Advanced Television

Wegener teams with ViaSat

Wegener Corporation, provider of equipment for television, audio and data distribution networks worldwide, has confirmed the operation of live video broadcasts on a VSAT network from ViaSat, showing compatibility of Wegener ‘s video overlay solution for VSAT networks. VSAT networks provide bandwidth efficient solutions for distributing interactive IP data between thousands of data centres, retail […]

March 4, 2008

RAI, BBC and NHK to develop Ultra-HDTV

From Branislav Pekic in Rome Italian public broadcaster RAI has signed an agreement with its counterparts from the UK (BBC) and Japan (NHK) for joint research towards the development of the Ultra–HDTV technology. Talks between the three partners initiated in February 2007, but no agreement was reached on a common business plan. After several meetings, […]

March 4, 2008

Viacom positive Q4

Viacom reported a 16 per cent gain in fourth-quarter earnings as it benefited from DVD sales and a strong performance at its core cable television division. Viacom earned $559.5 million, compared with $480.8 million during the same period a year earlier. Revenue jumped 19 per cent to $4.25 billion. Philippe Dauman, Viacom's chief executive, said […]

March 3, 2008

Belgacom: 300,000+ IPTV

The Belgian incumbent has claimed 305,319 year end subs for its Belgacom TV IPTV service, adding 165,654 new homes in 2007. ARPU vice was E16.10 a month. The digital subs total puts it not far behind main cable operator Telenet with about 400,000 digital homes. Total digital penetration now stands at 22 per cent.

March 3, 2008

Portugal Telecom signs up 21,000 for IPTV

From Branislav Pekic in Rome Portugal Telecom has signed up 21,000 so far for its IPTV service, 15,000 of which were added in the last three months of 2007. According to PT vice president, Zeinal Bava, the expansion of the IPTV service will be one of the priorities during 2008, together with the launch of […]

March 3, 2008

Cablevision turns profit

Cablevision Systems says it swung to a profit in the fourth quarter from a loss a year ago as it added more Internet and phone customers. Cablevision earned $6.6 million in the quarter, compared with a loss of $23.9 million a year ago. Revenues rose 10.8 per cent to $1.84 billion from $1.66 billion.

March 3, 2008

CEA says switchover subsidy needs more time

Consumer Electronics Association president Gary Shapiro has said the US government should give viewers more time to cash in their digital-TV-to-analogue converter-box coupons. Shapiro said there was a growing consensus that viewers should be allowed to reapply for the coupons being handed out by the government toward the purchase of the converter boxes, which will […]

March 3, 2008

blinkx Partners with BBC

blinkx has inked a partnership deal with BBC iPlayer, the BBC's online on-demand service, to give blinkx viewers direct access to the latest BBC TV footage. Through the partnership, BBC iPlayer programmes will be searchable and accessible via blinkx.com with a preview offered to users prior to viewing on the BBC's iPlayer download or live […]

March 3, 2008

Sky expands HD line-up

Sky UK will offer more high definition programmes on its service by increasing the range of channels available via its HD service. Over the next couple of months, Sky Sports HD 3, Sky Movies Premiere HD and FX HD will be added to the line-up offering a wealth of new content and a number of […]

March 3, 2008

Broadcast Media develops Austrian mobile TV

Broadcast Media, service provider for the broadcasting and media industries, has been given approval to build and operate a nationwide multiplex platform for mobile terrestrial broadcasting in Austria by the regulatory authority KommAustria. Broadcast Media will seek to develop and employ a DVB-H network before the Euro 2008 football tournament begins in the summer.

March 3, 2008