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Monday, December 31, 2007

UT Starcom Partners Markwell to Deploy IPTV Service

In collaboration with Markwell Industrial Co. Ltd, UT Starcom has
revealed its intention to offer IPTV services throughout Taiwan
territory.
Markwell is a cable and internet provider and the signed contract
includes system capacity for 500,000 subscribers and initially 20,000
set-top boxes. Markwell plans to deploy an additional 480,000 set-top
boxes in the next two years.
Alameda-based UTStarcom , a provider of Internet-protocol television
networks and services, said it is also in discussions with other cable
operators in Taiwan who are interested in IPTV systems.
Cable TV has grown popular across the island of Taiwan since it was
introduced in the mid-1990s. Taiwan has a population of 22.9 million.
UTStarcom has major deployments on mainland China with China Netcom
and China Telecom. It also has deployments in India with Bharti Airtel
and MTNL/Aksh and in Japan with Softbank. In addition, the company
just announced Dec. 10 its first deal in Latin America with Brasil
Telecom.
UTStarcom says it has 600,000 IPTV subscribers worldwide.

ITU Announces First Set of Standards for IPTV

With a view to protecting the IPTV market, the International
Telecommunication Union (ITU) has announce the firs set of standards
to be followed globally for the Internet Protocol Television (IPTV)
and it is believed that this will protect the interests of all the
shareholders.
As part of the innovation for next-generation networks, NGN, IPTV is
one of the most visible services to emerge recently and it has
received a loud acceptance from the populace.
According to ITU, both the business case will be the principal driver
for accelerating deployment of NGN. The standards were built with
technical contributions from leading service providers and
manufacturers from the information and communication technology - ICT
sector.
Director of ITU's Telecommunication Standardization Bureau, Malcolm
Johnson said, the standards are crucial for IPTV to reach its market
potential and global audience.
He said they are also necessary in order to give service providers,
control over their platforms.
The standards will help to encourage innovation, mask the complexity
of services, guarantee quality of service, ensure interoperability
and, ultimately, help players remain competitive.
The announcement was made at the seventh meeting hosted in Malta by
the Maltese Ministry for Competitiveness and Communications.
Operators consider IPTV a key element of a triple-play package of
voice, video and data services.

IPTV Experience hall opened in South Korea

Enterone in partnership with Korea Telecom, Sony Computer and Entertainment Korea has opened an IPTV Experence hall in South Korea. This hall is a place where visitors can have hand on experience with IPTV services. Visitors can enjoy KT's Mega TV IPTV service which was adopted as a set top box for play station 3. This service will be formally launched next year.

This hall is situated on the 20th at MBC Edupark on the 6th floor of Shindorim TEchnomart building in Seoul, South Korea. The companies behind this hall believe it will help popularize IPTV adoption and translate to more sales of their IPTV services.

Trai picks DoT to supervise IPTV services

 

            The telecom regulator Trai has just disclosed that the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) would be the nodal agency to supervise IPTV services. This decision was taken disregarding the rule made by the cable industry that new media platform IPTV must be regulated by the 1995 Cable TV Act, with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) standing in as the nodal body.

            What then is IPTV? It is a way of delivering and viewing TV programmes using an Internet Protocol network and high-speed broadband.

            According to Trai, the rules for the operational procedures of IPTV would be made by the DoT, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India. This development is very significant because presently, any service that involves the transmission of television channels over any platform is controlled by the I&B ministry. In its provision paper on Internet Protocol (IP) TV, Trai said that the DoT will now look into matters related to IPTV in consultation with other ministries concerned.

            Trai also added in its paper that, "Operational procedures like time to keep a copy of the contents shown on IPTV, monitoring requirements etc can be worked out by the DoT based on feedback from the respective ministries."

            A further addition in the paper by Trai was that, "DoT may perhaps seek the guidance of the respective ministries to ascertain the penalties for the breach to maintain uniformity and shall initiate suitable action for imposing penalties for violations in a time-bound manner."

            When it comes to giving out licenses, Trai said the telecom companies having Unified Access Service Licence and cable companies registered under the Cable TV Act would not require any fresh licence. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) that have a net worth of Rs 100 crore have also been permitted by Trai to start these services.

            The IPTV package is interactive because of the presence of a return path i.e. consumers can interact by asking for offerings. This is where it has an upper hand when compared to cable services. It can also provide video-on-demand, time-shifted television (i.e. a show that can be watched days after being telecast) in addition to other interesting features. But when you try to overlook the arguments of the broadcasters and the cable industry, Trai has termed IPTV as a delivery platform and not a service.

 

 

 

 

 

Amino has been Chosen For Central America's First IPTV Service


            The Amino AmiNET125 multi-codec Set-Top-Box (STB) has been chosen by Panama's CTV Telecom for Central America's first IPTV service. The platform of AmiNET125 was fashioned in such a way to help operators in up coming markets to bring in IPTV services using a flexible and cost effective approach. AmiNET125 can also be used in European and North American markets for standard definition TV sets.
            In Panama City, CTV has a purpose built high-speed 100 per cent fibre optic network which is used solely for the delivery of the new IPTV service. The people that Subscribe to CTV get pure IPTV services from them. Such services include telephone, broadband internet and television, with a choice of over 100 broadcast, music and on demand channels. Right now an initial order has already been issued for a substantial volume of AmiNET125 STBs. More orders are likely on the way since the delivery area stretches to other parts of the country.
            According to Juan McKenzie, the director at CTV Telecom, "Amino is a valued partner and has gone far beyond just selling us a STB. Throughout the deployment we've benefited from Amino's vast IPTV knowledge and experience which has helped us to develop the business and avoid common pitfalls. The unrivalled interoperability of Amino technology has also enabled a quick and seamless integration with our other IPTV partners."

            To achieve the best combination of reliability, performance and cost, AmiNET125 combines proven hardware and software architectures with the latest processor and peripheral components. It actually adds the very best features of Amino's initial standard definition products but in contrast, it added a USB 2.0 and a programmable multi-codec DSP capable of MPEG-2, H.264 and WMV9.Through the use of a new System-On-Chip (SOC) solution, it also combines a powerful CPU and advanced, programmable DSP in a cost effective single package. This package can easily be field-upgraded in order to support the addition of new services and codecs, thus boosting the increase of average revenue per user (ARPU).
            This is what the Director of Sales for Amino in the East Coast & Latin America, Sandra Conejos has to say, "This deployment brings IPTV to a previously untapped market and demonstrates Amino's dedication to driving the geographic spread of IPTV technology to new areas. The AmiNET125 focuses on the core requirements of cost sensitive markets in the developing world to produce a lower cost, flexible multi-codec platform supporting advanced IPTV services. Through this technology consumers in Panama will soon be enjoying innovative IPTV offerings for the first time."
            Just recently, the AmiNET125 won the highly esteemed CSI Product of the Year Award under the category, "Best IPTV technology", before the Microsoft Xbox360 solution for IPTV. Note that the CSI award is actually the third international accolade given to Amino's multi-codec range of STBs in the last couple of years.

 

ABA to make an appearance on NeuLion's iPTV service


            This announcement was made at the same time with Sports Video Group's League Technology Summit in New York City on December 11. It follows NeuLion's successful launch of other IPTV networks for the National Hockey League, New York Knicks, National High School Coaches Association and others.

            This will make NeuLion's iPTV platform to be able to broadcast live and video on demand content, which is streamed straight to the TV. ABA will now be able to offer Chinese basketball games and other game footage through KyLin TV, NeuLion's Chinese media network.

            Since after launching KyLin TV in 2005, there has been more than 25,000 subscribers in all the U.S. State and Canadian providence. With KyLin TV, they have direct access to the largest collection of Chinese television entertainment and most popular broadcasts from China and Hong Kong in North America.

            KyLinTV will now cover the ABA games. NeuLion's iPTV service allows KyLinTV subscribers to watch television programming through NeuLion's set top box via the internet. The Pay per view games has been available since this December at the rate of $2.99. Just watch out because at least two games are scheduled per week. It will feature the Beijing Aoshen Olympian vs US/Canada teams. You will find teams from the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Beijing in ABA. Though the Beijing Aoshen Olympian were once based in Los Angeles, this season, they will be playing in Singapore. Throughout this season, the ABA teams from Canada and the U.S. will be playing games which will be featured on KyLinTV.

            According to Charles Key, the ABA's Vice President of media and marketing, "Basketball is quickly becoming the number one sport worldwide and the Beijing Aoshen Olympian is gaining incredible fame. We are thrilled to reach the growing Chinese audience in North America and are eager to bring them this basketball coverage on KyLinTV."

            Chris Wagner, the Executive vice president and co-founder of NeuLion also said this, "NeuLion Sports Networks continue to grow. We are excited to have the ABA as a new basketball content provider and partner. Consumers prefer to have a choice in watching sports on either TV or the PC and that is a slam dunk for us, since our platform can deliver to either device."

