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. ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
October 29, 2007
BT'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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...Samsung G800 boasts 5 megapixels plus 3x optical zoom
by Janet Harris
Samsung has released the world's first handset with both a 5 megapixel camera and 3x optical zoom.
The G800 is Samsung's second five megapixel camera phone to be released in the UK, and offers enhanced camera functionality compared with the G600 five megapixel device, which was launched in September.
The ...
October 22, 2007
TelcoTV 2007 opens in Atlanta, Georgia tomorrow, 23 October, and will run until 25 October. Now in its sixth year, TelcoTV will offer the complete IPTV ecosystem, making it the premier venue for those in the IPTV community to share their experiences, see the latest IPTV-related products, and learn from industry veterans. One of the exhibitors, Orca Interactive Ltd, a market ...
Orca Interactive will demonstrate IPTV innovation at TelcoTV 2007
by Lin FreestoneTelcoTV 2007 opens in Atlanta, Georgia tomorrow, 23 October, and will run until 25 October. Now in its sixth year, TelcoTV will offer the complete IPTV ecosystem, making it the premier venue for those in the IPTV community to share their experiences, see the latest IPTV-related products, and learn from industry veterans. One of the exhibitors, Orca Interactive Ltd, a market ...
Nortel and Widevine add content security to IPTV
by Janet HarrisWidevine’s content security solution has been integrated into Nortel’s IPTV solution and the two companies have entered into a global reseller agreement. The agreement will protect revenues and allow premium content to be licensed. Nortel will be able to sell, service and support Widevine’s downloadable conditional access and digital rights management products around the world. Widevine is a certified content protection vendor ...
KPN launches UK business partner programme
by Jan HarrisDutch telecommunications provider, KPN International, is opening its Business Partner Programme to UK VNOs, Network Integrators and VARs, in response to a demand for cross-border networking solutions. The programme will allow UK channel partners to extend their international business, through access to KPN's wholly-owned fibre network across Europe. KPN's network reaches 180 countries globally, via 100,000 km of cables and partnerships with ...
Qipit technology scans camera phone text
by Janet Harris
Qipit, the mobile scanning specialist, has developed a free online and mobile service which converts photos of handwritten or printed documents into clear digital copies.
The company has now enhanced the technology, making the scanned text more readable and preserving the integrity of photographs in “qipit†copies.
Qipit has combined patented ink ...Toshiba 23HLV87 23-inch LCD
by Franz Bicar
Toshiba's 23HLV87 delivers the ultimate in convenience by combining a TheaterWide 23-inch 16:9 TFT LCD widescreen display with a slot-loading DVD player and a NTSC/ATSC/QAM HDTV digital tuner. No more worrying about hooking up your DVD player and making room for a TV plus other components.
The 23HLV87 takes up ...Samsung's unveils LCD HDTV just 10mm thick
by Janet Harris
Samsung Electronics Co Ltd has followed the lead of Sharp, Hitachi and LG Philips, to announce an ultra-thin LCD.
At FPD International 2007, in Yokohama, Japan, October 24-26, Samsung is unveiling a range of LCD panels including a 40-inch (101.6cm) diagonal Full HD LCD TV panel only 10.0 millimeters thick.
The panel's ...
October 20, 2007
The India Digital Networks Summit, now in its third year, was held in New Delhi on 17 October. The platform is supported by both the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, for the discussion of regulation, TV channel proliferation and fragmentation, CAS, DTH, broadband, investment, and expansion strategies. At the summit, industry leaders debated the future ...
Slow take-up of digitalisation in India
by Lin FreestoneThe India Digital Networks Summit, now in its third year, was held in New Delhi on 17 October. The platform is supported by both the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, for the discussion of regulation, TV channel proliferation and fragmentation, CAS, DTH, broadband, investment, and expansion strategies. At the summit, industry leaders debated the future ...
October 19, 2007
Don't let yourself be distracted by all the whatnots offered in place of real progress. The odds are, you don't need a 108-inch flat panel TV on your 120-inch living room wall. What you do need, whether you realize it or not, is an HDTV with 120Hz image processing ...
