Industry Announcements Home page ›› March 2008 Monthly Archive

March 26, 2008

Velocix Announces Complete Family of Massively Scalable Live Streaming

velocix_logo.jpg

  • Product Family includes support for Audio and Video Live Streaming with scalability to large global audiences
  • Expands Partnerships with Adobe & Microsoft to cover Live Events with Adobe Flash & Microsoft Windows Media
  • Announces introduction of new revolutionary hybrid-P2P live streaming solution
  • Cambridge, UK - March 26th 2008. Velocix, provider
    of the worlds leading Digital Asset Delivery Network, today announced
    the addition of a complete family of Live Video Streaming solutions to
    its current product portfolio. The Velocix Live Streaming product family
    includes: Velocix Live Video Streaming for Adobe Flash & Microsoft
    Windows Media, together with Velocix Live Audio Streaming.

    Velocix Live Streaming also includes a revolutionary new hybrid-P2P live
    streaming option, which provides scalability to the largest global
    audiences for online video and audio events and broadcasts, with
    compelling delivery costs and economics. With these new services,
    Velocix further extends its lead in the provision of digital delivery
    services for large digital assets, such as video, software and games,
    offering the widest variety of online delivery options available on the
    market today.

    Live events, including news, sports and music concerts, present
    significant online delivery challenges. Unlike on-demand services for
    pre-recorded materials where viewing requests are spread over time, live
    services result in concentrated demand from a potentially huge audience,
    just for the duration of the event. As a consequence, event organizers
    are often forced to compromise quality or limit audience sizes when
    using conventional live streaming services.

    The Velocix Live Streaming includes several delivery options, including
    hybrid-P2P, which blends delivery of live streams from the Velocix
    Network caches as well as sharing bandwidth with "peers". Each
    participant is not only watching or listening to the live broadcast but
    is effectively relaying the signal (acting as a "peer") to the other
    audience members at the same time. This community distribution process
    is managed in real-time by sophisticated control and routing algorithms
    hosted on the Velocix Network, ensuring required service levels and an
    uninterrupted experience for the entire audience.

    "Based on significant customer demand we have decided to launch a
    complete new family products for live streaming, that compliment our
    current delivery services for video streaming and download. We are
    delighted to be able to offer live streaming with strategic partners
    such as Adobe and Microsoft, as well as offering our innovative new
    Hybrid-P2P service that together fundamentally disrupt the performance &
    economics of live streaming on the internet" said Phill Robinson, CEO,
    Velocix.

    The Velocix Network is designed to enable content owners, studios, and
    broadcasters to deliver video and other large digital assets, such as
    software, games and audio over the web, with unprecedented performance,
    breakthrough economics and an asset delivery lifecycle management system
    that provides content owners the control, analytics and reporting they
    need to manage their asset libraries through the digital distribution
    chain.

    About Velocix
    Formally know as CacheLogic, Velocix provides the world's leading
    Digital Asset Delivery Network, a new generation Content Delivery
    Network (CDN) designed to meet the rich media needs of the 21st century
    Internet.

    Velocix is relied upon globally by owners of large digital assets -
    including video, software, games and audio - to provide unparalleled
    quality of service and on-line delivery performance, with affordable
    economics. Velocix does all this whilst also providing new levels of
    control over the global digital distribution chain.


    Warning: include(/usr/www/users/iulserv/iptv/industry/_includes/articles/about_iptv_evangelist.htm) [function.include]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory in /usr/www/users/iulserv/iptv/industry/2008/03/index.html on line 131

    Warning: include() [function.include]: Failed opening '/usr/www/users/iulserv/iptv/industry/_includes/articles/about_iptv_evangelist.htm' for inclusion (include_path='.:/usr/local/lib/php') in /usr/www/users/iulserv/iptv/industry/2008/03/index.html on line 131

    March 25, 2008

    iPanel and ICTV Announce Integration and Marketing Agreement to Expand Availability of ActiveVideo in Asia-Pacific Region

    SHENZHEN, GUANGDONG, China and SAN JOSE, CA (March 25, 2008) - iPanel Technologies, Ltd., a leading provider of embedded software platforms for digital and IPTV services and applications, and ICTV®, which provides solutions that bring the Web media experience to television, announced today that they have reached an agreement that is designed to spread the availability of ICTV's ActiveVideo™ Web-infused television throughout China and the Asia-Pacific markets.

    Under the agreement, the companies will work together to utilize iPanel's middleware and browser to directly enable ActiveVideo interactive streaming media, bringing a rich actionable media experience to any set top box running the iPanel software suite. Together, iPanel and ICTV will be able to significantly expand the depth and scope of on-demand programming and interactive advertising that can be delivered by cable television and IPTV service providers in the region. In addition, iPanel and ICTV also have agreed to market and promote the combined solution in conjunction with each company's individual sales efforts.

    ActiveVideo brings rich interactive media experiences to the television without the need for high powered set top boxes, enabling viewers to personalize their TV experiences in an environment that combines high quality interactive video, clickable advertisements and responsive remote control navigation of TV screens. ActiveVideo viewers around the world are enjoying media experiences from Turner, Fox, Reuters, Tag Networks and many others directly on their televisions. ActiveVideo has been in trials or deployments in North America, Europe and Asia.

    "Our customers recognize the enormous importance of bringing the Web video experience directly to the television," said Xu Jiahong, President for iPanel Technologies. "ICTV's innovative technological approach and the breakthrough capabilities of ActiveVideo through iPanel's overwhelming market share will help digital and IPTV service providers in China and the Asia-Pacific region to improve broadly their users' TV viewing experience and to increase significantly their capability to generate targeted advertising revenues."

    "As the global leader in bringing the Web media experience to the television, it is important that we align ourselves with partners who share our vision and complement our technology," said Jeff Miller, president and CEO of ICTV. "iPanel's pre-eminent role in the Asia-Pacific market - and particularly in China -- will play a key role in our ability to accelerate deployment of ActiveVideo to the largest and most promising market for interactive programming, retailing and advertising."

