IPTV News

Espial enters definitive agreement to acquire Kasenna

July 1, 2008 - Middleware provider Espial has entered a definitive agreement to acquire US firm Kasenna, a provider of VOD software and solutions, in exchange for 4.7mn Espial common shares, representing approximately 33.6% of the company's issued and outstanding shares after completion of the transaction.

Smart Telecom signs for next-generation network

June 30, 2008 - Irish telecoms provider Smart Telecom has signed a "multi-million Euro" deal with local firm ESB Telecoms for the provision of a high-capacity 10Gbps broadband infrastructure across two national fibre rings that will cover the whole country and enable the launch of high-capacity residential and business services including IPTV.

Belgacom TV updates football packages for new season

June 30, 2008 - Belgian incumbent telco Belgacom has released details of new football packages to be offered to subscribers of its "Belgacom TV" IPTV service, following the company's recent purchase of the broadcasting rights for the national Jupiler League for the next three seasons.

News Corp to delist NDS in equity fund deal

June 30, 2008 - News Corp is to take its content security division NDS into private ownership, under a deal with private equity firm Permira worth US$3.6bn.

OKI develops audience rating information system for IPTV operators

June 30, 2008 - OKI Electric Industry, a Japanese telecommunications equipment manufacturer, has developed a product called "Audience Rating Information System", which collects viewership data to enable IPTV operators to improve their services.

Lithuania's Viginta orders Widevine Cypher

June 30, 2008 - Lithuanian multichannel television, telephone and Internet service provider Viginta has selected downloadable content protection from Widevine to secure content delivered over DTT, hybrid QAM (cable) and IPTV networks.

SpectrumNet introduces FTTH triple-play in Bulgaria

June 27, 2008 - Bulgarian alternative telco SpectrumNet has introduced a triple-play service of voice, data and IPTV in the capital Sofia, delivered using passive optical networking (PON) over a fibre to the home (FTTH) network, according to local sources.

Korean regulator bans large business groups from owning IPTV services

June 27, 2008 - The Korean Communications Commission (KCC) has banned business groups with assets worth more than ten trillion won (US$9.59bn) from holding and operating IPTV services in the country.

Tiscali launches online EPG, plans integration with Tiscali TV

June 27, 2008 - UK triple-play provider Tiscali has introduced a new online electronic programme guide available through its portal, which offers listings of over 170 channels across different UK television platforms as well as content available via online on-demand services such as 4OD.

IPTV providers "must do more" to drive uptake of pay per view and VOD

June 27, 2008 - IPTV providers are finding it a challenge to encourage consumers to order and regularly view pay per view (PPV) and video on demand (VOD) content, according to a recent study by research firm Gartner.

Witbe debuts FullHD monitoring solution, announces launch customers

June 26, 2008 - French firm Witbe has launched its new FullHD monitoring solution, and revealed that its first customers include high-profile IPTV operators such as Hanaro Telecom (Korea), Orange (France), Telefonica (Spain), Chunghwa Telecom (Taiwan) and Sonaecom (Portugal).

Slovenia's T-2 to enter Croatia this autumn

June 26, 2008 - Slovenian triple-play operator T-2 is planning to enter the Croatian market this autumn, according to reports in local daily Croatia Today, and may launch an IPTV service in the country.

ARRIS and BlackArrow team for dynamic VOD advertising solution

June 26, 2008 - US firm ARRIS and BlackArrow, a provider of multiplatform ad-management systems for viewer controlled video, have completed interoperability testing between the two companies' respective video on demand (VOD) delivery and addressable advertising systems.

Exterity licenses ANT Galio Browser for HD IPTV receivers

June 26, 2008 - Scottish firm Exterity has licensed the ANT Galio Browser from ANT Software for use in its high-definition IPTV receivers, designed for a variety of environments including the hospitality industry.

More...