ITV

Tag: Verizon

  • Verizon looks to take convergence between TV, mobile, net to the next level

    Verizon looks to take convergence between TV, mobile, net to the next level

    MUMBAI: “We are the Broadband company.”

    That is the message that US telecom major Verizon wants to send out to consumers and the industry.

     
    At the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas Verizon’s new president and COO Denny Strigl said that the company is leading the way in the next revolution of television. “With the strength of our powerful wireless and fiber networks, we have transformed our business into one of the world’s greatest content-delivery systems”.

    To prove the point, Strigl, accompanied by two of Verizon’s most senior executives, introduced new products that marry the phone, the Internet and television for consumers in ways not available from any other company.

    Verizon has introduced FiOS digital media new interactive programme guide and a platform that offers the company’s base of FiOS TV customers a myriad of multimedia applications linking television, the Internet, personal computers and phones. Both will be available in the first half of the year.

    At the same time, Verizon Wireless raised the curtain on V Cast Mobile TV which is expected to be available in the first quarter of 2007.

    Strigl detailed the two-fold strategy behind these products, which crystallises the changing nature of Verizon’s consumer business. “At Verizon, we build great networks and we offer great content. We have built the nation’s most comprehensive all-digital broadband fiber network that reaches all the way into individual homes, while we offer the most reliable
    wireless voice and data network, period.”

    Verizon FiOS provides homes and businesses in 16 states in the US with up to 50 megabits of Internet speed, and FiOS TV is already available in more than 200 cities in 10 states. Verizon Wireless’ broadband network covers more than 200 million people, offering V Cast Video, V Cast Music and BroadbandAccess for high-speed laptop and PDA connectivity.

    Strigl adds, “Our parallel networks of fiber and wireless create a delivery system for the high-bandwidth content of today, and will meet consumers’ needs for years to come”.

    Verizon says that its fiber and wireless broadband networks, and their reach, quality and speeds, provide the basis for advancing existing partnerships with technology companies such as Qualcomm. In addition, relationships with leading content providers, appearing on FiOS TV, on Verizon Online and in a variety of mobile platforms to package, format and program TV content, will combine to deliver a suprior overall TV experience says the firm.

  • Verizon, Intel bring online PC gaming to TVs

    Verizon, Intel bring online PC gaming to TVs

    MUMBAI: US wireless service provider Verizon and chip major Intel have collaborated to enable consumers to play popular PC games on their television sets through IntelViiv technology-based PCs.

    This makes the games more enjoyable and accessible than ever before.

    The companies will also market a version of PlayLinc, a new game messenger that provides a faster and more entertaining way to enjoy multiplayer games online. PlayLinc, which is free, provides a variety of features, including free private servers, VoIP integration and the ability for players to track when their friends are online and ready to join a game.

    Verizon director of new product development Colson Hillier says, “We’re creating a graphics-rich, ’big-screen’ game-playing experience for the entire family. The games that families now enjoy on their PCs will become larger than life, more fun to play and accessible in virtually every room of the house, through linkages between a family’s PC and their TV. This is an extension of Verizon’s commitment to provide customers with the content and service they want, whenever they want it, and however they want to receive it.”

    TThe Verizon Games on Demand service enables users to play popular PC games on their TVs through Intel Viiv technology-based PCs running Microsoft Windows XP* Media Center Edition 2005 (MCE). Using a wireless game controller and MCE remote control, consumers can play a broad array of games from the comfort of their favorite couch or easy chair, also referred to as the “10-foot view” of the television set. Consumers can access the service through the Media Center Edition menu system by selecting the service using their remote control.

    Verizon Games on Demand combines the power and flexibility of the Intel Viiv technology platform, featuring the Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor, with the speed and reliability of Verizon’s broadband networks and the innovation of its growing online gaming services.

    Intel’s digital home group VP Kevin Corbett, said”Intel Core 2 Duo processors deliver exceptional PC gaming performance and are the foundation for Intel Viiv technology, which is helping to ignite new digital entertainment experiences. The combination of Intel Viiv technology and Verizon Games on Demand provides consumers with a wide selection of popular gaming experiences for both the PC and the TV, which adds a whole new dimension to online gaming.”