    About iPanel

    iPanel Technologies Ltd. is a leading provider of software platforms that support digital and IPTV services and applications in the exploding digital media markets of China and the Asia Pacific region. iPanel provides embedded software solutions and related services to cable and IPTV operators, semiconductor makers, content providers, set-top-box designers and manufacturers, and ultimately develops a customizable interactive entertainment experience for the television end users. Presently, the iPanel solutions have been adopted by near one hundred digital cable and IPTV operators world wide, with 76% market share of cable set-top-box deployment in China which covers 72 million cable subscribers of the country.



    About ICTV
    ICTV®delivers ActiveVideo™, a dynamic viewing experience that brings the choice and control of the Web to the television via cable and IPTV networks. ActiveVideo combines interactive elements and targeted, clickable advertisements with the high-quality video, immediate responsiveness and remote control navigation of TV. The ActiveVideo platform requires no new customer premise equipment and utilizes existing Web and video standards, enabling network operators, programmers and advertisers to create content once for real-time delivery to any digital set-top box. ICTV is based in the heart of Silicon Valley, with offices in Los Angeles, Baltimore, Beijing and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit www.ictv.com.


    Warning: include(/usr/www/users/iulserv/iptv/industry/_includes/articles/about_iptv_evangelist.htm) [function.include]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory in /usr/www/users/iulserv/iptv/industry/2008/03/index.html on line 179

    Warning: include() [function.include]: Failed opening '/usr/www/users/iulserv/iptv/industry/_includes/articles/about_iptv_evangelist.htm' for inclusion (include_path='.:/usr/local/lib/php') in /usr/www/users/iulserv/iptv/industry/2008/03/index.html on line 179

    March 20, 2008

    CommunicAsia And BroadcastAsia Return To Showcase World Leading Digital Convergence Experience

    comm_asia08.jpg

    London, 18 March 2008 - CommunicAsia and BroadcastAsia - The most established and relevant trade event for the global infocomm and media industries - will once again be held in Singapore from 17 - 20 June 2008.

    Reflecting the synergistic trend in the infocomm and digital media industries, CommunicAsia2008 and BroadcastAsia2008 is set to embrace the convergence of digital multimedia technology and the entertainment value chain as never before. Consequently more companies are now making the trip to Singapore from European bases - for example the German pavilion is set to hold a record number of companies and there are also strong attendance numbers already confirmed from Scandinavian nations.

    Visitors to CommunicAsia will not only get to see leading-edge enabling technologies and business solutions designed to enhance enterprises' mobility and users' lifestyle, but they will also get to meet with representatives from telcos and mobile operators, ISPs, enterprises, system integrators, broadcasters, post/production studios, animation houses, computer graphics producers, as well as content owners and developers.

    "We are very excited to be able to bring CommunicAsia and BroadcastAsia to the industry once again," said Rupert Owen, UK Based Director at Overseas Exhibition Services (OES). "It is very heartening to know that exhibitors, visitors and delegates alike find the shows relevant and are able to gain valuable in-roads to multiple markets. Participants have also given us feedback that the event is an ideal launch pad for introducing products and solutions to the regional media."

    A truly international event, CommunicAsia and BroadcastAsia attracted a total of more than 68,000 attendees last year, 50% of whom were from overseas. The visitors were treated to a wide spectrum of ICT and media innovations, put on display by over 2,400 exhibiting companies from 65 countries.

    Already, more than 80% of the exhibition space has been snapped up this year. More leading companies showcasing technologies ranging from 3G, LTE, WiMAX, Broadband, FMC, FTTH, NGN, IP Technology, IPTV, Mobile Entertainment, Satellite and Security are expected to register for CommunicAsia2008 as June draws closer.

    Several high profile industry thought leaders and business luminaries are also set to be announced over the coming months, who will be involved in discussions on 'hot' topics and issues. They are expected to once again serve as vibrant platforms where sellers and buyers congregate, network, and exchange industry best practices.

    BroadcastAsia2008 will feature some of the hottest technologies in the market, including Broadcasting-to-Handheld, Digital Media Asset Management, Immersive Tech, HD Technology, IPTV, Mobile Entertainment and Professional Audio Technology.

    CommunicAsia, BroadcastAsia, InteractiveDME, EnterpriseIT, CG Overdrive, as well as various inter-government meetings, are part of the Infocomm Media Business Exchange (imbX). imbX is Asia's largest infocomm and media event that fortifies Singapore's position as a leading infocomm and media hub. It brings together business leaders, companies and industry professionals to showcase their latest innovations, network, exchange ideas and tap new markets.


    Warning: include(/usr/www/users/iulserv/iptv/industry/_includes/articles/about_iptv_evangelist.htm) [function.include]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory in /usr/www/users/iulserv/iptv/industry/2008/03/index.html on line 229

    Warning: include() [function.include]: Failed opening '/usr/www/users/iulserv/iptv/industry/_includes/articles/about_iptv_evangelist.htm' for inclusion (include_path='.:/usr/local/lib/php') in /usr/www/users/iulserv/iptv/industry/2008/03/index.html on line 229

    Amino unveils world's first integration of the G-cluster streaming games service in HD at IPTV World Forum

    amino_banner.gif

    Cambridge, UK, March 20, 2008: Amino, the world leading IPTV platform supplier, launched an integration of the AmiNET130 Set-Top Box (STB) with the first G-cluster HD games on demand application at this year's IPTV World Forum. Allowing users to play streaming HD games via a wireless USB game pad, the offering will enable telco providers to offer interactive gaming with popular titles from the traditional games console market.

    Visitors to the Amino stand used the device to play on HD interactive games such as Resident Evil 4® and Sensible SoccerTM. The product will allow telco providers to drive revenue by building on the STB as the technology point of convergence in the home.

    Amino had a strong presence at the IPTV World Forum, participating in panel discussions on strategies for growth in the IPTV market, Internet TV, and delivering the digital lifestyle through the connected home. Roy Kirsopp, VP and General Manager at Amino, kicked off the event with a debate on how IPTV providers can attract subscribers from cable and satellite solutions, and the impact that the digital switchover will have on the market:

    "The whole idea of IPTV is that the several broadcast STBs we currently have in our homes are replaced by intelligent IP-centric devices," said Kirsopp. "The IPTV market is starting to live up to the potential it holds. With constant development of the technology, IPTV is able to offer far more than cable and satellite and allow the consumer an innovative but easy-to-use service."

