The Federal Communications Commission has removed the final obstacle to the commercial use of the “white spaces” of unused spectrum between broadcast TV channels. “With [the] approval of the first TV white spaces database and device, we are taking an important step towards enabling a new wave of wireless innovation,” said Julius Genachowski, the FCC chairman. “Unleashing white spaces spectrum [...]
The initiative by a number of major Hollywood studios to make titles available with multiple device ownership rights could have a positive effect on the video retail business, according to information and analysis provider IHS. The firm suggests that Warner Home Video’s launch of the first UltraViolet-enabled Blu-ray Disc (BD) titles in October sounded the starting gun for the studios’ [...]
In a move that recognises the growing importance of content discovery and navigation in the multiscreen entertainment age, Motorola Mobility has acquired SetJam, a television and movie directory. “Motorola and SetJam share the vision of making content delivery, discovery, and consumption seamless across any screen, and as a world leader in video technology, Motorola will provide us with unprecedented levels [...]
Australia’s Treasurer Wayne Swan has given the green light for pay-TV provider Foxtel’s $2.5 billion takeover for regional pay-TV operator Austar. Approval from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is still needed for the deal to proceed. The ACCC raised some concerns about the tie-up in a statement of issues published in July and is expected to issue its [...]
Matt Child is Solaris Mobile’s new CEO replacing Steve Maine who has left “to pursue other professional interests”. Dublin-based Solaris Mobile is the Eutelsat/SES joint-venture set up in 2006 to develop next-generation mobile communication services. Designed initially as a satellite and terrestrial platform in support of DVB-H and S-band transmissions to cellular and handheld devices, the company has struggled to [...]
According to the research from Informa Telecoms & Media, awareness of Smart TVs remains low as UK retailers fail to educate consumers of their benefits and provide even the most basic information regarding connected-TV features. Informa estimates that 35 per cent of all TVs sold this year will be “smart”, however, this is a result of Internet connectivity becoming a [...]
Italy’s Minister of Economic Development, Corrado Passera, has signed the decrees that set the dates for the transition to Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) in 2012 and the conclusion of the analogue switch-off (ASO) within the first six months of 2012. The national timetable for the remaining regions to switch to DTT is as follows: Abruzzo and Molise (including the province [...]
The European Commission has given permission for the joint venture between The Netherland’s Ziggo MSO and HBO for a package of premium channels. The Commission said the deal would not restrict competition in provision of channels and would increase competition in the market for programme rights. The plan is for six premium channels under the HBO Nederland brand with a [...]
From time to time our editorial staff has wished to recognise a major achievement in our industry. We talk amongst ourselves about some major accomplishments during the year, and this is the result: The year’s Top 5 most notable activities recognised. They might not be the Oscars or the Emmys, but they are no less deserved. 1: SES: rebranding and [...]
Akamai Technologies and Cotendo have signed a definitive agreement for Akamai to acquire Cotendo. Helping to mitigate the challenges of operating in a hyperconnected world, Akamai provides a secure platform over which businesses can engage users across the Web, mobile, cloud, or a mix of public and private network environments. Cotendo offers an integrated suite of Web and mobile acceleration [...]
