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Comtrend's wireless video adapters based on Celeno HD WiFi chip
Earlier this year, Celeno and Cavium teamed up to pump out a WiFi-based wireless HDMI Solution, and now the former company has notched yet another partner in its quest to spread the joys of wireless video the world over. Announced at the IPTV World Forum, Comtrend has selected Celeno's HD WiFi chips for its wireless video adapters, which are available now for service providers worldwide. Their purpose? To distribute multiple HD IPTV content from any Ethernet-equipped home gateway or DVR to IP set-top-boxes. In other words, the solution ensures reliable IPTV home networking, providing whole home coverage without any new wires. There's no specific word on where we'll see this stuff roll out, but those over in London can check it out in person starting tomorrow. Full release is after the break.
Pelicola aims to bring HD online programming to Philippines
Right, so the online content generated and hosted by Pelicola.tv would theoretically serve the world, but it's hoping to produce localized content that would appeal specifically to Filipino internet users. The online TV portal has voiced its intentions to create "a series of local web shows in high-definition video quality," targeting a specific niche of online viewers who appreciate the higher quality. Reportedly, many in the Philippines tap into the web to get their programming fix, thus making the idea extra luscious in that part of the world. The site is expected to fully launch next month, and we can only hope that it not only thrives, but gives others in various countries 'round the globe similar ideas.
Daewoo introduces DIS-E100 HD IPTV set-top-box
It's pretty much impossible to say where Daewoo's DIS-E100 HD IPTV set-top-box (not pictured) is headed in terms of operator adoption, but one's thing is for certain: SecureMedia's Encryptonite ONE will be making sure no pirates can plunder with content running through it. In all honesty, little is actually known about the aforesaid STB given that it's SecureMedia that's doing the outing, but we wouldn't be shocked to see this filter out to the handful of IPTV providers operating in the States. Now, if only this thing had an HDD in it, we'd really be in business. Full release is after the break.
ITV programming made available to Virgin Media subscribers
While BT Vision is currently cooking up a way to bring major UK programming to one place via IPTV, Virgin Media is already taking things one step further by bringing thousands of hours of ITV on-demand content to subscribers. The agreement will, in essence, give ITV its largest ever potential on-demand audience -- you know, now that Virgin's 3.5 million customers can view hours upon hours of ITV1, ITV2, ITV3 and ITV4 material at their leisure. We're told that hit shows like Coronation Street and Emmerdale will be "made available for seven days after being broadcast as part of Virgin Media's free Catch up TV service," and there will even be a small subset of HD VOD programming to choose from. Not a raw deal at all for existing / to-be VM subs.
FairPoint offering free HDTVs for fiber trials in Portsmouth, NH
Call us crazy, but we suspect these 100 free HDTVs (and DVRs) will be snapped up in no time flat... if they aren't all claimed already, that is. FairPoint Communications is hoping to lure a hundred Portsmouth, New Hampshire homes into testing its new fiber-based (IPTV) programming technology as it looks to compete locally with Comcast. The 90-day pilot program is set to start in January and is open to all Portsmouth residents within the FairPoint fiber-optic service area. Depending on how the tests go, many communities could look to FairPoint to provide video services, though the initial trial will include just 45 channels as critics look to judge quality, not quantity. So, what exactly are you waiting for? Get on the horn and get your name on the list!
MTNL and Aksh Optifibre announce FTTH, HDTV services in India
We already knew that MTNL was looking to expand its IPTV services from Mumbai to more parts of India, and now we're seeing progress towards completion. Thanks to a recent tie-up between said company and Aksh Optifibre, FTTH (fiber to the home) and HDTV services will be delivered to Indians in desperate need of more high-def. Unfortunately, the announcement doesn't mention when or where the services will be expanded, but hopefully we'll be given more insight on the whole deal real soon.
SureWest nets 100,000 broadband customers, gives two some freebies
SureWest just recently lit up its 100Mbps high-speed internet service in Kansas City, and apparently, people really dug it. As of this week, the telco has managed to secure 100,000 broadband customers in its two major markets of Kansas City and Sacramento. In order to celebrate, it chose one subscriber at random from each of those regions and gave them free HDTV, digital phone and broadband internet for a year. Unlike Charter, however, we actually expect these guys to deliver on their promises.
