D. Nock — Thu, 24 May 2012 23:15:44 +0000

After Sony cut off its supply of capital to the ill-fated Sakai production plant that it jointly owns with Sharp, it became clear that the final goodbye may be little more than a formality.

via Sony formally quits Sharp LCD joint venture, takes back every yen it invested – Engadget.

Wi-Fi Continues to Dominate Home Networking Market

Ian D. Nock — Thu, 24 May 2012 23:15:16 +0000

Wi-Fi Continues to Dominate One Billion Unit Home Networking Equipment and Networked-Enabled Media Device Market, Says ABI Research

via Wi-Fi Continues to Dominate Home Networking Market.

Telecom Italia signs SVOD pact with CBS

Ian D. Nock — Thu, 24 May 2012 23:14:51 +0000

CBS Studios International and Telecom Italia have signed a non-exclusive licensing agreement that will allow subscribers to instantly stream CBS content in Italy on its Cubovision platform.

via Telecom Italia signs SVOD pact with CBS.

Sigma Designs Reports First Quarter Fiscal 2013 Results

Ian D. Nock — Thu, 24 May 2012 23:14:11 +0000

Sigma Designs®, Inc. (NASDAQ: SIGM), a leader in connected media platforms, today reported financial results and business highlights for its first fiscal quarter ended April 28, 2012.

via Sigma Designs Reports First Quarter Fiscal 2013 Results.

HbbTV sweeps interactive TV across Europe

Ian D. Nock — Thu, 24 May 2012 23:13:46 +0000

With estimates of 60 million HbbTV compliant TV sets in Western Europe by 2014, HbbTV is becoming the dominant standard for interactive, hybrid and OTT delivery in Europe. It’s a success story unmatched by previous pan-European interactive TV initiatives.

via HbbTV sweeps interactive TV across Europe.

Russian cable deal completed

Ian D. Nock — Thu, 24 May 2012 23:08:22 +0000

Rostelecom has acquired a 26% stake in Mosteleset, the owner of Moscow’s leading cable operator Mostelecom.

via Russian cable deal completed.

Hungary sets DTT goals

Ian D. Nock — Thu, 24 May 2012 23:07:40 +0000

The Hungarian pay-DTT service MinDig TV Extra already has over 63,000 subscribers and aims to double the total by March 2013.

via Hungary sets DTT goals.

Cable exec: “Netflix is our frenemy” — paidContent

Ian D. Nock — Thu, 24 May 2012 23:05:02 +0000

Appearing Wednesday morning at the Cable Show in Boston in front of those denizens his company has apparently transgressed — and also, somehow concurrently helped — Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos conceded his streaming service’s duality within the pay TV business.

via Cable exec: “Netflix is our frenemy” — paidContent.

NHK Hybridcast offers interactive broadcast TV | Ubergizmo

Ian D. Nock — Thu, 24 May 2012 13:27:38 +0000

What you see in the video above is definitely something special and radically different from regular TV programming. NHK Hybridcast is a special kind of infrastructure system that is being developed by NHK, where it is being targeted for a commercial release sometime in the year 2013.

via NHK Hybridcast offers interactive broadcast TV | Ubergizmo.

UK TV could be set for major overhaul | News | TechRadar

Ian D. Nock — Thu, 24 May 2012 12:54:40 +0000

UK terrestrial television could be set for a huge change, with communications watchdog Ofcom not ruling out an auction for PSB licences for channels 3 and 5.

via UK TV could be set for major overhaul | News | TechRadar.

Sony and Samsung enforcing minimum pricing on TVs | The Verge

Ian D. Nock — Thu, 24 May 2012 12:53:58 +0000

Samsung and Sony have both started restricting retailers from offering discounts on TVs. The Wall Street Journal reports that the move is designed to protect both the manufacturers’ margins and the retailers’ profits by preventing “showrooming,” where customers check out models in person before buying them for less online.

via Sony and Samsung enforcing minimum pricing on TVs | The Verge.

Is a vast video library worth the time and money? — paidContent

Ian D. Nock — Wed, 23 May 2012 23:43:29 +0000

The killer asset in the video age is widely believed to be a large library full of content that can be sold, licensed and re-distributed onto all sorts of emerging platforms. Or is it?

via Is a vast video library worth the time and money? — paidContent.

