www.broadcast-technology.com News

'FCC Adopts Analog Nightlight Program for Emergency and Digital Transition Information After the DTV Transition '

2008-07-03T16:24:40Z

Analog viewers will be able to receive Emergency and DTV Transition Information via Analog Signal for 30 Days after February 17

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today announced it has implemented the Short-term Analog Flash and Emergency Readiness Act (“Analog Nightlight Act” or “Act”). The Act, enacted on December 23, 2008, required the Commission to develop and implement a program by January 15, 2009, to encourage and permit continued analog TV service for 30 days after the February 17, 2009 DTV transition date to provide public safety information and DTV transition information for any viewers who do not have the necessary equipment to receive digital broadcasts by the transition deadline.

This action is designed to aid consumers who are not able to receive digital signals after the DTV transition on February 17, 2009, to provide them with access to emergency information. This action is also intended to help consumers understand the steps they need to take in order to restore their television service.

The FCC Order lists 826 stations that are eligible to broadcast emergency and transition information in analog after the statutory digital transition on February 17, 2009. Stations’ participation is voluntary, but the Order encourages stations to participate by adopting streamlined procedures and maximum flexibility for participating broadcasters.

Specifically, the Report and Order takes the following actions:

· Permits eligible full-power television stations to continue their analog broadcasting for up to 30 days after the February 17, 2009 transition date for the sole purpose of providing “Analog Nightlight service,” i.e., providing emergency and DTV transition consumer information;

· Expands the list of stations “pre-approved” to provide analog nightlight service to include 826 eligible stations, covering 47 states, Puerto Rico, Washington, DC, and 202 of 210 DMAs;

· Allows additional stations not “pre-approved” to demonstrate their eligibility to participate in the program;

· Adopts streamlined procedures for pre-approved stations to notify the Commission of participation in the program;

· Prohibits stations from providing analog nightlight service if they would cause harmful interference to DTV signals;

· Grants a blanket license extension to broadcasters eligible to participate in the program;

· Encourages stations that are not eligible to provide nightlight service on their own analog channels to participate in a joint effort with other stations in their community by contributing financial, technical, or other resources to support operation of another broadcaster’s analog station;

· Permits analog nightlight stations to broadcast video and audio programming with emergency information, including a crawl or other text, or live or taped action regarding the emergency;

· Permits analog nightlight stations to broadcast any information that is relevant to informing viewers about the DTV transition and how viewers can continue to obtain television service; and

· Permits the provision of limited sponsorship information as part of analog nightlight programming to help stations defray the cost of providing critical nightlight service.

NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:
Mary Diamond, 202-418-2388
Email: mary.diamond@fcc.gov

'MTS Allstream chooses Harmonic for IPTV upgrade'

2008-07-03T16:24:40Z

'Harmonic Inc. announced that MTS Allstream Inc. has selected Harmonic’s MPEG-4 AVC (H.264) high definition (HD) and standard definition (SD) video processing solutions for an IPTV service expansion. The upgrade will enable MTS Allstream to deliver equivalent MPEG-2 quality at half the bandwidth and a broader HD and SD channel line-up to its customers in Manitoba, Canada, further enhancing MTS Allstream’s advanced and differentiated multi-service offering. Harmonic’s DiviCom® Electra® 7000 and DiviCom Ion™ AVC encoders will power MTS Allstream’s expanded IPTV service. These encoders meet requirements of this project, including the completion of conformance testing for the Microsoft Mediaroom IPTV platform, jitter specifications, and support for picture-in-picture. Harmonic’s NMX Digital Service Manager™ will provide MTS Allstream with management and control of their video headend operations, and interfaces with third party systems.

Speaking on this, Michael Strople, Vice President Technology Development, MTS Allstream, said, “MTS Allstream carefully evaluated a number of alternatives for this project, and selected Harmonic as the supplier who best delivered on the technical and commercial requirements. We are pleased to extend our partnership with Harmonic. Harmonic’s MPEG-4 video processing solutions deliver the quality and compression to provide an enhanced TV service to our customers.”'