            To round it all up, Joe Newman, the CEO of ABA said, "The ABA recently signed a 15-year agreement with the Beijing Aoshen Olympian to develop teams in Asia, including mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao. We are very excited about this season as being the first step towards bringing the excitement of ABA basketball to the world and having a wonderful parner like NeuLion is very important to us."

 

Xilinx yearns for wireless communications market in India

 

            A player in the programmable logic devices (PLD) market, California-based Xilinx Inc, has foreseen a lot of prospects in the wireless communications market in India, especially with regards to Wimax and IPTV. They have been catering to wireline communications, aerospace and defence, in addition to industrial and medical verticals in the country.

            Some days back, Krishna Rangasayee, the senior director of vertical markets and partnerships Xilinx Inc, said this "We are targeting the booming wireless communication and networking market in India. Though IPTV technology is in its initial stage in the country, India is expected to be the fastest-growing markets for this technology and we see growth opportunities in this arena too, in one or two years down the line."

            Xilinx, which is worth $2 billion has various projects at hand. It has already tied up with companies that use its programmable chips to develop technology for equipment and implement wimax networks. They are also at different levels of negotiation with other companies too. Right now, they are in the process of developing their Hyderabad centre, which is its largest facility outside the US, into a global R&D hub. According to Mallik Moturi, the managing director of Xilinx, they are now building a systems and applications development, and customer support teams, as part of this program.

            As of now, the Hyderabad centre has developed 60 full product development lifecycle of intellectual property (IP) cores which includes gigabit ethernet, networking, automotive and process-related cores.

            Mallik further stated that, "The Hyderabad centre currently employs about 100 high-end design engineers and we plan to increase the strength of the R&D manpower here to 300 in the next couple of years."

            "On the company's $75-million Asia Pacific venture capital fund, which was designed to seek opportunities to invest in companies in the Asia region including India, Xilinx was planning to invest in companies that are creating innovative applications based on programmable logic". Rangasayee said

            He also added that, "Investment opportunities are all there and Xilinx is currently evaluating a couple of them. It will take a year or so to finalise the investments."

 

 

 

 

As AdultVest, Inc. Finishes 11 Studio IPTV Deals, More are still on the Way


            The exclusive licensing agent for "FyreTV", AdultVest, Inc. has just announced that it has inked a non-exclusive license agreement with Redlight District, VCX, TeraVision, Combat Zone, Mercenary Pictures, Channel 69, Critical X, KBeech, Acid Rain, Digital Sin, and New Sensations to utilize their adult movie titles for the FyreTV platform. Note that FyreTV is a new adult IPTV platform

            There are close to 60 other major labels in the works for FyreTV's soon-to-be released IPTV service in the Beverly Hills office of AdultVest. You can easily access the service through a set-top box. It is hooked up through a standard DSL line and it also features true streaming video that has no buffering, boasting DVD quality movies and trick play functionality, providing the ability to fast forward and rewind at DVD speeds.

            With the FyreTV platform, users can search inside movie titles for a particular performer and even scenes. It also enables them create playlists and favourites that are like iTunes. Since the content of the FyreTV system is not for once ever downloaded to a computer, studios are confident that their valuable titles are protected.

            FyreTV had decided before time that when it starts up the launch of their multi-million dollar national consumer advertising campaign, they will have their very own firefighters on board their big red fire truck. The truck will be parked on the floor at AEE''s 2008 conference which is actually taking place the same time as CES (the consumer electronics show) from January 9-12 at the Venetian Hotel, Las Vegas.

            Al Jones, the Business Development Associate for AdultVest's content licensing division was the one that made the announcement. This is what he had to say, "AdultVest, Inc. is the first and only investment firm to focus exclusively on the Adult Entertainment Industry. With an estimated +70 million unique visitors daily over the internet and has an estimated $65 Billion Dollars in worldwide revenues, the adult industry has been a consistent leader in the development, adoption, and expansion of new technologies. The new FyreTV technology demonstrates just how important the Adult Industry has been to the global development of ground breaking new technologies. Our firm welcomes the opportunity to help main stream technology companies tap into the adult entertainment market. It's clearly one of the most profitable ways to get your new product off the ground."

      The CEO of FyreTV, Estefano Isaias added, "AdultVest, Inc. has done a phenomenal job of assisting us to navigate the industry. They've successfully secured contracts with 11 major adult studios and have nearly 60 more contracts in the works with the industry''s top producers. We look forward to AdultVest's continued assistance as we expand in this dynamic marketplace. By securing the best content the Adult Entertainment Industry offers, our platform is sure to be a major success. People from all over the world will be able to watch thousands of their favorite adult movies, stars, scenes and genre at home in High Definition on FyreTV with just the push of a button."

            Get more information on this by registering on their website http://www.AdultVest.com. The other alternative is to call this number 1-323-330-6480.

 

 

 

 

ZTE Won the Bid to Build AVS-IPTV

The much speculated bid to build what it believes to be the and first's AVS-IPTV commercial network offered by China Netcom Group Corp. has been won by ZTE Corp.

After much speculations and deliberations and amidst several other bidders, ZTE has been finally chosen and  according to the contract awarded it will be the sole providers of the IPTV network solutions for the project which is believe to be the world's largest.

AVS which is the national audio/video coding and compression standard is China's initiative and intellectual property that protects local service providers' interest and would enable them to save on high patent fees imposed by foreign operators.

Based in China, China Netcom Group Corp. is a broadband communications and fixed-line telecommunications operator and the company has been collaborating with China's Ministry of Information Industry to drive the industrial implementation of AVS standard Trial tests on the use of AVS-IPTV for commercial purposes in Dalian. Since last year November the campaign has been hot and the collaboration has yielded a good result establishing a very firm foundation for the IPTV developments in both the national and international markets.

JumpTV Collaborates with AETN and Endmol to Offer IPTV

This is good news for subscribers of JumpTV, this company that has been offering international and sports programming has been able to secure content deals with AETN International and Endemol thereby bringing a possible increase in its subscription base.

This agreement would enable JumpTV to carry Endemol's Russian production of Deal or No Deal throughout North America. In a similar manner, the AETN programmes; The History Channel and A&E Network libraries, including Mysteries of the Bible, Ancient Mysteries, The History of Sex, Weapons at War and Modern Marvels would be offered through JumpTV's broadband VOD service.

Arrangement has been concluded to make the programmes available in four other languages and these are French, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish language. The AETN's programming will be geo-blocked and will only be carried out in territories where a good number of immigrant communities for each language reside.

Also, plan has been concluded on pricing, it will be offered through ad-supported free-to-consumer, pay per view and subscriptions models and the paid services will be as low as $0.49 per episode and for those who would be interested in series of episodes it will be available at$5.99.

Also, as part of their marketing plan, the content will be marketed alongside with JumpTV's live sports and VOD content from Portugal, Spain, Latin America, Russia and the Ukraine.

Telco Launches IPTV in Korea

Telco LG Dacom has joined the race of providing IPTV services in South Korea market making the company to be the third to offer such service after the fore runners, Hanarotelecom and KT with their respective Hana TV and Mega TV.

Although, the company is currently offering about 3,000 programs which include the high-definition content, it said that it has already mapped out plans to increase the number of programs available to be offered to over 20,000 subscribers  before June next year.

The product, branded myLGtv, will not be offered to subscribers as a stand-alone service but it will be bundled in with the its broadband internet and internet telephone services which would attract discounts for intending users choosing all the three services.

Meanwhile, IPTV operators are still banned from offering real-time broadcasting there is indication that this ban will be lifted by next year. As it stands, Teleco is number the third largest company offering IPTV with some 1.6 million subscribers trailing behind KT's 6.5 million and Hanarotelecom's 3.7 million.

 

Alcatel-Lucent and Wind Partner to Offer IPTV

In collaboration with one of the leading telecommunications companies in Italy-Wind, Alcatel-Lucent  have completed arrangements to offer IPTV  on commercial ground to the nation at large. This service will be offered based on Alcatel-Lucent's solutions and the Microsoft Media room Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) and multimedia platform.

Already, Wind has been offering about 2 million households its IPTV service as part of its first phase arrangement and the service has been described as being user friendly due to the fact that the company has incorporated such features like instant channel change, multiple picture-in-picture, personal video recorder (PVR) functionality and video on demand (VoD)  at a reasonable pricing.

The chief operating officer at Wind, Khaled Bichara, said that it has partnered with Alcatel-Lucent because the latter's IPTV solution contains an IP/MPLS network infrastructure based on its 7750 Service Router (SR), combined with integration and implementation expertise. Alcatel-Lucent's solution integrates the Microsoft Media room platform for TV service delivery. The solution leverages Alcatel-Lucent's IPhttp://images.tmcnet.com/siteart/white-paper-icon.gif Transformation Centers (IPTCs) resources encompassing network, service platforms and OSS/BSS systems.

