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  • Telkonet launches IPTV trials in New York

    MUMBAI: Telkonet, Inc., the provider of in-building broadband access over existing electrical wiring, announced that they have begun deployment to beta customers and testing of its Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) service in New York City. Telkonet‘s NuVisions IPTV service delivers traditional cable TV programming and enables subscribers to surf the internet, receive on-demand content, and perform a host of Internet-based functions via their TV sets.


    As per an official release, the NuVisions IPTV service will deliver a host of bundled services such as television, internet, and telephone service over the NuVisions‘ gigabit network that connects the properties it serves in a redundant gigabit ring within New York City – a virtual fiber optic network in the air. NuVisions also plans to add more channels and features, such as video-on-demand, movies, games and interactive content, to the service when fully deployed. With NuVisions‘ IPTV service, subscribers can use the television via remote controls and wireless keyboards to watch TV programs, surf the Internet, communicate with building services, and shop with neighborhood vendors or national retailers.


    NuVisions IPTV service can be deployed rapidly and at a lower cost than current cable televisions systems. It can offer consumers many advanced features, such as the ability to record several programs simultaneously without having to add more tuners. The NuVisions IPTV service is seamlessly integrated into a building as it relies on existing telephone wires for delivery to subscribers.


    The use of IP technology enables direct communication between a subscriber‘s IPTV device, which replaces the much larger traditional set-top “cable box”, and the NuVisions control center. As a result of this direct connection to the control center, functions currently performed by stand alone devices, such as digital video recorders (DVR‘s), are now incorporated as features of the new offering controlled through the IPTV device, the release adds.

  • Harris Corporation strikes TV transmission and turnkey services deal with ANTV Indonesia

    MUMBAI: Florida-headquartered Harris Broadcast Communications Division has announced that PT Marlin Trisiana has purchased a Harris TV transmission system that will provide over-the-air service to all of Indonesia on behalf of its customer, ANTV, a terrestrial TV network there


    ANTV is a terrestrial TV station in Indonesia and a joint venture between PT. CMA Indonesia (80 per cent) and Star (20 per cent). First aired in Lampung Province in 1993, ANTV is now a national station with an 85 per cent audience reach in the country.


    Delivery of the $6.9 million system begins this month, with a planned launch in late October. Harris will provide analog transmitters and spare parts, along with turnkey services for commissioning the transmission sites. PT Marlin Trisiana, a broadcast systems integrator based in Jakarta, will deliver the Harris transmission equipment, supply tower and antenna systems and provide civil works.


    As per the official communique, Harris will deliver two 120 kW Sigma analog transmitters, one each to sites in Jakarta and Surabuya where the bulk of the station‘s broadcast signals will originate. Eight sets of 20 kW and nine sets of 5 kW Atlas(TM) analogue transmitters will be delivered to other sites in the country

  • Narrowstep Inc powers broadband TV station Country Channel in UK

    Narrowstep Inc powers broadband TV station Country Channel in UK

    MUMBAI: Narrowstep Inc., the UK-based TV on the Internet Company, announced that its proprietary technology, telvOS (Television Operating System) was chosen to power the Country Channel, the first broadband TV station designed for outdoor enthusiasts.

    Accessible at www.countrychannel.tv, the channel is dedicated to country-life communities, and went live on a 24/7 basis, on 9 June.

    The Country Channel covers subjects of interest to people living in the countryside, providing targeted, relevant information to those who live, work or play, close to nature. It aims to appeal to fast-growing outdoors groups such as horseback riders and breeders, wildlife spotters and bird watchers, conservationists, hikers, walkers, fishers, truck farmers and weekend farmers. It also appeals to the societies and clubs that these people belong to, states an official release.

    The Country Channel is available on subscription, with a startup price of 16.99 pounds for a full year. In order to provide as full an experience for viewers as possible, The Country Channel also encourages appropriate advertising and sponsors, who can bring information and services to the audience, adds the release..