'Tata Sky adopts NDS XTV™ DVR Technology for Tata Sky+ PVR Service'

2008-07-03T16:24:40Z

Tata Sky announced that it has chosen the technology solutions of NDS for digital pay-TV, to supply its XTV™ DVR solution for Tata Sky+, the service that offers full Personal Video Recorded (PVR). Tata Sky+ (Tata Sky Plus) combines a range of in-built functionality that enables a viewer to plan and control his TV viewing experience with features such as Record Live TV and Pause & Rewind Live TV. It features MPEG4 technology, and a memory capacity that can accommodate recording of programmes and movies.

Mr. Vikram Kaushik, Managing Director and CEO of Tata Sky Ltd, said: “The introduction of PVR technology will revolutionise the TV viewing experience in India. The PVR’s recording and playback features will allow our subscribers to time-shift their TV viewing, and thanks to the pause and rewind features, viewers can be sure that they won’t miss any of their favourite shows any more, and that they can catch all the action in live TV broadcasts.”

'Cidana and Siano partner to bring ready-to-use CMMB DTV solutions '

2008-07-03T16:24:40Z

Cidana announced that it has successfully integrated its advanced software package for Chinese mobile TV (CMMB) with a USB stick reference design for CMMB, provided by Siano. The combined hardware-software platform, supporting CMMB - the Chinese Multimedia Mobile Broadcasting standard will bring a ready to manufacture solution to makers of portable PCs, Mobile Internet Devices, and accessories for such devices. The USB stick is powered by Siano’s SMS1180 CMMB receiver chip.

Speaking on this, Chinn Chin, CEO, Cidana, said, “We are honored to team with Siano, one of the world leaders in mobile TV chipset technology, to bring a new level of support and functionality to mobile digital TV. Together with Siano, we have demonstrated worldwide digital TV support, including CMMB, DVB-T, DVB-H, T-DMB, and ISDB-T and we look forward to further cooperation.”

'Bharti Airtel partners with Infosys Technologies to deliver interactivity on its DTH service'

2008-07-03T16:24:40Z

Bharti Airtel announced that it has entered into an innovation and technology agreement with Infosys Technologies Limited to deliver improved customer experience to the customers of Airtel digital TV, its Direct-To-Home (DTH) TV service. As part of its Digital Convergence Platform, Infosys will provide a suite of products including devices, application servers and interactive applications that will focus on providing an enhanced digital lifestyle to Airtel digital TV customers. Airtel’s digital TV technology in combination with Infosys’ Digital Convergence Platform will bring digital lifestyle applications offering interactivity and personalisation into the living room.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Atul Bindal, President, Telemedia Services, Bharti Airtel said, "Airtel is delighted to partner with Infosys to offer cutting-edge interactive applications on Airtel digital TV - its DTH TV service. This is in line with Airtel’s commitment to innovate and deliver the best technology available to its customers. Through this partnership with Infosys, Airtel aims to revolutionize the TV-viewing experience and usher in the future of television into the country."

'Redline and Starent Networks collaborate for Mobile WiMAX solution'

2008-07-03T16:24:40Z

Redline Communications Group Inc. and Starent Networks, Corp. announced that the two companies have formed a strategic alliance for the co-development of a Mobile WiMAX solution. The joint will incorporate Redline’s RedMAX 4C™ Mobile WiMAX radio access network products and Starent Network’s ASN Gateway and Home Agent (HA) solution for mobile WiMAX networks, resulting in a complete carrier class solution. Redline’s RedMAX products and Starent’s ASN Gateway and HA are designed to help service operators expand their networks to support various access technologies and provide subscribers with 4G mobile services.

