Computer News
December 31, 2007
With the BBC launching its iPlayer on Christmas day it seems that there has been a huge wave of catch up services appearing in the net these days, with ITV and next month Apple launching their iTunes partnership with Fox and Disney. It seems that broadband could have changed the face of TV as we know it; with catch up facilities ...
Catch up TV makes it big
by David AllenWith the BBC launching its iPlayer on Christmas day it seems that there has been a huge wave of catch up services appearing in the net these days, with ITV and next month Apple launching their iTunes partnership with Fox and Disney. It seems that broadband could have changed the face of TV as we know it; with catch up facilities ...
Broadband speed running at 35%
by David AllenIn study made of the UK’s broadband system and of the consumers who use the system it has been found that they are not getting the advertised speed in fact far from it. Most consumers understand that the advertised speed is not going to always be possible this could be due to demand etc. But it has been found that some ...
Faster broadband speeds will help technology
by David AllenThe prospect of a faster broadband would help develop new technologies so say the experts from the Internet Services Providers Association (ISPA) which is the UK trade organisation for the industry. The ISPA is predicting that there will be more TV programmes and business related technology will become more and more of a feature in people’s homes during 2008. This will ...
Wireless households at risk
by David AllenOf all the wireless internet users in the UK around half are using an unsecured wireless network within their home. This means that these users are putting themselves at risk from people who feel free to go around searching the wireless bands for an open network that they can then exploit. These wireless pirates can monitor exactly what is going on ...
December 30, 2007
T-Mobile International has selected Huawei Technologies to provide Packet Switched Core Networks across five key European countries. This important collaboration by the two companies will serve Germany, the UK, Austria, the Netherlands and the Czech Republic. Under the terms of the contract, Huawei, a leader in providing next generation telecommunications network solutions for operators around the world, will replace existing networks ...
Huawei to build PS-CN in Europe for T-Mobile
by Lin FreestoneT-Mobile International has selected Huawei Technologies to provide Packet Switched Core Networks across five key European countries. This important collaboration by the two companies will serve Germany, the UK, Austria, the Netherlands and the Czech Republic. Under the terms of the contract, Huawei, a leader in providing next generation telecommunications network solutions for operators around the world, will replace existing networks ...
December 28, 2007
The government consumer watchdog Consumer Direct, have received over 3,000 complaints about the late deliveries in the rush to get the present in time for Christmas. This is a big disappointment of the whole internet process which is running really well, many people have found that the system works. In fact over the same period there were over twenty seven million ...
Online Santa fails to deliver
by David AllenThe government consumer watchdog Consumer Direct, have received over 3,000 complaints about the late deliveries in the rush to get the present in time for Christmas. This is a big disappointment of the whole internet process which is running really well, many people have found that the system works. In fact over the same period there were over twenty seven million ...
Broadband customers to find better prices
by David AllenIn a survey conducted by the Nationwide building society it was found that finding a more competitive price deal on broadband, mobile phones, landline and satellite contracts would be at the top of the list for most consumers in the UK. The idea of cutting the price paid for these deals would be the main priority for some consumers. Obviously saving ...
Tiscali UK tops complaints
by David AllenFor the forth year running the ISP Tiscali UK have come top for complaints list compiled by ISPreview.co.uk, although they did state that the company were showing signs of improvement with over four hundred complaints with the companies worst feature being customer support, or in their case lack of customer support it would seem. Although there are other problems that ...
Rural areas missing out on internet improvements
by David AllenThere is some concern over the fact that businesses and communities in rural areas are missing out on broadband revolution that is going on at the moment. The concerns come from the governments own rural Tsar, Stuart Burgess who is Chairman if the Rural Communities Commission. He claims that there are some places in the UK that have worse coverage ...
December 27, 2007
The stylish technology company Apple have teamed up with 20th Century Fox in a deal that will see films and other programming become available through iTunes where any of the companies vast selections can be downloaded to the users computer and watch at any time, some of the latest films that will be available online are the latest Simpson’s offering ...