 Bichara further stated that "As our long term partner for triple play deployment and IP network transformation, Alcatel-Lucent is helping us to enhance our service offering and pioneer advanced and innovative IPTV features to our customers.

. "This effort will create sustained value for Wind through increased revenues and customer loyalty, strengthening our competitive position in the Italian marketplace."

While making her remark about the partnership, Frederick Rose, president of Alcatel-Lucent's business in Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific said that "The successful delivery of advanced entertainment service by a leading European carrier such as Wind is a milestone for Alcatel-Lucent, enhancing our real-world experience in bringing IPTV and entertainment services to the market."

The Alcatel-Lucent's end-to-end solution for IPTV also includes an overlay IP network, based on the Alcatel-Lucent 7750 SR to facilitate the seamless transition of Wind'sTDM http://images.tmcnet.com/siteart/white-paper-icon.gif (time division multiplexing) network to IP. In addition, the solution comprises proficiency in end-to-end IP-based network, services and OSS/BSS re-engineering and integration using best-of-breed products from Alcatel-Lucent and a range of strategic partners.

Vuze IPTV gets exclusive right to anime deal

 

            Since after its signing of an exclusive right to a Japanese anime series, the online television service Vuze has claimed an internet first. By this pact, it now has the sole right of globally distributing episodes of Neko Rahmen that was created by the producers, Think Corporation. But for now the series is yet to be accredited outside Japan. Vuze IPTV works by means of the Azureus BitTorrent client, which shares files on a peer to peer basis.
            According to the company, this will be the very first time an online video service would have an exclusive right to Japanese anime. Right now, they are putting 13 full episodes of this video online for you to see. You don't have to worry because it is free of charge. It is going to come with English subtitles. Hopefully they will add other subtitles in French, German and Spanish by the beginning of next year.

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IPTV would Generate More Income

According to a report made available by Informa Telecoms & Media titled "IPTV-A Global Analysis", the television service delivered by internet protocol-IPTV has the potential of being used by an estimated number of  38.4 million homes worldwide by the year 2012 thereby a possibility of generating huge income from the service.

As stated in their analysis, IPTV subscriptions and video-on-demand services would be generating an estimated amount of $14.7billion in the international market by the year 2012, with about $13.6 billion from subscription revenues and $1.1billion from VOD.

The media research manager at Informa, Adan Thomas said that the forecast for the short term is of about 10.6 million by the end of this year which double the figure they had in 2006-$5.3 million.

He further stated that "Much of the recent growth has come from service launches by European telcos, although US cablers are also starting to look anxiously over their shoulders at the success of U-Verse and FiOS,"

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Canal Digital Increases its IPTV Base

With the sole reason to broaden its horizon in terms of service delivery, the Sweden based company Canal Digital has extended its service by about 150% to accommodate more users in Sweden and this would definitely cause an increase in the number of the households that can receives its packages.

This would be made possible by a new distribution agreement Canal Digital entered with Svenska Fibemat and it is expected that the deal will bring the IPTV footprint to about 500,000 households. The agreement between these two companies implies that subscribers to Svenska Fiberna will be able to receive a package of channels that mirrors Canal Digital's DTH satellite service.

In addition, users are being given the chance to access the Basic, Family and Canal+ Total packages and three on demands offers from CMore Select, Film2Home and SF Anytime.
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M&A Continues to Record Hug Turn Over

Activities at M&A has gained considerable momentum just as the year closes-up leading to a successful transaction that involved two established names selling up to international companies. A US-listed mobile technology firm, Roc, has bought a majority stake of about 51 % from system builder Rock with the promise of sharing expertise in IPTV, place shifting, mobile internet and mobile entertainment platforms.

 The other involves security distributor Tekdata which has been acquired by Micro Perpherals (Micro-P).

The founder of Rock, Nick Boardman told CRN that though they are one of the last men standing in the system builder space and are doing okay, the market is not getting any easier. He said that rather than trying to fight it and stay independent, they believe partnering with a company that could add value to their company would be of mutual benefit to the two parties involved.

Boardman revealed that the pair would launch their first jointly developed product which is an ultra mobile PC incorporating 3G technology hopefully by March next year. He said "The deal may not make sense now, but two years down the road the rationale will become clear"

In a similar development, SonicWall distributor Tekdata also got in on the act by selling up to Micro-P – a unit of Dublin-listed DCC Group.

Keith Bird, vice president of EMEA at SonicWall, said: "This enables Tekdata to take the business to the next level. All Tekdata's management will still be there. It will be business as usual, but with the added benefit of a bigger company behind them."

 

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Orange’s Video-on-demand Launch Suspended

From all indications, the much anticipated video-on-demand service from Orange, a unit of France Telecom, is being delayed to enable the company put some logistics as regard the service in order. The commercial launch of Orange's UK fixed-line broadband television service has been scheduled to be made available for use before the end of the year.

This service allows its users to watch video-on-demand content through their Orange Broadband connection on their home TV and for a start, the company has chosen to partner with MGM and Disney-ABC International as content partners with the promise that more company would be involved by early next year.

Although, there have been much speculations about the service from different analysts, some believe that company's broadband network is not yet developed enough for a full roll-out and they doubt the potential profitability of internet protocol television.

Speaking on the need for Orange to wake up to the task, Ian Maude of Enders Analysis said that "''It's important for them to protect the broadband base from other service providers particularly Sky [which has more than 1m broadband subscribers]"

He further stated that ''They are not going to make any money out of IPTV - we estimate for example that Virgin Media makes around £2 to £3 a month per video-on-demand subscriber.

''But Orange needs to offer it because everyone else is and to prevent broadband and telephony customers leaking to the competition." The Analyst concluded by saying that To offer the service Orange needs to install broadband equipment in BT's exchanges. By September it had covered only 40pc of the population whereas rivals have coverage of around 60pc"

But the people at Orange believe that it is mere speculations and they strongly hope that the service would strive well in UK market, already the France launch of the service has been successful.

The Orange's service is expected to be a hybrid of Freeview channels offered over the air and on-demand content down the phone line, similar to BT Vision.

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O2 Extends Broadband to TV service

The on-going plans of extending the broadband agreement it has with media companies to include the TV market means that O2, a mobile phone company, is battle ready for the stiff competition it is about to enter with companies offering such services and these include the big shots like, Sky, BT, Virgin Media to mention a few.

O2 is looking forward to moving beyond Czech Republic and the Telefónica Spain's owned company has included the UK among the area it wants to cover, where it has already secured a residential broadband. The TV broadband service would enable its users to receive the TV service through broadband and arrangement has been made for the trial to commence commence next year.

O2 might be heading towards a good business initiative; the company already has the right to the national ice hockey league which happens to be the country's favorite sport. It is expected that more users will patronize the service considering the overwhelming number of users it attracted when it launched its Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) last September, during which it's been able to attract over 70,000 users out of the total population of 10 million.

O2 TV offers 55 channels and has video on demand content from Warner Bros, Sony Pictures, Disney, Paramount and HBO and possibly the O2 IPTV service will pitch the company up against its former parent BT, whose BT Vision hybrid Freeview and video-on-demand service has attracted 100,000 customers. The company maintains this is in line with its target, although rivals say it targeted "hundreds of thousands" by the end of this year.



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iRiver has been Selected to Feature Team Spirit 3.0 Voice & Video

Owing to their effectiveness in terms of service delivery, the Team Spirit 3.0 Voice & Video Engine Mobile of SPIRIT DSP has been chosen by Reigncom, the owner of MP3 player, to handle the voice and video performance in its upcoming iRiver Unit2 portable media player.

This new product comes with a tablet style player and base station that will incorporate a Video & VoIP conferencing terminal, a DVD player TV tuner , WiFi access point, will support an SD slot and USB connectivity, and will handle voice and video over IP calls and conferencing, music, movies, photos, eBooks, and WiFi streaming for the home.

TeamSpirit 3.0 Voice&Video Engine Mobile is a complete solution that delivers a rich voice and video experience for mobile OEMs. Due to sophisticated algorithms the engine enables best-of-breed voice, as well as three-way video conference calls with 10 fps on a low cost 200 MHz mobile phone for 3G VT and V2oIP applications.
The engine provides longer battery life thanks to extremely low MIPS consumption. TeamSpirit Mobile is specifically designed for next generation mobile devices like portable players with Wi-Fi adapter, dual mode phones (cellular + WiFi), WiFi phones, softphones on mobile platforms, IP voice and videophones, and 3G mobile phones (with video telephony support).
TeamSpirit 3.0 Mobile is available on all ARM9 and ARM9E based processors (XScale, OMAP and others), along with ARM AudioDE and TI
C64x

Commenting on the effectiveness of the product, the VP Products of Reigncom said "iRiver has always been an innovator- both in user features set and design. To keep pace with today's rapidly growing and very demanding personal communication and home entertainment market, we need to work with industry leaders - that's why we have chosen SPIRIT. We would like to emphasize the high quality and excellent integration support we received from SPIRIT,"

In his own contribution, Alex Kravchenko VP of Sales of SPIRIT said ""We are pleased to contribute the development and further market success of the fabulous, innovative design of SPIRIT's world leading Voice and Video Engine, "iRiver Unit2, being powered by SPIRIT, is another acknowledgement of SPIRIT's world leadership in high-quality voice and video over IP and WiFi communication on mobile platforms."