Speaking on this, Kevin Suitor, Vice President, Marketing and Business Development, Redline Communications, said “By incorporating Starent’s ASN Gateway and HA solution with our mobile WiMAX products, which include our WiMAX Forum Certified® customer premise equipment, carriers will be able to enhance the subscriber experience while leveraging their current investments in core infrastructure and applications. An ASN Gateway is important to the roll-out of carrier-class Mobile WiMAX networks and Starent’s platform supports the high performance applications and advanced traffic handling required for a successful WiMAX network.”

'GE Launches Global HDTV Joint Venture'

2008-07-03T16:24:40Z

GE announced the formation of General Displays & Technologies LLC (GDT), a new joint venture with Tatung Company. GDT will aim at the design, marketing and servicing of GE-branded HDTVs to deliver the high definition video, audio and Internet experience from home. The first series of product offerings will be available to consumers in Spring 2009.

Speaking on this, Marc McConnaughey, CEO, GDT, said, “We are developing advanced, Internet capabilities for content delivery to televisions, without the need for a PC. This includes Internet Protocol TV (IPTV) through cable, satellite and advanced fiber optic television connectivity. The long-term strategy is to allow consumers to customize their viewing experience by downloading widgets and a variety of services directly to their HDTVs.”

'blinkx launches web-based version of broadband television offering'

2008-07-03T16:24:40Z

Blinkx announced the launch of an evolution of its broadband television offering. Leveraging blinkx’s speech and visual recognition technology, BBTV will deliver a television experience over the Internet, and link it to the universe of information on the Web. The new Web-based release will enable users to browse or interact with online sources related to the programme they are watching straight from their browser offering relevant information – from news and entertainment, to travel and sports.

Speaking on this, Suranga Chandratillake, CEO and Founder, blinkx, said “Delivering a Web-based version of blinkx BBTV was a natural evolution for us. Advances in streaming technology and the pervasiveness of broadband have made software downloads an unnecessary obstacle for audiences. We’re delighted to be able to now offer users our ground-breaking online television product directly through their browser.”

'Flixwagon announces the launch of live video broadcasting solutions from mobile phones'

2008-07-03T16:24:40Z

Flixwagon announced the launch of its telco-grade platform targeting mobile carriers and media organisations. The field-proven, scalable platform helps to rapidly deploy customised live video broadcasting services to any Web-connected device and to television. It will allow subscribers to broadcast live video from their mobile phones to the Web. This will allow mobile carriers to create new revenue streams and increase customer satisfaction and loyalty. Through this facility, users can broadcast directly to blogs, social networks, widgets, and video sites, and interact with their viewers via the mobile application.

Speaking on this, Eran Hess, CEO, Flixwagon, said, “Flixwagon’s customers enjoy tremendous opportunities in harnessing live mobile video broadcasting. Whether in allowing carriers to offer new products or media companies to create brand new types of cost-effective content offerings – Flixwagon is changing how customers utilize video. Mobile video is growing rapidly around the globe and Flixwagon is excited to provide a user-friendly and business-ready mobile broadcasting platform.”

'SiTune launches power efficient mobile TV silicon tuner'

2008-07-03T16:24:40Z

SiTune Corporation announced the launch of a Hybrid (universal) CMOS TV tuner. STN-25T1000 is an integrated Tuner that exceeds all of global digital and analog TV standard requirements for under 150 mW. By using proprietary architecture which incorporates RF, mixed signal and digital signal processing techniques, SiTune has introduced a competitive mobile TV tuner that has minimum power consumption, high sensitivity and small footprint to support a wide variety of Mobile TV standards.

Speaking on this, Vahid Toosi, President and CEO, SiTune Corporation, said, "STN-25T1000 is the world’s lowest power consumption and most highly integrated Silicon TV Tuner which minimizes the cost of total BOM for universal adaptation. This tuner offer state of art performance for both analog (NTSC, PAL, SECAM) and Digital (ATSC, DVB-T, ISDB-T) TV reception."