Apple offer films through iTunes
by David AllenThe stylish technology company Apple have teamed up with 20th Century Fox in a deal that will see films and other programming become available through iTunes where any of the companies vast selections can be downloaded to the users computer and watch at any time, some of the latest films that will be available online are the latest Simpson’s offering ...
3G and T Mobile to share networks
by David AllenIn an agreement between 3G and T mobile that would see the two companies networks combine to create a huge one huge network that would virtually cover the whole of the UK’s populated areas, which is great for users of either network who find themselves on the edges where it is possible one day to have a service and the ...
File sharers could lose broadband
by David AllenInternet users who download films or TV programmes that have been pirated could soon find that they will lose the right to have a broadband connection altogether if new rules being drawn up by the government are approved. The industry are putting a lot of pressure on governments and ISP’s to prevent the file sharing culture that has built up over ...
Christmas boom for Broadband
by David AllenIt seems that just spending Christmas day eating, drinking and watching the TV is not enough for some people these days as many people were on line browsing the sales that had started that day. Before normally this normally it would boxing day that offered so many good deals as the sales started, but in an unprecedented attempt to keep the ...
December 24, 2007
It seems that consumers in the UK are either very carefree with their cash or getting ripped off left right and centre when it comes to satellite and cable television as they are the highest spenders on subscriptions with the European union In a study by Ofcom, it was found that the UK subscriber will spend on average around £21 per ...
UK spends more on digital TV
by David AllenIt seems that consumers in the UK are either very carefree with their cash or getting ripped off left right and centre when it comes to satellite and cable television as they are the highest spenders on subscriptions with the European union In a study by Ofcom, it was found that the UK subscriber will spend on average around £21 per ...
BBC iPlayer causing internet headache
by David AllenWith the BBC iPlayer due be launched tomorrow the last thing that they really need is most of the main broadband suppliers demanding that they share the costs of the traffic that the iPlayer is expected to generate. With a full on advertising campaign due to start tomorrow with the likes of Jeremy Clarkson and Sir David Attenborough leading the drive ...
French firm wins broadband contract
by David AllenThe French defence and engineering group Thales has been chosen to build and also manage a new super fast broadband network that will deliver this service to over 600,000 homes in south Yorkshire. This new high speed network will be capable of delivering speeds of up to 50 megabits per second (MBPS), which is said to be around six times ...
Pub landlady loses appeal over Sky
by David AllenFinally the court has heard the appeal on the case of the pub landlady who was showing Premier league football matches in her pub in the Red, White and Blue in Southsea, Hampshire. She was signed up to the Greek DTH service Nova, this was instead of signing up to Sky sports for their sports package which includes the live premier ...
December 22, 2007
Sky has agreed terms with Paramount and Warner Bros, and becomes the first online download service to offer movies from the six major movie studios on its Sky Anytime on PC service. The Paramount agreement will bring movies including Mission: Impossible 3, The Weather Man, Saving Private Ryan and Top Gun. In the New Year all Sky customers will be able ...
Sky Anytime adds new movie content
by Lin FreestoneSky has agreed terms with Paramount and Warner Bros, and becomes the first online download service to offer movies from the six major movie studios on its Sky Anytime on PC service. The Paramount agreement will bring movies including Mission: Impossible 3, The Weather Man, Saving Private Ryan and Top Gun. In the New Year all Sky customers will be able ...
Discovery Channel available on Sky’s Picnic
by Lin FreestoneDiscovery Networks UK has signed up to provide a factual channel on Sky's pay digital terrestrial TV service Picnic. If the service is approved by Ofcom, the Discovery Channel will be available between 6am and 6pm every day to Picnic customers. The proposed addition of the channel to Picnic’s service is a demonstration of Sky’s ongoing commitment to offer increased choice and ...
December 21, 2007
Sony has decided to cease the manufacture of rear projection TVs (RPTV). Once its current inventory is gone it will redistribute resources to the production of LDCs and plasma displays.
