Advanced Television

Connected TV

NOW TV on Chromecast, adds ITV Encore

BSkyB has confirmed that its NOW TV OTT service is available on Google’s media streaming device Chromecast. Sky says the arrival of NOW TV to Chromecast offers customers another new way to enjoy the latest blockbuster movies, live action from all Sky Sports channels and must-see shows on 13 of the best pay-TV channels from […]

September 3, 2014

shomi SVoD from Rogers, Shaw

Canadian media companies Shaw Communications and Rogers Communications are teaming up to launch shomi, a new subscription video-on-demand service, which they say ups the ante in entertainment with the latest, most exclusive shows and selections personalised for users. Available initially on tablet, mobile, online, Xbox 360 and set-top boxes, shomi will launch in beta first […]

August 27, 2014By Colin Mann

TCL, Hisense unveil Roku Smart TVs

TCL (The Creative Life), one of the fastest growing brands in the US, and streaming platform Roku have confirmed the availability of the TCL Roku TV line-up. TCL will offer four TCL Roku TV models. Beginning August 19th, US consumers can pre-order models from Amazon.com. TCL Roku TV models will be available from major retailers […]

August 19, 2014By Colin Mann

Google TV will disrupt Apple and Roku

The arrival of Google’s Android TV platform could well disrupt the landscape for streaming media players now dominated by Roku and Apple TV, potentially disturbing a rapidly expanding market that sells tens of millions of units every year, according to research from IHS Technology. The worldwide installed base for streaming media players is forecast to […]

August 11, 2014

Value-added features make STBs seem obsolete

Smart applications and more interaction with the TV, both with different devices and for better navigation without a cumbersome TV remote, are priorities for consumers’ next TV purchase in the UK and US. A  study from the Digital Home Observatory (DHO) at Strategy Analytics

August 6, 2014

Oz FreeviewPlus confirms September launch

Originally scheduled for launch in the first half of 2014, but delayed as a result of technical issues, Australian DTT platform Freeview has confirmed that its FreeviewPlus HbbTV service will now launch September 2, and will be backed by a TV teaser campaign, featuring some of Australia’s best-loved TV personalities. The campaign, carrying the tagline […]

August 6, 2014By Colin Mann

Apple TV sales slow

Apple TV sales growth have slowed significantly this year, down to a 12 per cent annual growth rate at an estimated 1.9 million units sold in Q2 2014, according to a Strategy Analytics Connected Home Devices (CHD) service report. Other key findings from the report include:

August 5, 2014

Apple readies TV onslaught?

Apple has deployed its own content delivery network in the US and Europe, and negotiated interconnect deals with a significant ISPs, including Comcast, according to a report on Streamingmedia.com. Apple has put in place access to 10 times the capacity it is currently using according to the report. While content from iTunes is currently delivered […]

August 4, 2014

Telefonica, Samsung Smart TV deal

Telefonica and Samsung have reached an agreement that will allow users to acquire Samsung Smart TV sets with the Movistar TV service integrated. With this deal both companies aim to strengthen their position in the Smart TV market combining content with last generation TV sets. “This represents a new business model that enables our telecomunications […]

July 30, 2014From David Del Valle in Madrid

Netflix on international charge

Analysis of Netflix subscriber data by pay-TV analysis firm Digital TV Research backs up comments made by CEO Reed Hastings on Netflix’s Q2 Earnings Call that there is a growing demand for control and for the consumer be able to click and watch what they want, resulting in a stepping-up on international expansion. While Netflix […]

July 24, 2014By Colin Mann