News
Digital TV Group claims Canvas fails to connect
The body that represents the interests of the digital television industry in the United Kingdom has criticised the proponents of project Canvas for failing to engage fully with its members. In a submission to the BBC Trust the Digital TV Group says there is widespread concern that the Canvas specification for a new converged broadcast and broadband platform is being developed regardless of its own Connected TV initiative. It calls on the BBC Trust to require the proposed Canvas joint venture to engage with industry to deliver an agreed specification to achieve widespread market success in the interests of consumers and television licence fee payers.
TellyLinks site fails on first night
TellyLinks aims to provide relevant web links synchronised to television programmes. It is the idea of a former executive at commercial broadcaster ITV. Unfortunately, the service was withdrawn shortly after launch, apparently due to an “unexpected high volume of traffic,” so it is too early to tell whether it will work or if viewers would be better off simply using Google or Twitter.
Platform for video management evolves
Online video service provider thePlatform has launched a radically re-engineered video management system for multi-screen publishing, known as mpx. It marks the tenth anniversary of the company, now a subsidiary of Comcast, and the evolution in sophistication of online video publishing requirements with initiatives such as TV Everywhere.
Sky begins 3D broadcasting as HD becomes standard
Sky has broadcast the first live 3D TV sports event to a public audience, in preparation for the launch of a dedicated Sky 3D channel in April. There are now over 2 million Sky high-definition subscribers in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Sky plans to provide the 3D capable Sky+ HD box as standard to all new and upgrading customers and is introducing an optional premium product with a terabyte of storage. Sky is set to exceed its target of 10 million subscribers by this year and continues to set the pace of innovation.
Apple iPad display falls short of high-definition
Much has already been written about the new Apple iPad, which some have dismissed as little more than a large iPhone. It is undoubtedly more than that, but falls short of expectations in its inability to display or output high-definition video. Despite the disappointment of some, the iPad is a significant device in the development of digital video distribution.
Brightcove signs up Ping Identity for TV Everywhere
Online video platform Brightcove has developed a solution to enable programming providers to offer TV Everywhere compatible catch-up television services. It is intended to simplify the challenge of allowing users to access online video based on their pay-television subscription. The company has teamed with Ping Identity to provide a user authentication and authorization system built on existing open standards.