Category: Technology

MUMBAI: Tandberg Television has announced that it is enabling China Central Television (CCTV) to provide its viewers with high definition coverage of live games from the Fifa 2006 World Cup in Germany.

CCTV is using Tandberg Television’s award-winning MPEG-4 AVC HD encoding and decoding solutions to maximize the bandwidth of its DS3 international link and its local delivery network.

CCTV is one of the 150 operators from 145 countries that have broadcasting rights from Fifa’s Host Broadcast Services (HBS). Live feeds from matches in 12 German cities are being broadcast around the world, including the final in Berlin on 9 July. For almost a year, CCTV has been broadcasting an HDTV service using a Tandberg MPEG-2 head-end system, states an official release.

“Broadcasting the World Cup in high definition is not only a magnificent achievement in its own right, but is also an excellent preparation for the upcoming 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing,” says CCTV chief engineer Ding Wen Hua. “The implication for large-scale broadcasting in HD is immense and this is a significant event in the Chinese, and Asian, television industry.”

As well as using Tandberg’s advanced HD compression, CCTV is the first broadcaster in Asia to use the new professional multi-format MPEG-2/MPEG-4 AVC SD/HD decoder, the Tandberg RX1290, which is being launched at Broadcast Asia this week.

he Tandberg RX1290 receiver is the world’s first multi-format MPEG-2/MPEG-4 AVC decoder, capable of processing and decoding more video formats than any other receiver and enabling network operators and broadcasters to deliver content from studio to studio and across networks to regional head-ends and affiliates, the release adds.

MUMBAI: mPhase Technologies (OTCBB: XDSL) president and chief executive Ronald Durando will brief the 17th Annual Wall Street Analyst Conference on the company‘s latest software release specifically designed to help telecommunications operators be better equipped to provide carrier-class IPTV services, especially as the market is poised for growth.

Durando‘s presentation at The Princeton Club in New York City will be webcast live on 15 June at around 11:10 am and archived at http://www.investorcalendar.com/CEPage.asp?ID=104932.

Among the most recent improvements to the mPhase TV+ System is an integrated Latens dynamic Conditional Access System, a pure software security solution that protects content and allows telcos to offer revenue rich premium content. The newest enhancements to be discussed include features to improve the ability of a service provider to cost-effectively manage both subscriber growth and system complexity, states an official release.

MUMBAI: New Zealand technology and telecommunications solutions company, Argent Networks announced that it was launching a new application for Internet Protocol TV (IPTV) billing and mediation as part of its leading ArgentEclipse Convergent Billing and CRM solution.

Argent Networks provides solutions for the voice, data, video and mobile sectors of the global telecommunications market.

This means that IPTV manufacturers and service providers who use ArgentEclipse get a host of added features such as provisioning, CRM/CTI, pre-paid and post-paid billing options, as well as automatic EPG (Electronic Programme Guide) updating for the complete range of IPTV services.

ArgentEclipse now also provides event-based billing for IPTV applications including video on demand, pay-per view, video broadcasting, gaming, content and IPTV telephony services, as per an official release.

Argent Networks CEO Chris Jones says the ArgentEclipse suite of products is the ideal solution for new and existing broadband, cable and TV operators wishing to get into the burgeoning global IPTV market.

“Worldwide demand for IPTV is expected to be huge as broadband is now available to more than 100 million households. Given that many of the biggest telecommunications providers are investing in IPTV for both their residential and business markets, our product is exactly what they need. With ArgentEclipse’s modular and fully convergent CRM and billing products, IPTV operators can now expand their offerings to subscribers, giving them one simple, easy bill for all telephony, data and now video offerings.”

Jones also says that the ArgentEclipse IPTV solution provides IPTV manufacturers and service providers with a far more comprehensive suite of applications than has been available before.

“This means that IPTV manufacturers and service providers who use ArgentEclipse get a host of added features such as provisioning, CRM/CTI, pre-paid and post-paid billing options, as well as automatic EPG (Electronic Programme Guide) updating for the complete range of IPTV services.”

In addition, Jones says that IPTV subscribers will be provided with options for self- provisioning and subscription to new services, access to online EPG, PVR (personal video recorder) support, online payment and customer services options.

MUMBAI: The Colorado-headquartered Sunrise Broadband Group, Inc. has said that it has entered into an investment agreement with Dutchess Private Equities Fund, LP, a Delaware limited partnership whereby Dutchess is committed to purchase up to twenty-five million dollars (US$25,000,000) of Sunrise Broadband‘s common stock, subject to the terms and conditions of the agreement.

“The Dutchess agreement allows management to close on targeted rural cable television systems and to complete the network upgrades to offer Voice Over Internet Protocol, high-speed Internet and digital video services,” says Sunrise Broadband‘s CEO Calvin D. Smiley, Sr.

The deal with Duchess requires that Sunrise Broadband file a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission, become fully reporting and register the underlying securities. The approval of the registration statement will activate the agreement with Dutchess, states an official release.

MUMBAI: American Online Limited (AOL) has extended its Open AIM initiative (http://developer.aim.com) to include support for AIM Bots, location-based services and PC-to-PC voice calling. The update also includes support for developers working on the Mac OS X, Linux, and Pocket PC platforms or with the Java language.

