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Jittr Networks gets new Vusion name, same HD-over internet promise
In case you didn't catch it, there used to be an internet video platform operating under the codename Jittr Networks. Don't bother learning that factoid, though -- it has relaunched, official-like, under the name Vusion (please disregard that the Vusion name overlaps with a baby ointment). Competition to deliver streaming HD video over the internet is heating up, and Vusion is promising to give 95-percent of all broadband customers access to crispy, instant-on, 720p images. Vusion's secret sauce is the familiar combo of network infrastructure and a cleverly-acronymed WARP technology. Don't get us wrong -- we're all for internet streaming of HD, and we think know that it's coming; but we won't start lining up until content providers do. [Warning: PDF read link][Via HDTVMagazine]
SVT HD makes Viasat's HD lineup slightly less pitiful
Europe as a whole could use a real shot in the arm when it comes to HD, so we guess we can't point and laugh too much as Viasat increases its HD lineup from three networks -- Viasat Sport HD, TV1000 HD and National Geographic HD -- to four. Public broadcaster SVT HD is all set to join the others in short order, as Viasat attempts to maintain competitive balance with rival Canal Digital, which already offers the channel. There's no word on an actual go-live date (nor any indication of extra charges), but on a slightly separate note, we are told that Danish channel TV2 Sport HD will resume high-def airings when it covers the SAS football league after it returns from winter break.
NFL Network coming to IP-PRIME IPTV
IPTV providers relying on SES Americom's IP-PRIME service could soon have some excellent news for their customers, as the aforementioned firm has just landed a deal with NFL Network. Just days after announcing that it was bringing HD service to a solid dozen telcos, the outfit is now able to bring NFL Network to its customers. Interestingly, the release doesn't specifically mention carrying SD and / or HD feeds, but hopefully the latter will indeed be made available. It is noted that the station is now accessible by all IP-PRIME operators throughout the US, but each operator will still have to sign "individual carriage deals with NFL Network in order to offer the channel to their subscribers." Oh, goodie.
Tilgin's HD IPTV set-top-boxes headed to Southern Europe
Tilgin AB isn't saying who exactly is taking possession of an order for 1,700 of its Mood 400 HDTV set-top-boxes in Southern Europe, but make no mistake, someone down there is readying a soft launch of IPTV services. According to a release from the equipment provider, one of its "global partners" is apparently looking to offer up end-to-end IPTV delivery to a "leading tier one operator." Said operator is supposed to go live with its soft launch by September of this year, but details beyond that are nonexistent. Sure, the waiting game is tough to play, but knowing that IPTV is on the way has to provide some comfort, yeah?
MOJO launches The Circuit online technology show in HD
An all new season of Three Sheets isn't the only reason to tune into MOJO -- fans of HD and technology alike are sure to appreciate the new internet-based series that has just launched on the network's website. The Circuit, which gets freshened up with a new episode each Tuesday at noon, is hosted by the always animated Deepak Ananthapadmanabha (yes, for real). The web series seeks to bring viewers up to speed on the latest technological going-ons and can be viewed in 480p or 720p. Go on, hit the read link and give it a go -- if you're peeking this post, chances are the content is right down your alley.
AT&T's U-verse spreads to more of Indiana
Although Smithville is aiming to offer fiber-based services to much of the Hoosier State within the next couple of years, AT&T isn't waiting around to boost its market share in Indiana. As of this week, legions of residents can now get connected to U-verse -- over 300,000 living units in total. Folks residing in parts of Anderson, Bloomington, Indianapolis, Kokomo, Muncie, Gary, Griffith, Merrillville, Highland, Crown Point, Hammond, Schererville and Dyer now have one more option for fetching content (Big Ten Network and all), and AT&T has already made known its intentions to reach out to more Indiana communities in the future. Ah, the sweet smell of competition.
