News
3DTV sales forecasts led by supply not demand
There will be nearly 50 million 3DTV displays sold worldwide in 2015, up from just over 3 million in 2010, according to one forecast. Within the same timeframe around half the homes in the United States could have a 3D capable display, according to another. These projections reflect the aspirations of suppliers, rather than clear evidence of consumer demand.
YouTube approaches billion dollar annual revenues
YouTube could receive revenues approaching a billion dollars this year, apparently. Google does not break out revenues for YouTube, although it has indicated it could turn a profit this year. An analyst estimates that YouTube will earn $945 million in 2010 and exceed a billion dollars in gross revenue in 2011.
Virgin slams BBC on Canvas
The chief executive of Virgin Media has roundly criticised the BBC for its handling of Project Canvas. Neil Berkett told the annual Cable Congress in Brussels that the consultation process was “an absolute whitewash in terms of any form of governance.” He said the BBC Trust is “incapable of regulating the BBC’s activities in an objective way”. The consultation on the proposed joint venture involving the main terrestrial broadcasters has also been criticised by Sky. Even the Digital TV Group has argued that the partners in the project, most of which are among its members, have failed to engage with the wider industry.
Virgin promises amazing experience with fastest service
Virgin Media is promising to provide the fastest broadband service available across the United Kingdom. The cable company will begin rolling out a 100Mbps broadband service by the end of 2010. It could allow a one hour television show to be downloaded in just over half a minute, while a high-definition movie would take under eight minutes. If that is not enough, they are experimenting with a 200Mbps service. The talk of fibre optic broadband makes for good headlines, but customers should read the small print to understand what they are actually getting.
Need for guides grows as viewing choice expands
With hundreds of channels and thousands of programmes available on demand, not to mention millions more online, the electronic programme guide is likely to become much more important in the future. Fewer than 60 million homes in Western Europe had an EPG at the end of 2008, which is around a third of television households. That is expected to grow by nearly 20% annually over the next four years as digital television becomes ubiquitous, so that nearly three-quarters of all television homes will have an EPG in 2014.
Walmart uses Vudu to work online movie magic
Retail giant Walmart will acquire online video company Vudu to deliver movies and television programmes directly to internet connected Blu-ray players and televisions. Vudu had moved away from trying to sell its own boxes to become a service and software provider. Having previously abandoned the online video market, Walmart is back in the game. As a major retailer of consumer electronics products, Walmart could help drive the market for network-connected devices and displays from major manufacturers, and in so doing gain a connection to consumers in their homes.