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Shocker: Google hoping to lure more cable providers to cool Google TV side of the room
Considering all the recent hullabaloo surrounding Google TV, it shouldn't come as a surprise that the Mountain View-based search titan has dreams of growing beyond its current de facto exclusive integration deal with Dish Network. Still, Light Reading reports that "a source whose familiar with those discussions" says Google is pushing the service hard to all cable TV operators. This is further corroborated by an exec with a "top US MSO" who confirmed specifically that talks are underway with Google on how the TV platform could be integrated with cable boxes. While opening up two-way control and surrendering the UI to its perceived over-the-top video-providing enemy could change pay-TV as we know it, the trade-off is Google TV compatibility could give 'em the competitive edge they need. It certainly wouldn't be the first time DVR functionality was touted as a reason to switch. We're definitely down with more options too, but without an acceptable two-way standard, a bit of wheelin' and dealin' by Google could just add more noise to the mess that is the connected TV market. Considering how tru2way failed though and the recent lukewarm FCC CableCARD rule changes, it would seem this is just the reality we live in. But please, Google, feel free to prove us wrong.
Cable companies following DISH's place-shifting lead?
Word from Multichannel News is that -- particularly in light of DISH's SlingLoaded DVR -- Comcast, Time Warner and Cox are all looking to include place-shifting rights in their latest carriage negotiations, promising subscriber access to their TV content even away from home. Unfortunately it appears their idea is to provide the TV feed over the Internet -- think Fancast and Starz Play -- instead of direct (and likely bandwidth consuming) DVR access. No word on which, if any, networks have agreed to such an arrangement but it does raise the question: would streaming access via PC or cellphone be enough to keep you from switching to satellite?
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!
ACA backs Cable One's request to use one-way HD STBs
You won't find us supporting anything that holds back progress in the high-def realm, but Cable One sure is putting forth a convincing argument with its recent waiver request to use simple, one-way HD set-top-boxes rather than the sophisticated two-way units currently required under FCC regulations. For those unaware, the two-way mandate is meant to free consumers from the tight grasp of the cable operator, enabling them to easily use off-the-shelf two-way STBs should they choose. Cable One asserts that the costs are simply too prohibitive for smaller carriers, and it has pledged to add in 50 HD networks at no additional charge should its request be granted; better still, it has promised to fully support any CableCARD devices purchased by customers. The American Cable Association (ACA) has already pledged its support in the movement, though the CEA isn't going to take this one lying down. This one should be interesting to watch.
Charter nearly ready to deploy Digeo's 3012 HD DVR
While Digeo is still floundering around trying to find some solid footing, it has managed to secure two fine deals with cable providers. Charter Communications was scheduled to have Digeo's latest box out and about in its markets some time back, but recent reports suggest that the testing is simply taking longer than anticipated. The delay has had some people guessing that Charter was planning to call the whole deal off, but a company spokeswoman has chimed in to assert that it's in the "final stages" of testing the Moxi 3012 HD. We can't help but wonder how long this so-called final stage will take to work though, though.
Cable ops, consumer electronics manufacturers sign agreement on tru2way roll out
Joining Sony & six major cable companies in signing a memorandum of understanding of understanding regarding tru2way technology this week were Intel, ADB, Digeo, Panasonic and Samsung. As these companies have already announced work on compatible technology, some of which we've seen recently at The Cable Show, the names there aren't the surprise, it's the one that isn't (yet), LG. While they -- and presumably other companies -- look over the agreement, details haven't yet been released, but Multichannel News notes some elements include that the MSOs (Comcast. Time Warner Cable, Cox, Cablevision and Bright House) deploy at least 20% tru2way set-top boxes until 10 million are deployed and they've committed to supporting the technology by specific dates. Another element that might concern some companies, according to Cable Digital News, is a "monitor application" that the cable company uses to control how devices use processing resources. All the same, once these details have been hammered out and are out in the open, it should lead to a much smoother roll out of tru2way than its CableCard 1.0 predecessor and ensure everyone's equipment works as planned.[Via Multichannel News and Cable Digital News]
Under The Hood: Pseudo-MMOs, part two
I realized in my last article I promised to explore the viability of pseudo-MMOs as an expanding market, but it appears I will have to renege on that pledge. I've been getting a veritable glut of the names of games that incorporate MMO-style play in a distinctly non-MMO structure or environment. So instead, here is a brief exploration of the Massive Single-player Offline, or MSO, market, as well as a few online games which share MMO elements.The one which absolutely fits every single criteria for an MMO except for online play (and a rare few others) is Final Fantasy XII. This game, like no other, incorporates MMO-style play into an expansive and engaging single-player environment. Friendly NPCs, hunting quests, main story quests, instanced environments (monsters respawn after leaving and reentering a zone), real-time combat, non-random encounters (you see it, you fight it), and a distinct waypoint system. It's best described as the solo player's MMO.
Ambit Broadband's Channel Bonding cable modem does 144Mbps / 30Mbps
Questions surrounding cable's ability to keep up with the big boys have been circulating for what feels like ages, but an intriguing new product from the labs of Ambit Broadband has some fairly substantial numbers to go along with it. The firm's Channel Bonding cable model will be available exclusively to subscribers of Hanaro, and by partnering with Netwave, the device will enable "triple play service" consisting of VoIP, IPTV, and high-speed internet. More interesting, however, is the reported maximum speeds that this thing can handle, as it boasts the "capability to bond three downstream channels to enable a maximum 144Mbps downstream and up to 30Mbps upstream." The modem also supports the usual interfaces such as gigabit Ethernet and USB 2.0, but it supposedly comes pre-ready for DOCSIS 3.0 and IPv6 -- you know, the protocols used to shatter the Internet2 transmission record. While it may all sound a bit sensational at the moment, the truth shall be unveiled when Ambit / Netwave delivers 150,000 of said modems to Hanaro "during Q2" of this year.