    Meanwhile, Mike Greenall, senior representative at Amino, was involved in a future-gazing panel about Internet TV:

    "Amino has been a champion for Internet TV concepts for the last 2 years. What will accelerate its growth is the successful formation of partnerships between technology, content and service providers. The expectation of consumer demand will be truly met once the right content is delivered at the right price."
    Finally, Huw Price-Stephens, Director of Marketing and Strategic Business Development at Amino, took part in as session on delivering the digital lifestyle, examining the synergy between consumers and providers:
    "The concept of 'Digital Lifestyle' puts IPTV in its proper perspective, as just one aspect of the digital revolution. There's an explosion of IP functionality and connectivity going on in our homes and everyday lives, but the TV, arguably the most valuable piece of real estate in the home, is not in itself equipped to participate. Amino's IP-centric STB technology allows the TV screen to fully join the IP party."

    Amino also showcased the following products at the IPTV World Forum:

    AmiNET125: The world's first standard definition multi-codec STB designed for IPTV and Internet TV applications. This award-winning, advanced STB with a low-cost chipset features a combined programmable codec DSP and host processor. This enables development of new services to increase revenue per subscriber while offering protection against changing standards. With an Ethernet input and highly flexible audio and video outputs, the AmiNET125 provides an elegant and powerful means of delivering sophisticated interactive digital television including multicast, on demand video and internet access.

    AmiNET130: The world's first HD H.264 IPTV STB to meet the Premium Conformance Tier of the MPEG Industry Forum. The compact, elegant AmiNET130 supports High Definition, H.264 (MPEG4/AVC) video streams and is modeled on the same award-winning design as previous AmiNET generations. The AmiNET130 provides the service provider with a cost effective means to deliver end-to-end digital High Definition TV as multicast, on-demand video and multi-room IPTV services. It enables service operators to offer stunning TV quality with minimal capital expenditure.

    AmiNET530: The world's first HD H.264 IPTV DVR STB to meet the Premium Conformance Tier of the MPEG Industry Forum. On top of PVR functionality, the AmiNET530 offers low-cost deployment, advanced video codecs and the support of HD video and graphics, providing an exciting and dramatic viewing experience with great realism and detail.

    The AmiNET530 was short-listed for the IPTV World Series Awards in the category "Best IPTV customer premise equipment technology".


    Warning: include(/usr/www/users/iulserv/iptv/industry/_includes/articles/about_iptv_evangelist.htm) [function.include]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory in /usr/www/users/iulserv/iptv/industry/2008/03/index.html on line 285

    Warning: include() [function.include]: Failed opening '/usr/www/users/iulserv/iptv/industry/_includes/articles/about_iptv_evangelist.htm' for inclusion (include_path='.:/usr/local/lib/php') in /usr/www/users/iulserv/iptv/industry/2008/03/index.html on line 285

    March 12, 2008

    Amino announces opening of Shanghai office - Beijing Olympics to increase demand for Set-Top Boxes

    amino_banner.gif

    Cambridge and London, UK - March 12, 2008 - Amino, the world leading IPTV platform supplier, has announced at the IPTV World Forum that it is opening an office in Shanghai at Suite 2702, City Gateway, No.398 Caoxi (N) Road, Shanghai (200040). It will act as a focal point for Amino's operations group, which provides local support for its manufacturing partners.

    2007 saw Asia emerge as the market leader in terms of sales of IPTV technology. This is set to continue with the onset of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, which is expected to generate 4.5 million subscribers and $231m in Set-Top Box (STB) revenue, according to a July 2007 report by In-Stat.

    Acknowledging China's increasing importance within the global IPTV market, Cambridge-based Amino first started operating in the country in 2003, and over 1.7 million IPTV STBs have been manufactured in China. Amino began its relationship with Chengdu USEE, a broadband multimedia company based in the Chengdu region of China, five years ago. The opening of this office will enable this partnership, as well as Amino's relationships with In-Tech Electronics and Wistron NeWeb Corporation, to develop further. Amino and USEE co-develop products incorporating Amino's IntAct software stack in order to provide applications such as AVS (advanced audio and video standard) codec technology, video telephony, VoIP, gaming, etc.

    Alan Masterman, VP Operations at Amino, commented, "Recent research by Analysys International has shown that IPTV industry in China is growing at a rate of 34.5 per cent every quarter. 2008 is set to witness an even faster growth rate with events such as the Beijing Olympics increasing interest in high quality, high-speed multimedia. With the opening of the Shanghai office, we have created a focal point of our operations in this market which will provide a sustained, high-quality service throughout China."


    Warning: include(/usr/www/users/iulserv/iptv/industry/_includes/articles/about_iptv_evangelist.htm) [function.include]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory in /usr/www/users/iulserv/iptv/industry/2008/03/index.html on line 325

    Warning: include() [function.include]: Failed opening '/usr/www/users/iulserv/iptv/industry/_includes/articles/about_iptv_evangelist.htm' for inclusion (include_path='.:/usr/local/lib/php') in /usr/www/users/iulserv/iptv/industry/2008/03/index.html on line 325

    Intelliden Rolls Out Policy-Based Compliance Management 2.0 for 'Always On' Network Compliance

    Intelliden_logo.jpg

    New Version Offers Greater Control, Simpler Policy Management and Increased Scalability to Reduce Cost and Risk Inherent in Network Compliance Management

    MENLO PARK, CA - March 12, 2008 - Intelliden Inc., a leading provider of Intelligent Networking solutions, today announced the release of Policy Based Compliance Management 2.0 (PBCM 2.0), the latest version of its total network compliance solution that automatically defines and manages network policies to meet regulatory, operational and industry compliance mandates, in addition to managing and resolving configuration-related security vulnerabilities in real-time.