Italian, Polish telecoms move VOD files with Signiant

Ian D. Nock — Wed, 23 May 2012 23:43:04 +0000

Telecom Italia and Emitel Poland have adopted Signiant products for secure, accelerated file movement in support of their video-on-demand (VOD) offerings, as well as the growth of their content aggregation and distribution services.

via Italian, Polish telecoms move VOD files with Signiant.

NAGRA Introduces Broadcast-to-IP Gateway

Ian D. Nock — Wed, 23 May 2012 23:42:36 +0000

NAGRA, a Kudelski Group (SIX:KUD.S) company, the world’s leading independent provider of content protection and multiscreen television solutions, is introducing a broadcast-to-IP gateway which will allow live TV to be delivered to IP-enabled devices without impacting a consumer’s existing live TV viewing experience. The solution will be on display at upcoming industry events including the 2012 Cable Show, May 21-23, 2012 in Boston, as well as ANGA Cable, June 12-14 in Cologne, Germany.

via NAGRA Introduces Broadcast-to-IP Gateway.

Freeview says viewers should not pay for 4G introduction

Ian D. Nock — Wed, 23 May 2012 23:42:08 +0000

Mobile operators should meet the full cost of protecting TV channels that suffer interference from new 4G services.

via Freeview says viewers should not pay for 4G introduction.

Rovi STB data reveals IPG reliance | Advanced Television

Ian D. Nock — Wed, 23 May 2012 23:41:46 +0000

Set-top box data research from Rovi into consumer engagement with Interactive Programming Guides (IPG) has revealed that 94 per cent of homes now visit the TV listings grid on a weekly basis.

via Rovi STB data reveals IPG reliance | Advanced Television.

Sandvine: “Netflix traffic has peaked” | Advanced Television

Ian D. Nock — Wed, 23 May 2012 23:41:21 +0000

During a CIO panel discussion at The Cable Show, Sandvine’s chief technology officer, Don Bowman asserted Netflix has hit its peak and other video services are gaining traction. As documented in Sandvine’s Global Internet Phenomena report, Bowman revealed that Netflix represents 33 per cent of peak downstream traffic on US cable networks but projects a declining percentage as early as next year.

via Sandvine: “Netflix traffic has peaked” | Advanced Television.

Telecom Italia launches Cubovision SVOD service » Digital TV Europe

Ian D. Nock — Wed, 23 May 2012 23:40:57 +0000

Telecom Italia has launched a broadband-delivered subscription video-on-demand service under the Cubovision brand.

via Telecom Italia launches Cubovision SVOD service » Digital TV Europe.

Netflix ups Cindy Holland to international role » Digital TV Europe

Ian D. Nock — Wed, 23 May 2012 23:37:52 +0000

Netflix has promoted Cindy Holland to vice-president, original content and content acquisition making her responsible for acquiring and launching original series across the streaming service’s entire 25 million-strong domestic and international customer base.

via Netflix ups Cindy Holland to international role » Digital TV Europe.

Multimedia Polska integrates Stream » Digital TV Europe

Ian D. Nock — Wed, 23 May 2012 23:37:27 +0000

Multimedia Polska is beginning the integration of Stream, the service it provider it agreed to acquire last year, and says it has identified additional synergies from the merger.

via Multimedia Polska integrates Stream » Digital TV Europe.

NPD: US 3DTV sales growing | Techwatch: Tech News

Ian D. Nock — Wed, 23 May 2012 23:37:04 +0000

But consumers still don’t see 3D as a crucial feature

via NPD: US 3DTV sales growing | Techwatch: Tech News.

Sky no longer has pay-TV movie advantage

Ian D. Nock — Wed, 23 May 2012 23:36:35 +0000

Sky Movies no longer gives BSkyB a material advantage over its rivals in the pay-TV retail market, the Competition Commission has found.

via Sky no longer has pay-TV movie advantage.