  • Zee News ropes in Dileep Padgaonkar to host ‘Neta Tumhi Ho Kal Ke’

    Zee News ropes in Dileep Padgaonkar to host ‘Neta Tumhi Ho Kal Ke’

    MUMBAI: The Hindi news channel — Zee News is all set to launch Neta Tumhi Ho Kal Ke to be hosted by renowned journalist Dileep Padgaonkar. The first episode of the series will kick of on 18 June at 5:30 pm. The programme will showcase various personal and professional aspects of some of the young politicians of India.

    The duration of the programme would be 30 minutes having different segments like Sabse Mast Khushi Meri (Childhood), Kasauti (Turning Point), Chahta Hun (Aspirations), Kya Bhulun Kya Yaad Karun (Reminiscences), Chalte Chalte (Rapid fire round), Ek Baat Aur (Reflections of an elderly politician), informs an official release.

    Commenting on the launch of the programme Zee News Ltd director Laxmi Narain Goel said, “Zee News, in its endeavor to update its viewers with the current trend in politics, presents “Neta Tumhi Ho Kal Ke” which will feature the crème de la crème of young politicians who are marked by imagination, initiative, and readiness to undertake new projects”.

    Some of the prominent names to be part of this show include Jyotiraditya Scindia, Omar Abdullah, Navin Jindal and Milind Deora to name a few. The programme will also cover young politicians like Dharmendra Yadav, who got elected at the age of 25 years and 3 months, the youngest in the history of Indian Parliament. The programme would also feature leaders like Kiren Rijiju, young parliamentarian from the northeast, who is only 35 years old.

  • VSNL to set up cyber cafes at railway stations

    VSNL to set up cyber cafes at railway stations

    MUMBAI: Videsh Sanchar Nigam Ltd (VSNL) is setting up cyber cafes at major railway stations across the country to create user-friendly public internet access points.

    The company, which has been awarded franchisee rights for running of cyber cafes at 68 locations, plans to make all of them operational in the next few weeks. The first of this was inaugurated at the Bangalore railway station by VSNL president of broadband and retail business Shashi Kalathil.

    Speaking on the occasion, Kalathil said, “This effort will enable VSNL implement the promise made in the Union Railway budget of setting up such cyber cafes across the leading railway stations in the country. We are keen on making internet easily available so that passengers can stay connected even while on the move.”

    All Tata Indicom dial-up internet and broadband subscribers can use this facility by using their existing accounts. “Each of these cybercafes will be equipped with 10-20 high end multimedia PCs with flat panel monitors and will be open 24 X 7. Travellers can now avail Internet browsing and gaming facilities at very affordable rates. We also plan to offer other value added services like printing, scanning, mobile charging and CD writing through these cafes. Passengers can also use the cyber cafes for making onward bookings, checking their bank statements, tracking their investment portfolio and making ISD calls at affordable prices,” VSNL said.

    Tata Indicom will also create select areas in the railway station that are Wi Fi enabled, allowing passengers to experience the internet on their laptop or Wi-Fi enabled PDAs.

  • Harris Corporation strikes TV transmission and turnkey services deal with ANTV Indonesia

    Harris Corporation strikes TV transmission and turnkey services deal with ANTV Indonesia

    MUMBAI: Florida-headquartered Harris Broadcast Communications Division has announced that PT Marlin Trisiana has purchased a Harris TV transmission system that will provide over-the-air service to all of Indonesia on behalf of its customer, ANTV, a terrestrial TV network there.

    ANTV is a terrestrial TV station in Indonesia and a joint venture between PT. CMA Indonesia (80 per cent) and Star (20 per cent). First aired in Lampung Province in 1993, ANTV is now a national station with an 85 per cent audience reach in the country.

    Delivery of the $6.9 million system begins this month, with a planned launch in late October. Harris will provide analog transmitters and spare parts, along with turnkey services for commissioning the transmission sites. PT Marlin Trisiana, a broadcast systems integrator based in Jakarta, will deliver the Harris transmission equipment, supply tower and antenna systems and provide civil works.

