Newsclip Service
Archive - April 2002
These news-clips have been collated from various news sources because they are considered possibly relevant to Interactive TV learning developments.
April 2002 UK
SRIC-BI
Digital Futures publish new report – “Devices and Services for the Home:
Forecast 2002”
This report provides both quantitative and qualitative assessment of how markets for home entertainment will develop during the first decade of the twenty-first century, including key products and services such as broadband home Internet, digital television, DVD-Video players and recorders, and hard-disk–drive video recorders (such as those of TiVo). (Source:SRIC-BI) (see press release)
April 2002 UK
Independent research of UK’s attitudes and behaviour towards iTV
Hands on TV™ is the first independent qualitative research programme into the evolving attitudes and behaviour of the UK iTV population. It delivers a unique insight into the mindset of the iTV population at this early stage of development in order to identify the issues that must be understood and addressed by anyone seeking to utilise the medium. (see summary)
April 2002 Europe
Report published - “Modelling Revenue Demand for Interactive Digital TV Applications and Services”
This report illustrates Strategy Analytics’ assumptions and methodology used in determining future revenues from interactive digital television services and applications, and provides a framework within which subscriber organisations can adjust their own assumptions and forecasts. They predict annual revenues of €1.7bn by 2005. (see summary)
April 2002 USA
“VOD: The key to Digital Dominance?” report released
Broadband Daily and Broadband Markets have announced the availability of their first report on Video-on-Demand, entitled “VOD: The Key to Digital Dominance?” The report presents an up-to-the-minute company-by-company, market-by-market rundown on all the key issues facing the deployment and consumer acceptance of VOD. (Source: Broadband Daily) (see summary) (view contents) (view sample chapter)
April 2002 UK
BT report on UK's ADSL developments
The availability of the latest developments of ADSL in the UK are outlined in this report. (view report)
April 2002 UK
BBC offer four interactive video streaming options for new show
The BBC has developed a new interactive format for their realities TV show “Diner’s.” Depending on their digital platform, viewers can view background information on the Diners (including various celebrities), post views on a message board, and after the show, viewers can choose to watch each of the four tables complete conversations. (Source: BBC) (see Diner’s website)
April 2002 UK
e-learning iTV Alliance
Video Arts and Kingston inmedia have formed a strategic alliance in order to explore how the very latest in satellite broadband technology can be used to deliver cutting edge e-learning. (Source: Kingston inmedia) (see press release)
30 April 2002 UK
Telewest to launch three month “Broadband Trial” for £13.48 a month
Telewest Broadband is to launch a three-month broadband taster of their blueyonder broadband internet service in the UK for £13.48 per month on 1 May. It is aimed at homes with BT, AOL, Freeserve and other dial-up Internet services. David Hobday, sales and marketing director at Telewest Broadband, explained: "We are removing all barriers to broadband because we are confident that once consumers have experienced the thrill they'll never look back." (Source: Telewest) (see press release)
30 April 2002 Spain
TVC will offer three new MHP Applications
Televisio de Catalunya (TVC) plans to offer 3 new MHP- based ITV applications as part of its ongoing digital terrestrial trials. The 3 MHP Application are an EPG magazine with info about programmes, a news ticker and a weather service, each has various interactive features and help pages. TVC has also collaborated with CCRTV, the Digital Television Department of Ramon Llull-La Salle University, and a third CBC subsidiary, Activa 3, to develop its own DVB-MHP ITV broadcasting platform, branded "FlowServer." (Source: itvt)
30 April 2002 USA
Advanced IPG trial agreed for Mexico
iSurfTV has reached an agreement with United Latin America to test of its advanced IPG with TeleCable’s digital subscribers in Mexico. A customized IPG will be designed to work on the Motorola DCT-1000 and DCT-2000 platforms. James R. Clark, Vice President of UnitedGlobalCom’s Latin American region, said, “we intend to deploy the ‘best of breed’ in terms of interactive applications”. The pilot test is planned for early summer. (Source: iSurfTV) (see press release)
30 April 2002 USA
Personal Video Station software for PC doesn’t match up to TiVo
SnapStream have claimed that their Personal Video Station software can replace TiVo and other PVRs and Microsoft are building digital video recording capabilities into future consumer PCs, but David Coursey, ZDNet Anchor Desk believes that Snapstream’s software is not a very good replacement, yet and describes it as “Clunky” and “First Generation.” He gives a full run commentary, from installation to viewing in this article. (Source: Zdnet) (see article)
29 April 2002 USA
World 1st wireless video and data network demo
Magis Networks will offer the world’s first live demonstration of a wireless 5 GHz network transmitting both HDTV and Internet data simultaneously, at the National Cable Telecommunications Association’s upcoming Cable 2002 show. “Sending both video and data simultaneously is a requirement for a 5 GHz wireless network. End users need a single, low-cost solution to distribute different data types within their home or office,” said Clarence Bruckner, president and CEO of Magis Networks. (Source: Magis Networks) (see press release)