    Designed to give network-driven companies greater network control, management and scalability, PBCM 2.0 boasts new and enhanced functionality to help lower the cost of network compliance and audits, accelerate discovery and remediation of configuration-related vulnerabilities and ensure the highest degree of network availability and business continuity. It also combines automated compliance with intelligent remediation, unmatched usability, and support for an unlimited number of policies to meet the needs of the largest and most complex networks.

    "Intelliden is working with some of the largest, most network-dependent companies in the world," said Alan Black, president and CEO of Intelliden. "These companies rely on their networks to deliver advanced communications services, automate data centers, connect multiple locations and conduct critical business transactions. With potentially hundreds of policies required to support thousands of network devices, it is virtually impossible to maintain network availability, security and reliability through antiquated manual network management processes and systems. With PBCM 2.0, network managers can automate their network compliance processes, reducing the risk from human error and faulty network configurations that lead to non-compliance and service outages."

    Greater Control with Out-of-the-Box Policies

    With PBCM 2.0, organizations can leverage out-of-the-box network policies to realize faster time-to-deployment and lower cost of ownership. These ready-made policies offer instant compliance with a number of security (e.g. National Security Agency router guidelines), and operational mandates. Companies can also customize these policies to meet their specific requirements, without having to start from scratch. Without this ability to quickly define and modify policies, network managers would need to spend hundreds of hours to cleanse their network and bring it under control.

    Simpler Network Management with Parameter-driven Policy Management

    Traditional script-based solutions tightly couple policies with underlying network devices leading to an explosion of the number of policies necessary to manage large number of network devices. PBCM 2.0 introduces parameter management to drastically reduce the number of policies needed to manage large and complex network environments. Parameters promote reuse of network policies, and enable use of a single policy to validate similar configuration settings across multiple network devices.

    Increased Scalability with Over One Million Validations Per Hour

    A typical network with hundreds of network policies and thousands of devices could require millions of validations to guarantee network availability, security and reliability. With PBCM 2.0, for the first time companies can support more than one million configuration validations per hour. PBCM 2.0 also enforces network policies in real-time as configuration changes are made and on a continuous basis, bringing policy enforcement directly into the production environment. Finally, by providing automated remediation, PBCM 2.0 automates detection and correction of out-of-compliance network conditions.

    Complementary to Intelliden R-Series® Platform and Intelligent Networking Applications

    PBCM 2.0 works in conjunction with the Intelliden R-Series® platform and other Intelligent Networking applications. Incorporating Intelliden's revolutionary patented technology and standards-based architecture, the Intelliden R-Series® 5.0 platform offers unparalleled levels of support for the largest and most transaction-intensive network environments.


    About Intelliden

    Intelliden (www.intelliden.com) is a leading provider of Intelligent Networking solutions that enable organizations to control, manage and scale their networks. With Intelliden solutions, network-driven organizations can deliver next generation services; ensure compliance and completely automating network change and configuration management. Intelliden's innovative and patented solution is the first example of truly "intelligent automation" of networking devices. It is the only solution that gives companies the real time state of the network-the key to ensuring accuracy across increasingly dynamic networks. Intelliden has been proven in global telecom companies, financial services organizations, federal government agencies and other businesses deeply dependent on their network. For more information, please visit www.intelliden.com/products-network_compliance


    Warning: include(/usr/www/users/iulserv/iptv/industry/_includes/articles/about_iptv_evangelist.htm) [function.include]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory in /usr/www/users/iulserv/iptv/industry/2008/03/index.html on line 385

    Warning: include() [function.include]: Failed opening '/usr/www/users/iulserv/iptv/industry/_includes/articles/about_iptv_evangelist.htm' for inclusion (include_path='.:/usr/local/lib/php') in /usr/www/users/iulserv/iptv/industry/2008/03/index.html on line 385

    TV4.se live on Polopoly

    tv4se_logo.jpg

    TV4.se is relaunched on the Swedish content management vendor Polopoly's platform. The objective of the new site is to extensive integrate streaming media as news material. Last year TV4 also launched two new success websites tv4vadret.se and tv4nyheterna.se on Polopoly.

    TV4 is one of Sweden's strongest media brands and their efforts in digital services are highly ambitious, and have been very successful. The company's main web portal, tv4.se, is one of Sweden's largest media websites.

    TV4 selected Polopoly because the system enables easy ways for quickly creating new websites such as temporary theme sites or new permanent sites. Polopoly provides TV4 with an easy publishing system with a consistent workflow for any type of content such as text, image and streaming media, and a system that enables multi-channel publishing. The system also provides possibilities for advanced weather functionality and user generated content.

    "The relaunch of TV4.se is a big step for us. The templates created with Polopoly makes it possible to launch new sites fast without having to build new templates each time. That is important for us. Last year we launched more web sites than any other actor on the Swedish media market and we will continue at high speed", says Per-Åke Olsson, head of development for new platforms at TV4.

    The administration interface has been customized to fit the working processes of TV4's editorial staff. The editors can work with resources such as images, article texts, web links or video clips in a consistent and intuitive way. Once an article has been created, it is very easy to search for resources using simple "cut-and-paste" functionality. New technical functionality gives the editors the possibility to manage incoming news feeds, enabling quick searches and automatic data feed filtering.

    Polopoly is based on an open architecture that allows easy integration with other applications to maximise efficient use of media assets. The robust and scalable web publishing environment Polopoly provides is capable of handling a constantly increasing number of sites, web editors and visitors. Polopoly provides the necessary tools to easily create websites with a high level of personalization and user interactivity and a user-friendly work environment for web editors.