Canby Telcom opens can, out pops 36 HDTV channels in Oregon
For Canby Telecom customers located in (where else?) Canby, Oregon, today's a good day. The programming provider has just announced that you now have access to 36 high-def stations on its HD IPTV network, with over two dozen of 'em delivered to Canby via IP-PRIME. Among the new channels are Discovery HD, Disney HD, Showtime HD, Fox News HD, ESPN HD, A&E HD and Food Network HD, plus a handful of local broadcast services. There's no mention of cost or any of that, so here's hoping they're being beamed out for free (or mighty close to it).
AT&T signs on to distribute Move-enabled video content
It's still a touch unclear to us exactly what this means for end-users, but AT&T has just inked a deal with Move Networks that will enable it to "deliver Move-enabled video content to companies and their users." The release states that Move Networks technology allows "media and entertainment companies to deliver live and on-demand high-definition programming to computers over the internet in a true television-like experience," so we're wondering if AT&T won't start offering some type of HD content via the web. Then again, this whole agreement may be focused on the business sector, so we lowly consumers may never be able to take advantage. Guess we'll see in time, huh?[Thanks, Anthony]
Belgium's Belgacom adds VTM HD, expands to 14 high-def channels
Despite Europe's low adoption rate of HDTV, Belgium's Belgacom is moving forward with the idea that consumer may buy in if enough content is offered. After launching HD IPTV services just this year, the provider is already up to 14 high-def stations, the latest of which is VTM HD. Others in the EPG include Discovery HD, Disney Cinemagic HD, Exqi, HD1, History HD, Melody Zen and Luxe TV HD, and interestingly enough, we're hearing that over half of all Belgacom subscribers are "able to view HD channels." Progress, we dig it.
AT&T exec talks U-verse, HD plans
Shortly after breaking the semi-magical 500,000 subscriber mark, AT&T's executive vice president of content Dan York sat down for an interview on the future of U-verse. The bigwig made known that U-verse TV's long-term HD plans were still undisclosed, though "north of 100 [HD channels]" were in its near-term sights. He also insinuated that HD VOD was still aways out, though he did acknowledge that "HD is clearly important to consumers." He also hinted that more substantial changes could come to the service once the really magical one million subscriber mark was passed, suggesting that it could leverage better deals and possibly more content by being able to claim a cool million on the roster. It's a fairly interesting read if you're interested in AT&T's take on IPTV -- we're just anxious to see it come to more places.[Via SmartBrief]
Adult Video Network launches channel for VUDU set-top-box
We'd stop short of calling it inevitable, but we aren't shocked one bit to hear that on-demand porn has landed on VUDU's set-top-box. Adult Video Network (AVN) has developed a channel for VUDU which enables users to rent and purchase SD or HD films just like any other less explicit title. As expected, users would be asked to first "verify their age" and clear parental controls before anything on the channel could be viewed. Interested in pricing details? Try $6.99 / $19.99 for SD rentals / purchases and $8.99 / $29.99 for HD rentals / purchases.[Via CEPro]
Mark Cuban figures out how to "save internet video"
We won't restate the irony found in an internet tycoon bashing online TV (oops...), but Mark Cuban has seemingly come up with a few brilliant ideas since claiming that internet video was a failing enterprise back in March. Essentially, Mr. Cuban reckons that HDTV currently being delivered over the internet to LCD monitors around the globe should actually not be transmitted via the compressed methods currently used. Rather, he asserts that we should "move the video cloud to the node and encode and insert into traditional video distribution systems." In other words, deliver internet TV to your existing cable / satellite set-top-box, giving end-users the ability to create playlists and customize shows. We'll admit, we're warming to the idea in general, but trapping users into a cable / satellite bill isn't that appealing for those who lavish the ability to watch some of their HD via OTA and some of it via the 'net. Still, we're sure he's got that niggle all figured out too -- but why would he reveal his secrets before taking it to the bank?[Thanks, VANBROTHERS]
Amino launches AmiNET130M HD IPTV set-top-box
While Motorola and friends had a field day at The Cable Show, Amino is looking out for you IPTV users at NXTcomm08. Presented today in Las Vegas, the AmiNET130M is hailed as the market's first 100% digital HD IPTV set-top-box, and you can bet it stands out in the crowd. The atypically designed unit measures just 4.48-inches wide by 1.37-inches high and packs an HDMI output and MPEG-4 support. You'll also find a USB 2.0 peripheral port, IR remote functionality, an optical S/PDIF audio jack and Smartfoot compatibility, but what you won't find is a price or release date. Sigh.
