Advanced Television

Rights

NBC, Fox file sue Redlasso

The lawsuit, comes two months after the television networks complained in a letter to the closely held website that it violated copyright laws by running unauthorised clips and full-length programs. After receiving the letter, the lawsuit charges, “Redlasso, in fact, did not stop reproducing, publicly performing or publicly displaying the network’s programming and content.” Redlasso […]

July 28, 2008

MTV South Europe to create branded hostels

MTV South Europe, one of the seven divisions of the global music TV network present in 146 countries, plans to create a network of branded hostels for young tourists. Presenting MTV Italia's autumn program schedule in Milan, CEO Antonio Campo Dall'Orto said that the broadcaster is “sounding out several global entrepreneurs in the hotel business” […]

July 25, 2008

FCC urged to reject MPAA exemption

But the groups said the waiver _will give the largest motion picture production companies veto power over the connections which are used to connect set-top boxes, receivers, high definition televisions, home theatre systems, digital video recorders and other consumer electronics devices, the groups said in their comments. This veto power will give media companies leverage […]

July 25, 2008

FCC urged to reject MPAA exemption

Seven public-interest and consumer groups have called on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to turn down Hollywood_s request to take control of consumers' TV sets But the groups said the waiver _will give the largest motion picture production companies veto power over the connections which are used to connect set-top boxes, receivers, high definition televisions, […]

July 24, 2008

AOL men back doc site

Three former top executives of AOL are backing a new online video venture being launched aimed at creating a new outlet for documentary feature films, a category that has struggled to gain mainstream attention. Founded by AOL Vice Chairman Emeritus Ted Leonsis, the site, SnagFilms, will offer about 200 feature-length films initially, with about 750 […]

July 18, 2008

Cable Europe welcomes EU copyright review

Cable Europe, welcomed the decision of the European Commission to address the monopolistic way in which copyright collecting societies are organised in Europe. Cable Europe called for a new copyright collecting system that stimulates the development of new digital content services, and ‘future proofs' collections. Cable operators in Europe regard the Commission's decision (to order […]

July 17, 2008

BT offers Setanta for free

BT Vision has confirmed it will be offering sports channel Setanta Sports 1 on a subscription free basis. If users sign up to the Bronze, Silver or Gold packages, which start at £14 (E18) a month, they will receive Setanta Sports 1 free of charge. This gives access to Setanta Sports 1's 46 live Barclays […]

July 15, 2008

TV sports rights setback for Sogecable

From David Del Valle in MadridSogecable’s attempt to increase the value of its pay-TV unit Digital Plus for its eventual sale is being hindered by its competitors in the Spanish TV market. The company has suffered a new setback by losing the pay-TV rights to the European Champions League from 2009, to Mediapro, main shareholder […]

July 15, 2008

UKTV unveils new channel brands

Cable and satellite programmer UKTV is launching of three distinct channel brands: Watch (previously UKTV Gold +1), GOLD and Alibi (previously UKTV Drama). All three Operating as a linear catch-up service for modern classics including Torchwood, Mistresses and Larkrise to Candleford, Watch will sit next to Gold in the pay section of the EPG. The […]

July 14, 2008

OPTA forces Dutch cable TV to allow resellers

Dutch cable television operators will be forced to allow rivals to resell TV subscriptions under a draft decision by telecoms regulator OPTA. At the same KPN has long complained that it has to allow alternative providers on its network while cable television companies such as Ziggo and Liberty Global’s UPC, whose networks can also carry […]

July 14, 2008