Fibre powers UPC Ireland On Demand launch

Ian D. Nock — Wed, 23 May 2012 23:36:07 +0000

UPC Ireland is introducing On Demand TV to a third of all homes in Dublin from Friday. Customers will have access to the RTÉ Player & 3player as well as the best of boxed sets from the UK and the United States.

via Fibre powers UPC Ireland On Demand launch.

3m French homes have smart TV

Ian D. Nock — Wed, 23 May 2012 23:35:34 +0000

There were nearly 3 million homes in France equipped with smart TV, or 10.7% of all TV homes at the end of Q1, according to Mediametrie.

via 3m French homes have smart TV.

Multimedia claims second spot

Ian D. Nock — Wed, 23 May 2012 23:35:13 +0000

Multimedia Polska says it has become the second largest cable operator in Poland after UPC following its recent acquisition of Stream Communications.

via Multimedia claims second spot.

Remote control inventor Polley has died

Ian D. Nock — Wed, 23 May 2012 23:34:50 +0000

Eugene Polley, the engineer at Zenith who came up with the idea for the first wireless TV remote, has died at the age of 96.

via Remote control inventor Polley has died.

Ziggo and UPC join live stream research

Ian D. Nock — Wed, 23 May 2012 23:34:29 +0000

The Dutch audience measurement organisation SKO has started a collaboration with cablers Ziggo and UPC to measure TV watching via live streams on devices other than a TV set.

via Ziggo and UPC join live stream research.

Big gains for Romanian cable

Ian D. Nock — Wed, 23 May 2012 23:33:55 +0000

2011 was a landmark year for the cable market in Romania, with the number of digital TV subscribers more than doubling, according to data published by ANCOM.

via Big gains for Romanian cable.

Can Motorola’s cloud-based DVR kick-start TV Everywhere? — paidContent

Ian D. Nock — Wed, 23 May 2012 23:33:30 +0000

Motorola Mobility says it will soon begin trials on a new cloud-based digital video recorder system that, at least on paper, has the potential to kick-start the pay TV industry’s ambitious yet cumbersome TV Everywhere initiative.

via Can Motorola’s cloud-based DVR kick-start TV Everywhere? — paidContent.

Liberty Global to Bid for Base – Analyst Blog – NASDAQ.com

Ian D. Nock — Wed, 23 May 2012 23:13:05 +0000

A leading cable operator in Europe, Latin America and Australia, Liberty Global Inc. LBTYA , which currently holds a 50.2% stake in Telenet, announced its intention to bid for KPNs subsidiary BASE, a leading telecom carrier in Belgium.

via Liberty Global to Bid for Base – Analyst Blog – NASDAQ.com.

UPC unveils On Demand TV for Ireland

Ian D. Nock — Wed, 23 May 2012 16:14:57 +0000

Launching on Friday May 25th, UPC NASDAQ: LBTYA, LBTYB, LBTYK, the nation’s leading provider of entertainment, information and communications, today unveiled On Demand TV for Ireland, bringing a groundbreaking new TV experience to its customers.

via UPC unveils On Demand TV for Ireland.

Mobile Devices and Browsers Aren’t Ready for HTML5

Ian D. Nock — Tue, 22 May 2012 22:50:59 +0000

It is one thing to say that apps built in HTML5 function across every device on the market. It is another thing to run those apps.

via Mobile Devices and Browsers Aren’t Ready for HTML5.

Rovi: 94% of Homes Using Programming Guides | Home Media Magazine

Ian D. Nock — Tue, 22 May 2012 22:46:16 +0000

Sampling millions of devices using its interactive programming guides, Rovi Corp. has found that nearly 95% of homes are visiting the TV listings grid on a weekly basis, the company said May 22.

via Rovi: 94% of Homes Using Programming Guides | Home Media Magazine.

3D TV fails to excite, gesture UIs to flop: analyst • The Register

Ian D. Nock — Tue, 22 May 2012 22:33:26 +0000

3D television is not exciting global TV buyers, says analyst firm NPD.

via 3D TV fails to excite, gesture UIs to flop: analyst • The Register.

Nuance adds Rovi’s metadata to Dragon TV, becomes annoyingly good at TV trivia – Engadget

Ian D. Nock — Tue, 22 May 2012 22:30:49 +0000

Nuance, of Dragon TV fame announced today that it was licensing Rovi’s (formerly known as Macrovision) metadata for its talky-TV platform.

via Nuance adds Rovi’s metadata to Dragon TV, becomes annoyingly good at TV trivia – Engadget.