SPIRIT Powers Next-Generation iRiver Device With Voice and Video

SPIRIT DSP, the world's
leading provider of embedded voice and video software products,
announced that Reigncom, one of the largest manufacturers of portable CD
and MP3 players and the parent company of mp3 player manufacturer
iRiver, has licensed TeamSpirit® 3.0 Voice&Video Engine Mobile to guarantee
the brilliant voice and video performance in the new iRiver Unit2
portable media player.


TeamSpirit® 3.0 Voice&Video Engine Mobile will run in Unit2, the new
iRiver portable media player. The new-generation device is invented to
deliver home users convergence of multiple features: the device will
incorporate voice over IP phone, voice and video over IP conferencing
terminal, DVD player, TV tuner, WiFi access point, will support an SD slot
and USB connectivity, and will handle voice and video over IP calls and
conferencing, music, movies, photos, eBooks, and WiFi streaming.


"iRiver has always been an innovator- both in user features set and
design. To keep pace with today's rapidly growing and very demanding
personal communication and home entertainment market, we need to work with
industry leaders - that's why we have chosen SPIRIT. We would like to
emphasize the high quality and excellent integration support we received
from SPIRIT," said Justin Hwang, VP Products of Reigncom.


"We are pleased to contribute the development and further market
success of the fabulous, innovative design of SPIRIT's world leading Voice
and Video Engine," said Alex Kravchenko, VP Sales of SPIRIT. "iRiver
Unit2, being powered by SPIRIT, is another acknowledgement of SPIRIT's
world leadership in high-quality voice and video over IP and WiFi
communication on mobile platforms."

TeamSpirit® 3.0 Voice&Video Engine Mobile is a complete solution that
delivers a rich voice and video experience for mobile OEMs. Due to
sophisticated algorithms the engine enables best-of-breed voice, as well as
three-way video conference calls with 10 fps on a low cost 200 MHz
mobile phone for 3G VT and V2oIP applications. The engine provides longer
battery life thanks to extremely low MIPS consumption. TeamSpirit®
Mobile is specifically designed for next generation mobile devices like
portable players with Wi-Fi adapter, dual mode phones (cellular + WiFi),
WiFi phones, softphones on mobile platforms, IP voice and videophones,
and 3G mobile phones (with video telephony support).


TeamSpirit® 3.0 Mobile is available on all ARM9 and ARM9E based
processors (XScale, OMAP and others), along with ARM AudioDE and TI C64x.

Saudi Telecom unveils Zhone EFM Network

Recently, Zhone Technologies, announced that Zhone's Ethernet in the First Mile (EFM) solution has been chosen by Saudi Telecom company (TASI:STC) to be the cornerstone business access technology in STC's outstanding combined all-IP network initiative. Zhone Technology is a provider of advanced communications equipment and a leader in VoIP, IPTV, and also Ethernet over copper and fiber access lines.

The incumbent operator in Saudi Arabia is Saudi Telecom Company. STC is the largest wireless and wireline network in the Gulf region. The company was once under the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications. Subsequently after its independence from the Ministry in 1998, it has been involved in what is known as one of the world's most advanced network transformation projects, which is migrating from legacy TDM to pure IP packet technology.


STC's present network transformation puts in more than 60,000 lines of 802.3ah EFM technology. This technology is the world's largest EFM deployment to date. It supports the first commercial EFM-based business services in Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region. With the huge copper assets of STC plus the quick rise in new businesses in Saudi Arabia, a stage has been set for an ideal application of EFM. EFM is based on native Ethernet. It also has the robust attribute associated with ATM connections but it does not have the high cost and complexity of provisioning and management that comes with ATM private virtual circuits.


The advantages Ethernet bonding has over ATM are as follows. It can bond pairs that are operating at different speeds. Another one is that it can perform hitless add/drops if a single pair goes down. All of these are crucial technical factors for the Saudi Technical Company.

Using the recently-adopted 802.3ah EFM standard over SHDSL.bis lines, STC has deployed Zhone's MALC multi-service access platform, to deliver premium-quality transparent LAN services (TLS) everywhere in Saudi Arabia. The EFM-standard solution from Zhone offers a symmetric service speed of up to 45 Mbps. Talk of the MALC 719 model that was also deployed by STC across their network. It powers the industry's highest-density aggregation architecture and it supports up to 384 EFM ports in a single, compact 7U chassis. By so doing, it maximizes STC's business-service revenue opportunity at a very cheap rate.


EFM solution was selected by Zhone because of link performance and standards-based interoperability trials. It was also based on the strengths of Zhone's ZMS Management System. The ZMS Management System gives operators synchronous network monitoring and Quality of Service (QoS) prioritization over a wide range of services and media.

In a statement, the access engineering manager at STC, Sami Al-Zomaia said, "We believe Zhone's EFM solution will dramatically improve our service capability through copper loop bonding for higher bandwidth along with symmetric data capabilities for our business customers demanding enhanced services utilizing the existing copper infrastructure. Zhone's EFM standards-based access aggregation ensures our service objectives are met, including simplifying provisioning and management."

Mory Ejabat, the CEO of Zhone Technologies also has this to say, "Zhone's EFM enables STC to migrate corporate and business customers to packet-based services bringing the power and speed of STC's immense IP/MPLS backbone closer to the subscriber. Saudi Telecom Company is a highly valued customer and the STC network serves as a model of the state-of-the-art for twenty-first century communications and the efficiency benefits of IP convergence."

Matrixstream launches 1080p IPTV HD Mpeg 4 AVC / H.264 Encoder

MatrixStream
Technologies, Inc., known for its end-to-end IPTV platform that instantly
streams high definition (“HD”) video over any best effort broadband
network without quality of service, proudly announces the introduction of
an encoder suited for 1080p videos, dubbed the IMX e4080HD.


The IMX e4080HD encoder allows IPTV providers to encode and instantly
stream live video feeds in real-time Full HD 1080p 24 and 30 frames per
second at 3.5mbps. Currently broadcasters commonly transmit interlaced
HD video (1080i) which translates to content loaded with artifacts and
blurry video images, especially with sports or fast action oriented
content. With the IMX e4080HD encoder, video is transmitted progressively
so that the viewing audience can behold video free from artifacts and
at the highest resolution possible on a given HD television screen.
Furthermore, the IMX e4080HD encoder will allow IPTV operators to deploy
the highest quality HD 1080p videos over the Internet utilizing
MatrixStream’s end-to-end IPTV XMS streaming products.


“This new development will allow MatrixStream's clients to deploy
quickly and rapidly scale their HD video on demand and TV channel
offerings to millions of users on a robust platform that is far more economical
than systems currently offered by cable or satellite providers” says
Jack Chung, CEO of MatrixStream. Demonstrations of MatrixStream's
latest HD IPTV platform will be made available at CEATEC Japan, scheduled
from October 2nd - 6th 2007, booth 10A88, hosted by Fujisoft, Inc., a
partner company of MatrixStream. To view a video demo of MatrixStream's
HD IPTV platform TV interface, go to:
http://www.matrixstream.com/demo.php.

Ubalance partners with MatrixStream to roll out HD 1080p IPTV in South Korea

UBalance Co. Ltd., a premier IPTV solution provider, has
recently partnered with MatrixStream Technologies, Inc. to launch the first Video on Demand (VOD) and
live HD 1080p IPTV deployment over a best effort network without QoS (quality of service) in South
Korea.

With the world’s highest rate of broadband penetration, South Korea is already wired and adapted for
massive IPTV deployment and, moreover, well suited to take advantage of MatrixStream’s HD streaming
IPTV solution. “Increasingly fast and affordable broadband that is widely available throughout South
Korea, primes the market here for HD streaming video which is of course an ideal market for our XMS
based Video on Demand and IPTV solution that will optimize performance efficiencies over the existing
public network,” states Jack Chung, CEO of MatrixStream.
MatrixStream's patent-pending fully integrated end-to-end turnkey HD IPTV system will allow UBalance
clients to deploy quickly and readily scale up to millions of users over existing broadband IP infrastructure
without major network upgrades – delivering the home theater experience over the Internet to living rooms
across South Korea for both live broadcasting and Video on Demand.

