IPTV News
October 31, 2007
Microsoft has denied rumours that Microsoft Mediaroom (IPTV) will be included in the imminent Xbox 360 firmware update, although the service should be available by the end of the year. The rumour, that Microsoft was planning to launch IPTV on the Xbox this autumn, started when an Xbox 360 owner received the device back from Microsoft, after it had been repaired. ...
No autumn launch for Xbox IPTV
by Janet HarrisMicrosoft has denied rumours that Microsoft Mediaroom (IPTV) will be included in the imminent Xbox 360 firmware update, although the service should be available by the end of the year. The rumour, that Microsoft was planning to launch IPTV on the Xbox this autumn, started when an Xbox 360 owner received the device back from Microsoft, after it had been repaired. ...
Cypress announces world's smallest USB transceiver
by Jan HarrisCypress Semiconductor has announced the smallest available, high-speed, USB 2.0 transceiver - the MoBL-USB TX3LP18. The transceiver measures just 2.2mm x 1.8mm, 20 percent smaller than its nearest competitor, and is offered in a 20-pin wafer level chip scale package (WLCSP). The device also offers a high level of power-efficiency with a 0.5 uA nominal sleep mode. This provides prolonged battery-life for a ...
Magnet launches converged voice and data VoIP service
by Jan HarrisMagnet Business, a Dublin based broadband business, has launched a new converged voice and data service for VoIP phone systems. The service is provided over a single circuit which eliminates the need for separate ISDN lines. The reduction in expensive ISDN lines, combined with cheaper call charges, can save businesses up to 85 percent in costs. The service is available to companies within ...
Announcement on Google phone imminent
by Janet Harris
According to the Wall Street Journal, Google will make a series of announcements over the next couple of weeks, about mobile-phone software which combines Google applications on a mobile platform.
Google phone, which is an operating system rather than an actual phone, would run on several different models of phone, and could ...Toshiba Vardia records high def on DVD
by Janet Harris
Toshiba is launching its new Vardia recorder in Japan this week for pre-orders, and will start shipping the product in December.
The Vardia RD-A301, which will cost around ¥99,000 (£420), records broadcast HD TV onto a standard DVD-R, which is significantly cheaper than an HD DVD or Blu-ray disk.
It ...China Netcom opens London HQ
by Jan HarrisChina’s second largest fixed-line telephone company, China Netcom, is opening its European Headquarters in London this week. In line with China's current "go-global policy, China Netcom plans to serve both Chinese companies with operations in Europe and European companies with operations in China, via its telecoms network. The company's network already covers cities in Asia, Europe and the US, and China Netcom ...
Wholesale VoIP service expansion from AT&T
by Lin FreestoneAT&T, the world leader in voice and IP networking, announced the expanded availability of its Voice Over IP Connect Service (AVOICS). AVOICS is the flagship wholesale VoIP offer for US service providers that require IP-based connectivity to AT&T's global IP network for long distance call termination. For more than 10 years, AT&T has provided wholesale VoIP solutions, which address the US ...
October 30, 2007
Vodafone is tipped to be the new operator partner for Lebara Mobile, which is launching a pay-as-you-go Sim card service in the UK. The deal will allow Lebara Mobile to uses Vodafone's network for the service, which targets the UK's growing immigrant population. Lebara Mobile Sim cards, top-ups and a range of handsets will be available online and through national and independent ...
Vodafone to partner with Lebara Mobile
by Jan HarrisVodafone is tipped to be the new operator partner for Lebara Mobile, which is launching a pay-as-you-go Sim card service in the UK. The deal will allow Lebara Mobile to uses Vodafone's network for the service, which targets the UK's growing immigrant population. Lebara Mobile Sim cards, top-ups and a range of handsets will be available online and through national and independent ...
Sharp intros 22, 26, 32 inch Aquos TVs
by Janet Harris
Sharp has extended its Aquos range of full high definition LCD TVs, with 22, 26 and 32 inch sets. The 22- and 26-inch models are the first LCD TVs to support full HD resolution in these screen sizes.
The 22 and 26 inch models have a contrast ratio of ...Joost boosts content with Chello Zone
by Janet HarrisChello Zone is to supply content from its Zone Reality and Zone Horror channels to Internet television service Joost. Joost will show Psychic Private Eyes, Haunted Houses and Disasters of the Century from Zone Reality content, together with the Grindhouse titles and the popular CUT! short films from Zone Horror. Channel operator Chello Zone, which was formerly known as Zonemedia, already provides ...
