Advanced Television

Business

FCC signs off ‘white space’ super Wi-Fi

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 […]

December 23, 2011

Motorola Mobility boosts content discovery with SetJam deal

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 […]

December 23, 2011By Colin Mann

Green light for Foxtel-Austar deal

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 […]

December 23, 2011

Maine out at Solaris Mobile

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, […]

December 22, 2011By Chris Forrester

EC permits Ziggo, HBO JV

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 […]

December 22, 2011

Akamai to acquire Cotendo

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 […]

December 22, 2011

Solbakken takes over at Conax

Morten Solbakken, COO in Telenor Broadcast Holding, will take over as CEO at Conax with immediate effect. Solbakken has been acting CEO in Conax since September 14th.   “Morten Solbakken knows the company well, as former board member and chairman of our encryption company and responsible for B2B units in Telenor Broadcast Holding. I am […]

December 22, 2011

Further Internet industry opposition to SOPA

Another US Internet industry grouping has declared its opposition to the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA), currently stalled in ‘mark-up’ stage in the House. The Save Hosting Coalition, a consortium of businesses in the web hosting and Internet infrastructure industries, has delivered a letter from 300 leading industry executives expressing their opposition to the legislation. […]

December 22, 2011By Colin Mann

Thoma Bravo to acquire Telestream

Telestream, a provider of video transcoding and digital media software solutions, has announced that private equity investment firm Thoma Bravo will make an investment that will see them acquire the firm. The transaction will facilitate further growth of Telestream’s core businesses in addition to providing additional capital for further market expansion and acquisition. “This acquisition […]

December 22, 2011

Italy: 3 Italia denied switch to DVB-T

Italy’s Communications Authority (AgCom) has unanimously rejected a request by mobile telephony operator 3 Italia (H3G) to switch its DVB-H frequencies (for mobile TV) to DVB-T (for digital terrestrial TV). The regulator’s decision was based on the existing legislation, as there is no legal basis to authorise the exchange of frequencies. Also, the destination of […]

December 21, 2011From Branislav Pekic in Rome