Unlike previously tried bandwidth hungry streaming IPTV solutions, typically requiring between 9 Mbps –
30 Mbps to stream high definition, that for the most part do not work over a public network,
MatrixStream’s HD IPTV solution not only works over a public best effort network, it does so with as little
as 3.5 Mbps to stream HD 1080p encoded videos or as little as 1.5 Mbps to stream HD 720p encoded
videos.

In summary, MatrixStream’s IPTV solution can deliver full HD quality videos over the Internet. In
addition to streaming HD videos, the MatrixStream IPTV platform is already designed to easily add
features such as time shift DVR (digital video recorder), t-commerce, interactive gaming, VoIP, personal
photo sharing, personal music library, among other applications.
According to Dr. In Sup Kwon, President of Ubalance, “MatrixStream offers UBalance a technically
advance, robust system that allows us to provide our clients superior quality and a cost differential that
distinctively sets us apart from the competition … moreover, due to the incredible growth of the IPTV
market in South Korea, we project that Ubalance can sell up to 10 million MatrixStream set top boxes
within three years.”

MTNL hopes Net TV and VoIP will improve margins



The India based Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd is trying desperately to stop its declining profit margins. It seems the managers now realise that VoIP and IPTV services could help in this regard and they have decided to launch IP based telephony and television for their customers in Delhi and Mumbai.


The State-owned company is launching VoIP-based telephony services next week which will offer ISD calls to the US at around Re 1 per minute. It is also re-launching its IPTV services in a major way on August 15 with nearly 100 channels.The company on Friday reported a 6% decline in its net profit for the first quarter of the 2007-08 financial year to Rs 110 crore from Rs 118 crore in the corresponding quarter the previous year.


Explaining the reason for the decline, Mr R.S.P. Sinha, Chairman and Managing Director, told Business Line, “MTNL is offering its services to Delhi and Mumbai, which is highly saturated, while other operators are growing rapidly in the entire country. Even then we have not been able to sustain our profit margins. Going forward, the numbers will improve as we are planning a huge ramp-up of our IPTV and broadband services.”


MTNL said that the decline in profit was on account of declining tariffs, less collection from interconnection, and stiff competition.The company’s total revenues also dipped from Rs 1,272 crore in the first quarter of 2006-07 to Rs 1,195 crore at the end of June 30, 2007. “However, if you look at the revenues from mobile services, our growth is better than that of some of the private operators,” said Mr Sinha. As compared to the corresponding quarter of the previous year, there is an increase in income in mobile services from Rs 179 crore to Rs 216 crore, which is an increase of 20.89%.


The staff expenses during this quarter has gone down from Rs 448.9 crore to Rs 422.5 crore. The operative expense during the quarter ended on June 30, 2007 has decreased from Rs 223.2 crore to Rs 202.5 crore. As earlier reported, MTNL has received a refund of Rs 1,461.68 crore from the income-tax authority mainly on account of licence fee to be treated as an operational expenses & 80IA. “While the new services along with our GSM offering should see us getting better margins by the end of the current financial year, the Government should think about allowing MTNL to move beyond Delhi and Mumbai,” said Mr Sinha.

NextAlarm, IP Monitor and Megacable Team Up to Offer Alarm Monitoring Bundled With Traditional Triple Play Broadband Service

NextAlarm.com, The Broadband Alarm Company, is teaming up with IP Monitor and
Megacable Communications to offer the first bundled broadband service in
Guadalajara that includes alarm monitoring in addition to cable
television, Internet and phone service.


Alarm monitoring became available to Megacable subscribers on July 1st.
Subscribers can choose all or just one of Megacable's services. They
can also choose alarm monitoring even if they don't have Internet
service.


The three players are working together, each with key roles. Megacable
Communications is the largest cable provider in Mexico and will provide
the platform to add alarm monitoring to its TV, Internet and phone
offerings. Megacable will also market alarm monitoring in conjunction with
the current triple play broadband services.


Guadalajara-based IP Monitor is the exclusive provider of alarm systems
and monitoring to Megacable subscribers. As the alarm monitoring
service provider, IP Monitor will respond to alarm signals, dispatch police,
fire and rescue and provide customer service and tech support.


Ojai-based NextAlarm will use its patented Alarm Broadband Network
(ABN) adapters that will allow IP Monitor to communicate with the Megacable
subscribers' alarm systems over broadband. NextAlarm takes existing
security systems and makes them Internet compatible without changing or
upgrading equipment and puts the customer in complete control of their
security for their home or business. As a member of NextAlarm's reseller
program, IP Monitor will use a branded version of NextAlarm's customer
portal, which allows subscribers to set up and personalize their
account and notification settings. NextAlarm will also provide Abbra alarm
systems to IP Monitor through the reseller program. Spanish versions of
the customer portal and alarm panel will be available.


"This bundled solution benefits everyone," said Alex Elliot,
NextAlarm's founder and CEO. "First, it gives Megacable subscribers more choices
and affordability than if they had to purchase TV, phone, Internet and
alarm monitoring individually. Second, it provides a new revenue stream
for Megacable by expanding its service offerings. Finally, it allows
NextAlarm and IP Monitor a new distribution channel and access to a
large, emerging consumer market."

Raketu launches ipTV, still countinuing FREE calls to about 40 countries


Raketu has now added iptv to its suite of services. Raketu ipTV service will enable users to watch music videos , adventure/sports, comedy and more. They also announced can be described as the first ever global chat capabilities for ipTV streaming, this allows thousands of user to chat simultanesously as they watch the same video channel, a cool one i would say. They also now have a new launchPad interface which is much easier to use.

Before the addition of ipTV Raketu enables free voip calls between it users and free rakout calls to landlines and mobiles in about 40 countries a service they are still continuing. More information is available at www.raketu.tv.

RAKETU launches IPTV and Social Networking Service

Raketu.tv has been launched by Raketu. Raketu.tv is its beta ipTv and video on Demand (VOD) services. Raketu.tv is the first integrated ipTv and social networking service available to all clients.

With Raketu's peer to peer (P2P) communications services, you can watch videos and streaming TV from around the world while interacting with each other.

Raketu has entered into a content partnership with media Global entertainment for iptv streaming of their content through Raketu, which includes exclusive content seen on the syndicated hit TV music video program Fearless Music. Raketu also signed a VOD content partnership with KlikVU.com, providing pay for sports, Horror, Extreme wrestling, Brazilian Models, soccer Highlights, Extreme sports Brazil, medical minutes and other entertainment to the company's user base of over 750,000 clients worldwide.

President of Raketu, Greg Parker said they are pleased to partner with MGI and klikvu.com. Using Raketu.tv, you can watch popular entertainment content while interacting with your friends from any were in the world. Raketu also provide content partners an additional distribution channel, which will help them to monetize their content through a very unique technology and offering, said co-founder of MGI, Steve Rimland.

Raketu.tv shall present serveral iPTV streaming channels content, like those from MGI, NamcheTV and a sports/adventure channel in Czech Republic. You can get Raketu.tv services now at www.Raketu.tv.

CT-6382T Integrated Access Device from Comtrend Supports VoIP, WiFi, Ethernet, ADSL2+ and Cordless Phone.

An Integrated Access Device (IAD) called CT-6382T for both home and office use have just been launched from Comtrend corp, a leading supplier of broadband, voip and data networking equipment.

With this device wifi compatible WLAN internet access, long distance/local voip calling with conventional PSTN phone back-up, cordless phone that connects using DECT technology ,all delivered via high speed ADSL2+ standards over a standard phone line can be achieved.

CT-6382T provides exceptional deployment and management support for service provider and its TR-68 compliant which makes it possible for the end users to easily install and configure it themselves, also there is a remote management and configuration for the service providers since its also TR-69 compliant.

It offers simplicity, power and convenience that is unique to residential gateways. Andrew Morton, Comtrend's general manager said: “this device still support Tripleplay and home networking with Ethernet/wifi 802.11g, in-built voip capability is compatible with the leading voip softswitches on the market. Its foreign Exchange office (FXO) function enables users to still use their normal PSTN for phone calls if they lose their broadband service.

With CT-6382T which have so many functions, service providers can save on deployment costs and avoid dealing with multiple devices or confusing cabling.

On the cordless Handset support, it offers emergency calls, caller ID hiding, call hold/forwarding/waiting, 3-way conferencing, direct no dialling, video and data services, QoS features and port based VLANs for full support of voice. It can also be connected via foreign exchange station (FXS) port on the back.

On the Ethernet wireless connections, ADSL2+ standards allows connecting speed for up to 24mbps. It supports the 802.11g wireless standard and its backward compatible with the 802.11b wireless standard. It support 64 and 128 bit WEP data encryption over the WLAN, VPN pass through and has a day time parental control feature. For IPTV and data, up to four direct internet connections can be made via Ethernet cable. For more information visit www.comtrend.com.