    Polopoly is a leading technology player in regards to supplying content management technology to demanding media players. Our content management technology covers all media types: text, images and streaming media. It provides an integrated management of both editorially produced content and user generated content. Our headquarters are located in Sweden, but we serve customers worldwide. Today, our technology is used by a host of the world's most demanding media players. www.polopoly.com

    TV4 is a commercial quality channel broadcasting in Sweden, airing shows for all kinds of target groups. TV4 offers a great variety of shows; entertainment, movies, Swedish and international drama, children's shows, documentaries, news and sports. TV4 is one of Sweden's strongest media brands. www.tv4.se


    Warning: include(/usr/www/users/iulserv/iptv/industry/_includes/articles/about_iptv_evangelist.htm) [function.include]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory in /usr/www/users/iulserv/iptv/industry/2008/03/index.html on line 432

    Warning: include() [function.include]: Failed opening '/usr/www/users/iulserv/iptv/industry/_includes/articles/about_iptv_evangelist.htm' for inclusion (include_path='.:/usr/local/lib/php') in /usr/www/users/iulserv/iptv/industry/2008/03/index.html on line 432

    European Service Providers Join The DSL Forum Board

    dsl_logo.jpg

    BT, France Telecom, Telecom Italia and Telekomunikacja Polska to give Europe a stronger voice in broadband standards development

    12 March - At the annual meeting of the DSL Forum, four of Europe's leading telecommunications network operators were elected to the DSL Forum Board of Directors.

    The new members include Kevin Foster, of BT; Christophe Alter, from France Telecom; Mauro Tilocca of Telecom Italia; and Marcin Drzymala from Telekomunikacja Polska. Frank Van der Putten of Alcatel-Lucent, Les Brown of Infineon and Phil Skeba of Intel also were re-elected to the board. These strong industry players will help drive the standards work and direction of the Forum, whose activities now involve a much wider scope than its original DSL mandate - including increasing activity around IPTV, fibre deployments and management of the digital home.

    Though BT has had a seat on the Forum's board in the past, this is the first time the other companies have been elected. This strong European presence is representative of the increasing broadband and IPTV leadership coming out of our European members.

    In conjunction with the election of the new board members, analyst Point Topic announced the latest IPTV statistics, which revealed global IPTV subscribers topped 10 million in third quarter 2007 - a major milestone and a 27 per cent increase on the previous quarter. Once again Europe is the leading region, having over 6.5 million IPTV subscribers, with France being the country with the most subscribers. Although Western Europe has a strong lead in IPTV deployments, Eastern Europe is beginning to build its IPTV numbers and now has over 297,000 subscribers.

    dsl_data07.jpg


    Warning: include(/usr/www/users/iulserv/iptv/industry/_includes/articles/about_iptv_evangelist.htm) [function.include]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory in /usr/www/users/iulserv/iptv/industry/2008/03/index.html on line 477

    Warning: include() [function.include]: Failed opening '/usr/www/users/iulserv/iptv/industry/_includes/articles/about_iptv_evangelist.htm' for inclusion (include_path='.:/usr/local/lib/php') in /usr/www/users/iulserv/iptv/industry/2008/03/index.html on line 477

    March 11, 2008

    GridNetworks Raises Additional Capital to Deliver Internet Television

    grid_logo.gif

    SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GridNetworks, the leading provider of managed Internet television delivery services, today announced that Cisco Systems, Inc. has made an investment as a strategic investor in GridNetwork's Series A funding previously announced by Panorama Capital in October. With this latest investment, GridNetworks raised a total of $9.5 million in its Series A financing.

    GridNetworks streams television and film content with HD clarity and high-fidelity sound to a computer or a television screen via the Internet. The company model is based on a hybrid set of technologies that deliver video to multiple platforms within the home on the TV, PC or other devices. The company's technology provides content providers who are delivering video to the home with software, real-time service management, and intelligent, network friendly video streams working in tandem, to help ensure that millions of viewers can simultaneously watch full screen HD programming from the Internet.

    GridNetworks provides a compelling business proposition for content providers looking to deliver programming via the Internet, while retaining the high quality viewing experience their viewers are accustomed to.

    Media companies working with GridNetworks can deliver a true television experience, via existing broadband connections, for a small fraction of what they are paying today in distribution costs. For the first time, content providers can also scale distribution to Nielsen-level audiences on the Internet, and receive the Nielsen-type data and analytics they need to develop compelling advertising and sponsorship packages.

    Service operators and consumer electronics vendors working with GridNetworks can embed its flexible technology within their networks and devices to provide Internet video capabilities. Through these vendors, and partnerships with content distributors, consumers will have access to full screen HD content for a rich and seamless experience.

    "By combining scalability with meaningful reporting and analytics we're enabling credible Internet television business models for the first time in the industry. We intend to make Internet television profitable for the entertainment industry, and for network operators, once and for all," said Tony Naughtin, President and CEO of GridNetworks. "The strategic investment made by Cisco is a great endorsement of our ambitions to unlock the potential of Internet television for media owners, advertisers, and service providers by delivering a consistently great user experience."

    About GridNetworks

    GridNetworks, based in Seattle, Washington, is a leading provider of managed Internet television services. Targeted primarily at media and entertainment companies, GridNetworks' GridCasting technology allows media companies to cost-effectively and reliably stream full-screen, HD quality, video content over the Internet. For more information, please visit http://www.gridnetworks.com.


    Warning: include(/usr/www/users/iulserv/iptv/industry/_includes/articles/about_iptv_evangelist.htm) [function.include]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory in /usr/www/users/iulserv/iptv/industry/2008/03/index.html on line 524

    Warning: include() [function.include]: Failed opening '/usr/www/users/iulserv/iptv/industry/_includes/articles/about_iptv_evangelist.htm' for inclusion (include_path='.:/usr/local/lib/php') in /usr/www/users/iulserv/iptv/industry/2008/03/index.html on line 524

    Full-Scale Introduction of IPTV Business for Communication Carriers - NEC targets 50 billion yen in sales after 3 years

    Tokyo, London and New York, March 11, 2008 - NEC Corporation today
    announced that it will launch full-scale IPTV business with high-profile
    NGN (Next Generation Networks) carrier applications. Providing
    End-to-End IPTV solutions and video delivery systems to communication
    carriers, NEC will expand this business to the international market. The
    company will draw on its NGN know-how and extensive experience with
    broadcasting technology to deliver highly competitive solutions
    predicted to generate 50 billion yen in sales by 2010.