    Intel Viiv technology helps connect the PC to the TV and enables consumers to simplify, share and control their games, music and movies with the energy-efficient performance delivered by the Intel Core 2 Duo processor¹. The technology is widely supported by a number of PC and consumer electronics manufacturers, as well as content and service providers such as Verizon.

    Verizon Games on Demand features click-and-play access to PC games that appeal to many different gamers, including adults and children. The service was named a Popular Mechanics Editor’s Choice at the 2006 International Consumer Electronics Show. The service will feature:

    * 3-D navigation and launch via the MCE remote control

    * Schedule game downloading and prioritize or change the schedule for future game play

    * Click-and-play experience with no game installation process

    * Wireless gamepad controls that create a console-like playing experience

    * Ability to choose games based on rating, genre or other criteria

    * Automatic system check to ensure the PC has the necessary drivers and available memory, among other things, to run each game, along with automatic system updates

    * Accelerated game downloads to begin playing even before the download is completed

    * Graphics that Intel says makes casual game playing as exciting as sophisticated console gaming.

  • Verizon looks to break down the barriers of mobile music further

    Verizon looks to break down the barriers of mobile music further

    MUMBAI: US wireless communications service provider Verizon Wireless continues its attempts to break down barriers in the world of mobile music

    It recently launched mobile music phone Chocolate by LG. In conjunction with this the company has announeced that its customers have everything they need to have a V Cast music experience. This includes access to more than 1.3 million songs, a full line of music accessories that includes a 2GB microSDTM card that can hold up to 1,000 songs, the elimination of the V Cast VPak monthly charge for its V CAST Music customers and the ability to play their mp3 files with V Cast Music.

    Verizon Wireless’ V Cast is an over-the-air mobile music download service. With the new Chocolate phone customers can browse, preview, download and play high-quality digital music from the V Cast music catalogue that boasts more than 1.3 million songs from thousands of artists from top labels and independent providers.

    In an effort to give its customers unfettered access to the best mobile music service in the nation, Verizon Wireless has eliminated the need for customers to subscribe to the V Cast VPak for $15 per month to use V Cast Music. Now, anyone with a V CAST Music-enabled phone can pay-as-they-go to download songs on their phone for $1.99 per song plus airtime, download songs to their Windows XP® PC for as little as $0.99 and transfer their existing compatible digital music collection to their V CAST Music-enabled phone or memory card for free from their PC. Purchases from the phone include two copies of every song – one for the phone and one for the Windows XP PC. In addition, V Cast Music customers with Chocolates can listen to their existing mp3 files, a new functionality enabled by new V CAST Music software on the phone.

    Verizon Wireless VP marketing and digital media John Harrobin said, “Verizon Wireless is launching the next phase of V CAST Music with the exclusive launch of Chocolate by LG that marries breakthrough industrial design and music functionality with the best of a wireless phone. With the new V Cast Music pay-as-you-go pricing structure, Verizon Wireless’ millions of customers with V Cast music-enabled phones can now call their music whenever the urge strikes, giving them easy access to mobile music.”

    Verizon adds that the new Chocolate by LG phone and V CAST Music haschanged the mobile music landscape, offering music customers the ability to personalise their music – either by selecting full-track downloads, ring tones, Ringback Tones, music videos and more – and play their music for others. Verizon Wireless’ V CAST Music runs on Verizon Wireless’ broadband network.

    With the launch of Chocolate and enhancements to V CAST Music, artists can reach a larger, targeted and more engaged audience than ever before with traditional media, such as television and radio. Artists including the Fugees, Shakira, Green Day, Black Eyed Peas, John Legend, Sean Paul and Nelly Furtado have selected Verizon Wireless to give their fans unprecedented exclusives because they recognize that mobile music can bring their music to fans quickly and offers a unique opportunity to promote their music.