CT-6382T Integrated Access Device from Comtrend Supports VoIP, WiFi, Ethernet, ADSL2+ and Cordless Phone.

An Integrated Access Device (IAD) called CT-6382T for both home and office use have just been launched from Comtrend corp, a leading supplier of broadband, voip and data networking equipment.

With this device wifi compatible WLAN internet access, long distance/local voip calling with conventional PSTN phone back-up, cordless phone that connects using DECT technology ,all delivered via high speed ADSL2+ standards over a standard phone line can be achieved.

CT-6382T provides exceptional deployment and management support for service provider and its TR-68 compliant which makes it possible for the end users to easily install and configure it themselves, also there is a remote management and configuration for the service providers since its also TR-69 compliant.

It offers simplicity, power and convenience that is unique to residential gateways. Andrew Morton, Comtrend's general manager said: “this device still support Tripleplay and home networking with Ethernet/wifi 802.11g, in-built voip capability is compatible with the leading voip softswitches on the market. Its foreign Exchange office (FXO) function enables users to still use their normal PSTN for phone calls if they lose their broadband service.

With CT-6382T which have so many functions, service providers can save on deployment costs and avoid dealing with multiple devices or confusing cabling.

On the cordless Handset support, it offers emergency calls, caller ID hiding, call hold/forwarding/waiting, 3-way conferencing, direct no dialling, video and data services, QoS features and port based VLANs for full support of voice. It can also be connected via foreign exchange station (FXS) port on the back.

On the Ethernet wireless connections, ADSL2+ standards allows connecting speed for up to 24mbps. It supports the 802.11g wireless standard and its backward compatible with the 802.11b wireless standard. It support 64 and 128 bit WEP data encryption over the WLAN, VPN pass through and has a day time parental control feature. For IPTV and data, up to four direct internet connections can be made via Ethernet cable. For more information visit www.comtrend.com.

Clipcomm BS-T100V : Make Your VoIP Calls On Any Bluetooth Enabled Mobile Phone.


The Clipcomm BS-T100V debuted at the VoIP / IPTV World 2006 expo in Korea. Clipcomm BS-T100V is an innovative product that lets you use your VoIP service on any bluetooth enabled cell phone removing the need to have a seperate wifi phone for your voip service. It works by converting your home voip service and sent it over bluetooth to your cell phone which allows you to talk as long as you want without using up those precisous minutes. At the moment its still not sure how much clipcomm bs-t100v would cost.

Verizon's G-PON get the support of Alcatel, Motorola and Tellabs

Already delivering broadband speeds faster than most other telecom and cable compa-
nies, Verizon is now set to up the ante by installing equipment from Alcatel, Motorola, and Tellabs that will dramatically increase speeds on the company’s FTTP
network.

Verizon will begin deploying Alcatel equipment later this year, followed by Motorola and then Tellabs. Initial estimates are the new equipment will be increase broadband speeds by up to four times on the downstream up to eight times on the upstream. The company says that equipment from the three suppliers will support its Gigabit Passive Optical Network, or G-PON. Alcatel equipment will be installed in Verizon’s central switching offices as well as in new installations of direct fiber-optic links terminating at customers’ premises.

Motorola (news - alert) and Tellabs (news - alert) both supply electronic equipment for the current technology being deployed in Verizon’s 16-state FTTP network, known as BPON or Broadband Passive Optical Network, making them a natural partner for continued expansion of services and capabilities.

“G-PON is the next step in the evolution of the all-fiber access network,” said Paul
Lacouture, Verizon’s executive vice president for network and technology. “When we first launched the nation’s only large-scale FTTP program in 2004, we said that one of the most important competitive and cost-effective features is that we could increase speed and capabilities by evolving to more advanced electronics and without having to change the fiber we had already deployed or are deploying. Today’s announcement begins to fulfill that promise.”

Not only will the three vendors’ hardware increase broadband transmission speeds via the fiber network, it also will enhance Verizon’s FiOS TV product, enhancing its VOD capabilities and paving the way for an all-IP offering. Not surprisingly, the deal also brings additional cost savings for Verizon — the company says the costs of the electronics portion of the FTTP platform will be diminished by one quarter.

Terremark Signs IPTV Content Agreement with Eagle Broadband

Terremark Worldwide and Eagle Broadband have signed a multi-year, renewable colocation agreement to deliver IPTV content throughout the U.S. from Terremark’s NAP of the Americas Facility. Terremark provides Tier-1 Internet exchanges and is a global provider of managed IT infrastructure solutions for the government and private sectors. Eagle is a national provider of broadband, IP and communications technologies.

Eagle chose Terremark’s NAP of the Americas to provide a secure, fail-safe connection to customers throughout the US. The NAP of the Americas will serve as the central distribution hub for Eagle’s IPTV solution. The company’s IPTV services feature direct access to more than 200 channels of high-demand programming through a mix of SD and HD settop boxes.

“This is a significant step for us in the delivery of our IPTV solution and our growth strategy for this service,” said Dave Micek, CEO of Eagle Broadband. “Terremark’s robust and secure NAP of the Americas facility is the right place for us to be as we continue to grow our business in the IPTV content delivery service market.” “As this industry trend continues to get traction, we are delighted to welcome Eagle Broadband as one of the first IPTV distributors to our facility,” said Manuel D. Medina, Chairman and CEO of Terremark Worldwide. “Eagle Broadband will be able to connect their customers to their TV content providers by leveraging TWW’s secure, redundant and scalable environment.” http://www.terremark.com ,
http://www.eaglebroadband.com

Video Distribution from Reliable Wireless

Ruckus Wireless has combined two growing fields, wireless
and video, with its patent pending technology for reliable transmission of digital video over standards-based in-home wireless networks. Improving on the
consistency and range of standard wireless connections, Ruckus goes one
step further, enabling WiFi users to transmit their IPTV signal to their TV sets
wirelessly. Furthermore, while service providers may be able to bring triple
play services to subscribers’ homes, Ruckus’ technology enables easier distribution of the voice, video, and data services throughout the home using any
standards-based 802.11 wireless connection.

In an effort to extend its market reach, Ruckus Wireless has reached an
agreement whereby the Communications Supply Service Association (CSSA) will market, stock, and sell, Ruckus’ MediaFlex smart WiFi system for the home. CSSA member providers will now have easy access to some of the most compelling wireless technology available today.

“Extending next-generation, IP-based digital services in the home is
a major issue for broadband providers. Ideally, a no-wire solution that
is reliable enough to support IPTV is what providers and subscribers
want,” said Scott Davison, vice president of strategic product develop-
ment for CSSA. “Ruckus Wireless has overcome the technical obsta-
cles that, up to now, effectively prohibited WiFi from serving this pur-
pose in the home.”

“Our members have needed technology like this for a long, long time,”
added Davison. “Solving the in-home distribution problem has been a big
hurdle for providers, and we really didn’t think traditional WiFi would ever be made reliable enough.”

Two New VoIP and IPTV Patents for Telchemy

Voice and VoIP performance manager Telchemy announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office awarded the company two additional patents for its VoIP and IPTV performance monitoring and analysis technology. The patents allow for service quality monitoring systems that estimate subjective quality, also known as Quality of Experience (QoE) for VoIP, IPTV, and Videoconferencing services.

The algorithms described in these patents provide more accurate and stable performance metrics in the presence of time varying and transient impairments.
Patent US 7,075,981, dubbed “Dynamic Quality of
Service Monitor,” covers VoIP and IPTV performance
monitoring systems that represent the effects of the relative temporal location of transmission impairments on
user perceived quality.

“Per-Call Quality of Service Monitor for Multimedia
Communications System,” patent US 7,058,048, covers
VoIP and IPTV performance monitoring systems that
measure call quality at discrete time intervals and combine these to form overall perceptual quality scores for each call.

“Telchemy continues to grow and innovate in this
rapidly expanding marketplace,” said Alan Clark,
Telchemy’s CEO and president. “These new patents illustrate our commitment to keeping our products on the leading edge of IP communications technology.”
http://www.telchemy.com

Anue Systems Patners Spirent Communications

In order to ensure that QoS and QoE are properly delivered, service providers are
increasingly relying on testing solutions, such as those offered by Spirent
Communications. Spirent delivers “high performance impairment emulation solutions,” which means it conducts tests on networks by “simulating” peak traffic periods and other events that could cause disruptions in service.

In order to expand and improve its testing solutions, Spirent announced is teaming up with Anue Systems, (news - alert) which offers network emulation solutions for Ethernet, SONET/SDH and Fiber Channel environments. As a result of the partnership, Spirent will be better positioned to assist network equipment manufacturers and service providers with QoS and QoE issues across converged networks.