    NEC intends to adopt the following initiatives to accompany full-scale
    introduction of the new services.
    1. Delivery of End-to-End IPTV solutions using NEC products, from
    network architecture to delivery servers and household terminals, in a
    "Full Line Full Layer" approach. This will make it possible to
    guarantee the Quality of Service (QoS), Quality of Experience (QoE) and
    advanced security demanded by carriers and users alike and achieve
    high-quality and convenient interactive services. (Please refer to
    attachment 1.)

    2. Release of the "NC7500-VD" video delivery server (VoD server) in
    April as the core system for new IPTV solutions. This server will
    deliver continuous video-on-demand services with carrier-grade
    reliability. In addition, in-built contents protection functions will
    safeguard intellectual property rights and satisfy even the most robust
    security needs. (Please refer to attachment 2.)

    3. Adoption of CASCADE's "QualiTVision*" middleware which has
    enabled IPTV deployments in Hong Kong and Thailand to offer such
    advanced video solutions as time shifting, Network PVR** and interactive
    services.

    "IPTV is a video delivery service that uses the IP network. With the
    addition of NGN we can provide a variety of services, including
    high-grade video-on-demand (VoD) and value-added information services",
    says Dr. Botaro Hirosaki, Executive Vice President of NEC. "NEC aims to
    expand services and meet carrier demands for smooth migration from
    current services and advanced service architecture incorporating NGN
    capabilities by providing next-generation IPTV solutions that couple our
    extensive technical achievements in broadcasting with our core
    competence in the area of IT/Network integration."

    The IPTV solutions announced today will be showcased at the NEC booth at
    the "IPTV World Forum 2008" in London from March 12 - 14.


    Warning: include(/usr/www/users/iulserv/iptv/industry/_includes/articles/about_iptv_evangelist.htm) [function.include]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory in /usr/www/users/iulserv/iptv/industry/2008/03/index.html on line 597

    Warning: include() [function.include]: Failed opening '/usr/www/users/iulserv/iptv/industry/_includes/articles/about_iptv_evangelist.htm' for inclusion (include_path='.:/usr/local/lib/php') in /usr/www/users/iulserv/iptv/industry/2008/03/index.html on line 597

    Highwinds Raises $55 Million

    WINTER PARK, FLORIDA, USA - March 11, 2008 -
    Highwinds Network Group, Inc., a multi-platform IP
    services and content distribution provider, today
    announced it has closed a $55 million round of equity
    financing led by General Catalyst Partners and Alta
    Communications. The financing will fund the
    infrastructure build-out of Highwinds' RollingThunder(TM)
    network, including a content delivery network offering.

    Highwinds' RollingThunder network was unveiled today
    in conjunction with an announcement of a partnership
    between Highwinds, Digital Rapids Corporation and
    Knack Networks to create advanced IPTV solutions for
    the vast market of professional media companies
    worldwide.

    "Having attracted top-tier investors, we can accelerate
    our ability to meet the rapidly growing demand for
    innovation in the market for IP services and delivery of
    rich media content," said Steve Miller, Highwinds'
    President and Chief Executive Officer. "We are
    well-capitalized to bring an unparalleled infrastructure
    solution to market for service providers, corporations,
    content owners and other organizations implementing
    IP services, content delivery and other strategies to
    increase revenue and profitability, improve customer
    relations, enhance competitive position, expand market
    share and achieve other key business goals."

    "Highwinds has already proven its mettle -- with a
    years-long track record of success marked by solid
    revenue growth and profitability," said Neil Sequeira, a
    Partner at General Catalyst Partners. "We are excited
    to provide the capital infusion that will enable them to
    advance to the next level with their content delivery
    solutions and other RollingThunder network-based
    services.

    "In my years of focusing on all sectors of media, it's
    clear that Highwinds has fielded an outstanding executive
    management team -- one with the knowledge,
    experience and vision to be a market leader," said
    Andrew Mulderry, General Partner at Alta
    Communications. "We have invested in a portfolio of
    best-in-class new media companies, and Highwinds fits
    superbly into that ecosystem as a supplier and partner
    to our other investments."

    About Highwinds Network Group, Inc.
    Highwinds has been a leader in the development of
    content replication and delivery software and services
    since 2002. This experience has led to a number of
    technology innovations in network management,
    distributed file system technology and advanced content
    routing methods. The Highwinds CDN leverages
    best-in-class hardware and software to quickly and
    successfully move content at a global level. The
    company's high-performance RollingThunder(TM) network
    and user-friendly StrikeTracker(TM) content management
    and reporting dashboard enable clients to deploy and
    manage content, file downloads and streaming media.
    Highwinds is headquartered in Winter Park, Fla., and
    maintains data centers in 13 North American and
    European cities. For more information,
    visit www.highwinds.com.


    Warning: include(/usr/www/users/iulserv/iptv/industry/_includes/articles/about_iptv_evangelist.htm) [function.include]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory in /usr/www/users/iulserv/iptv/industry/2008/03/index.html on line 692

    Warning: include() [function.include]: Failed opening '/usr/www/users/iulserv/iptv/industry/_includes/articles/about_iptv_evangelist.htm' for inclusion (include_path='.:/usr/local/lib/php') in /usr/www/users/iulserv/iptv/industry/2008/03/index.html on line 692

    March 10, 2008

    Telbo selects Amino to Deploy Caribbean's First Telco IPTV Service

    Amino's award-winning AmiNET125 Set-Top Box brings advanced digital offerings to customers on island of Bonaire

    Cambridge, UK - March 10, 2008 - Amino, the world leading IPTV platform supplier, today announced that Telefonia Bonairiano NV ("Telbo"), the Dutch Caribbean's telecommunications company, has selected the AmiNET125 multi-codec Set-Top-Box (STB) to power "mitv", the first IPTV service in the Caribbean island of Bonaire over ADSL2+ network. This innovative IPTV service was developed by Telbo N.V., Savant Communications N.V. and Manycast Consultancy Inc. and is considered to be the showcase model for the Telbo partner telecom companies, covering an additional 24 countries.

    The AmiNET125 deployment offers Telbo the opportunity to provide subscribers an enhanced IPTV platform, which goes beyond traditional triple-play services. The AmiNET125 platform is specifically designed to help operators in emerging markets introduce IPTV services with a flexible and cost effective approach.