TPS release PVR for WorldCup France
France's TPS has launched a hard disc decoder, called the Platinium, in time for the World Cup. To promote it, they are launching a selective competition to enable 5,000 subscribers to win the service free of charge for three months. (Source: advanced-television.com) (see article)
28 April 2002 USA
Most commercial broadcasters miss DTV deadline
Almost three-quarters of the commercial broadcasters in the US will not make the deadline to offer a digital terrestrial signal, however hundreds of stations have requested extensions. The report issued by the General Accounting Office said most of the stations unable to make the deadline have referred to the high cost of new technology, relatively low consumer interest caused by the high prices of digital TV sets and a host of technical issues like tower constructions. (Source: New York Times) (see report)
26 April 2002 USA
Nationwide Advertising Showcase for VOD
SeaChange's Product Showcase will enable advertisers to boost relationships with consumers through cable's VOD advantages. Product Showcase is a cost-free capability, which will allow cable advertisers to launch tiers of on-demand content, such as 'do-it-yourself' home repair videos, real estate showcases, healthcare education, cooking ideas, and automotive "test-drives." (Source: SeaChange International) (see press release)
25 April 2002 UK
“Interactive TV will survive despite pitfalls”
Does
the fall of ITV Digital mean the end for digital terrestrial television? No,
it will survive despite its many pitfalls says Ovum analyst Dario Betti. He
believes that high profile falls, such as that of ITV Digital in the UK, can
teach us quite a lot. Ovum’s opinion is that despite the problems of ITV
Digital's Digital Terrestrial Service in the UK, Ovum believe that it is only
at the beginning of the development of DTT and digital terrestrial TV will
survive and grow (as) it remains a good technology with good market
opportunities. (Source: Ovum Comments)(see
article)
25 April 2002 UK
MPEG-4 Licenses could be fatal
The proposition of licensing fees for MPEG-4 could mean its early death on the personal computer warned RealNetworks CEO Rob Glaserin. "The licensing structure is putting the technology on a path to become irrelevant in the PC industry," Glaser said after giving a keynote speech at the Streaming Media West conference. Such fees wouldn’t be cost effective for media players such as RealNetworks' RealOne or Apple Computer's QuickTime to support the emerging standard. (Source: CNET News) (see article)
25 April 2002 Germany
Hughes launch two-way Satellite Broadband in Europe
Hughes
Network Systems Europe have launched DIRECWAY®, Hughes Network Systems'
two-way satellite broadband service, in conjunction with the grand opening of
its new European operations center in Griesheim, Germany. "With DIRECWAY,
we can immediately meet the growing need for broadband value-added services of
both enterprises and consumers throughout Europe without them
having to wait for the local loop to be opened up," said Pradman Kaul,
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Hughes Network Systems. (Source: Hughes
Network Systems Europe) (see
press release)
25 April 2002 USA
New Satellite platform could bring TV and Internet to American Public
SES AMERICOM has announced a major initiative to bring new television and broadband Internet services to the American public. The company has filed a petition to the FCC, to allow it to offer to US television program owners and consumers a new satellite platform, through which any programmer or content creator could provide satellite television services directly to the public. Dean Olmstead, President and CEO of SES AMERICOM said “we will create a best-in-class DBS satellite platform, on which we expect a wide variety of content providers -- large and small, established and start-up, mass market and niche, advertising-supported and pay-per-view -- will lease capacity in order to offer their programs and interactive entertainment directly to American consumers.” (Source: SES Americom) (see press release)
25 April 2002 USA
iN
DEMAND VOD to be delivered to 40% of Homes
By the end of this year, US MSO Cox Communications plans to offer "Entertainment on Demand," to 40% of the homes it passes around the country. This service will provide PVR functionality and charge $3.95 for new-release titles, which can be viewed within a 24-hour period. Content is provided by iN DEMAND, and the service runs on Concurrent video servers, with secure delivery technology being provided by N2 broadband. Cox also says it will launch "FreeZone," a free VOD service and a subscription VOD service. (Source: itvt.com)
24 April 2002 UK
BT Direct Broadband for £27 a month
BT has launched a new direct broadband access service called BT Broadband for £27 per month; the service will be widely available from autumn 2002. It will allow always-on, high-speed direct access to the internet over a single home phone line, facilitated by a simple plug and play set up that can be self-installed. This will mean that both telephone and fast internet access services delivered on one line and it aims to drive rapid take-up of broadband in the UK, BT plans to have connected 500,000 customers through the new direct service in the same period.(Source: British Telecom plc) (see press release)
24 April 2002 USA
RealVideo9 - a breakthrough in audio & Video