Mitsubishi WD73833 Television
by Franz BicarDon't let yourself be distracted by all the whatnots offered in place of real progress. The odds are, you don't need a 108-inch flat panel TV on your 120-inch living room wall. What you do need, whether you realize it or not, is an HDTV with 120Hz image processing ...Mobivox expands to Spain
by Rebecca McCarthyMobivox and international calling service, has expanded its coverage of its free calling service to Spain. Mobivox members in anumber of locations across Spain including, Murcia, Granada, Vitoria-Gasteiz ,Vigo, Gijon, Terrassa, Vigo, Alcala de Henares, Bilbao ,Vitoria-Gasteiz and Sabadell are now able to join in the service and connect to other Mobivox users worldwide, and are able to talk ...
Link Telecom and Orbit Research collaborate on satellite backhaul
by Jan HarrisCorporate cellular dealer, Link Telecom, a TeleWare partner, has entered into a partnership with Orbit Research Ltd, a satellite communications specialist. The collaboration will provide satellite backhaul solutions to an integrated voice and data communications station for rapid deployment. Orbit Research Ltd's satellite internet solution provides secure, broadband-speed connections from IP based networks, with the advantage of always-on connectivity. Satellite connection is provided ...
E-Plus Mobilfunk and Alcatel-Lucent extend partnership
by Rebecca McCarthyGerman based E-Plus Mobilfunk has extended it’s contract with Alcatel-Lucent from three to five years. Alcatel-Lucent will continue to maintain and expand the Mobilfunk network during this time. The initial deal which only started in March of this year saw Alcatel-Lucent take over the running of the operational business units. The OPUs are responsible for maintenance, expansion and running of E-Plus Mobilfunk’s network. The ...
Nokia devices can now use Boingo to go online
by Rebecca McCarthyWi-fi access provider Boingo Wireless has announced that it’s Boingo Wi-fi service is now compatible with a selected range of Nokia mobile communication devices. Using the Boingo mobile software, the selected Nokia internet tablets and mobile handsets can connect to Boingo’s wireless hotspots spread across the world for a subscription fee of $7.95 per month. Compatible devices include Nokia’s Linux-based ...
Vodafone to increase availability of 3G in Hungary.
by Rebecca McCarthyVodafone has announced that it is teaming up with Huawei Technologies to increase the rate at which its broadband mobile data network develops at. In particular Vodafone is seeking to increase the availability of it’s 3G (HSDPA) adding a number of new hotspots to Budapest before expanding the service to cover a number of other Hungarian cities. Vodafone’s partnership with Huawei ...
Motorola and Bolloré Télécom trial WiMax in Paris
by Rebecca McCarthyFrench based Bolloré Télécom has partnered with mobile communications firm Motorola in order to trial WiMax technology in the French capital. The trial aims to aid Bolloré Télécom as it designs its WiMax system. The eventual aim will be to create a nomadic broadband service in France which uses the WiMax technology. Bolloré Télécom currently hold twelve WiMax licences across France. The network ...
Exterity ships 750th DVB to IPTV gateway
by Janet HarrisScottish firm Exterity has shipped its 750th DVB to IPTV gateway. The TV gateway allows companies to use an IP network to deliver content, TV and radio to users. Digital terrestrial (DVB-T) and digital satellite services (DVB-S) are simply plugged into a LAN to distribute live broadcast TV and radio over a managed network. The TV gateway can be purchased as either a ...
Pantech A1407PT features bone-conducting technology
by Janet Harris
Pantech of South Korea has launched its A1407PT handset with 'bone-conduction' into the Japanese market.
The technology has been used in headsets but, until now, hasn't caught on for mobile phones.
Bone conduction technology transmits a sound wave through the skull and to the inner ear by vibration.
Pantech's A1407PT phone features a bone-conduction speaker ...HDTV looking popular for Christmas
by Janet Harris
The popularity of HDTV is growing both in the UK and abroad, with Christmas looking set to bring good sales.
In the UK, consumer electronics retailer Curry's has just reported a 6% increase in sales, driven by growing sales of flat panel, high definition televisions and laptop computers.
According to DSG International which ...