    For example, in March 2006, Verizon Wireless unveiled the simultaneous world premiere of the full-length song, music video, ring tone, Ringback Tone, wallpaper and behind-the-scenes footage of the video shoot for “Hips Don’t Lie,” the song that marked the unique collaboration of global artists Shakira and Wyclef Jean. The “Hips Don’t Lie” single and other content became available for purchase exclusively on V CAST – two months prior to being sold at any Web retailer, music store or other music distribution channel. Immediately after the Verizon Wireless exclusive of “Hips Don’t Lie” was over, the single jumped to number one and continues to break records.

    Harrobin adds, “V Cast Music lets artists get their music in the palms of their fans’ hands quickly – while driving traditional music sales rather than cannibalizing them – and lets their fans choose the ways they want to personalize their music experience. With the combination of artist exclusives, true mobile music players such as Chocolate, and the immediacy of V CAST Music, we are now way beyond ring tones and Ringback Tones on phones.”

  • Verizon, GN Netcom bring broadband headsets to US market

    Verizon, GN Netcom bring broadband headsets to US market

    MUMBAI: Verizon, which operates a wireless network and works in the area of delivering broadband services in the US and GN Netcom which deals with hands-free audio solutions have announced a licensing agreement.

    This will introduce a series of Verizon-branded headsets for use with broadband services and applications, including online gaming and IP telephony

    The headsets complement the retail sale of Verizon broadband products and services and leverage the capabilities of Verizon’s networks, including high-speed DSL and the company’s new, advanced fiber-optic network which delivers high-quality voice, data and video services at unprecedented speeds. GN Netcom will produce, ship and provide technical and customer support for the broadband headsets.

    Verizon VP brand management and media services Andrea Fant-Hobbs says, “We will enhance our customers’ broadband experiences by offering them innovative headsets that are hands-free, convenient and have superb sound quality.

    “The headsets are the perfect complement to our services, including online gaming, music, video and other entertainment services. Our relationship with GN Netcom directly supports our commitment to provide our customers richer, deeper, broader communications experiences.”

    GN Netcom US senior VP. GM David Wood said, “As the use of broadband applications continues to rise, so does the need for high-quality headsets. Together with Verizon, we are responding to this increased demand as more consumers realise the benefits of headsets, including increased freedom and functionality across broadband applications.”

    The licensing agreement provides Verizon and GN Netcom with a complementary distribution opportunity in the marketplace, while allowing GN Netcom the opportunity to further penetrate and expand into new headset segments such as telephone accessories, online gaming, VoIP and Web calling.

  • IPTV survey reveals limited initial revenue expectations

    IPTV survey reveals limited initial revenue expectations

    MUMBAI: Accenture and the Economist Intelligence Unit conducted a global survey of 302 technology and media firm executives. All of them are involved in or close to the IPTV business—network operators, equipment vendors, consumer electronics firms, broadcasters/studios and content providers.

    Key Findings:

    There is long-term optimism in IPTV: 34 per cent of the executives we surveyed believe IPTV will generate “significant revenue” by 2009 and another 57 per cent are at least “somewhat confident” that this will be the case.

    But, few companies expect a substantial IPTV impact on their bottom line. Rather, most see the larger impact being on top-line growth. Network operators also hope IPTV will drive the take-up of broadband access connections and help reduce customer churn.

    Content is critical to network operators’ business model. They are currently acquiring it however they can, and the largest proportion of respondents say distribution without rights of ownership will be the primary means of sourcing IPTV content over the next year, according to an official release.

    Video-on-demand is expected to be the chief money-maker among different IPTV services, both today and over the longer term. There is little consensus on other likely revenue sources. Respondents did not see advertising as a potential money-earner.

    The chief hurdles to IPTV consumer adoption: a dearth of compelling content and lingering quality-of-service problems. Not a single respondent from this group is very confident that IPTV will spur significant revenue growth within a year of launch and no more than half are fairly or very confident of generating substantial revenue by 2009.

    Despite respondents’ pessimism that IPTV will spur growth in the near-term, major players are in various stages of testing IPTV. These include Verizon, AT&T, Telecom Italia, France Telecom and China Netcom, the release adds.