TiVo Stream transcoder and IP-based set-top box detailed | The Verge

Ian D. Nock — Tue, 22 May 2012 22:30:02 +0000

We already knew that TiVo was working on a transcoder and IP-based set-top box, and today the company has unveiled the final retail versions for both.

via TiVo Stream transcoder and IP-based set-top box detailed | The Verge.

Motorola staff could see layoffs following Google buyout, says TechCrunch | The Verge

Ian D. Nock — Tue, 22 May 2012 22:28:32 +0000

Now that Chinese regulators have approved Google’s acquisition of Motorola, the deal should be closing very soon, though it looks like it might also include a significant number of layoffs.

via Motorola staff could see layoffs following Google buyout, says TechCrunch | The Verge.

ActiveVideo Brings Advanced VOD Navigation to Any STB

Ian D. Nock — Tue, 22 May 2012 22:20:02 +0000

ActiveVideo Networks™, creators of CloudTV™, the advanced TV software platform based entirely in the cloud, today announced the general availability of its CloudTV H5™ platform that can bring any navigation interface or application written in HTML5 to any digital set-top box or connected CE device.

via ActiveVideo Brings Advanced VOD Navigation to Any STB.

Google Moto deal closes | Advanced Television

Ian D. Nock — Tue, 22 May 2012 22:19:38 +0000

Google has announced that the acquisition of Motorola Mobility Holdings has closed, with Google acquiring MMI for $40 per share in cash. Google says the acquisition will enable it to supercharge the Android ecosystem and will enhance competition in mobile computing. Motorola Mobility will remain a licensee of Android and Android will remain open. Google will run Motorola Mobility as a separate business.

via Google Moto deal closes | Advanced Television.

Viewers still prefer Live TV | Advanced Television

Ian D. Nock — Tue, 22 May 2012 22:19:18 +0000

Seventy-five per cent of viewers still prefer to watch some TV live according to a survey by Digital Spy, the UK entertainment news site.

via Viewers still prefer Live TV | Advanced Television.

Improving Fairness in HTTP Adaptive Streaming

Ian D. Nock — Tue, 22 May 2012 22:18:59 +0000

There is a great deal of interest in HTTP adaptive streaming at present because it can greatly improve the user experience for video delivery over unmanaged networks. There are many network impacts from implementing HTTP adaptive streaming and I believe we have found a novel approach to traffic management. If we can successfully implement these new network management techniques, they could be applied to optimize fair bandwidth allocation between competing streams.

via Improving Fairness in HTTP Adaptive Streaming.

Sport1 launches on iPad » Digital TV Europe

Ian D. Nock — Tue, 22 May 2012 22:18:33 +0000

Chellomedia has launched an iPad app for its premium sports channel Sport1.

via Sport1 launches on iPad » Digital TV Europe.

Digital cable doubles in Romania » Digital TV Europe

Ian D. Nock — Tue, 22 May 2012 22:18:12 +0000

Digital cable subscribers in Romania more than doubled in 2011, taking digital cable penetration to 25% of all cable homes by the end of the year, according to a survey by regulator ANCOM.

via Digital cable doubles in Romania » Digital TV Europe.

Mediaset voices TV advertising concerns » Digital TV Europe

Ian D. Nock — Tue, 22 May 2012 22:16:18 +0000

A senior executive at Mediaset has said that the TV advertising market shows no signs of improving this year or next and that the Italian media giant faces renewed competition from Internet-focused rivals.

via Mediaset voices TV advertising concerns » Digital TV Europe.

Romanian on demand market set to grow

Ian D. Nock — Tue, 22 May 2012 22:15:51 +0000

The Romanian market is large enough to support four to five online on demand services, according to Mirek Smyk, managing director, MSCG.

via Romanian on demand market set to grow.

UPC DTH looks to the future

Ian D. Nock — Tue, 22 May 2012 22:15:19 +0000

UPC DTH will shortly add Eurosport HD and Eurosport 2HD in all four Central and East European markets it operates in.

via UPC DTH looks to the future.

