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  • Google Upgrades Platform Cloud and Joins Microsoft and Amazon's Cloud Level


    Google has upgraded its platform cloud to include a dedicated memcache, rendering the company's technology characteristically akin to the floating silos operated by Microsoft and Amazon. The open source object caching system, Memcache, is a dedicated serviced for storage of key-value data from multiple servers in pooled RAM. Its adoption by Google App Engine (GAE) comes packaged in the 1.8.2 release of the platform cloud.

    Alongside the dedicated Memcache is support for Git Push-to-Deploy, which allows developers to use the Git code management service. Google has also introduced updates relating to App Engine Modules, which enable developers to break large applications into modular components capable of sharing services. These updates also include Eclipse and PHP support.

    Dedicated memcache will bring developers performance and capacity guarantees for $0.12 cents per gigabyte per hour. They will be able to purchase in-memory data caching capacity leading to more data being cached, and with a higher cache hit rate the applications will be faster and Datastore costs reduced. This is according to a blog post Google cloud product manager Chris Ramsdale wrote.

    Google's service will be competing with Microsofts's Windows Azure Caching with memcache protocol support and Amazon's Amazon ElastiCache. Websites that use Memcache are Craigslist, Twitter, and Wikipedia.

  • Microsoft to Acquire Skype for $8.5 Billion

    Microsoft and Skype have just announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Microsoft will acquire Skype for $8.5 billion in cash from the investor group led by Silver Lake.

    With 170 million connected users and over 207 billion minutes of voice and video conversations in 2010, Skype has been a pioneer in creating connections among friends, families and business colleagues globally. Microsoft has a long-standing focus and investment in real-time communications across its various platforms, including Lync (which saw 30 percent revenue growth in Q3), Outlook, Messenger, Hotmail and Xbox LIVE.

    The companies informed that Skype will support Microsoft devices like Xbox and Kinect, Windows Phone and a wide array of Windows devices, and Microsoft will connect Skype users with Lync, Outlook, Xbox Live and other communities. Microsoft will continue to invest in and support Skype clients on non-Microsoft platforms.

    "Skype is a phenomenal service that is loved by millions of people around the world," said Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. "Together we will create the future of real-time communications so people can easily stay connected to family, friends, clients and colleagues anywhere in the world."

    Skype will become a new business division within Microsoft, and Skype CEO Tony Bates will assume the title of president of the Microsoft Skype Division, reporting directly to Ballmer.

    "Microsoft and Skype share the vision of bringing software innovation and products to our customers," said Tony Bates. "Together, we will be able to accelerate Skype’s plans to extend our global community and introduce new ways for everyone to communicate and collaborate," Bates said.

    According to the companies, the acquisition will increase the accessibility of real-time video and voice communications, bringing benefits to both consumers and enterprise users and "generating significant new business and revenue opportunities." The combination will extend Skype’s world-class brand and the reach of its networked platform, while enhancing Microsoft’s existing portfolio of real-time communications products and services.

    "Tony Bates has a great track record as a leader and will strengthen the Microsoft management team. I’m looking forward to Skype’s talented global workforce bringing its insights, ideas and experience to Microsoft," Ballmer said.

    Founded in 2003, Skype was acquired by eBay in September 2005, and then acquired by an investment group led by Silver Lake in November 2009. Skype has made impressive progress over the past 18 months under Silver Lake’s leadership, increasing monthly calling minutes by 150 percent, developing new revenue streams and strategic partnerships, acquiring the intellectual property powering its peer-to-peer network, and recruiting an outstanding senior management team.

    Other members of the selling investor group led by Silver Lake include eBay International AG, CPP Investment Board, Joltid Limited in partnership with Europlay Capital Advisors; and Andreessen Horowitz.

  • JVC Announces World's First THX 3D Certified Home Theater Projectors

    Four new JVC home theater projectors are the world’s first to gain THX 3D Display Certification. The four projectors, announced at CEDIA Expo in September while undergoing THX testing, will be available later this month.

    The new THX 3D Certified projectors are the Reference Series DLA-RS60 and DLA-RS50, to be marketed by JVC’s Professional Products Company, and the Procision Series DLA-X9 and DLA-X7, to be available through JVC U.S.A.

    JVC informed that during the THX 3D certification process, more than 400 laboratory tests are conducted, evaluating color accuracy, cross-talk, viewing angles and video processing "to ensure the high quality 3D and 2D display performance that home theater enthusiasts demand."

    The JVC projectors have simple, one button solutions for optimized playback of 3D and 2D movies – THX Cinema Mode to ensure that color reproduction, luminance, blacks, gamma and video processing matches what the filmmaker intended, and THX 3D Cinema Mode, which extends this same level of accuracy for 3D broadcasts and Blu-ray Discs.

    Acording to the company, THX 3D Cinema Mode is designed to deliver highly accurate color in 3D, while minimizing sources of cross-talk and flicker. For further fine-tuning, all THX Modes on JVC projectors can be accessed by THX Professional Calibrators.

    For 3D content, each projector includes two HDMI 1.4a ports and supports side-by-side (broadcast), frame packing (Blu-ray Disc), and above-below 3D transmissions. An external 3D Signal Emitter (PK-EM1) syncs the projected image with JVC’s Active Shutter 3D Glasses (PK-AG1). The external 3D signal emitter ensures solid signal transmission to the 3D glasses for a superior 3D experience, no matter what type of screen is used or how the home theater has been configured, as the company claims.