RealNetworks, have released RealVideo 9 which provides 30% bandwidth savings over RealVideo 8 at all quality levels. RealNetworks have also submitted its components to the Joint Video Team that will create the next version of MPEG-4. Martin Plaehn, senior vice president, media systems, RealNetworks said, “RealVideo 9 provides a dramatically improved experience for both dialup and broadband consumers. When coupled with premium sports, news and entertainment programming, this new video experience makes video subscription services more compelling for consumers.” (Source: RealNetworks) (see press release)
24 April 2002 USA
Microsoft reorganizes Ultimate-TV
The Wall Street Journal reported that Microsoft Corp plans to reorganize its struggling interactive-television unit and lay off about 60 people. The software giant also is likely to lay off more than 140 people employed at its Ultimate-TV unit, which was disbanded in January, the Journal reported. Microsoft will now focus on delivering software for simpler "broadcast" services, such as video on demand, and for new "media centre" devices, which can offer home networking, DVD playback, and music and photo storage, the paper reported. (Source: Quicken.com) (See article)
24 April 2002 USA
MPEG-4 Plug-In for MS Windows Media Player
Envivio have introduced their EnvivioTV player for Microsoft Windows Media Player. This means that they can provide advanced MPEG-4 support for virtually all personal computers, as they also provide MPEG-4 players for the two other major streaming formats for PC's, Apple QuickTime and RealNetworks RealOne. These products enable corporations, content, and service providers to transform their content to MPEG-4 without regard to the installed media player. (Source: Envivio) (see press release)
24 April 2002 USA
RealNetworks launch MPEG-4 interoperability site
RealNetworks have launched a commercial MPEG-4 interoperability site powered by RealSystem Servers. This new site enables MPEG-4 encoder and player developers and suppliers to verify their early prototypes and releasable products utilizing RealNetworks' commercially available RealSystem software. (Source: RealNetworks) (see press release)
24 April 2002 USA
Realnetworks Provide Easy-To-Use and Customizable Solutions
RealNetworks have announced rich media corporate communications and sales training solutions for businesses, educational institutions and government organizations. With end-to-end content creation, publishing, delivery, playback and network management solutions as well as integration services and outsourcing services, RealNetworks is providing these solutions to a diverse group of organizations. (Source: RealNetworks) (see press release)
24 April 2002 USA
RealNetworks Presentation Maker launched by sofTV
sofTV.net has launched RealNetworks Presentation Maker powered by sofTV.net, which combines the sofTV.net streaming presentation software and the RealNetworks' RealOne™ Player to provide the ultimate streaming presentation software to end-users. In addition, RealNetworks will re-sell Presentation Maker as part of its integrated enterprise solutions. It is targeted at corporate, educational and government end-users. (Source: sofTV.net) (see press release)
24 April 2002 USA
Enounce to Provide Media Speed Up Playback Capabilities
Enounce have developed a relationship with RealNetworks to bring the Enounce 2xAV plug-in to RealNetworks' RealOne Player and RealOne Enterprise Desktop users. The Enounce 2xAV plug-in will enable employees to watch streaming video and listen to streaming audio at variable playback speeds with normal sounding voices. Additionally, it will also reduce the playback speed, which could make foreign languages, dialects, and fast talkers more understandable. (Source: Enounce) (see press release)
23 April 2002 UK
BBC to “Test the Nation” on Interactive TV
Everyone can take part in the BBC ONE National IQ Test using interactive TV when Anne Robinson and Phillip Schofield Test The Nation on Saturday 11 May 2002. John Kaye Cooper, executive producer of Test The Nation for Talent Television says: "At the same time that this unique television event goes out live on BBC ONE, viewers at home, internet users and digital TV owners can all play along simultaneously - creating the biggest IQ test ever attempted in the UK. (Source: BBC)(see Test the Nation Website) (see press release)
23 April 2002 UK
Telewest trial 1Mb broadband service in Scotland
Telewest Broadband has launched a large-scale consumer trial of its pioneering 1Mb blueyonder residential internet service in Scotland, with plans to make it available to the rest of the UK later this year. The service will offer continuous cable connection to the internet nearly 20 times faster than traditional dial-up services and easily outperforms the residential ADSL service offered by BT. The additional bandwidth will enable customers to experience faster downloads of music and software, easily share large files and benefit from full-screen video pictures and audio streaming. (Source: Telewest) (see press release)
23 April 2002 UK
Telefonica
to offer TV over ADSL
Telefonica
has introduced its broadband multi-media project Imagenio, which includes an
offer of television over ADSL lines by 2003, according to a report by AFX
News. The broadband package will also contain high-speed internet, 15 audio
channels and 22 television channels, for a monthly subscription fee of about
EUR 82. Until now the company has made investments of EUR 1.15 billion in the
new project and is preparing to invest an additional EUR 3.3 billion by 2005.