Launched in March of this year, the Open AIM initiative empowers companies, communities and independent developers to build customized plugins, communications clients and mash-ups that access AOL‘s global instant messaging network, states an official release.

“Already, more than 45,000 developers are working with the AIM Software Development Kit (SDK) to bring their creativity and ingenuity to the 43 million Americans in the AIM community,” says AOL‘s vice president for Instant Messaging Marcien Jenckes. “Today, we are extremely pleased to add AIM Bots as well as voice and location services to the Open AIM toolkit, and to invite developers on the Mac, Linux and Pocket PC platforms to get involved.”

The latest update include:

— AOL has added support for AIM(r) Bots to the Open AIM initiative. With the new Open AIM Bots program, one click can turn any AIM screen name into a bot. AIM Bot sample code has been added to the updated Open AIM SDK in both C++ and Java.

AIM Bots are dedicated, opt-in Screen Names that help developers, marketers and individuals create new connections and establish strong bonds with contacts in the AIM community. In addition, AIM Bots can support audio calls, file transfers and picture sharing. For example, an AIM Bot could be created to let users send pictures or podcasts to their blogs.

AIM Bots respond automatically to instant messages they receive and can maintain IM conversations with multiple users – reaching up to 10,000 people per day – before encountering limits. To prevent IM spam, AIM Bots cannot initiate IMs without permission.

— AOL‘s new AIM Location services are now part of the Open AIM SDK. The new application program interfaces (APIs) – with sample code – have been added to the SDK to let developers build location services into clients, plugins and, in the coming weeks, web sites.

— AOL is also giving developers the ability to add AIM Talk‘s PC-to-PC voice functionality and multi-party voice chat into their custom AIM clients. For the first time, developers can integrate robust audio features based on the open source sipXtapi SIP stack, from sipfoundry.org, into their applications with a single turnkey solution.

— Finally, AOL has also added Open AIM support for developers working on the Mac OS X, Linux, and Pocket PC platforms, as well as support for the Java language. For complete documentation and to learn more about these Open AIM initiatives, visit http://developer.aim.com/.

The recent open AIM projects include:

— Bandalong Entertainment Inc., an interactive media company, formed an agreement with AOL to release an AIM(r) enabled version of their imstar service, which is now built on the Open AIM platform. imstar is the only lifelike, 3-D avatar-based instant messaging program for teens.

— Doppelganger, designer of the world‘s first virtual nightclub, introduced a virtual lounge for music audiences that seamlessly integrates the AIM service. AIM users can log on to a customised version of the AIM client and experience real time communications in Doppelganger‘s The Lounge featuring the Pussycat Dolls (http://www.pcdmusiclounge.com).

— Super Computer International, Inc., (http://www.supercomputerinc.com) announced an agreement with AOL to create a customized version of the AIM service called PlayLinc that will optimize the instant messaging (IM) experience for online gamers.

— WebEx Communications, Inc., (http://www.webex.com) the leading provider of on-demand collaborative business applications, teamed with AOL in February of this year to announce the creation of a secure, feature-rich version of the popular AIM service for businesses and at-work instant messaging users.

MUMBAI: US broadcaster HBO has announced that two shows Entourage and Deadwood are back again.

Fans can go ‘on location‘ for footage, cast interviews and other original features via www.HBO.com/podcasts or Apple’s iTunes Music Store – all for free.

Viewers will also be able to go behind-the-scenes of HBO’s new comedy series Lucky Louie. It stars Louis C.K. as head of a blue collar family. Then there is Dane Cook’s Tourgasm, a docu-style comedy series that follows the rising stand-up comic during his college tour last spring.

These new editions join the other HBO podcasts already existing. These include video and audio clips for The Sopranos, Rome, Big Love, Real Time with Bill Maher as well as select HBO Films, documentaries, sports shows, and HBO Latino’s Habla y Habla and El Perro y El Gato.

HBO VP, marketing and strategic partnerships Steve Pamon says, “The additional content for iPods give fans more exposure to their favorite HBO programs, characters and actors as well as introduces them to our newest shows.

“We launched the site several months ago and have already seen incredible success, most recently hitting the 1 million download milestone for Real Time with Bill Maher.”

Fans can visit the HBO.com site or the ‘HBO Room‘ on iTunes for the latest mix of free video and audio clips that will role over time:

For Entourage HBO is offering recaps from seasons one and two. These revisit important moments and reconnects fans with major characters. There will also be an insiders scoop on the series. There will also be clips from the new season. There are similar features for Deadwood.

MUMBAI: Software major Apple has introduced the new iPod U2 Special Edition as part of a continued partnership between Apple, U2 and Universal Music Group (UMG).

The new U2 iPod is based on the fifth generation 30GB iPod and holds up to 7,500 songs, 25,000 photos or over 75 hours of video and features a distinctive, all-black stainless steel enclosure, red Click Wheel and custom engraving of U2 band member signatures.