    As per the official communique, Harris will deliver two 120 kW Sigma analog transmitters, one each to sites in Jakarta and Surabuya where the bulk of the station’s broadcast signals will originate. Eight sets of 20 kW and nine sets of 5 kW Atlas(TM) analogue transmitters will be delivered to other sites in the country.

  • Tariffs for CAS areas: Trai seeks industry feedback

    Tariffs for CAS areas: Trai seeks industry feedback

    NEW DELHI: The broadcast regulator is at it again — issuing another set of consultation paper on cable TV prices for CAS areas.

    The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) today floated a paper on amendments to the tariff order for CAS areas asking stakeholders whether the regulator should fix the maximum retail prices (MRPs) of TV channels, amongst other things.

    The last date for the industry to give feedback is 5 July 2006, the day when the government is supposed to revert to the Delhi High Court on the status of CAS rollout in Kolkata, Delhi and Mumbai.

    Pointing out that the latest initiative is at he behest of the industry, Trai said, “Several stakeholders (had) suggested fixation of ceilings for individual channels. Since this is at variance with the earlier decision of Trai, it was considered appropriate to undertake a fresh consultation on the specific issues of regulation of tariff in CAS areas.”

    A Trai, official, however, denied that these consultation papers would any way affect a court case on CAS or that it would give the government some breathing space when it updates the judiciary on CAS’ rollout plans.

    “The issue of consultation papers and government’s stand on CAS are different matters,” the official stressed, refusing to expand any further.

    On 10 March 2006, the Delhi High Court had directed that CAS be implemented in three cities within a month’s time after being petitioned by a group of MSOs.

    Subsequently, the I&B ministry had held a series of meetings with industry stakeholders and consumer groups and had submitted to the court that for an effective rollout of CAS an additional 265 days were needed.

    The court, after making clear its disapproval of such suggestions and penalizing the ministry Rs. 100,000 (RS 1 lakh) for delay, asked the government to come back with a final implementation plan by 5 July.

    The regulator’s fresh consultation paper covers the following issues:

    i) Should Trai fix the maximum retail price for each individual channel?

    ii) If so, what should be the methodology and principles to be adopted for the same?

    iii) Should Trai promote individual choice of channels by fixation of the maximum price as a percentage of the average price of a channel in a bouquet and, if so, what should be this percentage?

    (iv) If the individual MRPs are fixed by Trai, along with a formula as indicated, should TRAI also regulate the maximum permissible discount for the bouquet of channels? If so what should be the discount and what are the principles on which this should be calculated?

    (v) The choice of the precise option out of the several alternatives to regulate prices in a CAS environment.

  • Gemini Communication buys out US-based PointRed Technologies

    MUMBAI: In a bid to get a global presence, Gemini Communication Ltd, a provider in networking, systems integration and RFID solutions, is buying out the US-based PointRed Technologies for an undisclosed amount.


    The acquisition of the wireless product company will help the Chennai company foray into a new segment. “We were implementing solutions on other product providers. Now we can provide solutions and offer an innovative product range. The buy out will help make us the largest broadband wireless access company in South Asia,” says Gemini Communication chairman Vijay Kumar.


    PointRed Technologies has a presence in 12 countries with a turnover of $1.5 million. The company has been funded by Acer Technology Venture America to the tune of US $9.7 million.


    “We will be getting into the DSL (digital subscriber line) segment. It will also help us in expanding rural connectivity. We will be aggressively targeting ISPs (internet service providers), telecom operators and corporates with multiple points,” says Kumar.


    Gemini Communication is acquiring the entire share capital of Clear Blue Llc, the holding company of PointRed Technologies. The company owns IP‘s and IPR‘s products in the wireless broadband space.


    PointRed has been commercially deploying its wireless broadband access solutions worldwide since June 2002. The company offers a pay-as-you-grow infrastructure and a NLOS solution that route around line-of-sight obstacles.


    The acquisition of PointRed is expected to increase Gemini‘s turnover from Rs 1.26 billion to Rs 2 billion this fiscal. “Over the years, Gemini Communication has been selling products of other companies. Through this acquisition, we will now be promoting our own brand and this will enable us to access the international markets in a shorter span of time in the wireless technology space”, says Kumar.