CSR launches Music'n'Voice dongle design
by Jan HarrisCSR Plc, the Cambridge-based provider of personal wireless technology, has launched a USB Bluetooth dongle design, which enables Bluetooth headphones to be used with a PC for VoIP calls and for the wireless streaming of music. The low cost Music'n'Voice Bluetooth dongle allows users to switch between listening to music and taking a VoIP call. It is available from CSR and includes ...
T-Mobile announces Shadow smartphone
by Janet Harris
T-Mobile has announced the T-Mobile Shadow from HTC, the first in the Shadow range of affordable multimedia smartphones.
The quad-band phone runs Windows Mobile 6 and has a slide-out 'QWERTY-like' keypad, which is five keys wide and has two letters on each key.
The phone allows users to view and edit Microsoft Office documents and ...Samson announces G-Track USB Condenser Microphone
by Jan HarrisSamson Audio has launched G-Track, the world's first USB condenser microphone. G-Track has a line-level stereo input jack with a built-in switch, allowing the user to record up to two things at the same time, such as vocals and an electric instrument. It features a large diaphragm studio condenser, and includes a stereo headphone jack for no-latency monitoring of recordings-in-progress. G-Track comes with ...
October 29, 2007
Phoenix Audio Technologies, a US-based innovator of audio communication solutions, has launched the Quatro Speakerphone, which operates as an add-on device to existing telephones. The device utilises features like dialing and memory storing, while taking over the audio portion of the communication and replacing it with its processed and improved audio stream. In addition to the core speakerphone unit, there are a ...
Conferencing speakerphone from Phoenix
by Lin FreestonePhoenix Audio Technologies, a US-based innovator of audio communication solutions, has launched the Quatro Speakerphone, which operates as an add-on device to existing telephones. The device utilises features like dialing and memory storing, while taking over the audio portion of the communication and replacing it with its processed and improved audio stream. In addition to the core speakerphone unit, there are a ...
PMC memory promises 1TB thumbdrives
by Jan HarrisArizona State University researchers are developing a new type of solid state memory called programmable metallization cell (PMC). PMC, which uses a new kind of nanotechnology, is said to be cheaper and more efficient than flash, and is capable of storing substantially more data than current technology. Researchers have brought the technology to the stage where one terabyte USB thumbdrives could be ...
BT Vision launches 'On' magazine
by Janet HarrisBT's IPTV service, BT Vision, is launching a new magazine for customers, with the title 'On'. The magazine will showcase BT Vision's programme highlights and will also provide information and tips to help customers use the service to best effect. On will be published twice a month, with the first issue due to be published in November. It will be 52 pages ...
Sky Broadband secures over one million customers
by Jan HarrisBSkyB's Sky Broadband service has passed the one million customers mark. The company acquired Easynet in October 2005, marking its move into broadband and telephony services, as well as satellite TV. BSkyB subsequenty re-branded Easynet, and launched Sky Broadband in August 2006. For the year to June 30, 2007, BSkyB gained 716,000 broadband customers, becoming the fastest-growing broadband provider in the UK. Carphone Warehouse ...
BBC Worldwide plans overseas HD channels
by Janet Harris
According to a report in the Guardian, BBC Worldwide is planning to launch a new high definition channel in Australia, Japan, Italy, and South Korea.
The channel will be rolled out to other countries later and will feature a "mixed genre" of programming.
The global expansion is part of the broadcaster's strategy ...November 2 launch for 3Skypephone
by Janet Harris
Mobile media company, 3UK has announced the release of its 3Skypephone on November 2.
The 3G device, which functions as a standard mobile, can make VoIP calls with one touch of the Skype button which is located in the middle of the device.
Users can then make free Skype-to-Skype mobile calls and also send ...3UK launches Skype phone on November 2
by Jan Harris3UK, the mobile phone company, has announced the release date for its Skype phone, which will provide mobile VoIP services. The 3 Skypephone will allow Skype users to make free calls over the internet. It will also allow customers to send instant messages to other users for free. The phone, which will also function as a standard mobile phone, will be ...