(Source: Telecom.paper)
23 April 2002 Germany
Motorola presents two new multimedia terminal adapters
Motorola has showcased two multimedia terminal adapters (MTAs) for the European marketplace at ANGA Cable 2002. These latest additions to Motorola's VoIP offering - the CG5500E embedded MTA (eMTA) and the VT1000 stand-alone MTA (sMTA) - can make it easier and more cost-efficient for European broadband network operators to offer advanced voice and data services, increasing their VoIP market penetration. (Source: Motorola) (see press release)
23 April 2002 Germany
Europe get a Sneak Preview of Industry’s First Wireless Cable Modem Gateway
Europe got a a sneak peak of Motorola’s SURFboard® SBG1000 cable modem gateway – the first combination high-speed cable modem router with 5-port Ethernet switch and wireless home gateway at ANGA Cable 2002. The SBG1000 combines Motorola’s industry-leading cable modem, wireless networking, and gateway technologies into one economical product that is ideally suited for the needs of the home user, as well as the SOHO (small office/home office) and SME (small and medium enterprise) environments. Motorola will officially introduce the product in May 2002, with plans to offer a EuroDOCSIS version before the end of the year. (Source: Motorola) (see press release)
23 April 2002 Germany
Motorola Selected by Finland’s Helsinki Television as Key Technology Provider for Deployment of New EuroDOCSIS Platform
Helsinki Television (HTV) has selected Motorola as a key technology supplier for the development of HTV’s broadband Internet services. As a key supplier, Motorola will provide HTV with its BSR 64000 CMTS/router, its SURFboard® SB4100E EuroDOCSIS cable modem, and the IP Commander™ high-performance, DHCP/DNS/TFTP suite from Incognito Software, Inc. Motorola’s technology, as well as its ongoing installation and training support, will allow HTV to create a state-of-the-art EuroDOCSIS data transmission network for their over 222,000 Helsinki customers. (Source: Motorola) (see press release)
23 April 2002 Germany
European Market get three New DVB-Compliant Set-Tops
Motorola have introduced three new DVB-compliant digital set-top terminals to its DVi product family today at ANGA Cable 2002. Motorola designed the DVi1000, DVi3000, and DVi3500 set-tops to meet the specific business needs of the European marketplace, providing a cost-effective means for operators to increase digital penetration utilizing their existing network and technology. (Source: Motorola) (see press release)
23 April 2002 USA
Video-on-Demand System deliver customised VOD library to Satellite viewers
Predictive Networks have announced a new recommendation-based video on-demand (VOD) system, SmartVOD, specifically designed for direct-broadcast satellite subscribers with personal video recorder (PVR) set-top boxes. It can automatically detect household interests without viewer interaction or personal information, selecting relevant movies based on each individual’s channel surfing behaviour and delivering customized VOD libraries to PVRs, using content delivery technology already in place and a simple user interface.
Satellite operators will be able to offer highly relevant on-demand movie line-ups to their viewers, leverage PPV and PVR technology investments, and share in the VOD revenue opportunity, a market estimated by the Carmel Group to top $1.5 billion by 2008. (Source: Predictive Networks.com) (see press release)
23 April 2002 Germany
Motorola’s Advanced Provisioning System for Broadband Networks announced
Motorola have announced their Advanced Provisioning System – an open, integrated operational support system (OSS) – at ANGA Cable 2002. This new, scalable, end-to-end solution automates the steps involved in service creation, activation, management, and billing, allowing operators to quickly deploy and manage advanced data, telephony, and video services over broadband networks. Operators can deploy the Motorola Advanced Provisioning System out-of-the-box as a stand-alone solution or as a key element of their network management and provisioning infrastructure. (Source: Motorola) (see press release)
23 April 2002 USA
Video-on-Demand gets Ad-Support
nCUBE Corporation and Everstream, have announced that they have joined forces to Integrate nCUBE's nABLE On-Demand Management System with Everstream's patented advertising software to allow cable operators to offer advertisers new opportunities to reach viewers with a highly targeted and interactive advertising platform through video-on-demand (VOD), this offers the possibility of embedding info about leaning opportunities. "Everstream's one-to-one advertising technology coupled with nCUBE's proven technology and experience in both VOD and cable advertising can provide operators with a highly effective VOD advertising solution, " said Michael Pohl, president and chief executive officer, nCUBE Corporation (see press release)
22 April 2002 UK
Advanced Solution for Delivering Interactive TV
Chyron
Corporation is to integrate Two Way TV's Ark Broadcaster with its Digital
Content Controller (DCC), to provide an advanced solution for delivering
interactive and enhanced applications and triggers. It is understood that it
will ensure that interactive elements are synchronised with broadcast video
and audio. “This is a major step forward in making interactivity a regular
part of a TV channel's content,” said Guy Templer, head of Business
Development at Two Way TV.
(Source: Europemedia.net) (see
article)
22 April 2002 USA
The future for Interactive TV?