  • Gemini Communication buys out US-based PointRed Technologies

    Gemini Communication buys out US-based PointRed Technologies

    MUMBAI: In a bid to get a global presence, Gemini Communication Ltd, a provider in networking, systems integration and RFID solutions, is buying out the US-based PointRed Technologies for an undisclosed amount.

    The acquisition of the wireless product company will help the Chennai company foray into a new segment. “We were implementing solutions on other product providers. Now we can provide solutions and offer an innovative product range. The buy out will help make us the largest broadband wireless access company in South Asia,” says Gemini Communication chairman Vijay Kumar.

    PointRed Technologies has a presence in 12 countries with a turnover of $1.5 million. The company has been funded by Acer Technology Venture America to the tune of US $9.7 million.

    “We will be getting into the DSL (digital subscriber line) segment. It will also help us in expanding rural connectivity. We will be aggressively targeting ISPs (internet service providers), telecom operators and corporates with multiple points,” says Kumar.

    Gemini Communication is acquiring the entire share capital of Clear Blue Llc, the holding company of PointRed Technologies. The company owns IP’s and IPR’s products in the wireless broadband space.

    PointRed has been commercially deploying its wireless broadband access solutions worldwide since June 2002. The company offers a pay-as-you-grow infrastructure and a NLOS solution that route around line-of-sight obstacles.

    The acquisition of PointRed is expected to increase Gemini’s turnover from Rs 1.26 billion to Rs 2 billion this fiscal. “Over the years, Gemini Communication has been selling products of other companies. Through this acquisition, we will now be promoting our own brand and this will enable us to access the international markets in a shorter span of time in the wireless technology space”, says Kumar.

  • Disney US launches wireless service for families

    MUMBAI: US media conglomerate Disney has announced that it has launched Disney Mobile www.disneymobile.com. It is a phone service specifically developed to meet the needs of parents and their kids.


    The service allow US parents to directly manage their family‘s wireless experience.


    Disney Mobile senior VP, GM George Grobar says, ‘Families have clearly told us that they have different needs than the average mobile phone user. We built a complete mobile experience that is specifically designed to meet their needs and is uniquely Disney from end-to-end. Disney Mobile will allow parents to manage their family‘s phone use and help teach kids responsible use.”


    At the core of Disney Mobile‘s family plans are the Family CenterTM features, which allow parents to:


    – set spending allowances and track usage for voice minutes, text messaging, picture messaging and downloadable content, receiving alerts when allowances have been reached.


    – determine the hours of the day and days of the week when kids can use their phones.


    – programme restricted and always-on phone numbers to manage with whom kids may communicate.


    – prioritise important family messages


    – locate kids‘ phones with GPS capabilities


    Internet security and privacy lawyer, and founder of WiredSafety.org Parry Aftab says, “Parents and young people have both been looking for more control in their mobile phone service. After seeking control over such things as who can call or text them, unexpected charges and high-monthly bills, and access to content, they now have the answer in Disney Mobile, which has delivered on all of these desired features.”


    Disney Mobile offers consumers individual and family plans. Individual plans start at $39.99 per month and range up to $169.99 per month. Family plans, all inclusive of two lines, start at $59.99 per month and range up to $249.99 per month. Additional lines can be added to any Family Plan for $9.99 per month.


    The plan benefits apply only on the Disney Mobile network and may not be available while roaming. Beyond the Family Center features, Disney Mobile will offer wireless voice service, text and picture messaging, and a broad range of entertainment and content that will appeal to Disney fans of all ages. Handset pricing will start at $59.99, when purchased with a two-year service agreement.


    Grobar adds, “Since we know that many parents may already be under contract with another carrier, we are making it easy for them to sign up their children for Disney Mobile and, as the Family Manager, use all of the Family Center features from the web at disneymobile.com.


    “This enables them to enjoy the benefits and ease of use of managing their family‘s mobile phone experience online from home or office.”