US study indicates VoIP still lags behind in call quality
by Lin FreestoneKeynote Systems has issued the results of a recent study which shows that VoIP users in the US are still experiencing significant sound quality and audio delay problems. The study measured twelve major VoIP and digital phone providers in terms of service availability, call completion rates, and audio delay. The results showed that, although these services have improved in recent years, ...
October 27, 2007
At IBE 2007, held in Mumbai between 25 and 27 October, it was predicted that there will be one million IPTV subscribers in India by 2011. At the convention, it was emphasised that for IPTV to succeed, companies need to get their act together in the areas of access, content and technology. IBE 2007 is a new ground-breaking partnership event in Mumbai, ...
India to have one million IPTV subscribers by 2011
by Lin FreestoneAt IBE 2007, held in Mumbai between 25 and 27 October, it was predicted that there will be one million IPTV subscribers in India by 2011. At the convention, it was emphasised that for IPTV to succeed, companies need to get their act together in the areas of access, content and technology. IBE 2007 is a new ground-breaking partnership event in Mumbai, ...
October 26, 2007
LG is one of the fastest growing electronics companies in the world. Their products definitely strive to confirm that idea. The 26LC7D is LG's new LCD model featuring 1366 x 768p high definition resolution, Super IPS technology, LG's exclusive XD Engine, and a wide degree viewing angle, two HDMI ...
LG 26LC7D LCD
by Franz BicarLG is one of the fastest growing electronics companies in the world. Their products definitely strive to confirm that idea. The 26LC7D is LG's new LCD model featuring 1366 x 768p high definition resolution, Super IPS technology, LG's exclusive XD Engine, and a wide degree viewing angle, two HDMI ...UK broadband connections now over 14 million
by Jan HarrisThe latest figures from Ofcom show broadband connections in the UK passing the 14 million mark in the second quarter. According to Ofcom's latest telecoms market report, broadband connections totaled 14,365,000 at the end of the quarter, almost 3 million more compared with the second quarter of 2006. The number of LLU (Local Loop Unbundled) lines was 2,432,000, a rise of nearly ...
Home Media Research finds Blu-ray outselling HD DVD
by Janet Harris
A new survey by Home Media Research found that Blu-ray outsold HD DVD by two units to one in the US, during the first nine months of the year.
According to Home Media Research, US sales of Blu-ray discs totalled 2.6 million units between January and September, compared ...DaweVision to launch Babel TV in November
by Janet HarrisDaweVision, which is headed by Pipex founder Peter Dawe, is launching Babel TV. The device, which combines a Freeview set-top box, Personal Video Recorder (PVR) and Internet access via a wired Ethernet connection, was developed by Peter Dawe and colleague Mark Turner. An optional wirless module will be made available, which uses powerline networking to ensure video quality isn't compromised. The Babel set-top ...
OnRelay launches Swiss office
by Jan HarrisOnRelay, a privately held VoIP software company headquartered in London, has opened a branch in Switzerland as part of its international expansion strategy. OnRelay is notable for having launched the world’s first global private mobile branch exchange (MBX). The OnRelay MBX is able to seamlessly integrate employees’ mobile phones with an enterprise's existing corporate voice system (PBX), providing the first Fixed Mobile ...
November release for HTC Touch Cruise
by Janet Harris
HTC (High Tech Computer) is expected to launch the new Touch Cruise, a touch-controlled PDA, in November.
The PDA will feature HTC's TouchFLO technology, and is expected to have additional TouchFLO gestures: half turn of the fingler to rotate an object and full turn to zoom in.
HTC Touch Cruise, which was originally ...Telenor launches Turbo-3G in Norway
by Lin FreestoneTelenor, the Norwegian telco, is planning to offer Turbo-3G service in Norway's four largest cities by November 2007, and intends to provide the service to a further six cities by January 2008. Turbo-3G will be launched initially in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger and Trondheim, together with various winter sport centres in southern Norway. Telenor claims that its Turbo-3G provides wireless internet access ...
Vonage settles patent dispute with Verizon for up to $120m
by Lin FreestoneVonage, the New Jersey-based provider of Internet-based telephone service, has resolved its ongoing patent dispute with Verizon Communications for a maximum of $120m. The precise amount of Vonage's final payout to Verizon depends on whether the federal appeals court grants a rehearing requested by Vonage on the two central patents. If Vonage wins a rehearing on either of the two patent disputes, ...