  • Verizon to offer IMF music feed

    Verizon to offer IMF music feed

    MUMBAI: Verizon has inked a deak with IMF: The International Music Feed Network. It is the 24-hour music television network featuring hit music from the United States and around the world. 

    IMF will supply its music video channel and on-demand programming for Verizon’s fiber-optic-powered television service, FiOS TV.Under the terms of the agreement, Verizon will offer the IMF channel in its FiOS TV Premier package and provide on-demand IMF programming and individual music videos. FiOS TV customers soon will be able to choose from 1,000 music videos and IMF music programs, performances and specials representing an unprecedented 100 hours of programming per month, according to an official release. 

    TVN, Verizon’s video-on-demand transport agent, is coordinating the delivery of the content.

    “IMF will deliver an extensive lineup of top domestic and international music videos to FiOS TV customers, advancing our already strong commitment to content choice and diversity,” said FiOS TV VP content strategy and acquisition Terry Denson. “It’s another way we differentiate ourselves in our markets and add value to our FiOS TV service.”

    IMF president Andy Schuon said, “We are delighted to join with Verizon through their exciting new FiOS TV service. The collaboration between Verizon and IMF is an excellent example of how we can enhance the music experience for fans everywhere. With the IMF channel and our video on-demand offering, Verizon and IMF will bring music on television to a whole new level.”

    IMF programming includes a mix of the top music videos from the United States and the world. Categories include Hip Hop Society, The Bridge (Latin), One World (chart-topping global hits), Passage to India (Indian), Raw Feed (exclusive artist interviews), and Hello World (music and pop-culture from dozens of countries), among others.

    At present, Verizon FiOS TV provides more than 400 digital video and music channels, two dozen high-definition channels, 2,500 on-demand titles and features such as FiOS TV Widgets, which supplies on-touch, on-demand access to real-time local weather and traffic.

    Verizon offers FiOS TV in more than 50 communities in parts of seven states: California, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Virginia and Texas.

    IMF is unit of Universal Music Group, the world’s largest music company, with wholly owned record operations or licensees in 75 countries.

     

  • Verizon ties up with DirecTV to create a triple play for wholesale customers

    Verizon ties up with DirecTV to create a triple play for wholesale customers

    MUMBAI: Verizon and DirecTV has entered an agreement that will enable Verizon wholesale customers to sell a package of voice, DSL and DirecTV services that is designed to offer a superior and more value-oriented alternative to cable “triple play” offers.

    Under the agreement, telecom service providers that utilize Verizon’s popular wholesale advantage voice service and selected high-speed data services can also receive DirecTV service and sell all three services to consumers at a competitive price. The companies expect the package to become available in July. 

    Terms of the agreement between Verizon and DirecTV were not disclosed.

    “The agreement demonstrates wholesale telephony’s progress as an industry since the Federal Communications Commission allowed providers to enter into commercial agreements for many wholesale services last year,” said Verizon Partner Solutions David Small. “Verizon is dedicated to helping our wholesale customers compete with the cable industry’s triple play. By joining with DirecTV, the market-leader in digital satellite TV services, we add a strong video brand to our voice and DSL services for wholesalers, creating a powerful combination and an attractive triple play at a discount.”

    DirecTV sales and service president John Suranyi said, “The triple-play offer for wholesalers enables DirecTV to reach a new segment of customers with an attractive array of services that will more effectively compete with the local cable provider. Consumers have been responding favourably to the superior choice, value and quality offered by the Verizon/DirecTV service bundle, and we believe Verizon wholesalers will find they now have an offer that will invigorate their market.”

    Verizon expects to make the bundle available to wholesale customers in July. Wholesalers must buy Verizon’s wholesale advantage voice services to qualify for the package discount

  • US House of Representatives pass bill to allow telecom firms into cable TV

    US House of Representatives pass bill to allow telecom firms into cable TV

    MUMBAI: The US House of Representatives have passed a bill that makes it easier for American telecom firms to enter the American cable TV market.Media reports indicate that lobbying by telecom firms AT&T, Verizon and BellSouth could have influenced the Representatives.