Rear projection HDTVs can provide a better image quality than an equivalent priced flat panel TV, but Sony believes ...
Sony to exit rear projection TV market
by Janet Harris
Sony has decided to cease the manufacture of rear projection TVs (RPTV). Once its current inventory is gone it will redistribute resources to the production of LDCs and plasma displays.
Rear projection HDTVs can provide a better image quality than an equivalent priced flat panel TV, but Sony believes ...DSL Forum's key IPTV specs approved
by Janet HarrisThe DSL Forum has announced the approval of its Technical Report, TR-135 Data Model for a TR-069 Enabled set-top box (STB) and the amendment of Technical Report TR-069 which is concerned with enhancing the remote management capabilities of IPTV devices. The new IPTV specifications are a key element of BroadbandSuite Release 3.0, which will support triple-play augmented via VDSL2, GPON and ...
PAYG mobile broadband plan launched by 3
by Jan Harris3 has launched the first true pay-as-you-go mobile broadband plan, allowing customers to benefit from mobile connectivity without being tied to a contract. The plan allows customers to top up a PAYG USB Modem, in the same way that they would top up a mobile phone. The USB modem is available for a one-off payment of £99.99 and comes in a choice ...
Warner Bros launch VOD in UK
by David AllenWarner Bros the film and TV producers have launched five video on demand (VOD) services world wide in France, Japan and the UK. They will also be launching other services in 2008. The service will be available through Virgin Media and BT’s IPTV service; this is just the beginning of them moving into the sector that will allow them to distribute ...
Virgin recovers from a bad week
by David AllenThe well publicised disaster that Virgin Media had when their network failed the other day, is well and truly over now, but as with any incident there always follows the inquest. The story for from Virgin Media is that the problem started with system wide update that took place, this entailed a remote update of the set top boxes and modems ...
BT will use Microsoft for IPTV
by David AllenWith BT’s plans to offer there customers IPTV they have chosen to use Microsoft TV Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) Edition software platform which will deliver the programming over the internet to homes within the UK. This is probably better news for Microsoft than BT, as it will strengthen their presence in the IPTV industry and by working with major corporations that ...
BSkyB defends £78,500 charge for Rapture
by David AllenBSkyB just simply cannot stay out of the news these days, and this time the story is about how they charge other channels. In this case Rapture TV is appealing at the Competition Appeal Tribunal in London over the decision by the regulator Ofcom’s decision that BSkyB did not over charge Rapture TV for inclusion in the Electronic Programme Guide ...
Sony develops thinner multi-touch LCD display
by Janet Harris
Sony has unveiled new technology which enables the production of a thinner multi-touch display and helps to ensure input quality.
Multi-touch displays are becoming more popular and are used in devices such as the iPhone.
The company's new 3.5-inch multi-touch LCD uses optical sensing technology. It features a 640 x 480 resolution screen ...Milton Keynes first WiMax internet city
by Jan HarrisMilton Keynes is to become the first WiMax-powered wireless internet city, through a partnership between wireless broadband provider Freedom4 and ConnectMK, a private company formed by Milton Keynes Council. Freedom4 has successfully trialled WiMax in Milton Keynes and expects the joint venture to help it reach the wider community. Areas where traditional ADSL access is unavailable will be able to benefit from ...
December 20, 2007
North American film distributor, Lionsgate, plans to include innovative, interactive technology on forthcoming Blu-ray films.
The company claims that its next two titles will have entirely new features which will "push the limits of next-gen interactivity".
Lionsgate's "War" title will feature a network-connected game which allows people to join up and play ...
Lionsgate adopts next-gen interactivity on Blu-ray
by Janet Harris
North American film distributor, Lionsgate, plans to include innovative, interactive technology on forthcoming Blu-ray films.
The company claims that its next two titles will have entirely new features which will "push the limits of next-gen interactivity".