Using Spirent’s TestCenter and Abacus test systems, Anue’s network emulators are able to address the various challenges and scenarios of converged network services
by simulating network delays, jitters, and other impairments. By running critical applications through an emulated environment, service providers can accurately assess
and ensure performance of their services, equipment and applications, prior to service launch.

Spirent’s solution addresses voice, video and data applications load testing; voice and video quality measurements; Real-Time Protocol (RTP) with IPTV tests; testing
of content such as unicast and multicast video and channel change times; Dynamic IP network impairment tests; and, testing of all elements of Carrier Ethernet infrastructure. It also enables large-scale emulation of IP Telephony
systems, customer premise devices (CPE) such as settop-boxes, cable/DSL modems, passive optical network (PON) optical network units (ONUs)/optical network terminals (ONTs) and other devices.http://www.spirentcom.com, http://www.anuesystems.com

Sigma Media Processors are being used for IPTV Deployments by New Telco Operators

A number of new telco operators in Europe are now using the SMP8630 series media
processors from Sigma Designs for IPTV deployments. T-Online, a division of Deutsche
Telekom, Neuf Cegetel, and AOL France are each using the processors in a number of difference deployments.

T-Online, which offers triple-play services, is using the processors along with software technology from Microsoft to deliver its T-Home services to Cisco IP set-top
boxes based on the Sigma media processor. The services support the
Microsoft TV IPTV Edition software platform and the Cisco T-Home X
300T Media Receiver enables high-definition IPTV and PVR and
dual DVB-T tuner functionality.

Neuf Cegetel is also offering a high-definition video service, delivered over ADSL and TNT and based on the Neuf TV
HD set-top box, which using the Sigma media processor.
AOL France is in the process of launching a new ADSL-based digital television services using the Netbox HD from Netgem and featuring
the Sigma media processor. The hybrid set-top box connects to ADSL and
digital terrestrial television to receive services in standard and HD.

“Sigma and its partners have worked closely together to achieve a stable high performance IPTV platform and we are excited to see these deployments take off at multiple telco carriers,” said Ken Lowe, vice president of strategic marketing, Sigma Designs. “We are eager to continue building on this foundation and witness this trend-setting success in Europe and other parts of the world.”
http://www.sigmadesigns.com

SightSpeed released Version 5.0 with Shifted TV

Video conferencing specialist SightSpeed has announced the newest version of its personal video services platform, SightSpeed 5.0. With this latest release,SightSpeed offers improved quality and functionality in its suite of easy-to-use Internetbased personal video and voice services. Version 5.0 brings enhancements to SightSpeed’s video quality using the company’s new enhanced video codec, which provides improved image clarity and performance optimization. Users of SightSpeed 5.0 will immediately see significantly enhanced video clarity across all network conditions, while continuing to experience full 30 frames per second video, no latency, and perfect synch of video and voice unmatched by any other service.

SightSpeed 5.0 also offers improved connectivity. It is a direct peer to peer connection enabled via a central directory, which then drops out, leaving the direct P2P connection traversing firewalls on both ends. It is different from the Skype-type supernode model, which many fear can compromise network security. SightSpeed 5.0 also adds voice-only calling capability — PSTN Out- and In-calling — which work much like Skype’s calling services, with competitive pricing and high quality voice transmis-
sion. SightSpeed 5.0 also introduces free and unlimited PC to PC voice-only calling. With 5.0, SightSpeed’s real-time communications suite is complete with the best quality video and voice over IP (VVoIP), voice over IP (VoIP) and text (IM) solution.
The most innovative of SightSpeed 5.0’s new features is a break-through extension of its personal video services, SightSpeedTV.

SightSpeedTV is a place shifting television viewing feature that gives users with a TV capture card on their PC or laptop the ability to view their home TV anywhere in the world. The most noteworthy feature of SightSpeedTV is that, unlike many similar competitor solutions, it requires no additional hardware and comes complete with an intuitive “remote control” interface, enabling true channel surfing — from anywhere. SightSpeedTV will be introduced as a beta feature available for free to all SightSpeed users.

Low Cost, High Definition IPTV Package released by MatrixStream

MatrixStream Technologies, Inc., has announced a new offering, an affordable high definition video on demand (VOD) and IPTV basic server package consisting of an IMX500 middleware server, an IMX 2410 XMS streaming server, and an IMX 4010 video encoder, capable of handling up to 500 concurrent users. The price set for this package is to be under $70,000 USD, which is a relative bargain compared to current cable or satellite offerings but the inherent value and costs savings are embedded in MatrixStream's proprietary XMS streaming technology.
The intrinsic value can be seen in the video itself. MatrixStream's platform system is a H.264 compliant, fully integrated, end-to-end solution, complete with billing management, subscriber management, channel management and digital rights management - engineered to duplicate and advance the home theater experience, bringing a virtual video retail store into the family room. MatrixStream's solution can in fact match and even exceed broadcast and satellite quality video standards over any broadband network with no quality of service (QoS).
The cost savings are built-in. Since the IMX server package is a fully integrated turnkey solution, IPTV and VOD services can be up and ready within days if not hours. Costs for deployment are thus kept to a minimum, which cannot be said for most IPTV systems. Moreover, considering the MatrixStream solution performs over any broadband network with no QoS, and brilliantly so, costs can also be avoided from forgoing expensive network upgrades.
MatrixStream Technologies, Inc., offers a complete end-to-end IPTV platform solution based on proprietary XMS streaming technology, designed to work over the any broadband network - engineered to duplicate and advance the home theater experience, bringing a virtual video retail store into the family room. Currently, MatrixStream is working with major broadband providers in the U.S., Canada, UK, Hong Kong, Japan, Australia and elsewhere around the globe. For more information, visit www.matrixstream.com.

Global Crossing Selects Ubiquity Software as SIP Platform Preferred Supplier for Global IP Network Expansion

Ubiquity Software and Global Crossing announced the execution of a multi-year, multimillion dollar agreement whereby Ubiquity Software will become a preferred supplier for SIP Application Server technology in Global Crossing’s global IP network.
Under the agreement, Global Crossing will use Ubiquity’s SIP Application Server (SIP A/S) and Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) service creation environment to develop, deploy, and manage a new generation of IP-based services and to migrate existing legacy applications to Global Crossing’s global IP platform. Global Crossing currently plans to deploy several applications including VoIP Interactive Voice Response and VoIP Network Transfer.
In connection with the agreement, INUK Networks, a partner of Ubiquity, entered into a separate agreement to purchase VoIP services from Global Crossing (UK) Telecommunications Limited (GCUK). The services will be part of a triple play offering to be launched by INUK Networks later this year, providing university students broadband Internet access, IPTV and VoIP.
As a worldwide provider of IP voice, video and data services to more than 600 cities in 60 countries and six continents, Global Crossing is responding aggressively to the demand for new and innovative IP-based applications and services. Global Crossing selected Ubiquity’s SIP A/S for its rapid service-creation capabilities and advanced SOOF-based SOA, operational cost savings potential, and the ability to address new customers with new and innovative services that extend its market leadership as an IP carrier.
“The Ubiquity SIP Application Server platform strengthens our IP architecture and supports our strategy to rapidly offer new and innovative IP services to enterprise and carrier customers worldwide,” said Dan Enright, EVP Operations, Global Crossing. http://www.ubiquitysoftware.com, http://www.globalcrossing.com

RADCOM's R70 Probe

As enhanced applications converge onto IP networks and as service providers look to deploy Triple and Quadruple Play services, the ability to diagnose and troubleshoot network issues becomes even more critical and more complex. Fortunately, RADCOM’s
R70 provides what you could consider a “triple play packet sniffer.” The Linux
based, intrusive and non-intrusive R70 probes monitor and analyze network traffic. The R70 probes are a high-end, upgradeable component of RADCOM’s Omni-Q, a network and service monitoring, analysis and troubleshooting system for public IP, cable, and advanced cellular networks. R70 probes give operators total visibility into the session and application levels, with full seven-layer analysis. They provide operators with a comprehensive and correlated view of all IP based services, including VoIP and IPTV, complete with service integrity metrics from their subscriber’s perspective.
The R70 is the first probe in the market to process data at 10 Gbps. The R70
leverages the company’s existing, proprietary technology (the Gear Chip) to achieve its high level of performance that exceeds the processing limitations of most of not all other existing probes in the market. It is a unique monitoring and analysis tool that, in a single product, addresses the needs of ILECs, MSOs, and cellular operators. Service providers moving to an all-IP core network architecture will find that RADCOM’s R70 offers a comprehensive feature set to monitor and analyze their
networks. Because it gives operators complete visibility in the IP-based service
running over the network, it enables early stage fault detection, pre-emptive main
tenance and optimization. Additionally, when operators seek to introduce new
services to create new revenue streams, RADCOM’s R70 probe-based monitoring system reveals subscriber behavior providing valuable insight into the new service adoption process.