Analysts from Netpoll recently tested the interactive television technology of iSeeTV, from UK-based Media Logic, with US consumers with an "overwhelmingly enthusiastic" response. iSeeTV was seen as easier to use than the Internet, with relaxed, laid-back browsing on a TV screen. Netpoll CEO Mike Bloxam said, "One of the challenges facing the take-up of interactive TV services is that of usability. iSeeTV has tested better than any other application we've looked at in these terms. Respondents loved the fact that all that was required of them was that they be able to use the phone." (Source: PR Newswire) (see press release)
18 April 2002 USA
EchoStar Communications are combining EchoStar's DISH Network digital satellite television offerings with EarthLink's DSL Internet access to provide consumers with a convenient and competitively priced satellite television/Internet access package. (Source: EchoStar) (see press release)
17 April 2002 UK
Interactive TV Chat is a here
Viewers of Sky Digital can now take part in live chat forums through their interactive TV service, whilst watching live news programmes they will be able to submit questions and opinions in real time through their remote controls. (Source: Silicon.com)(see article)
17 April 2002 China
Hong Kong broadband prices drop
As broadband service providers continue to drop their prices, one third of homes in Hong Kong have signed up for broadband access. The government's Office of the Telecommunications Authority (Ofta) said that by the end of January 596,000 homes had broadband access, defined as one megabit per second or above. There has been a 60 per cent increase in broadband users compared to the same figure last year and there has been an access prices drop from to $38 to $26 in the last year, according to observers. (Source Advanced Television.com) (see article)
16 April 2002 UK
HTML Solution for iTV
OpenTV
has launched HMTL-based products that can convert Internet content into
interactive TV (iTV) applications. The OpenTV HTML Package 2.0 could deliver
interactive content to a broad range of set-top boxes. Additional enhancements
are planned that will allow content providers to "push" HTML content
directly to set-top boxes using broadcast technologies, as well as to
"pull" content via broadband connection. (Source:OpenTV)
(see
press release)
16 April 2002 UK
Interactive
TV - Multi-player Gaming
Static 2358™, a subsidiary of OpenTV, has unveiled a multi-player television game as part of its new, enhanced PlayJam™ interactive games channel. Beginning this spring, viewers in Britain’s 5.7 million digital satellite homes will be able to compete against one another. It is driven by JIVE™, which has been incorporated into Static’s Applications Service Provider (ASP) network and is expected to eventually enable Static to extend multi-player gaming to other interactive television networks, mobile phones, palm devices and the Internet. With these advances, a player’s location – and the device he or she is using – could increasingly become irrelevant. (Source: Static 2358) (see press release)
16 April 2002 USA
iTV Emmy Award - Nominees Wanted
The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences is inviting applications for the first Emmy Award for Interactive Television Programming. With a deadline of 31 May 2002, it will be awarded to a production company responsible for the interactive elements, which was "integrally related" to the content of a TV show and was deployed on a national technological platform between 31 July 2001 and 31 May 2002. (Source: ITVT)(see award outline)
15 April 2002 UK
BT Broadband via Satellite could reach whole of UK
BT Wholesale has begun to trial a new satellite delivery service for high-speed Internet access across mainland UK. The service is aimed at small businesses and high use residential customers and will allow always-on receipt of e-mail as well as fast downloads of music, photos, presentations and other documents. The service will download via a 65cm receive-only satellite dish, at speeds of up to 256 kbit/s and will also provide always-on satellite downstream delivery of e-mails and selected Internet pages. Higher speeds, up to 4Mbit/s, will be available on a pay-as-used basis as the trial progresses. If successful, the service could be made available throughout the UK, including rural areas beyond the reach of DSL broadband and cable. (Source: BT) (see press release)
15 April 2002 Germany
Interactive Television Launched in Germany
A new advanced digital set-top box powered by OpenTV and manufactured by Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. aims to kick start interactive television in Germany, Europe’s largest television market. Major German commercial networks, Internet service providers and other companies, are already developing a wide array of applications for the new set-top box. These include electronic program guides (EPG), online channels including sports scores, weather, news, email, SMS and interactive game shows. (Source: OpenTV) (see press release)
15 April 2002 USA
Portland gets VOD
Subscribers to Time Warner Cable in Portland, USA are able to watch television programming on-demand. Using sophisticated video server systems from SeaChange International they can choose from an array of movies and HBO programming. (Source: SeaChange International) (see press release)
14 April 2002 UK
BSKYB will offer broadband to customers
BSkyB is planning to offer broadband Internet services to its customers. It is understood that the satellite operator is close to launching an adaptor for its set-top boxes that would offer a broadband connection via the telephone line and would give subscribers full, high-speed interactive services, rivalling offerings from the cable companies. (Source: The Independent) (see article)
12 April 2002 UK
BBC’s extends interactive options
The BBC has announced that during its live broadcasts of World Cup soccer matches on SkyDigital, they will offer an option f or an aerial view of the pitch, with 2 former England coaches providing kick-by-kick tactical analysis. When this option is selected, the standard picture will be displayed in a small box alongside the aerial shot. This format could be flexible enough to offer real possibilities for more individualised t-learning. (Source: BBC) (see press release)