Lionsgate's "War" title will feature a network-connected game which allows people to join up and play ...LG Viewty Sales Reach 310,000
by Janet Harris
LG has sold over 310,000 Viewty cameraphones since its release into the European market five weeks ago. This represents average sales of 6,300 units a day across Europe, beating LG's Chocolate and Shine models.
With its touch screen interface, LG Viewty is considered a rival to Apple's iPhone, although Viewty's main selling ...Silicon nanowires could extend battery life tenfold
by Janet HarrisBatteries for electronic devices such as laptops, mobile phones and even electric vehicles, could soon hold ten times more charge than currently possible, thanks to new research at Stanford University. University researchers, including Yi Cui, assistant professor of materials science and engineering, are using silicon nanowires to extend the life of lithium-ion batteries. The capacity of a traditional lithium-ion battery is ...
Details emerge about IPTV World Forum
by David AllenThe organisers of the IPTV world forum, Junction Ltd have been announcing who will be making the key speeches for this world class event. With over 130 exhibitors planning to display their goods and services at the show that will run from 12th to the 14th March at Olympia in London. The main part of the event will be the speakers ...
A year with IPTV
by David AllenFor many people IPTV may not even mean much, but as an industry there has been a lot of movement within the whole sector like: Top Market Developments in 2007: Fast web (in Europe) has begun to offer its TV package. Advertising-funded VOD trials have begun in Europe. It's the best year yet for net additions for IPTV. PlayStation 3 activated for IPTV in ...
Consumer panel urges Ofcom to act on broadband speeds
by David AllenOfcom is being urged by its own consumer panel to get tough with the UK’s broadband service providers with regards to the speed that consumer has signed up for and the sped that they are actually receiving, as there would appear to be a huge a variance from one to the other. The panel are looking for all sorts of rules ...
Freedom4 and Connect MK offer WiMax
by David AllenThe people of Milton Keynes can now benefit from deal fashioned by the wireless broadband provider Freedom4 and Connect MK who will provide Milton Keynes with the UK’s first commercial wireless broadband service which uses the WiMax technology. The system has been operating in trials around the MK area, which is why the partnership with Connect MK which was set up ...
Panasonic TH-42PH10UK Plasma TV
by Franz Bicar
Panasonic's TH42PH10UK Professional HDTV series achieves picture quality that gets the point across in a clear, colorful way. The TH42PH10UK displays a maximum of 29 billion. 16-bit processing produces 3,072 shades of gradation. The more a TV has, the more colors you see. The high contrast ratio of up ...
December 19, 2007
US-based SnapTell has developed innovative technology which allows camera phone users to take a picture of an advert and receive money-off vouchers for the product.
The company has launched its first mobile marketing campaign, which gives a discount on wine at Wine Enthusiast's website.
Camera phone users simply take a photo of the Wine ...
SnapTell launches mobile marketing campaign
by Janet Harris
US-based SnapTell has developed innovative technology which allows camera phone users to take a picture of an advert and receive money-off vouchers for the product.
The company has launched its first mobile marketing campaign, which gives a discount on wine at Wine Enthusiast's website.
Camera phone users simply take a photo of the Wine ...Ofcom considers guidelines on broadband advertising
by Jan HarrisOfcom could introduce new guidelines on the selling of broadband early next year. The regulations would help ensure that advertising gives consumers accurate information about broadband speeds. At the moment broadband providers tend to advertise an 'up to' speed, which few people actually receive in practice. Under the new regulations, broadband providers could be subject to formal action if they fail to provide ...
Toshiba's laptop first with rewritable HD DVD
by Janet Harris
Toshiba claims that the Qosmio G40 is the first laptop in the world to feature a rewritable HD DVD Drive. The new model builds on the success of its predecessor, the Qosmio G40-10E, which was the first with a writeable HD DVD drive.
