Newsclip Service
Archive - May 2001
18 May 2001
Sony puts digital TV recording in a PC
Sony, the electronics giant which already makes a PVR set-top
box for TiVo, joins a growing number of companies that are starting to bundle
digital video recording features with their products. In announcing the
PCV-RX490TV Vaio computer on Thursday, Sony claims it is the only PC maker to
offer U.S. consumers a computer that comes pre-packaged with TV and PVR
features. (see full article)
Portugal’s TV Cabo gears up to start an interactive-television service with Microsoft support
TV Cabo, a unit of Portugal Telecom SA, will be the first cable company in the world to start a service running Microsoft’s TV Advanced software (MSNBC is a Microsoft-NBC joint venture). TV Advanced, which let television operators offer interactive services such as shopping and banking, was supposed to make its debut on United Pan-Europe Communications NV’s cable network last autumn. But Microsoft couldn’t complete the software in time, and UPC is still testing it, along with a rival system from Liberate Technologies of San Carlos, California. (see full article) (see Microsoft press release)
17 May 2001
Europe/USA/ Datamonitor forecasts interactive TV growth
The market for online games and interactive TV (iTV) games in Europe and the US will grow tremendously over the next few years according to two new reports just released by Datamonitor. (see press release)
Telewest and Sony are claiming a first in the online gaming sector
Telewest, the broadband communications
group, and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) have announced an agreement
to combine Telewest's broadband network with Sony's Playstation®2. Together
they will be trialling Europe's first broadband connection with a computer
entertainment system.
The collaboration will enable consumers potentially to sample a very broad range
of services, from games and playable level downloads, to applications such as
lifestyle and gaming editorial content. All forms of on-line game activity will
be explored including pay per play and high quality multi-player on-line gaming.
(see press release)
IBM Set-top Chip to Support Linux
It appears that IBM has said that that its PowerPC-based set-top box controllers will support Linux and outlined its next generation of set-top platform will support interactive television services as well as Internet access (see article)
16 May 2001
Sony to include RealPlayer on PlayStation 2
Sony and RealNetworks announced a strategic alliance to embed RealPlayer 8 and other RealNetworks client technologies on Sony's PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system.. This integration will enable the more than 10 million users of PlayStation 2 to enjoy their favorite Internet media, including sports, breaking news and entertainment, through RealPlayer. (see press release)
In addition Macromedia and Sony have announced their partnership to bring the Macromedia Flash Player to the Sony PlayStation 2 (see press release)
Sony have also announced that that a network adapter for the PlayStation 2 that combines high-speed Ethernet connection with a V90 analog modem that will allow consumers network access and connection to multiple devices in the home through PlayStation 2 at the same time. By connecting to a broadband network such as CATV and DSL through Ethernet, PlayStation 2 can also be connected to analog telephone lines. These capabilities allow for immediate access to online games available to a wide audience on PlayStation 2.
7 May 2001
VOD in Netherlands
Dutch group KPN Telecom NV are testing technology that would allow it to offer interactive TV, video on demand (VoD) and games to consumers along with its high-speed Internet service. (see article)
4 May 2001
BSkyB set to pull plug on ailing Open
According to various news articles BkyB is set to set to dismantle Open following heavy losses at the interactive home shopping service. Reports suggest Open will be integrated with BSkyB's new media operations. (See articles This is Money, The Times, FT)
MSc in Digital Television Management and Production
The University of Brighton in the UK are planning to offer an MSc in Digital Television Management and Production. They claim it will will be highly relevant to the needs of the new digital and interactive television industry. To ensure this, they are currently carrying out a survey of the skills and training needs of DTV companies. (further details)