11 April 2002 USA
New Jersey gets VOD
Comcast Cable Communications have launched its Video On Demand (VOD) service in the company's Garden State cable system. 222,000 Comcast cable customers can now select from hundreds of new releases, classic movies, and special programs any time of the day or night via their digital cable box. Programs can be paused, rewound, and fast forwarded, as well as stored for up to 24 hours from time of ordering, so customers can watch as often as they like. (Source: PR Newswire)
10 April 2002 UK
Government Info site UKOnline launched on iTV
Viewers in almost six million UK homes are now able to access the Government’s information service “UK Online” through ITV Digital's ITV Active and BSB’s Sky Interactive platform on digital satellite television. Bill Edwards, Director of e-Communications, Office of the e-Envoy, said: "DiTV is another avenue for the public to interact with Government. And it's a vital medium for communicating with citizens who do not have online access through other means. This is a service that furthers the aim to make Government information and services accessible to all." (Source: UK Government – Cabinet Office) (see press release)
9 April 2002 UK
Trial iTV link to Council for Islington tenants
Islington Council is taking part in a trial to deliver a new interactive services over digital TV for 100 of it’s tenants. They will have direct access to the council for activities such as reporting abandoned cars and obtaining health information. In future the council hopes to add services allowing tenants to pay rent, council tax and apply for housing online. (Source: Islington Council) (see press release)
9 April 2002 USA
Study finds that people are willing to pay for Subscription VOD
The study “VOD and SVOD: Consumer Perceptions and Market Opportunities”, conducted by Leichtman Research Group, Inc. found that 42% of cable subscribers would be willing to pay $4.95 per month for a subscription VOD premium movie services, 29% are willing to pay $9.95 per month for subscription VOD. (Source: Leichtman Research Group) (see press release)
9 April 2002 USA
ITV Firms draft XML-based standard
Interactive TV content and technology providers have joined forces and unveiled a draft XML-based standard. They intend to enable producers and studios to write interactive content once and then distribute it to all major set-top box and PC platforms. (Source: allNetDevices) (see article)
9 April 2002 USA
iVAST and Clearstar team up to deliver M-PEG 4 worldwide
ClearStar USA have contracted iVAST to supply a complete set of MPEG-4 software and systems that will enabling cable operators to deploy interactive broadband services globally. This multimillion-dollar agreement follows the successful January demonstration by iVAST and ClearStar of interactive MPEG-4 content being transmitted by satellite and distributed over existing cable networks. ClearStar's use of iVAST's MPEG-4 Platform™ allows network programmers and cable operators to go beyond the capabilities of existing analog and digital cable systems. iVAST and ClearStar are expecting full deployment to start in August 2002. (Source: iVAST) (see press release)
9 April 2002 USA
Education Technology Applications Expand for Event Streaming
In the experience of AT&T Digital Media Centers (ADMC), organizations are testing streaming media technology for their training programs and educational courseware, by first using it for broadcasting special events. ADMC, which offers a full range of digital television production and distribution services, is providing a one-stop process for organizations looking to test the application of streaming media technology to for their training and communications programs.(Source: AT&T)(see press release)
9 April 2002 USA
New processor to offer more economical DTV provision
WEGENER Corporation have unveiled their DTV700 processor, which will allow cable operators to economically process terrestrial digital television signals (HDTV) for carriage to cable subscribers. The DTV700 can multiplex 2 or more signals and process them in a manner compatible with current digital cable standards. The DTV700 will simply process off air 8VSB digital television signals and enable them to be injected in digital cable plants. (Source: Wegener Corp) (see press release)
9 April 2002 USA
Worldgate enhances iTV Platform With Broadcast Applications & Content
WorldGate has expanded the capabilities of its market leading interactive TV platform by developing solutions for the one-way delivery of a variety of interactive TV content packages that can be easily broadcast to current generation set-top boxes already in millions of consumer homes. This enhancement will enable current and future cable TV distribution partners to more rapidly deploy interactive TV features to their subscribers. (Source: Worldgate) (see press release)
8 April 2002 UK
UK trials for NTL’s mobile digital TV
NTL Broadcast’s UK trials of mobile digital terrestrial television (DTT) have been successfully completed; proving that consistent high-quality video, audio and data can be received in moving vehicles using the existing frequency spectrum. The work follows NTL's building of the world's first commercial mobile digital TV network in Singapore last year, which provides a service to video screens installed on public transport. (Source: NTL) (see press release)
8 April 2002 UK
New VOD Server unveiled
SGI
are to deliver a new, lower-price-point VOD server platform with production
configurations capable of delivering up to 600 streams of video at
approximately $255 (U.S.) per stream. The SGI® VOD server architecture is
made up of three layers of technology-hardware, media-streaming pumps and iTV
applications.(Source: SGI) (see
press release)
8 April 2002 USA
Sony & Sun offer next-gen AV/IT Solutions
