EchoStar Europe brings in Latens CA


November 9, 2009 10.02




EchoStar Europe has announced the integration of the Latens cardless CA and middleware solutions for its hybrid HDX-600 platform.


The high definition HDX-600 is designed for broadband and IPTV-based platforms and includes a digital video recorder. “In order to support our strategy in Europe, it is imperative that we partner with a number of the industry’s leading conditional access and middleware solutions”, commented Rick Smith, VP sales and marketing, EchoStar Europe. “This is one of our first planned integrations in the IP space and provides a middleware and CA platform for adaptation and deployment by IPTV and hybrid IPTV operators”.


Latens CEO Jeremy Thorp added that the product gave operators a strong choice in IPTV deployment. “This integration provides IPTV and broadband TV operators with a proven and tested integration between the core elements of the pay TV network, assuring operators that the service they deploy will be a success, while reducing the additional cost and pain of integrations”, he said.


Aligning itself with the current move towards hybrid platforms, the HDX platform also has cable, satellite or terrestrial tuners available. EchoStar’s SlingLoaded placeshifting technology is also available.
















Comcast close to NBC stake


November 9, 2009 10.36




Comcast could be as little as a week away from the purchase of a controlling stake in NBC Universal from General Electric. The US cablenet is set to acquire a 51% stake to create a $30 billion (€21.55 bn) joint venture that would combine its cable channels with America’s oldest broadcast network.


Although talks are said to be at an advanced stage a successful conclusion could yet hinge on whether Vivendi is willing to sell its 20% stake in NBC Universal back to GE. Vivendi must decide annually within in a four week period between November and December as to whether it want to continue its participation.


The NBC Universal channels business has steadily grown its international footprint. Having acquired the rights to the Hallmark brand in Europe, following the £174 million purchase of Sparrowhawk in 2007, the rebranded Universal Networks has gone on to build a portfolio that also includes Universal Channel, 13th Street Universal, Syfy Universal (the former Sci Fi), Diva Universal and Studio Universal.


Comcast also holds international interests running local versions of E! Entertainment and Style Network.






















December launch for Boxee beta


November 9, 2009 09.50




Boxee, the online aggregator of TV and video content, has announced the release of its beta software. Boxee Beta will stage an unveiling event at the Music Hall of Williamsburg in New York on December 7.


In addition to demoing the beta, launch applications from partners will be featured, ahead of a public release at CES on January 7. The beta version includes a new user interface, improved navigation and a search facility for TV shows and movies.


Boxee is based on the open-source project XBMC, and incorporates the XUL framework, the basis for the Mozilla browser. Versions are available for use on a desktop or laptop PC and Apple TV. Its applications include the ability to access Hulu and the BBC iPlayer as well as a variety of smaller video providers.


In August Boxee raised $6 million (€4.24 million) through a funding round that added Boston-based General Catalyst as a shareholder.
























Slovak FTTH coverage increases


November 9, 2009 04.51




The FTTH network operated by the Slovak incumbent telco T-Com already covers almost 275,000 homes, with the number set to rise by a further 5,000 in the next few weeks.


It allows customers in the coverage area, which includes 12 of the country’s largest cities, to receive the digital TV service Magio and internet access at speeds of up to 80 Mbps.
Investment in the network between 2007-9 has been put at almost €66.4m.




















Murdoch launches Berlusconi teaser






Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp has said it will launch Cielo, a new free-to-air digital TV channel, in Italy on the digital terrestrial network. Slated for a December debut, Cielo (which is Italian for Sky) will compete with Berlusconi’s Mediaset.


The new channel will be based in Milan and will not be part of the Sky Italia operation. Instead, News Corporation Stations Europe, the unit in charge of terrestrial TV channels in Europe outside the UK and Ireland, will be in control.


“Cielo will enrich Italy’s digital terrestrial offer, bringing more competition in a sector dominated by Mediaset and RAI,” said Gary Davey, CEO News Corporation Stations Europe, in a statement.
Cielo will broadcast both Italian made content as well as imported TV series and movies. The channel will use leased capacity from Gruppo Editoriale L’Espresso on one of the country’s digital terrestrial multiplexes with a potential reach of 12 million homes.


The move is just the latest in an ongoing ‘war’ between Italian broadcasters. In July, Mediaset withdrew its channels from the Sky Italia platform to set up its own DTH platform together with public broadcaster RAI.























TVN to take over platform n


November 9, 2009 05.56


Poland’s TVN has announced its intention to fully take over the DTH platform n.


According to broadcaster, it has already fully integrated n into its operations and will now acquire the remaining 49% of n by issuing an additional €188 million senior notes, maturing 2017 to the ITI Group.
€40 million of the senior notes will be placed in escrow until n reaches predefined targets.


The platform had around 730,000 subscribers as of September 30. Of these, 571,000 were post paid and around 159,000 active pre-paid customers.