Occam Network's BLC 6314 10GigE Transport and Optical Line Termination (OLT) Blade

Occam’s razor has always been associated with the concept of simplicity. For instance, Occam’s razor postulates that the answers to most scientific phenomenon are usually the simplest rather than the more complex. Well, Occam Networks aims to provide the simplest solution to the complexity of bandwidth hungry applications running on a service provider’s network. Occam’s newest blade for its flagship BLC 6000, the BLC 6314 10GigE Transport and optical Line Termination (OLT) blade,
adds a whopping dual 10 Gigabit Optical Ethernet and multiple 1 Gigabit Ethernet
interfaces to the BLC 6000 in a single,environmentally hardened blade. The Occam BLC 6314 claims to be the first and only product that delivers this level of bandwidth with a sub-50-millisecond failover rate. This enables telcos to create highly resilient access networks that can deliver a TV signal with “five nines”of reliability. The BLC provides an abundance of symmetrical bandwidth that enables telcos to easily create very high capacity access networks with 10 Gigabit
Ethernet redundant transport rings at a fraction of the cost of traditional SONETbased OC 192. The BLC 6314 can be used for fiber to the home (FTTH) optical line termination. When combined with the Occam BLC 6312 blade, the BLC 6314 creates a high-capacity FTTP Optical Line Termination system with integrated 10 Gigabit Ethernet transport that can serve more than 250 subscribers with up to one Gigabit of full duplex bandwidth each. Having this kind of mega-bandwidth makes broadband
cable and DSL look like dial-up!
Also, the BLC 6314 can also be used for higher capacity access network
aggregation using the company’s Ethernet Protection Switching (EPS). It provides resilient 10 Gigabit Ethernet aggregation rings for BLC 6000-based copper and fiber access networks. As bandwidth-intensive applications, such as HDTV, IPTV, VoIP VoD, P2P etc., continue to consume more bandwidth, service providers are looking for solu
tions to their subscribers’ seemingly insatiable bandwidth appetite. Fortunately, Occam Networks’ BLC 6000 Broadband Loop Carrier (BLC) uses IP as a simple, common service delivery protocol for all services and Ethernet transport to provide the economical, highly scalable bandwidth needed for delivering today’s and tomorrow’s new services.

Airspan andFujitsu partners to Deliver Carrier Class WiMAX Solution

Is WiMAX the “best” solution for the last mile dilemma facing U.S. service providers seeking to deliver high quality VoIP and IPTV to their customers? The answer to that question, increasingly, is “yes,” but to say WiMAX is the only logical solution — for the now and in the future — would be stretching things a bit. It appears that widespread adoption of the WiMAX standard 802.16e is more than a year off, but in
the meantime, U.S. service providers are gravitating to the current, 802.16-2004 standard in droves as they frantically upgrade their networks for the delivery of next generation video and voice services to their customers.
Adoption of the technology has reportedly been more pronounced in recent months particularly among operators working in either dense urban or extremely rural regions (in an urban setting, a single WiMAX node can be used to deliver next generation services to dozens, if not hundreds of customers simultaneously - while in rural setting, it can be used to provide access to homes which are too costly to reach via a fixed line). Networking solutions provider Fujitsu is playing a big role in driving WiMAX adoption rates. The company announced it is partnering with WiMAX equipment maker Airspan Networks to deliver a new, end-to-end, turnkey WiMAX solution for U.S. service providers. Fujitsu will become a reseller for the full line of
Airpan’s AS.MAX products, and will provide support for the new carrier-class solution through its Network Life Cycle Services.
Airspan’s (news - alert) AS.MAX products support a range of end-user devices that integrate both WiMAX and WiFi technologies. Fujitsu (news - alert) plans to enrich these products with advanced network features that will make it possible for carriers to deliver quality VoIP services, including integrated SIP gateway messaging to enable call control and capacity reservation for voice traffic. With the combined solution, voice capacity is not reserved until requested, and can be dynamically adjusted while maintaining QoS, thus enabling the optimal use of radio link capacity while offering an ideal consumer experience. http://www.airspan.com ,http://www.fujitsu.com

NDS Announces Synamedia Metro IPTV Middleware Solution

NDS announced Synamedia Metro, a complete IPTV middleware solution for telecommunications companies (telcos) and broadband operators. The new full-feature product brings the world’s leading television technologies to the telecommunications industry, enabling telcos to offer the power of IPTV to their subscribers.
Synamedia Metro IPTV middleware allows IPTV operators to offer attractive Electronic Program Guides (EPG), interactive TV applications (iTV), Video on Demand (VOD), digital video recorder (DVR) or network DVR capabilities, and interactive games, in either standard (SD) or high definition (HD), all of which are built using the NDS MediaHighway middleware application development tools. Synamedia Metro also protects premium content and revenue streams through NDS VideoGuard, a robust and secure encryption technology for content protection, revenue protection, and rights management.
By integrating these technologies into a single solution, the NDS Synamedia Metro architecture enables the telco operator to a single integrated IPTV system, saving time in the critical startup phase of any new service. The solution is also standards-based, allowing telcos to choose their system components according to their current infrastructure needs.
Nigel Smith, vice president NDS Broadband Internet Group said, “We believe that only an open solution will meet the requirements for providing new and exciting IPTV services — and with Synamedia Metro being fully standards-based and having open interfaces, the operator can choose to mix and match components and not be locked into a single supplier.”

Shenick Taps Telchemy for IPTV and Triple-Play Testing

VoIP performance tester Telchemy (news - alert) has been tapped by Shenick Network Systems, (news - alert) an IP communications test systems provider, to license Telchemy’s VQmon/SA-VM IPTV and VQmon/SA VoIP performance analysis software for use in its diversifEye Triple Play communications test system.
The deal will enable Shenick to provide its customers with the ability to test performance and quality issues for IPTV, VoIP triple play, and broadband services within a single system. This way, service providers will be able to offer higher quality, reliable IPTV services.
The VQmon software agent monitors IP-based voice and video streams in real-time, measures the time distribution of lost and discarded packets using a multi-state statistical model, examines the type of codec, bit rate and other factors using a perceptual model to calculate transmission quality and perceptual quality metrics.
DiversifEye determines the quality and performance limitations with the convergence of voice, video, and enhanced broadband data services. The VQmon/SA/VM-diversifEye combo will allow Shenick to support real-time, passive IPTV video quality analysis on a per IPTV channel basis.

Juniper and Microsoft Enhance IPTV Security

In a move that should further the adoption of the IPTV, Juniper Networks has agreed to provide security services for Microsoft Corp.’s IPTV software. Juniper, a computer network equipment maker, and Microsoft are collaborating to provide end-to-end security to address the current and emerging needs of their service provider customers. With this agreement, Juniper can offer IPTV network security solutions to customers of Microsoft TV IPTV Edition.
The Juniper Firewall and Firewall IDP (Intrusion Detection and Prevention) product platforms complement the Microsoft TV IPTV Edition content security mechanisms to help protect the infrastructure from malicious traffic and attacks such as worms, trojans, spyware and application layer threats. In addition, Juniper will offer various security consulting services that assist operators to assess service infrastructure vulnerabilities and design network security solutions.
The Juniper security products offer cost-effective scale and performance, enabling operators to protect large numbers of video serving platforms. The security products include: Juniper Networks NetScreen-5200 and NetScreen-5400 Integrated Firewall/IPSec Virtual Private Network (VPN) appliances; Juniper Networks Integrated Security Gateway (ISG) 1000 and 2000 with Intrusion Detection and Prevention (IDP) appliances; Juniper Networks NetScreen-Security Manager. http://www.juniper.net, http://www.microsoft.com

Huawei Helps PCCW Achieve Real-time 3G TV Broadcast

PCCW launched its 3G mobile TV service, based on the innovative Cell Multimedia Broadcast (CMB) technology provided by Huawei Technologies, a provider of next generation telecommunications network solutions for operators around the world. PCCW has thus become the world’s first provider of real-time TV broadcast over a 3G network, using CMB technology.
PCCW operates the world’s largest IPTV service through its now TV and contents from now TV have just become available on PCCW mobile. Huawei’s CMB technology realizes channel sharing and allows network capacity supporting large numbers of concurrent users with minimal impact on network loading, allowing for cost-effective delivery.
In the first phase, contents offered over the PCCW mobile network will include now TV’s Business News Channel, with additional contects coming soon, including sports programming from ESPN and Sportev. PCCW Executive Director, Mr. Alex Arena said, “This is a significant innovation by PCCW, allowing us to leverage our extensive content line-up to more people, across more of our platforms, fixed and mobile. We are excited to bring this groundbreaking 3G technology to our customers — another world-first for us.”