    As part of a phased retail roll-out, freestanding kiosks managed by authorized Disney Mobile dealers are planned to open in shopping malls across the country. Co-branded with Mobile ESPN, the first kiosks are open in several locations across the US.


    The centerpiece of the Disney Mobile experience is its Family Center features, which include:


    Family Monitor – This feature can help make surprise cell phone bills a thing of the past by giving parents the ability to manage their kids‘ cell phone use real-time. A parent can set monthly allowances for each kid for key aspects of cell phone use, including voice minutes, text and picture messages, and downloadable content such as ringtones, wallpapers and background themes. Summary usage for the entire family and each kid‘s individual usage can be tracked and once a monthly allowance is reached, both the parent and the kid receive an alert on their phone.


    The parent can then decide whether to increase the allowance to receive an alert at a higher allowance, ignore the alert, or restrict the phone‘s functionality through Call Control. The Family Monitor feature is accessible through Disney Mobile phones and www.disneymobile.com with unlimited use included in all Disney Mobile calling plans.


    Call Control – This allows the Family Manager to use an online tool to designate when kids can use their cell phones, as well as whom they can and cannot call. The Family Manager can choose the day of week or even the time of day they will allow their kids to use their phones, eliminating use at inappropriate times such as during school hours or late at night.


    Call Control also gives the Family Manger the flexibility of programming “Always On” and prohibited numbers for added peace of mind. Even when phone use is restricted, kids will be able to call with family members on the same Disney Mobile family plan and “Always On” numbers and make emergency calls to 911. Unlimited use of Call Control is included in all Disney Mobile calling plans.


    Family Locator – This allows parents to locate their kids‘ phones using advanced Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. Parents can access the Family Locator feature from their phones or from www.disneymobile.com by entering a PIN which each parent personally selects. Once access is authorized, parents can locate their kid‘s phone by selecting “locate” through the feature. When the phone‘s location has been found, the location and a map of the location including an indication of accuracy are available.


    Parents can use this feature at those times when it is inconvenient to call or when they know the child will be unable to answer their phone – such as during school hours or sports practices. Five shared Family Locator searches are included in every Disney Mobile calling plan each month, and subscribers can upgrade to unlimited Family Locator searches for an additional fee.


    Family Alert- This allows family members on the same Disney Mobile family plan to send each other prioritised messages so the messages are less likely to be missed. Family Alert! messages prominently appear on the handset screen whenever the phone is idle, causing family members to acknowledge messages before using the phone for other services. For instance, at the end of a school day, parents can send a quick alert about a change of plans that will appear as soon as kids open their phones. Family Alert! can either be sent to an individual family member or all family members concurrently


    Disney Mobile has also simplified messaging for parents by offering a menu of preset, common family messages such as “Where RU?” and “Running late. Be there soon!” Of course, family members can also create their own unique messages. Unlimited intra-family messaging is included with the service.


    Disney Mobile will operate as a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) utilizing the enhanced Sprint Nationwide PCS Network. Family Center Features may not function when roaming or as a result of other network or system limitations. Kids can access the Family Monitor and Family Alert! features on their Disney Mobile phones. Online access by kids to these features will be available soon.


    In addition to its Family Center features, Disney Mobile will also offer parents, tweens and Disney fans of all ages a wide variety of Disney and other family-appropriate content to personalise and customise their Disney Mobile phones. The “Theme-It” function will allow multiple screens of the phone to be re-themed with a selection of related content chosen by the subscriber.


    Given Disney‘s rich entertainment heritage, Disney Mobile subscribers will enjoy a broad offering of Disney content. The Disney ZoneTM includes exclusive Vault DisneyTM content only available to Disney Mobile subscribers and applications that will extend many of the online and offline worlds of Disney. At launch, it will include a Radio Disney application that will allow direct interaction with Radio Disney itself as well as Trivial Pursuit Disney Mobile Edition, where players can test their Disney trivia knowledge or compete against other Disney Mobile players across the country. They can even track their progress and ranking through multiple skill levels on a real-time leader board.


    There also will be a broad assortment of general entertainment content to complement the service‘s Disney offerings.