ON Networks' Draftguys TV / Play Value come to TVTonic in HD
Good news for folks hankering to get a load of ON Networks' Draftguys TV (in HD) without forking out for an Apple TV -- the channel, alongside Play Value, has just launched on TVTonic. For those unaware, the aforementioned website provides free online TV, some of which is shown in high-definition. Thanks to another recent partnership between it and GTtv, Invisible Walls has also joined the fray, though it's currently being beamed in lowly SD. Ready to dive in? Scoot on over to its website and take a look. %Gallery-19743%
Internet tycoon Mark Cuban has little faith in internet video
It's been quite some time since we've seen Mark Cuban ramble on about a subject that mattered to us, but his latest post concerning the viability (or lack thereof, we should say) of internet video certainly caught our eye. Essentially, Mr. Maverick himself asserts that due to the open (and therefore unstandardized) nature of the internet, it's impossible to ensure that programming is being delivered up to par. Additionally, few Americans (and even fewer Earthlings) have an internet connection in their home with enough bandwidth to really enjoy unadulterated HD content the way we're used to experiencing it via our HD STBs. Still, we can't help but respectfully disagree that the current instability of the internet (in terms of content engineering) as a content medium means that it's doomed. Of all people, Mr. Cuban should realize that the demand for VIP slots to watch the NCAA Tournament online has grown significantly year after year, and there are more material outlets on the internet today than a single satellite / cable / fiber lineup could ever provide. Getting this plethora of content to high-def, however, remains the challenge, but we aren't giving up on the world wide web just yet -- far from it, actually.
HD IPTV solution for vessels and cruise ships gets showcased
If there's one glaring negative about hopping on a cruise ship off the coast of Europe and letting go for weeks at the time, it's the gaping hole in your soul created from losing HD programming for that same amount of time. Now, however, RICO is showing off BNS' HD IPTV solution designed specifically for vessels and cruise ships at the Asia Pacific Maritime trade show. Purportedly, the solution will support broadcast HD channels, video-on-demand services, personal messaging and interactive services, and while no cruise lines were specifically mentioned, the firm is unquestionably aiming to "deploy BNS' MDU IPTV solution to the hospitality market in the maritime segment." Pssh, who needs ocean views when you've got this?
Worldwide IPTV subscriptions to hit 65 million in 2012
At the end of 2007, just 13 million households worldwide were subscribed to an IPTV service. Reportedly, that number will inflate to 65 million in the year -- wait for it -- 2012. According to new data from IMS Research, IPTV consumption is expected to grow 52-percent annually from now until 2012, which should also drive shipments of IPTV set-top-boxes from 4.7 million in '06 to 21 million in '12. Interestingly enough, the research also notes that hybrid IP STBs, which "combine internet protocol features with traditional TV delivery," will also shoot up substantially, making Intel and its latest partners look awfully smart.
OKI, Intel and Huashu develop next-generation hybrid set-top-box
Shortly after Onkyo teamed up with Microsoft to "enhance home entertainment," OKI, Huashu and Intel have collaborated to build a hybrid set-top-box to serve the "digital home market segment in China." As for Intel, it tossed in its CE 2110 media processor, which includes a 2D / 3D graphic accelerator and supports apps such as Flash, Java Virtual Machine and a browser. Furthermore, said box plays nice with HDTV decoders including MPEG-2, MPEG-4, and H.264, and it can be used for both digital video broadcasting (DVB) and IPTV. According to Zhou Hong, vice general manger at Huashu Digital TV, the STB will enable carriers "to promote home digitalization, enhance network intelligence and meet the needs of multiple home applications." Sounds good -- now, how's about a release date?
Vastar Cable begins HD IPTV trails in Taiwan
Shortly after Vastar Cable linked up with Nortel to deliver its suite of services via IPTV, reports are starting to emerge stating that it has begun trials of its Vee TV HD IPTV service. The current trial is said to be delivering three HD digital channels as well as HD VOD with material from "NHK programs from Japan, nature shows and adult movies." Curiously, there's no mention of when Vastar plans to give Vee TV a proper launch, but it is planning to charge a minimum monthly fee of NT$89 ($3 USD) per subscriber for viewing some 32 channels.
MTNL brings IPTV to Mumbai, could expand to more parts of India
Shortly after hearing that Sun Direct TV was bringing MPEG-4 satellite service to India, state-owned Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd (MTNL) has announced that Mumbai residents can now get entertained via IPTV. Additionally, the outfit is talking with BSNL to take IPTV to more cities in the nation, and it will be charging Rs 499 per month without any extra fee for the set-top-box. Best of all, MTNL is mulling the idea of providing two undisclosed HD channels in Delhi and Mumbai, though we're not sure when it would launch said content if the idea gets the all important thumbs-up.
