informitv

SES plans ultra-high-definition transmissions

Sun, 20 May 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Satellite company SES is reported to be planning to launch ultra-high-definition channels. Romain Bausch, the president and chief executive of the Luxembourg-based company told analysts that SES is ready to help launch 4K resolution channels within "two to three years from now". He suggested that BSkyB could be preparing to pioneer the introduction of the next generation in high-definition television.

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TalkTalk suggests YouView is still on track for launch

Sun, 20 May 2012 08:29:30 +0000

TalkTalk says that YouView is still "on track" for a "gradual ramp up" from July to a marketing launch from September. The project, backed by British broadcasters and broadband service providers, has been much delayed and has yet to commit to a firm launch date. Beyond the core technical specification, no details of any technical standards or interfaces have yet been published. Far from being an open platform, YouView appears to be increasingly driven by commercial interests.

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Dish adds hopper feature to skip ads

Sun, 20 May 2012 06:00:00 +0000

American satellite television operator Dish Network has upset broadcasters by adding an AutoHop feature that automatically skips commercials that are recorded as part of the Primetime Anytime feature on its latest digital video recorders. In an extraordinary case of biting the hand that feeds, Dish is fundamentally undermining the business model of the commercial channels but it is not clear what they can do to prevent it, other than refuse to carry advertisements for Dish on their networks, or ultimately refuse to allow Dish to carry their channels.

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EchoStar launches slimmest digital video recorder

Mon, 14 May 2012 08:00:00 +0000

EchoStar has introduced what it claims is the slimmest digital video recorder in the world. The ultra slim aluminium box houses a twin-tuner digital video recorder with a 500GB hard disk drive. At just 14mm high, it complements the latest flat screen designs, but could we soon see televisions incorporating such storage?

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Ensequence attracts further $26 million in funding

Sun, 13 May 2012 09:00:00 +0000

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Red Bee Media chief executive to leave

Fri, 11 May 2012 09:00:00 +0000

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Future of Broadcast Television Initiative

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 10:30:00 +0000

Technical executives of broadcast organisations from around the world have joined the global Future of Broadcast Television Initiative. This represents a laudable effort to define the requirements for future global terrestrial television standards, but it currently lacks representation from other fields of telecommunications and information technology. The vision is there but it needs to be part of a bigger picture.

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SES sets standard for distribution in the home

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 18:00:00 +0000

Satellite operator SES has demonstrated a new way of distributing satellite signals in the home. SAT-IP converts satellite signals to internet protocols for distribution to devices and displays within the home. Programme streams are forwarded over the data network transparently, without transcoding, using standard network protocols. This could radically simplify multiroom and multiscreen distribution. SES operates a fleet of 50 satellites, including the Astra constellation that is used to deliver services such as Sky television.

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YouView delayed again

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 17:00:00 +0000

YouView, the hybrid television platform planned by British broadcasters and broadband service providers, may not be ready until the end of 2012. The repeatedly postponed project will apparently now not roll out until at least the fourth quarter of the year. By which time, it may be too late to make an impact on the market.

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ITV and Shazam partner to provide interactive adverts

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 12:00:00 +0000

ITV, the biggest commercial broadcaster in the United Kingdom, has announced a nationally exclusive partnership with Shazam to use its audio recognition technology to create interactive adverts. It follows experiments in the United States, including advertisements during coverage of the NFL Super Bowl. There is increasing interest in the opportunities presented by so-called second-screen applications to augment traditional television channels.

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