Sony Electronics and Sun Microsystems are teaming up to offer integrated next generation AV/IT solutions, including video-on-demand and streaming media solutions for cable companies (MSO's), telcos and broadcasters. Sony's Systems Solutions Division (SSD), based in San Jose, Calif., will serve as integrator for the projects, offering integration and connectivity with Sun's server, storage and software technologies. Rob Hall, vice president, extreme sales, Sun Microsystems said, "The goal is to deliver one of the most comprehensive set of solutions to the integrated media enterprise." (Source: Sun Microsystems) (see press release)
8 April 2002 USA
Sun One empowers Media & Entertainment Industry
Sun Microsystems is empowering next-generation network solutions in media and entertainment with their Sun[tm] Open Net Environment (Sun ONE), a standards-based vision, architecture, platform and expertise for building and deploying services on demand. "In a market flooded with new distribution models and increased consumer demand, Sun ONE delivers services on demand, and helps transform technology hairballs into a seamless technology enterprise running clean, simple and open industry standards," said Bruce Lyon, manager, media and entertainment worldwide, Sun Microsystems. (Source: Sun Microsystems) (see press release)
8 April 2002 USA
DTV enhancements system clears test stage
NxtWave Communications Inc. and Zenith Electronics Corporation’s jointly developed digital television (DTV) enhancements system has successfully completed laboratory evaluation and will soon begin broadcast field tests. This best-of-the-best system not only exceeds the requirements outlined by the ATSC, but does so in a way that maintains "backwards compatibility" with equipment already in the marketplace. (Source: Zenith) (see press release)
8 April 2002 USA
TV Developer Station launched – Good News for iTV & VOD
VideoPropulsion™, Inc. have launched their TV Developer Station based on Sun™ Media Appliance Platform, which is designed to enable the rapid development of server-based applications and services for open-systems interactive TV, video on demand, and video networking. “This platform will form the basis of many advances in the provision of scalable software solutions for TV systems. S&T's range of software for interactive TV is designed with this in mind," said David Cutts, Director of Strategy & Technology Ltd." (Source: VideoPropulsion) (see press release)
8 April 2002 USA
McGraw Education develop online Maths programme with ACTV
Educators' Professional Development/McGraw-Hill has launched its online professional development for K through pre-Algebra math educators (www.epd-mh.com). The online training was developed in conjunction with ACTV Inc., a digital media company specializing in interactive television and enhanced media technologies. (Source: Nelson B. Heller & Associates) (see summary)
8 April 2002 USA
Television Industry's First MPEG-4 Solution
Envivio has integrated its MPEG-4 Streaming Server with SeaChange International’s Video-On-Demand (VOD) system to enable VOD with MPEG-4 Content. The Streaming Server is part of Envivio's range of end-to-end software products to create, stream, and view MPEG-4 content. Yvette Gordon-Kanouff, corporate vice president of strategic planning, SeaChange International has said, "The combined solution is focused on using less bandwidth to deliver media while maintaining high quality." (Source: Envivio) (see press release)
8 April 2002
USA
DRM-Enabled Digital Video Delivery Product Suite for the Sun(TM) Platform
InterTrust Technologies Corporation have introduced their IVA -- the InterTrust Video Architecture for the Sun(TM) platform. Service providers and network operators seeking to deploy video-on-demand (VOD) and interactive television applications will benefit from this comprehensive one-stop solution. IVA leverages the relationship between two leading technology providers, and empowers media service providers to deliver DRM-based content to a variety of next generation clients including set top boxes, personal video recorders (PVRs), PCs and mobile communicators. (Source: InterTrust Technologies Corp.) (see press release)
8 April 2002 USA
iTV content production solution developed
GoldPocket Interactive has developed an iTV content production solution, which allows editors to interface with the new Avid® MetaSynctm functionality. GoldPocket’s iTV interface and the new Avid MetaSync technology remove one of the biggest roadblocks facing the iTV industry. “Incompatibilities between competing hardware and middleware platforms have inhibited the growth of iTV,” GoldPocket Interactive CEO Scott Newnam explained. “These new solutions from our companies allow content producers to develop their interactive elements just once to reach the vast majority of iTV viewers. As a result, interactive programming is now instantly accessible to TV networks, advertisers, and post-production facilities.” (Source: GoldPocket) (see press release)
8 April 2002 USA
US digital TV deadline push
Michael Powell, Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission proposed a series of deadlines starting in September to ensure quicker adoption of digital TV in the US. The deadlines are to be met by cablecos, broadcasters and television makers and are "intended to provide an immediate spur to the transition by giving consumers a reason to invest in digital technology today". (Source: Advanced-Television.com) (see article)
8 April 2002 USA
Motorola and N2 Broadband launch system to Maximize Satellite Bandwidth
Motorola Broadband Communications Sector and N2 Broadband have developed an integrated content delivery solution that enables content providers to maximize existing satellite bandwidth and infrastructure when delivering ‘on-demand’ content to broadband network operators. This solution will mostly benefit content providers supplying these products commercially and rolling out video-on-demand (VOD) or subscription-based video-on-demand (SVOD). (Source: Motorola) (see press release)
8 April 2002
WOW Digital TV Presents Mass-Market Terrestrial Digital and Interactive Set-Top Receiver
WOW Digital TV's has introduced their over-the-air digital and interactive set-top platform, which will give broadcasters the platform, the interactive TV content, and the opportunity to create new revenues and develop direct consumer relationships apart from cable and satellite distribution. (WOW Digital TV) (see press release)