LG shows Smart TV platform to cablers

Ian D. Nock — Tue, 22 May 2012 22:14:57 +0000

At this year’s Cable Show in Boston, LG is showing cable operators examples of how they can harness the power of smart TV for a new level of interactivity between tablets and TVs, bringing live, linear programming directly to connected TVs in subscribers’ homes.

via LG shows Smart TV platform to cablers.

TWC’s Britt: ‘STBs to become extinct’ | Advanced Television

Ian D. Nock — Tue, 22 May 2012 22:13:33 +0000

Cable set-tops will become extinct, to be replaced by smart TVs and other IP-connected devices such as gaming consoles, Time Warner Cable CEO Glenn Britt has suggested at The Cable Show in Boston.

via TWC’s Britt: ‘STBs to become extinct’ | Advanced Television.

Comcast Begins National Launch of X1 Cloud Enabled TV Platform

Ian D. Nock — Tue, 22 May 2012 22:13:09 +0000

Comcast (NASDAQ: CMCSA, CMCSK), one of the nation’s leading providers of entertainment, information, and communications products and services, announced today it will launch its next-generation television experience, Xfinity TV on the X1 Platform, and a new X1 remote control app in the coming weeks. This cloud-enabled platform, unlike any other video service existing today, delivers the world’s largest collection of video and transforms the TV into an entirely new integrated entertainment experience. These new products will launch in Boston with several major markets planned to follow this year, and will be available to new Xfinity Triple Play with HD/DVR service customers at no additional cost.

via Comcast Begins National Launch of X1 Cloud Enabled TV Platform.

SeaChange and Civolution Enable Premium VOD for North American Cable Operators

Ian D. Nock — Tue, 22 May 2012 22:12:43 +0000

Joint Solution – Being Deployed by a Large North American Cable Operator – Accelerates Time-to-Market for PVOD Offerings for Content in Early-Release Window

via SeaChange and Civolution Enable Premium VOD for North American Cable Operators.

NDS Implements ARM Technology-Based Secure Mobile Environment with SK Planet in Korea

Ian D. Nock — Tue, 22 May 2012 22:12:17 +0000

NDS Group today announced the implementation of its VideoGuard Connect DRM for HD pay-TV on mobile devices using ARM (LSE: ARM; Nasdaq: ARMH) TrustZone technology with SK Planet, a subsidiary of SK Telecom (NYSE : SKM), Korea’s leading telecoms provider.

via NDS Implements ARM Technology-Based Secure Mobile Environment with SK Planet in Korea.

MultiChoice and Altech UEC launch locally developed 2-tuner HD PVR in South Africa

Ian D. Nock — Tue, 22 May 2012 22:11:52 +0000

MultiChoice (JSE: NPN)(LSE:NPSN) today announced the introduction of an Altech UEC (Johannesburg: ALT) supplied 2-tuner HD PVR 2U into the South African market.

via MultiChoice and Altech UEC launch locally developed 2-tuner HD PVR in South Africa.

Minerva Platform Enables Delivery of Next Generation Television Services to Cable Subscribers

Ian D. Nock — Tue, 22 May 2012 22:11:27 +0000

New solutions powered by Minerva iTVFusion 5 enable Cable operators to harness latest Internet technologies to offer advanced multi-screen television services

via Minerva Platform Enables Delivery of Next Generation Television Services to Cable Subscribers.

RTÉ replaces publishing group with new digital division – FierceIPTV

Ian D. Nock — Tue, 22 May 2012 22:09:12 +0000

In a sign of the times, Ireland’s national television and radio broadcaster RTÉ has replaced its RTÉ Publishing group with a new RTÉ Digital Division that it feels is better suited to serve the demands of a newly digitized audience.

via RTÉ replaces publishing group with new digital division – FierceIPTV.

SeaChange Announces Sale of On Demand Group to Avail-TVN – TVover.net

Ian D. Nock — Tue, 22 May 2012 22:08:43 +0000

SeaChange has sold its media services company, On Demand Group, to Avail-TVN for $27 million on a cash-free, debt-free basis. U.K.-based On Demand Group, specializing in content aggregation and management of VOD services, becomes part of Avail-TVN effective immediately.

via SeaChange Announces Sale of On Demand Group to Avail-TVN – TVover.net.