World Phone unveils VoIP plans in India
by Lin FreestoneWorld Phone Internet Services, India's leading Category "A" ISP, has announced its plans to provide post-paid VoIP for the first time in the country. The monthly plans are targeted towards Indian companies, and will enable them to make calls to the USA, UK, Australia and Canada at Rs 995 onwards, effectively bringing the price down to less than 50 paisa per ...
October 25, 2007
UK telecommunications company, BT, has partnered with Golden Telecom, a provider of integrated telecommunications and Internet services in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States. Under the terms of the partnership agreement, BT will have access to Golden Telecom's backbone network, allowing the company to expand into Russia and worldwide. It will improve network reliability in Russia for BT's customers, particularly the ...
BT partners with Golden Telecom
by Jan HarrisUK telecommunications company, BT, has partnered with Golden Telecom, a provider of integrated telecommunications and Internet services in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States. Under the terms of the partnership agreement, BT will have access to Golden Telecom's backbone network, allowing the company to expand into Russia and worldwide. It will improve network reliability in Russia for BT's customers, particularly the ...
Elgato announces Turbo.264 video to MP4 converter
by Jan HarrisElgato Systems has announced Turbo.264, a USB stick which serves as a hardware encoder to convert video files to the MP4 format for iPod, Apple TV, and Sony PSP. Mac videos can be converted singly or in a batch. Turbo.264 drops the converted files into iTunes ready to synch automatically with an iPod or Apple TV. Turbo.264 can act as a co-processor ...
Miniweb provides web-style interactivity on TV
by Janet HarrisMiniweb Interactive Ltd, a new company created through a management buy-out of the SkyKeys/Internet Sites service, has been launched. The UK company has secured a global license for TV browser technology from BSkyB, and will deliver a TV service which brings together TV viewing, online services and interactive advertising across multiple TV distribution systems. Miniweb will replace the current SkyKeys/Internet Sites service ...
Facebook launches Blackberry service
by Janet Harris
Facebook launched a new version of its social networking service, specifically for BlackBerry smartphones, at the Wireless IT & Entertainment trade show in San Francisco.
The company also announced two new mobile extensions for Facebook Platform, its application programming interface which allows third-party developers to build their own apps for the service.
The development ...Sony Bravia KDL52XBR5 HDTV
by Franz Bicar
Viewing options are evolving, and Sony is a brand that reigns superior with High Definition quality. With the KDL52XBR5, full HD 1080p means 1920 X 1080 pixels and 1080p video inputs. Your lifestyle demands the most evolved high-definition products. With BRAVIA Full HD 1080 you get it. This panel's resolution, with ...Ericsson’s weaker sales of mobile network upgrades affects Q3 profit
by Lin FreestoneIn its third quarter report for 2007, Swedish group Ericsson, one of the world's largest wireless network makers, blamed its sharp decline in profit during the quarter on weaker sales of mobile network upgrades and expansions. Combined with continued high sales of new network buildouts, the changed business mix within networks affected group margins negatively. All other businesses performed as expected. Ericsson’s ...
Global Crossing adds Mexico to its VoIP Local Service
by Lin FreestoneGlobal Crossing, a US-based global IP solutions provider, has extended its VoIP local service to 16 major metropolitan cities in Mexico, and a further 400 cities in the United States. The company now offers its Global Crossing VoIP Local Service to a total of 21 countries. By adding 400 more cities in the US, including Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, and ...
WiFiMobile takes control with own VoIP client
by Jan HarrisVoIP provider, WiFiMobile, is promoting the benefits of having its own VoIP client - oneFone - as opposed to relying on Network Operators to supply handsets with the manufacturer's VoIP client pre-installed. WiFiMobile has developed oneFone as a stand-alone application which allows a mobile user to benefit from a VoIP service, even if a Network Operator removes the manufacturer's client. This scenario ...
October 24, 2007
Smallworld Media is planning to launch its super-fast Max Broadband package for residential users in the UK, on November 1st. The service provides broadband speeds of 30Mbps - the fastest speed currently available for UK users. The new service, which will be available over Smallworld's cable network, follows a major investment by the company in digital infrastructure and the launch of a ...