5 April 2002 USA
TV comes second to Internet for Kids
How Children Use™ Media Technology, an in-depth study from Knowledge Networks/Statistical Research found that when children aged 8 to 17 were asked to choose only have one medium or media technology, more children would choose the Internet, with television placing second and telephone third. One-third (33%) of children said that the Web would be the medium they would want to have if they couldn’t have any others. Television was picked by 26% of kids; telephone by 21%; and radio by 15%. For the top three media, results were dramatically different among girls and boys i.e, Twice as many boys (34% versus 17%) chose TV as their must-have medium. This raises questions on the further developments of the TV as an interactive learning medium for the current younger generation (Source: Knowledge Network)(see press release)
4 April 2002 UK
Keeping Sky + Simple
Brian Sullivan, director of new product development and sales for BskyB, in an interview with New Media Markets magazine, has implied that Sky wants to ensure the Sky + box is simple and easy-to-use": "We'll always adhere to the idea that you should figure out how to use [the Sky Plus box] without ever having to pick up the user guide," he said. Forthcoming software upgrades for Sky+ are set to include a bookmarking capability, a "review" function, and the ability to record 2 programs simultaneously. Sullivan also stressed that the price of Sky+ (£300 on top of a £10-per-month subscription) was not seen as a barrier to sales. (Source: InteractiveTVtoday.com)
4 April 2002 UK
Microsoft offer TV upgrade
Microsoft Corp. has announced a software upgrade for its UltimateTV(R) service, which will significantly enhance the system’s performance, improve overall ease of use, and give users more control when recording and playing back television programs. Microsoft delivered the upgrade to subscribers via the DIRECTV(R) digital satellite service today at no additional charge. Rob Schoeben, general manager of TV Services at Microsoft said, "Our subscribers told us they wanted a faster service and more control over how they manage their personal programming lineup. With this latest upgrade, that's exactly what they have." (Source: PR Newswire)
4 April 2002 USA
Movielink
could use MPEG-4 for VOD delivery
Peter Marx, Vivendi Universal's VP of emerging technologies has mentioned that MovieLink plans to use the MPEG-4 format to deliver its movies but insists that they are still interested in other delivery technologies. He also spoke about their plans for their pricing structure, which will allow members to set their own prices.(Source: itvt.com)
4 April 2002 USA
WOW Digital TV plans set-top trial
WOW Digital TV will test its over-the-air digital and interactive TV platform in conjunction with Sinclair Broadcast Group’s CBS affiliate KOVR-TV in Sacramento. The WOW Digital TV platform is the first over-the-air digital and interactive set-top platform to be formally introduced in the U.S. (Source: WOW Digital TV) (see press release)
4 April 2002 USA
EnerNow’s truNetTV software bridges gap between TVs and PCs
EnerNow have developed an innovative new software product named truNetTV™, which makes it possible to run popular computer programs, including Web browsers, standard chat, and productivity applications on TV set-top boxes and provides a highly-readable TV optimized display. It also works with any iTV middleware. (Source: EnerNow) (see press release)
3 April 2002 Sweden
Wanted - Free DTT Boxes & Channels for Sweden
Christina Jutterstroem, the new MD of Sveriges Television, SVT, Sweden's public service broadcaster has proposed free basic DTT boxes for all licence payers and several new digital channels, including a new possible children/youth channel to attract new audience groups for the digital future. Jutterstroem is eager for an early rapid transformation of the Swedish TV landscape from analogue to digital has called for 2004 as the optimal transition date for analogue switch-off. (Source: Advanced-Television.com) (see article)
2 April 2002 UK
BBC launches GCSE Bitesize on Digital TV
The BBCi text service is offering on all UK digital platforms, core revision notes for English, mathematics, biology, chemistry, and physics. In September, the BBC, in partnership with the Department of Education, will also provide GCSE course materials via the London-based VOD service, HomeChoice. (Source: BBC) (see article)
2 April 2002 USA
Discovery launches 2 new VOD Channels
Discovery Communications has introduced two new VOD services, a new subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) service, Discovery on Demand™ and an entry-level, free VOD content service, Choice 10 Discovery™. Discovery on Demand™ will offer up to 500 of the very best titles from Discovery's programming library. Users will also enjoy full VCR functionality as they watch their selections. Choice 10 Discovery™ will provide in ten categories of Discovery content, 10-25 hours of popular Discovery shows with full VCR functionality. The service will include advertising and menu sponsorships along with a new file-served, on demand advertising menu branded Discovery Sponsor Cinema™. "We estimate that, depending on server capacity, our sponsor messages will constitute approximately 10-15% of our file-served, video-on-demand content," continued Hendricks. "This is roughly comparable to the advertising load on our cable networks." (Source: Discovery Communications) (see press release)
1 April 2002 USA
Pledge for US to have Interactive cable by the Summer
TV Guide Interactive, WorldGate and Concurrent Computer Corporation's video-on-demand (VOD) system are offering a cost-effective ITV package that operates without a middleware platform and combines a variety of services, which include WorldGate's interactive applications, TV Guide's digital interactive program guide and Concurrent's broadband VOD services. It is currently being tested and is expected be available to North American cable operators at the beginning of summer 2002. (Source: Worldgate) (see press release)
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Last updated 30 April 2004