Newsclip Service
August 2002
These
news-clips have been collated from various news sources because they are
considered possibly relevant to Interactive TV learning developments.
29 August 2002
At
IBC 2002, NDS Group will demonstrate their enhanced capabilities of XTV –
the first end-to-end PVR system. Using new PVR-based applications, XTV will
offer TV operators new ways to attract subscribers and generate revenues
beyond current VCR-like capabilities. (Source: NDS Group plc) (see
press release)
26 August 2002
Sweden)
SmarTV plan to initially deliver
video-on-demand movies, broadcast TV and Internet surfing via a broadband
connection a broadband set-top box, supplied by Kreatel Communications AB.
Services include hundreds of channels, on-demand movies and music;
personalized TV schedule; e-mail and Internet access. Later, SmarTV will
include a variety of e-shops, such as bookstores and even "e-pizza."
(Source: SGI Technology) (see
press release)
Sofia Digital and Agena plan to
launch a personalised Electronic Programme Guide suitable for use on the
Multimedia Home Platform (MHP). Agena has provided programme selection
software to Sofia Access 2.0, which learns the programmes watched by the
viewer and is eventually able to recommend programmes that match the viewer's
profile and tastes, without active involvement from the viewer. (Source: Sofia Digital) (see
press release)
23 August 2002
DVRs (PVRs) have received a
positive response from most consumers but their sales have not lived up to
expectations. However, within the next few months there will be an integration
of DVRs into TVs, consumer electronics and PCs as a low-cost feature, in some
cases it may even be free. Aditya Kishore, an analyst with The Yankee Group,
said "DVR was never going to
make it as a standalone product, but it has a very good chance of catching on
as part of another device where it is surrounded by other features that help
to mitigate price." (Source: ZDNet UK) (see
article)
20
August 2002
Cox Communications will launch its
new FreeZone service in San Diego, California. FreeZone is a video on demand
channel that offers free entertainment and commercial information made
possible by advertising support. All content can be viewed on-demand with full
VCR-like functionality and include permission-based follow-up interaction
between viewers and advertisers. (Source: Cox Communications, Inc.) (see
press release)
19 August 2002
Microsoft’s "Xbox Live"
online service, which will connect Xbox users is due to launch on November 15th.
Through a $49.95 "Xbox Starter Kit" user will have a year of
broadband connectivity, a “Communicator" headset (which allows
game-players to chat with each other) and a multi-player "minigame."
Tim Petras, Microsoft's director of business planning for Xbox, confirmed to
Itvt that Xbox eventually plans to "commission, fund or sponsor" ITV
content.
(Source: InteractiveTV Today Issue
4.66)
8 August 2002
Hughes Network Systems have introduced their new
Digital Satellite Recorder, which they have manufactured for DIRECTV. This new
low-cost digital video recorder (DVR) set-top box will sell for approximately
$200 and has been manufactured in cooperation with DIRECTV and TiVo. The DVR
also features dual tuners, which enables customers to record two programs at
the same time or record one program while watching another.
(Source: Hughes Network Systems) (see
press release)
5 August 2002
According to InteractiveTV Today, TVN Entertainment,
and Chaos Media Networks have entered a partnership to develop and distribute
interactive TV -enhanced VOD and SVOD packages to US cable operators. Over the
next 6 months, Chaos will enhance bundles of special interest programming via
its in-house ITV technology. These will include golf, dance and martial arts
shows which let viewers adapt the content for their skill level; mystery
series which let viewers use their remotes to see extra clues and how-to shows
which answer an individual viewer's questions. (Source: InteractiveTV Today
Issue 4.63 August 5, 2002)
1 August 2002
The main findings from Telewest’s Interim report
include a record broadband
Internet subscriber growth, which takes them up to 192,000 broadband
Internet subscribers, and 15,000 subscribers for their new 1Mb broadband
service, which was only launched seven weeks ago. (Source: Telewest) (see
report)
