SonicBlue are now stepping up the pressure on TiVo (Sonicblue threatens to sue TiVo)) after the award of their patent covering a couple PVR feature, including the ability to pause live TV.
Author: Simon Perry
Microsoft announce new broadband streaming CODEC
Microsoft announced at Streaming Media East yesterday their ‘Third generation’ product – code named “Corona”, that they are aiming at BB delivery.
A smart play from Microsoft that will get Windows Media Audio and Video in to the chips that currently get put into 90% of the DVD made. Putting MPEG-4 decoders
BBC announce ‘Curriculum Online’
The BBC announce their pivotal role in the ‘Curriculum Online’. It could be very positive for the UK industry, as long as the money is spread around rather than just placed with a small number of large broadcasters.
RealNetworks to support MPEG-4
Interesting to see RealNetworks are going to support MPEG-4. As long as it’s going to be open standards MPEG-4, not the proprietary version Microsoft uses, this is good for the electronic video delivery generally. This could also be interpreted that Real aren’t that concerned about their format any more. As long as people view it though their player and through their subscription service (RealOne) – they’ll be happy. Gives added weight to the perception of a major shift in their business, which has been happening for a while.
Enron broadband scams
Details are now coming out about Enron’s BB division and the huge amount of money possibly misspent with an alleged only twenty deals having been signed.
Broadband via the drains
An interesting idea to deliver the last mile though the drainage system from a company called CityNet, which appears to be very well backed.
US Should Not Rush to Regulate Broadband
News: U.S. Should Not Rush to Regulate Broadband – Report – Yahoo news
Aramiska opens UK broadband satellite
News: Aramiska opens UK broadband satellite kimono – The Register
Comment: Another company start a BB satellite Internet service for SME’e.
UK government want UK to be a BB leader
There was a significant announcement from the UK government yesterday about their view on how the UK will become one of the leading BB nations by 2005. Given the state of the UK market currently, we all know this is hugely ambitious. It appears from discussions with people closely connected with it, that the IS actually a lot of political will behind this.
This is the general link to the Office of the UK e-Envoy and here is the Government’s response to Broadband Stakeholder Group recommendations a 367k PDF
3 airlines to drop Boeing’s Connexion service
News: 3 airlines to drop Boeing’s Connexion service – CNN.com
Comment: This was going to be Internet access from the seatback service on airplanes. Not a big surprise this has happened. post Sept. 11. Interestingly, Lufthansa are still working with them.