    Telbo's "mitv" service, an integral part of its triple play (video, voice and data) offering and a first for the Caribbean region, consists of a Basic Package of around 40 channels including HBO, Discovery and FOX. As another first in the Dutch Caribbean, Telbo will offer the Dutch Public Channels (Nederland 1, 2 and 3), which will be inserted into the headend via optical submarine cables. Telbo also offers an Extended Basic Package and packages serving specific customer needs (International, Sports, Action, unique Adult content offered on PPV and VoD and 3 premium movie oriented packages).

    "We wanted to expand our basic platform and offer more value to our customers. With Amino's proven performance in other markets similar to ours, the AmiNET125 was an obvious choice for us," said Edsel Winklaar, Managing Director of Telbo "We hope to repeat the success of this initial deployment in other islands in the region," he added.

    The AmiNET125 combines proven hardware and software architectures with the latest processor and peripheral components, to achieve the best results in terms of reliability, performance and cost. It includes the best features from Amino's previous standard definition products but adds USB 2.0 and a programmable multi-codec DSP capable of MPEG-2, H.264 and WMV9. With a System-On-Chip (SOC) solution, the AmiNET125 combines a powerful CPU and advanced, programmable DSP in a cost effective single package, which can be field-upgraded to support the addition of new services and codecs, helping increase average revenue per user (ARPU).

    "Our long-standing relationship with Power and Telephone, combined with the cost-effective, cutting-edge features of the AmiNET125, has allowed Amino to bring advanced IPTV services to new markets," noted Sandra Conejos, Director of Sales - East Coast & Latin America for Amino. "This is a significant deployment for us as we continue to create new opportunities for customers in developing regions, allowing them to experience the freedom and flexibility offered by IPTV technology."

    The AmiNET125 won the prestigious CSI Product of the Year 2007 Award in the category "Best IPTV technology". The CSI award was the third international accolade given to Amino's multi-codec range of STBs in the last 2 years.


    Warning: include(/usr/www/users/iulserv/iptv/industry/_includes/articles/about_iptv_evangelist.htm) [function.include]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory in /usr/www/users/iulserv/iptv/industry/2008/03/index.html on line 738

    Warning: include() [function.include]: Failed opening '/usr/www/users/iulserv/iptv/industry/_includes/articles/about_iptv_evangelist.htm' for inclusion (include_path='.:/usr/local/lib/php') in /usr/www/users/iulserv/iptv/industry/2008/03/index.html on line 738

    TM Forum Continues Push into Cable industry with presentations at IP Cable and Interactive Advertising Shows in London.

    London, UK - March 10th, 2008 - The TM Forum, the world's leading industry trade association focused on transforming business processes, operations and systems for managing and monetizing on-line Information, Communications and Entertainment services, announced today that Kelly Anderson Neiman, Sector Head for Cable, will speak on two panels at the IP Cable Show and the Interactive Advertising Show, both co-located with the IPTV World Forum March 12 - 14th in London.

    Both events discuss the thorny issues for cable industry as it migrates to an IP infrastructure. The two key panel sessions that Neiman is speaking on address key areas for the global cable industry: 'The role of Switched Digital Video in next-generation cable,' and 'Video over IP: Future considerations for an industry heading to all-IP multimedia'. "These sessions represent key areas for the TM Forum Cable Interest Group, launched last year, that has been active in addressing data management, service delivery, and the management of next generation services such as: addressable advertising; multimedia applications; and the personalization of digital content," Neiman commented.

    A call to the industry is being coordinated at the 2008 Cable Congress Show, in Madrid April 23-25th where the TM Forum is initiating a European and US cable industry meeting to standardize the capturing, distribution, and management of data for use in interactive and addressable advertising. This is building on work initiated by the IPDR specifications, now a technical program under the TM Forum, and are used as the protocol in Cablelabs OCAP 1.1 (now tru2way) and DOCSIS 2.0 and 3.0 releases.
    About the TM Forum
    With over 660 members in 65 countries, the TM Forum is the world's leading trade association focused on management of information, communications and entertainment services. The Forum provides leadership, strategic guidance and practical solutions to improve the way that services are created, delivered, assured and charged. Members include the majority of the world's service providers, network operators, software suppliers, equipment suppliers and systems integrators.
    The Forum currently facilitates over 80 technical programs and provides extensive training, conferencing and information services to its members. Through its initiatives to help providers move to 21st century 'lean' processes, the Forum helps its members automate business processes by deploying operational systems that will work seamlessly across various parts of the service delivery chain. The organization provides industry benchmarks, guidebooks, process and software frameworks and specific 'plug and play' standards. These give service providers the direction and specific roadmaps to achieve much greater business efficiency and operational flexibility.
    For further information regarding the TM Forum, related programs such as the Prosspero initiative and its Management World conferences, please visit www.tmforum.org


    Warning: include(/usr/www/users/iulserv/iptv/industry/_includes/articles/about_iptv_evangelist.htm) [function.include]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory in /usr/www/users/iulserv/iptv/industry/2008/03/index.html on line 778

    Warning: include() [function.include]: Failed opening '/usr/www/users/iulserv/iptv/industry/_includes/articles/about_iptv_evangelist.htm' for inclusion (include_path='.:/usr/local/lib/php') in /usr/www/users/iulserv/iptv/industry/2008/03/index.html on line 778

    Orban and Wowza Offer Web Broadcasters a Breakthrough HC-AAC Live Audio

    wowza_logo.jpg

    Web Broadcasters Can Now Deliver Superior Audio Experience Seamlessly,
    In-Browser, Without Need for Spawning Media Players

    Tempe, AZ, & San Jose, CA, March 10, 2008-Circuit Research Labs, Inc.
    (OTCBB: CRLI.OB), parent company of CRL Systems, Inc. dba Orban/CRL, and
    Wowza Media Systems, an emerging leader in streaming media server
    software, have introduced new capabilities that empower Web broadcasters
    to take advantage of the new MP4 and HE-AAC capabilities introduced in
    Adobe Flash Player 9.