Smallworld announces 30Mbps MaX Broadband
by Jan HarrisSmallworld Media is planning to launch its super-fast Max Broadband package for residential users in the UK, on November 1st. The service provides broadband speeds of 30Mbps - the fastest speed currently available for UK users. The new service, which will be available over Smallworld's cable network, follows a major investment by the company in digital infrastructure and the launch of a ...
connectBlue USB adaptor features Bluetooth and WLAN
by Jan HarrisconnectBlue, the wireless communications specialist, has developed a USB serial port adaptor, which features both Bluetooth and WLAN (wireless local area networking) capabilities. The adaptor is designed to make configuring and testing industrial applications easy. connectBlue serves the industrial automation, medical, instrumentation, diagnostics, logistics, vehicle and point of sales segments. The adaptor is simply plugged into a PC and automatically installs as ...
Hitachi L42V651 Ultravision LCD HDTV
by Franz Bicar
When getting a TV, you can always say that it's all in the details, and the Hitachi L42V651 TV is no exception. The L42V651 Ultravision LCD HDTV offers a mind-bogglingly clear, high-quality, and sharp image with the inclusion of Full HD1080 resolution.
Hitachi's Full HD1080 feature perfectly matches the 1080i ...TIOTI secures funding from Pond Venture Partners
by Janet HarrisTIOTI (Tape It Off The Internet) has secured first-round, seven-digit funding from Pond Venture Parners, Europe’s largest early-stage technology venture capital fund. The company, which launched its service in October, also recently received an investment from Alegro Capital. TIOTI now indexes over 75,000 television shows and more than 500,000 individual episodes on www.tioti.com. The site does not host any video content ...
Microsoft turns smartphones into laptops
by Janet Harris
Microsoft introduced a mobile management system for smart phones at CTIA Wireless IT & Entertainment 2007, the wireless industry trade show in San Francisco.
The company introduced a new server product called System Centre Mobile Device Manager 2008, which includes a VPN (virtual private network).
This allows companies to add Windows mobile and ...LG announces 32-inch plasma TV
by Janet Harris
LG is planning to launch a 32-inch plasma TV in the UK market in November. The set is the first plasma TV of this size to be released by LG. The technology is more commonly associated with much larger screen sizes.
The product is targeted at plasma fans who either have limited space, ...
October 23, 2007
Telefonica SA, the leading telecommunications operator in the Spanish and Portuguese-speaking world, and a group of Italian financial investors, has been given conditional approval by Brazilian regulators to the purchase of a controlling stake in Telecom Italia SpA. The conditions imposed by Anatel, the telecommunications regulating agency in Brazil, will be outlined in a news conference yet to be arranged. Telefonica and ...
Conditional approval for Telefonica SA from Brazilian regulators
by Lin FreestoneTelefonica SA, the leading telecommunications operator in the Spanish and Portuguese-speaking world, and a group of Italian financial investors, has been given conditional approval by Brazilian regulators to the purchase of a controlling stake in Telecom Italia SpA. The conditions imposed by Anatel, the telecommunications regulating agency in Brazil, will be outlined in a news conference yet to be arranged. Telefonica and ...
Trial download of NoiseFree VoIP
by Lin FreestoneNoise Free Wireless, a leading US provider of next generation software for the enhancement of voice-based communications, has made available for trial its new NoiseFree VoIP, Beta product version. VoIP users wishing to try the Beta product version can go to the Noise Free website: http://www.noise-free-wireless.com/ and download a copy of the software. NoiseFree VoIP offers a unique, patent-pending software solution that ...
European Regulators' Group want harmonised VoIP rules
by Lin FreestoneThe EU’s telephone regulators have called for harmonised rules governing VoIP usage throughout the 27 member nations. VoIP call providers have in the past claimed that they are Internet services, not telecom operators, and thus not obliged to offer services like emergency calls. EU national regulators have said they have to co-operate on Internet calls as these do not follow national ...
HP's MediaSmart 1080p LCD HDTV
by Franz Bicar
It looks like a standard LCD TV, but HP's MediaSmart 1080p LCD HDTV will bring you more than just television and DVDs. The SL4778N has a built-in network media device that allows you to create a wireless Ethernet connection to your computer.
On a full 1080p high-definition screen, you'll enjoy ...
