RealNetworks and major film studios are off in a legal battle over a new product allowing consumers to make computer copies of DVDs that the studios claim is illegal. "RealNetworks’ RealDVD should be called StealDVD," Greg Goeckner, executive vice president and general counsel for the MPAA. "RealNetworks knows its product violates the law and undermines […]
Ofcom has said that BSkyB has "market power" over live Premier League football and Hollywood films and has launched a consultation that could force it to make the content available to all other pay TV operators at more competitive prices.Publishing the findings of its review of the UK pay-TV market, Ofcom said that BSkyB has […]
In more bad news for BSkyB, the company may have to sell even more of its stake in ITV than it was expecting after the Competition Appeal said an original antitrust ruling may not have been tough enough.With ITV's share price at record lows this would crystallize yet more losses on the deal for BSkyB. […]
Alcatel-Lucent is introducing a new advertising delivery solution for IPTV networks that can enhance the TV ad model by enabling service providers to distribute ads to distinct groups of consumers. Alcatel-Lucent’s Targeted and Interactive IPTV Advertising Solution is designed to increase IPTV revenue by making it possible for advertisers to reach the most attractive potential […]
From David Del Valle in MadridSatellite beats cable and IPTV in the pay-TV distribution in Spain. A report from ONTSI, Spanish telco Observatory reveals that 48.9% of Spanish homes have access to pay-TV services through satellite with more than 2 million subscribers. Pay-TV cable distribution represents 36.2% of all pay-TV consumers, with ONO taking the lead […]
The proportion of its subscribers accessing Virgin Media's on demand service has passed 50% for the first time. Virgin announced that the number of views had increased from 34 million in January to 45 million views in August 2008. The figure compares favourably with other international providers such as UPC Netherlands, which has reached 40%.The […]
Verizon Communications, Time Warner Cable and AT&T have all told a Senate Commerce Committee that they support an opt-in system for targeted online advertising and pledged to hold to basic best practices.Opting in means that companies that want to track Web surfers' movements and use that data to target ads to them must get their […]
Freesat, the free-to-air digital satellite TV service from the BBC and ITV, has sold 100,000 set-top boxes during its first five months. Free high definition (HD) services has enabled Freesat to achieve sales described as strong and steady throughout a tough period for most high street retailers. Emma Scott, managing director of Freesat, said she […]
DirecTV Group has confirmed that AT&T has picked it to offer a co-branded package of video, home telephone, wireless phone and Internet service from February 1st, 2009.The news mean AT&T will not be renewing its five-year partnership with DISH Network raising new concern about future of the second largest satellite TV provider. DirecTV will begin […]
BT is about to start further trials of a controversial internet advertising technology. The Phorm Webwise system watches what people do online and shows adverts tuned to their interests. From 30 September, a sample of BT’s customers will be invited to "opt in" to a trial of the technology. Early trials ran without the consent […]