Advanced Television

DTG’s D-Book 9 paves the way for UHD

More efficient encoding (HEVC) introduced to products to help pave the way for future UHD (Ultra High Definition) services is one of the key elements of the DTG’s D-Book 9, the industry-determined, next-generation, universally-deployed specification which supports future interactive services and enables the transition towards HbbTV. Open, democratic and supportive of public policy, the D-Book […]

November 3, 2016

Asia: Increasing demand for telco OTT/broadband bundles

Research consultancy Media Partners Asia (MPA) has launched the Asia Video Consumer Panel, a research report offering detailed insights into how consumers engage, use and interact with video content in emerging and mature markets, focusing on TV and digital video platforms, including key regional and local OTT video operators. The panel covers six Asian markets […]

November 3, 2016

DirecTV sued for Dodgers Channel ‘collusion’

The US Department of Justice has sued DirecTV and its corporate successor, AT&T Inc for acting as the ringleader of a series of unlawful information exchanges between DirecTV and three of its competitors – Cox Communications Inc., Charter Communications Inc. and AT&T – during the companies’ negotiations to carry SportsNet LA, which holds the exclusive […]

November 3, 2016

Telia criticises spectrum auction cancellation

Swedish telco Telia has criticised the decision by the national regulator PTS to discontinue the on-going auction of frequencies in the 700 Mhz band for mobile broadband, suggesting it was a step back for digitalisation in Sweden. The Swedish Government made the decision that the 694-790 MHz frequency space should be available for terrestrial television […]

November 2, 2016By Colin Mann

Hulu agrees Fox, Disney deals

US SVoD service Hulu has secured new affiliate agreements with 21st Century Fox and The Walt Disney Company that will add Fox’s premier entertainment, news, sports and non-fiction services, as well as Disney’s portfolio of networks from Disney/ABC Television Group and ESPN to the line-up of programming that will be available to stream live and […]

November 2, 2016

Roku adds Live TV Pause

Streaming platform Roku has introduced a number of automatic software updates providing new features and fixes designed to give users a great streaming experience. In a blog post, Chas Smith, SVP and general manager Roku TV & Players, notes that the release of Roku OS 7.5, the latest version of its operating system to Roku […]

November 2, 2016

CenturyLink buys Level 3 for $34bn

In a deal that creates the US’s second largest domestic communications provider serving global enterprise customers, telcos CenturyLink and Level 3 Communications have agreed a merger under which CenturyLink will acquire Level 3 in a cash and stock transaction valued at approximately $34 billion (€31.1bn), including the assumption of debt. Under terms of the agreement, […]

October 31, 2016

NZ regulator questions Vodafone/Sky merger

New Zealand’s Commerce Commission has sent a Letter of Unresolved Issues to Vodafone and Sky television in relation to their proposed merger announced in June 2016. The letter outlines that on the basis of information gathered to date, the Commission is currently not satisfied that the proposed merger will not have, or would not be […]

October 31, 2016By Colin Mann

PTCL signs Netflix deal

Pakistani telco PTCL has become the first telco in the country to sign a partnership agreement with Netflix. The pair will use their respective resources for mutual benefit, utilising and maximising the viewing experience and penetration of Netflix services in Pakistan. This agreement will serve as a way forward for both PTCL and Netflix to […]

October 31, 2016

Freeview Play TV guide for LG TVs

LG Electronics has confirmed that owners of 2016 LG Smart TVs, will be able to take full advantage of Freeview Play functionality by scrolling back through their TV guide to enjoy shows from the last seven days. In addition, entertainment services from UKTV Play and STV will also join the range of catch up services […]

October 31, 2016