Apple VP worldwide iPod product marketing Greg Joswiak says, “We are thrilled to continue working with one of the greatest bands in the world to bring U2 fans a special edition of the world‘s best digital music player. With its distinctive new design, including an all-black stainless steel enclosure, the new U2 iPod is sure to be a hit.”

U2 iPod customers will also receive 30 minutes of exclusive U2 video downloadable from the iTunes Music Store. The new U2 iPod is available immediately for Rs.21,400.

Featuring integration with the iTunes Music Store and the iTunes digital music jukebox, the new U2 iPod features Apple‘s patent pending Auto-Sync technology that automatically downloads digital music, podcasts, photos, audiobooks, home movies, music videos and popular television shows onto the iPod and keeps them up-to-date whenever the iPod is plugged into a Mac or Windows computer using USB 2.0. The new U2 iPod features up to 14 hours of battery life for music playback.

The iPod requires a Mac with a USB 2.0 port and Mac OS X version 10.3.9 or later and iTunes 6; or a Windows PC with a USB 2.0 port and Windows 2000, XP Home or Professional (SP2) and iTunes 6. Battery life and number of charge cycles vary by use and settings. Music capacity is based on four minutes per song and 128-Kbps AAC encoding; video capacity is based on H.264 750-Kbps combined with 128-Kbps audio; and photo capacity is based on iPod-viewable photos transferred from iTunes.

MUMBAI: UK broadcaster Channel 4 has acquired exclusive UK rights to screen Buena Vista International Television‘s (BVITV) shows Betty the Ugly and Brothers and Sisters.

The deal was agreed between Channel 4 director of acquisitions Jeff Ford and BVITV executive director, sales, UK & Ireland Catherine Powell.

Based on the Columbian telenovela Betty La Fea, Betty the Ugly is a quirky one hour comedy series executive produced by award-winning actress Salma Hayek and Silvio Horta.

The show follows Betty Suarez (America Ferrera), a seemingly plain, but intelligent and hard-working, secretary at fashion magazine “Mode”. Between her boss Daniel and herself, neither of them knows the ins and outs of the fashion world, but together they‘re a formidable team against the label-wearing sharks who will do anything to see them fail.

Actress Calista Flockhart (Ally McBeal) stars in the drama series, Brothers & Sisters. Flockhart stars alongside Rachel Griffiths Six Feet Under and Ron Rifkin Alias in this drama from producer Ken Olin Alias and Jon Robin Baitz, one of Broadway‘s most prominent playwrights.

As the adult children of William Walker, along with their respective families, gather to celebrate Kitty‘s birthday, little do they know that, on this day, their lives will take a dramatic turn.

Kitty‘s radio success has led to a TV pundit job in Los Angeles, but her boyfriend in New York has just proposed. Thomas has joined forces with his sister, Sarah, a high powered executive and mother of three, in an effort to fix the family business. Kevin‘s well-ordered life is shaken by the news that his ex-wife is moving his adolescent son to Texas. Justin, a Gulf War vet, has kicked nicotine, but other addiction‘s keep him from moving forward in his career and love life.

These siblings are about to find out that underneath the idyllic family facade lie many secrets that threaten to either tear the family apart or bring them closer together.

Ford said, “We are delighted to have secured the rights to these much sought after series that confirm C4‘s commitment to the best of US drama.”

MUMBAI: BBC Worldwide has appointed Simon Danker as the director of the digital media. Prior to taking up this new role Simon Danker was director of UK and Ireland TV within BBC Worldwide‘s Global TV sales division.

Danker will be reporting into BBC Worldwide managing director Digital Media & director of Strategy David Moody.

Danker will lead the team looking at widening the availability of programmes on new technology platforms such as the Internet and mobile phones.

This will include the development of BBC Worldwide‘s iPlayer, a commercial version of the BBC‘s proposed iPlayer, which would allow people to download television and radio programmes via the internet, according to an official release.

Danker‘s portfolio will also cover music, determining new commercial opportunities for BBC Worldwide‘s music rights and working closely with record labels. Developing partnerships with music and new media industry players both domestically and internationally will be a key part of his role.

Simon Danker said: “New distribution platforms will give audiences what they really want – access on-demand to an unprecedented choice of programming. The quality and breadth of BBC Worldwide‘s catalogue and our global reputation as a distributor, means we are in a great position to work with platform owners and producers to generate new income streams in this space.

Digital Media & Director Strategy managing director David Moody said: “Simon brings to this new role a wealth of experience. His proven track record in developing strategies for TV Sales, building relationships with third parties and his knowledge of new media distribution make him perfect to join this increasingly important area of the business. I‘m delighted to have him on board.”

Danker joined BBC Worldwide in 2000. More recently, Danker has managed and grown the development of programme sales to Video on Demand (VoD) platforms such as BT and Homechoice.

Danker‘s prior position as director of UK and Ireland TV within BBC Worldwide‘s Global TV sales division is to be filled by Lisa Cfas, currently head of business affairs in the Independents Unit and Children‘s.

She joined BBC Worldwide in August 2003 before which she was part of the business affairs team in the BBC, supporting drama commissioning for Indies and later BBC Films.

Cfas will take over Simon‘s role gradually over the next two to three months.