Conklin-Intracom orders $1.6 million in IPTV set-top-boxes
Here's an interesting one. Conklin-Intracom -- known for its ability to deliver "next-generation content" via IPTV -- has apparently ordered up $1.6 million in IPTV set-top-boxes from Wegener. The order consists of a mixture of "Wegener's SMD-515 set tops and remote controls for IPTV services, including video-on-demand and integrated digital video recording." The aforementioned boxes support both MPEG-4 (H.264) and MPEG-2 decoding along with standard- and high-definition formats. The curious part, however, is the note that the STBs will be deployed "by several unnamed telco operators." Heck, we're not even told if said carriers are domestic or international. Still, we reckon secretive IPTV expansion is better than none at all.
KoldCast TV goes live, brings along HD support
After hearing that KoldCast TV was set to launch in the not-too-distant future this January, it's safe to say the internet TV portal is finally live (albeit in beta fashion). Effective immediately, viewers can surf over and enjoy original, on-demand programming around the clock, and while we're not sure just how much high-definition content is available right now, the site already includes support for full screen HD viewing. Furthermore, the firm also announced that it would be doling out three Advanced Media Players (AMPs) for use by content partners and other audiences that will embed them. Enough chatter -- why not give the site a look and see if there's anything there for you to love?
Poll: What medium delivers your HDTV programming?
After examining which carrier actually offered up the most HD programming regardless of price and investigating whether you were actually satisfied with your level of service, we began to wonder what the split was on mediums. If we had to guess, we'd say cable will likely rule the roost, but particularly among HD junkies, satellite is looking more attractive all the time. So, what kind of provider dishes out your HD content? You know the drill, toss in your answer below. %Poll-10921%
Hotel Terra Jackson Hole getting HD IPTV, HD VOD
For HD junkies planning a trip out west to experience some "real powder," make sure you put Hotel Terra Jackson Hole high on your list of places to stay. The boutique facility, which is located at the stunning Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Wyoming, is currently being developed in two phases. Once finished, it will offer up 132 rooms featuring Guest-Tek's OneView Media solution, which aims to deliver an undisclosed amount of free-to-guest HD channels via IPTV alongside a nice helping of video-on-demand content. Also of note, just 72 of the guest rooms will go live with the service this Spring, while the other 60 will be wrapped up in 2010.
National Geographic HD heads to Portugal Telecom's IPTV service
Swisscom isn't the only foreign IPTV provider bolstering its lineup -- oh no, Portugal Telecom is joining in on the fun by adding nine new channels to its Meo TV service. Unfortunately, only one (National Geographic HD) is in high-definition, but at least it's a start, right? For more details on the newcomers and the new packages alike -- most of which will be available for free this month -- check out the read link below.
Swisscom bolstering Bluewin TV lineup with four new HD channels
We're not exactly sure what's going on overseas, but the HD bug has certainly bit. Hot on the heels of Russia, Norway and the UK seeing their fair share of high-def expansion comes word that Swisscom is getting set to launch four new HD options on its Bluewin TV lineup. The IPTV service should be home to "BBC HD (English), Anixe HD (German), Arte HD (French) and the new channel HD suise from the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation" by the end of this month. Also of note, the latter station will be airing the UEFA EURO 2008 tournament in glorious high-definition, which is probably reason enough to look forward to the upgrade.
Dreampark's IPTV middleware bringing HD to hotel guests in Scandinavia and Russia
We're all about getting more HD to hotels -- after all, how else would an HD junkie stay sane on the road? -- and it looks like more could be headed to certain locales in Scandinavia and Russia. More specifically, Hoist Hospitality Group plans on distributing the system to some 15,000 rooms in the aforementioned areas, and the system itself will be provided by Dreampark. The firm's Dreamgallery IPTV middleware solution will reportedly be used to deliver an unspecified amount of high-definition content to an undisclosed amount of hotels, but here's to hoping that we find out more soon.