    By deploying Orban's Opticodec 1010 Series of Enterprise MP4 (AAC) and
    HE-AAC encoders in conjunction with Wowza Media Server™ Pro, netcasters
    will now be able to stream live audio to the Flash player using the most
    efficient and best-sounding codecs on the market, HE-AAC (High-Efficiency
    Advanced Audio Coding) and AAC (Advanced Audio Coding), at bitrates and
    costs as much as 66% lower than MP3 or Windows Media Audio (WMA).

    The Orban Opticodec 1010 line of MP4 (AAC) and aacPlus (HE-AAC) encoders
    were the first in the industry to bring high-quality, low-bitrate audio to
    IP Radio and the new 3G networks, allowing stations to transmit HD quality
    audio over the Internet and to the new generation of mobile devices.

    Wowza Media Server Pro is award-winning Flash media server software that
    delivers industry-leading performance and economics along with unique
    features that enable creative streaming applications targeting the
    ubiquitous Adobe Flash player.

    "These new capabilities go beyond just playing better audio; they're also
    about accessibility and savings," said Greg Ogonowski, VP of New Product
    Development for Orban. "With Flash readily available in more than 98% of
    all Internet browsers, netcasters can now provide a seamless HD audio
    listening experience without forcing their audiences to use clumsy
    external players. Netcasters can also now deliver better quality at lower
    bitrates, an innovation that translates into significant cost savings."

    "With HD TV and radio gaining significant momentum, it is clear that
    audiences will not be satisfied with the sub-par quality of most Internet
    audio for much longer," added David Stubenvoll, CEO and Co-Founder, Wowza
    Media Systems. "The exceptional quality of the Orban encoders and the
    streaming versatility of Wowza Media Server Pro make HD audio available to
    Internet broadcasters and their listeners everywhere today."

    About aacPlus (HE-AAC)
    aacPlus (HE-AAC) is an audio codec developed by Coding Technologies that
    delivers high-quality 5.1 multichannel audio at 128 kbps, near CD-quality
    stereo at 32 kbps, and FM quality stereo at 24 kbps. It is widely adopted
    by many international standardization and proprietary bodies, including
    3GPP, MPEG-4, ISMA (Internet Streaming Media Alliance), DVB (Digital Video
    Broadcasting), the DVD Forum, Digital Radio Mondiale, HD-Radio and
    MediaFLO.

    About Circuit Research Labs, Inc.
    Circuit Research Labs, Inc. is a manufacturer of high-quality digital and
    analog audio processing, transmission encoding, and noise reduction
    equipment. Circuit Research Labs, Inc. supplies radio, TV and Internet
    audio processing. As technology evolves, Circuit Research Labs continues
    to innovate with state-of-the-art audio processing products for DAB, DTV
    and streaming media. The Company purchased Orban® in May of 2000. Orban
    was founded in 1970 by Bob Orban, who is the world's foremost expert in
    transmission audio processing for broadcast. Orban leads the industry in
    the design and manufacture of audio processors for radio, television and
    Internet broadcasting. Recognized for its standard-setting Optimod®
    digital audio processors and the Opticodec® codecs, the Orban name has
    become synonymous with reliable, high performance products. Today, its
    versatile audio processing equipment and codecs are the products of choice
    in fast-paced production environments worldwide.


    Warning: include(/usr/www/users/iulserv/iptv/industry/_includes/articles/about_iptv_evangelist.htm) [function.include]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory in /usr/www/users/iulserv/iptv/industry/2008/03/index.html on line 877

    Warning: include() [function.include]: Failed opening '/usr/www/users/iulserv/iptv/industry/_includes/articles/about_iptv_evangelist.htm' for inclusion (include_path='.:/usr/local/lib/php') in /usr/www/users/iulserv/iptv/industry/2008/03/index.html on line 877

    TM Forum Continues Push into Cable Industry with a Call to the Industry

    tm_forum_logo.jpg

    London, UK - IP Cable Show, March 10, 2008 - The TM Forum, the world's leading industry trade association focused on transforming business processes, operations and systems for managing and monetizing on-line Information, Communications and Entertainment services, announced today that its Cable Interest Group has organized an industry call on Interactive and addressable advertising. The potential growth of new forms of advertising is seen widely in the industry as the key revenue opportunity to address in 2008, however standardization is required to unlock its full potential.

    The Cable Interest Group (CIG) is a committee of global MSOs, within the TM Forum that coordinate requirements for the management of new and existing services for Cable companies and is based on the work of IPDR, now part of the TM Forum collaboration program. With most MSOs now offering full communications services, the relevance of TM Forum's work, such as the business process framework (eTOM), is increasingly being seen as central to their systems architectures. However, new services are driving new requirements, such as Interactive and addressable advertising, and industry consensus is needed.

    The TM Forum is promoting their push into the cable industry at a range of industry events. The first of these initiatives is at the IP Cable and the Interactive Advertising Shows, co-located with the IPTV World Forum March 12 - 14th in London, where Cable Sector head Kelly Neiman will be speaking. The second is at the 2008 Cable Congress Show in Madrid April 23-25th, where the TM Forum is initiating a European and US cable industry session to standardize the capturing, distribution, and management of data for use in cable advertising services. This industry meeting will take place in two parts in the "Technical track" on April 25th at 12 noon and 2:15pm.

    "The Cable industry is moving very fast," states Kelly Neiman. "With all IP networks starting to have the ability to offer many of the same services as traditional cable networks, it has never been more important to build new revenue streams. To do this successfully, at the right price level and with industry support, a standardization of approach is essential. The TM Forum has as vital part to play to ensure this takes place."


    Warning: include(/usr/www/users/iulserv/iptv/industry/_includes/articles/about_iptv_evangelist.htm) [function.include]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory in /usr/www/users/iulserv/iptv/industry/2008/03/index.html on line 916

    Warning: include() [function.include]: Failed opening '/usr/www/users/iulserv/iptv/industry/_includes/articles/about_iptv_evangelist.htm' for inclusion (include_path='.:/usr/local/lib/php') in /usr/www/users/iulserv/iptv/industry/2008/03/index.html on line 916

    March 6, 2008

    Broadband Industry Practices Webcast