Plex preinstalled on Sony’s upcoming Google TV devices — Online Video News

Ian D. Nock — Tue, 22 May 2012 22:08:26 +0000

Sony hearts Plex: The CE maker will deliver its next generation of Google TV devices, scheduled to be released in the U.S. and beyond this summer, with the Plex app pre-installed to give users simple access to local media and add cloud media sharing to the Google TV platform.

via Plex preinstalled on Sony’s upcoming Google TV devices — Online Video News.

Broadcast-to-IP gateway from Nagra | Advanced Television

Ian D. Nock — Tue, 22 May 2012 22:07:52 +0000

Content protection and multiscreen television solutions provider Nagra is introducing a broadcast-to-IP gateway which will allow live TV to be delivered to IP-enabled devices without impacting a consumer’s existing live TV viewing experience.

via Broadcast-to-IP gateway from Nagra | Advanced Television.

TiVo and Pace first product | Advanced Television

Ian D. Nock — Tue, 22 May 2012 22:07:33 +0000

DVR specialist TiVo and STB maker Pace have revealed details of the first product, the Pace XG1, resulting from a global partnership the pair announced in February 2012 to develop flexible, advanced television solutions for operators.

via TiVo and Pace first product | Advanced Television.

New TiVo box takes on Slingbox, streams to tablets — paidContent

Ian D. Nock — Tue, 22 May 2012 22:07:12 +0000

Set-top box maker TiVo has introduced a new Slingbox-like product that lets users stream live or DVR-recorded TV to tablets, notebooks and smartphones.

via New TiVo box takes on Slingbox, streams to tablets — paidContent.

Motorola reinvents the TV interface with DreamGallery concept (video) — Engadget

Ian D. Nock — Tue, 22 May 2012 22:06:53 +0000

Motorola is demonstrating how it expects TVs of the future will work with its DreamGallery concept.

via Motorola reinvents the TV interface with DreamGallery concept (video) — Engadget.

Huawei Leads 19 Million Indian Set-Top Box Market with 24% Share

Ian D. Nock — Tue, 22 May 2012 22:06:27 +0000

The Indian set-top box (STB) market has been increasing at a steady pace over the past few years. A strong surge of consumers moved to satellite platforms during 2011, representing 80% of the Indian market. Despite the large cable TV subscriber base in India, satellite TV growth will slow somewhat from the 10 million consumers that added services last year.

via Huawei Leads 19 Million Indian Set-Top Box Market with 24% Share.

UK fears for DTT over 4G interference

Ian D. Nock — Tue, 22 May 2012 22:06:08 +0000

The UK government has admitted that nearly 2 million digital terrestrial households could have their service disrupted by 4G LTE mobile services as they roll out over the next few years.

via UK fears for DTT over 4G interference.

Cable Industry Provides Cross-Carrier Wi-Fi – CableWi-Fi Initiative Involves 50,000 Hotspots | DSLReports.com, ISP Information

Ian D. Nock — Tue, 22 May 2012 22:05:44 +0000

Bright House Networks, Cablevision, Comcast, Cox Communications, and Time Warner Cable this week announced theyll be partnering further on offering Wi-Fi for free to the companies subscribers, allowing users of any of the cable operators the ability to access hotspots owned by any other participating ISP. According to the combined company press statement, the initiative will be called “CableWifi” that will also be the SSID and involve over 50,000 hotspots that users can access with credentials from any participating cable ISP.

via Cable Industry Provides Cross-Carrier Wi-Fi – CableWi-Fi Initiative Involves 50,000 Hotspots | DSLReports.com, ISP Information.

Different types of Social TV applications

Ian D. Nock — Mon, 21 May 2012 14:33:57 +0000

Over the past couple of years, we have seen many companies – both start-ups and established companies – launching “Social TV” applications and services. Most of them take a fully mobile approach, with stand-alone applications on tablet and smartphone devices. In this article Michael Lantz outlines different types of Social TV app and argues that Social TV is much more than just about mobile.

via Different types of Social TV applications.