NHL Network HD skates onto IP-PRIME IPTV
Okay, so maybe this deal is going down a little later than we would have liked (considering the NHL season is over and all), but there's always next year, right? Not quite two months after the NFL Network landed on IP-PRIME's IPTV network, NHL Network has followed suit. For hardcore fans using this service, you can look forward to blowout coverage of the NHL Entry Draft on June 20 - 21, and better still, 75 games during the 2008 - 2009 season will be broadcast in high-definition. The recently inked agreement ensures that each and every IP-PRIME operator in the United States will have access to the SD and HD feeds, and it sounds like the channel should be live as we speak.
Poland's Telekomunikacja Polska S.A. testing HD IPTV
News flash: Poland has gone absolutely berserk here lately, with a slew of carriers introducing HD channels / services all within the last few weeks. Keeping the trend alive is Telekomunikacja Polska S.A., which we'll refer to from here on out as TP. Judging by local reports and the image above, said telco is currently testing out HD IPTV. As you can see, an HD set-top-box is connected to an ADSL router in order to beam Filmbox HD to the set. Unfortunately, a go-live date is still unknown, and the biggest hurdle yet to be overcome is the purported dearth of ADSL availability (or possibly just affordability) in the region. Baby steps, baby steps.[Thanks, Arsenal]
Austria's aonTV launches HD programming, Timeshift TV
As the admittedly light adoption of HD continues on continents not named North America, we see Austria's own aonTV hopping on the HD bandwagon. The Vienna-based IPTV carrier has just launched HD-Videothek -- which will carry a mix of hit movies, documentaries and music videos -- and ORF HD, which will be used to carry the upcoming Euro 2008 in high-definition. The cost for picking up the tier is €4.90 on top of the basic €34.90 subscription, though a new service dubbed Timeshift TV is being made available gratis. As the title implies, the feature enables viewers to "replay content from the previous 90 minutes" on 11 different channels. Not exactly a DVR, but we suppose it's better than nothing.
Poland's Inotel delivers high-def via IPTV
Would you look at that? Poland nets another. Amidst the flurry of high-def news (not to mention the launch of Engadget's Polish branch) originating in Poland comes word that yet another provider is vying for local business, and it's using HD as a primary selling point. IPTV carrier Inotel has just launched a tier that contains National Geographic HD and Polsat Sport HD to complement the 41 basic channels and host of other packages. Reportedly, the stations are now live in Poznan and other parts of the Wielkopolska region, though there's no word on future expansion.
Portugal Telecom / ZON expands their HD offerings in Portugal
Good news, Portugal. Two of the nation's most prominent DTH providers have just upped their respective antes, so we'll dig right into the former. PT's Meo service already features National Geographic HD, and as of just a few days ago, Eurosport HD. Now, however, the carrier will be offering up TVI to its IPTV / satellite customers in order to broadcast Euro 2008 to its customers. Oddly enough, we're told the addition of TVI (in HD / SD) will be only for Euro 2008, though it should become a regular part of the lineup in 2009. Moving on to ZON, it's planning to launch Mov HD and National Geographic HD on June 1st, and just to make sure Euro 2008 is shown in HD, it'll add Sport TV HD here shortly. In September, you can look forward to seeing Cine 1/2/3/4 in HD, and it's expected that these four could end up on PT's Meo service as well.[Thanks, Orlando]Read - Portugal Telecom expansionRead - ZON expansion [PDF]
Provo, Utah sells iProvo fiber-optic network to Broadweave
iProvo, the largest municipally owned fiber-to-the-premises network in the entire United States, has just been sold to Broadweave Networks. The Provo, Utah-based network actually reaches all 36,000 residents and businesses of the city, and manages to connect homes, businesses, government buildings, schools and even traffic signals. The sale price was $40.6 million, which is plenty to retire the outstanding bonds incurred by Provo to build the system. The City itself seems quite pleased, as it gains the advantage of the sale and it continues to enjoy the benefits of the infrastructure. Under the agreement, Broadweave will act as the network owner and service provider, while Provo retains a license to keep on using the fiber as it has in the past. Best of all, the new owner has already promised to "invest heavily in network upgrades in order to increase capacity, features, and performance for commercial customers," though we aren't sure if that means more HD content is on the way.