    The Communications Opportunity, Promotion and Enhancement Act of 2006 was pased.

    BellSouth VP governmental affairs Herschel Abbott says, “We congratulate and thank Chairman Barton and Representative Rush for shepherding this legislation through the House. We look forward to Senate action so that legislation can be signed by the President this year.

    “Completion of video franchise legislation will allow faster rollout of a video service that can provide another competitive alternative to cable, offering the kind of customer service and quality that customers demand.

    “Given the amount of debate over so called ‘net neutrality’ during consideration of this bill, let me again assure consumers that BellSouth will not block or degrade access to any legal content on the internet. Net neutrality is a phony issue and it ought to be laid to rest by this vote.”

    The bill will allow national video franchising for Internet Protocol television (IPTV) providers in hopes of spurring competition in the US pay television market. The Cope Act removes regulatory barriers for video service providers to enter the market. Additionally, the legislation allows municipalities to deploy broadband and provide video services on a transparent and nondiscriminatory basis, thereby removing barriers for another competitor’s entry intro the marketplace.

  • Optibase provides SmartVideo to Verizon & Cingular cell users in US

    Optibase provides SmartVideo to Verizon & Cingular cell users in US

    MUMBAI: A provider of advanced digital video high-end solutions, Optibase Ltd has announced that its IPTV streaming platforms are enabling SmartVideo to provide full motion TV to Verizon and Cingular mobile subscribers in the United States. SmartVideo is a provider of management and delivery solutions of content to mobile and cellular devices.

    Georgia-based SmartVideo is using the Optibase MGW 5100 TV streaming platform to encode and transmit live video received from satellite provider Crawford Communications over a dedicated network to SmartVideo’s facilities.

    At SmartVideo, the video is decoded using Optibase’s MGW 200 decoders and transmitted using SmartVideo’s proprietary technology to cell phones and other smart handheld devices. The content offering includes news, weather, sports and children’s programming from ABC news, NBC Universal, Fox Sports, The Weather Channel and others, informs an official release.

    “We are excited about the prospects in the cellular streaming market and this opportunity to take part in an innovative broadcast service that provides high quality live television directly to mobile devices,” said Optibase Inc president Adam Schadle. “SmartVideo benefits from the combination of our encoding and decoding offerings that yield a high quality, end-to-end video streaming solution.”

    “SmartVideo has distinguished itself from other service providers by its ability to deliver high-quality, reliable interactive video, audio and graphics simultaneously,” said SmartVideo president David Ross. “The Optibase platforms provide 24×7 services ensuring our customers receive the best possible service.”

  • Optibase provides SmartVideo to Verizon & Cingular cell users in US

     

    MUMBAI: A provider of advanced digital video high-end solutions, Optibase Ltd has announced that its IPTV streaming platforms are enabling SmartVideo to provide full motion TV to Verizon and Cingular mobile subscribers in the United States. SmartVideo is a provider of management and delivery solutions of content to mobile and cellular devices.

     

    Georgia-based SmartVideo is using the Optibase MGW 5100 TV streaming platform to encode and transmit live video received from satellite provider Crawford Communications over a dedicated network to SmartVideo‘s facilities.

     

    At SmartVideo, the video is decoded using Optibase‘s MGW 200 decoders and transmitted using SmartVideo‘s proprietary technology to cell phones and other smart handheld devices. The content offering includes news, weather, sports and children‘s programming from ABC news, NBC Universal, Fox Sports, The Weather Channel and others, informs an official release.

     

    “We are excited about the prospects in the cellular streaming market and this opportunity to take part in an innovative broadcast service that provides high quality live television directly to mobile devices,” said Optibase Inc president Adam Schadle. “SmartVideo benefits from the combination of our encoding and decoding offerings that yield a high quality, end-to-end video streaming solution.”

     

    “SmartVideo has distinguished itself from other service providers by its ability to deliver high-quality, reliable interactive video, audio and graphics simultaneously,” said SmartVideo president David Ross. “The Optibase platforms provide 24×7 services ensuring our customers receive the best possible service.”