The Qosmio G40, which is priced ...Junction announces speakers for IPTV World Forum
by Janet HarrisNetworking event specialist, Junction Ltd, has announced the latest speakers for the IPTV World Forum (www.iptv-forum.com), 12 - 14 March, at Olympia in London. The event will feature over 400 speakers in total. The latest ones to confirm their attendance include: Jean Charles De Keyser, Chief Executive - Skynet Belgacom TV; Tim Pearson, Director of Digital TV - Orange UK; Marc Watson, Commercial ...
Microsoft criticised over OOXML standardisation
by Janet HarrisThere is speculation that Microsoft could be backing out of its promise to give control of Office Open XML (OOXML) to the International Standards Organisation (ISO). OOXML is an XML-based file format specification for documents such as word processing file, spreadsheets, and presentations. It seems that Microsoft now hopes to retain indirect control of the standard through Ecma International, which originally ...
Freeview continues to push the market
by David AllenThe UK digital market has recorded the second largest quarterly increase since the industry started. These figures come from the Ofcom third quarter Digital Television Progress Report, where they show that the amount of homes that have acquired multi channel television as the main viewing source is set at around twenty two million homes, which on a national scale is ...
Digital TV to get new Chief
by David AllenThere is more moves on the cards this time at Digital TV have got themselves a new chief executive and he has a background in the media industry, unlike the current chief executive Ford Ennals who came whose background was in sportswear as he worked for Nike. David Scott is to takeover the helm of the body that is in ...
Virgin media gets new VP Finance
by David AllenCharles Gallagher is set to become the new Vice President of Finance of Virgin Media, in order for him to take the position up he will need to resign from the board of directors of the company, which means that George Zoffinger will become the new chairman of the audit committee. Joining the board of NTL, Charles Gallagher moved with the ...
Phillips to sell set top box business
by David AllenPace Micro Technology have picked a bargain set top box business from Phillips, as they have decided to reduce their Home Networks business unit which is part of the Consumer Electronics division, Pace are a UK based business and so know the market that they are already in and are looking to expand. The deal is said to be worth around ...
Hitachi P50S601 Plasma TV
by Franz Bicar
Clarity, quality, sharpness. It's all in the details, and this high definition plasma TV is no exception. The P50S601 Ultravision Plasma HDTV offers a mind-bogglingly clear, high-quality, and sharp image with the inclusion of Full HD1080 resolution. And there is no shortage of detail here. Close-ups are closer and ...
December 18, 2007
The International Imaging Industry Association Camera Phone Image Quality (CPIQ) Initiative is entering the second phase of its campaign to develop repeatable, robust, test methods for evaluating the metrics associated with image quality.
The consortium, which aims to improve the image quality of camera phones, includes major companies such as Texas Instruments, ...
CPIQ Initiative enters second phase
by Janet Harris
The International Imaging Industry Association Camera Phone Image Quality (CPIQ) Initiative is entering the second phase of its campaign to develop repeatable, robust, test methods for evaluating the metrics associated with image quality.
The consortium, which aims to improve the image quality of camera phones, includes major companies such as Texas Instruments, ...Microsoft to release beta of Windows XP SP3
by Janet HarrisMicrosoft is releasing a beta version of Windows XP Service Pack 3 to the public while suggesting that consumers should really switch to its latest Vista operating system. The beta will be available on Microsoft's website and a final version will be available next year. In a statement the company said that Windows Vista provides the most advanced security and ...
T-Mobile and 3 in mast-sharing agreement
by Jan HarrisT-Mobile and rival operator, 3, are planning to share phone masts in order to extend high-speed wireless broadband further across the country. The mast-sharing agreement, which is believed to cover 3G access networks, would significantly reduce the costs involved for both companies, in providing comprehensive network coverage. The deal would bring 3G services to all the UK population by the end of ...
O2 to launch IPTV in UK
by Janet HarrisFollowing its successful launch of IPTV in the Czech Republic, O2 is now turning its attention to the UK. O2's UK service will be similar to its offering in the Czech Republic, which has attracted 70,000 subscribers since September 2006. The Czech Republic has a population of just 10 million, with broadband penetration of 12%, whereas the UK's broadband penetration is 24% ...