Edgeware Launches the Industry’s Most Scalable and Efficient Video Server for Operators Worldwide | BriefingRoom on Broadcast Engineering Magazine

Ian D. Nock — Mon, 21 May 2012 14:33:31 +0000

Edgeware’s Orbit 3020 highly efficient video server with ultra low power consumption, massive scalability and tiny footprint is now available in North America

via Edgeware Launches the Industry’s Most Scalable and Efficient Video Server for Operators Worldwide | BriefingRoom on Broadcast Engineering Magazine.

Comcast launches Dayview; your (cool) daily dashboard on TV — Broadband News and Analysis

Ian D. Nock — Mon, 21 May 2012 14:33:11 +0000

Comcast has released two sweet additions to its home broadband service that allow users to turn their TV into a big-screen home and life dashboard.

via Comcast launches Dayview; your (cool) daily dashboard on TV — Broadband News and Analysis.

TiVo Stream transcoder and IP-based set-top box detailed | The Verge

Ian D. Nock — Mon, 21 May 2012 14:31:54 +0000

We already knew that TiVo was working on a transcoder and IP-based set-top box, and today the company has unveiled the final retail versions for both.

via TiVo Stream transcoder and IP-based set-top box detailed | The Verge.

Apple Is Testing FaceTime Over 3G | ITProPortal.com

Ian D. Nock — Mon, 21 May 2012 14:30:14 +0000

Could we be seeing the video chat feature over a non-Wi-Fi connection soon?

via Apple Is Testing FaceTime Over 3G | ITProPortal.com.

Arris reveals Moxi DVR release 2.0 with web browser, apps and iPad remote – Engadget

Ian D. Nock — Mon, 21 May 2012 14:29:39 +0000

If your cable company is offering Arris’ Moxi Whole Home DVR setup (we’ve seen it pop up on Shaw, BendBroadband and Wide Open West so far) you should have a few new features headed your way.

via Arris reveals Moxi DVR release 2.0 with web browser, apps and iPad remote – Engadget.

Hulu unveils more original programming, acquisitions » Digital TV Europe

Ian D. Nock — Mon, 21 May 2012 13:21:38 +0000

US streaming service Hulu has unveiled a new programming slate comprising three original series and seven acquisitions. The original series include a movie review show hosted by Kevin Smith (Clerks) and a travel series from Richard Linklater (School of Rock).

via Hulu unveils more original programming, acquisitions » Digital TV Europe.

BSkyB names Sky Ireland chief » Digital TV Europe

Ian D. Nock — Mon, 21 May 2012 13:21:10 +0000

Pay TV operator BSkyB has named JD Buckley as managing director of its operations in the Republic of Ireland.

via BSkyB names Sky Ireland chief » Digital TV Europe.

Kabel Deutschland confirms Tele Columbus buy

Ian D. Nock — Mon, 21 May 2012 13:20:55 +0000

Kabel Deutschland Holding AG has confirmed it will acquire Tele Columbus for €603 million plus accrued interest. The purchase price will provide for repayment in full of the financial debt of Tele Columbus.

via Kabel Deutschland confirms Tele Columbus buy.

Smart TVs becoming the standard in Germany

Ian D. Nock — Mon, 21 May 2012 13:20:39 +0000

Nearly half of all the new TV sets sold in Germany are connected sets, according to high tech association Bitkom. Already one in six homes owns a connected TV.

via Smart TVs becoming the standard in Germany.

SES-5 satellite arrives at Baikonur

Ian D. Nock — Mon, 21 May 2012 13:20:22 +0000

The SES-5 satellite has arrived at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, where it will now be processed for launch aboard an ILS Proton Breeze M vehicle provided by International Launch Services (ILS). The launch is scheduled for June 19, 2012.

via SES-5 satellite arrives at Baikonur.

Motorola Mobility Showcases the Evolution of TV and a Smart, Simple Connected Home at The Cable Show 2012

Ian D. Nock — Mon, 21 May 2012 13:19:55 +0000

Motorola Mobility, Inc. (NYSE: MMI) empowered the history of modern TV and the smart, simple connected home—and @ The Cable Show 2012, the company will show the industry how it is driving its future.

via Motorola Mobility Showcases the Evolution of TV and a Smart, Simple Connected Home at The Cable Show 2012.

Arris, NDS announce pay-TV whole-home solution – FierceIPTV

Ian D. Nock — Mon, 21 May 2012 13:19:28 +0000

Communications technology company Arris Group Inc. (Nasdaq: ARRS) and video-software developer NDS Group Ltd. today announced their “tightly-integrated solution” to help cable operators seamlessly extend pay-TV services to subscribers’ connected devices.

via Arris, NDS announce pay-TV whole-home solution – FierceIPTV.

Quad play war starts in France

Ian D. Nock — Mon, 21 May 2012 13:19:04 +0000

The arrival of Free as a mobile operator has sparked a price war for quad play products.

via Quad play war starts in France.

Cable Show 2012: Pace, TiVo Tee Up Six-Tuner Video Gateway – 2012-05-21 04:01:00 | Multichannel News

Ian D. Nock — Mon, 21 May 2012 13:18:42 +0000

TiVo and Pace are providing details of their first jointly developed product, the Pace XG1, a six-tuner hybrid QAM/IP video gateway featuring TiVo’s user interface to be available to operators in the Americas later this year.

via Cable Show 2012: Pace, TiVo Tee Up Six-Tuner Video Gateway – 2012-05-21 04:01:00 | Multichannel News.

37% of Global Users watch Online Video Daily

Ian D. Nock — Mon, 21 May 2012 13:18:24 +0000

According to Nielsens global survey of multi-screen media usage, watching video content on computers has become just as common as watching video content on television among online consumers. More than 80 percent of Internet respondents in 56 countries reported watching video content at home on a computer 84% or on TV 83% at least once a month. By contrast, in 2010, more online consumers reported watching video content on TV 90% than on a computer 86% in a month-long period.

via 37% of Global Users watch Online Video Daily.

The Four Most Underhyped Trends In Social TV | TechCrunch

Ian D. Nock — Sun, 20 May 2012 23:34:08 +0000

Last time I took a look at the most over-hyped topics of the Future of TV, and I thought a great follow-up would be to look at the reverse case. After all, it’s easy to sit there and critique, but what about the positive side, where’s the action happening but not being talked about as much as it could be? Here are four things going on in the TV industry that definitely don’t get enough respect…

via The Four Most Underhyped Trends In Social TV | TechCrunch.

TVP set for HD launch

Ian D. Nock — Sun, 20 May 2012 23:06:42 +0000

The Polish public broadcaster TVP will start HD transmissions on its two flagship channels TVP1 and TVP2 on June 1.

via TVP set for HD launch.

informitv – SES plans ultra-high-definition transmissions

Ian D. Nock — Sun, 20 May 2012 23:06:19 +0000

Satellite company SES is reported to be planning to launch ultra-high-definition channels. Romain Bausch, the president and chief executive of the Luxembourg-based company told analysts that SES is ready to help launch 4K resolution channels within “two to three years from now”. He suggested that BSkyB could be preparing to pioneer the introduction of the next generation in high-definition television.

via informitv – SES plans ultra-high-definition transmissions.

informitv – TalkTalk suggests YouView is still on track for launch

Ian D. Nock — Sun, 20 May 2012 23:05:42 +0000

TalkTalk says that YouView is still “on track” for a “gradual ramp up” from July to a marketing launch from September. The project, backed by British broadcasters and broadband service providers, has been much delayed and has yet to commit to a firm launch date. Beyond the core technical specification, no details of any technical standards or interfaces have yet been published. Far from being an open platform, YouView appears to be increasingly driven by commercial interests.

via informitv – TalkTalk suggests YouView is still on track for launch.

Social TV: Zeebox empowers TV talent to engage with fans

Ian D. Nock — Sun, 20 May 2012 23:05:19 +0000

zeebox today announces an update to its popular social TV app that celebrities can use to draw fans into their shows, and enables TV viewers to instantly set up group chat rooms around their favourite shows. The new features enable instant sharing of TV reactions and create social viewing parties around key shows, being adopted by top TV celebrities

via Social TV: Zeebox empowers TV talent to engage with fans.