    The new flagship projectors, the DLA-RS60 and DLA-X9, are built using hand-selected, hand-tested components and provide a 100,000:1 native contrast ratio. For 3D display, both models come with two pairs of 3D glasses along with a PK-EM1 3D Signal Emitter.

    The DLA-RS50 and DLA-X7 offer 70,000:1 native contrast ratio and are compatible with JVC’s PK-AG1 Active Shutter 3D Glasses and PK-EM1 3D Signal Emitter (sold separately) for 3D presentations.

    All four projectors feature three 0.7" 1920 x 1080 D-ILA devices and are designed around JVC’s third generation D-ILA High Dynamic Range optical engine that is optimized to provide exceptional native contrast ratios without a dynamic iris to artificially enhance contrast specifications. A directed light integration system and wire grid polarizer ensures optimum light uniformity and minimal crosstalk in the light path. A 4-step lamp aperture is combined with a 16-step lens aperture to allow more precise management of lamp output, which further improves black level and native contrast.

    With a new short arc gap, lamp brightness has been increased from earlier JVC models to 1,300 ANSI lumens. To reduce motion blur, JVC’s double-speed 120Hz Clear Motion Drive technology uses a newly developed LSI for frame interpolation black frame insertion.

    These same four models also include a new seven-axis color management system (R, G, B, C, M, Y and orange) that allows precise color tuning, especially in skin tones, and a choice of color profiles, including Adobe RGB, DCI and sRGB/HDTV. They have also been designed for ISF certification and will include an ISF C3 mode for professional calibration. Ninety-nine screen correction modes match the projector to 99 specific types of projection screens.

  • Smartphone.biz-news.com one year of history

    Biz-New’s Smartphone vertical has been running for over a year now and we wanted to celebrate this anniversary by sharing with our regular and occasional readers the story behind the news you read.

    Biz-News is the work of a group of entrepreneurs who came together in 2007 with an idea to respond to what they though was missing in the technology media industry, a media outlet that covers start ups and small and medium companies with innovative ideas that are contributing to the development of the sector.
    Currently Biz-News founders live in the UK, Switzerland and Spain and we have a great team of collaborators covering the world from the US to South Africa. As you can see, a true global company thanks to today’s 24hour ready available communications technology.

    Our readership since our launch on the 23rd of September 2008 has grown fast and steady, increasingly we receive feedback from readers and companies that wish to know more about the subjects we cover.
    Our wish is to keep betting on the future, with the aim of becoming your reliable source on the Smartphone Industry news, because of this we have created a short 10 question survey for you to fill in.

    We want to hear from you, tell us what you want to read about, what are you not finding on the web, what interests you….We are listening.

      Click Here to take Our Survey

    Thanks.

    Regards,
    The Biz-News Team.

  • EMC Releases New Version of Retrospect


    EMC has launched a new version of its Mac backup software Retrospect.

    As well as adding back support for PowerPC-based Macs, Retrospect 8.1 also improves performance on Intel-based Macs.

    Eric Ullman, director of product management for Retrospect, said the product, which underwent a significant user interface rework in version 8, debuted initially without any support for PowerPC-based Macs.

    But he said such systems still make up approximately 50 per cent of Retrospect users, so it was important for EMC to make sure to release a version of the software that ran on them.

    "Apple doesn’t make PowerPC-based Macs anymore, but plenty of people still use them," he said. "Whether they’re hand-me-downs from other users who have upgraded to Intel-based Macs, or people who are just trying to extend the lives of otherwise useful systems."

    Ullman said Retrospect is particularly well-suited for small and medium-sized businesses that may have outgrown Time Machine – Apple’s backup system integrated with Mac OS X 10.5 "Leopard".

    He added that the software is also useful for businesses that want to centralise backups.

    With version 8.1, a PowerPC system that might have otherwise been relegated to a closet can now be used to manage a Retrospect backup server.

    Other changes have also been made in version 8.1 to improve performance on Intel-based Macs. Backup, data verification and restore activities are all faster, and EMC says that local backup performance has been increased from 10 to 15 per cent over 8.0, 30 to 35 per cent over 6.1. PowerPC-based systems will also see a boost over 6.1 – faster, multiple G5 systems run 10 to 15 percent faster under 8.1.

    Some more user interface tweaks have been made to Retrospect 8.1, as well – icons have been updated, workflow has been improved, and the software provides better responses to user actions, according to Ullman.

    Retrospect 8.1 is available as a free upgrade for 8.0 users; Retrospect 6.1 users who bought their software after January 14, 2008 are entitled to a free upgrade. Upgrade prices are also available for other users.

    The new release is available throughout EMC’s distribution network both as a boxed software product and through download services.

  • Successful IFA Business Model Drives Markets in 2009


    ADVERTORIAL: Product debuts and important industry topics such as ecology, lifestyle, HDTV & wireless communications the main features at IFA 2009

    For the second time, and with an even more comprehensive show, the leading brands of the consumer electronics and electrical home appliances industries will be jointly represented on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds at IFA 2009.

    Traditionally a large number of new technologies and products make their debut at IFA.

    IFA Director Jens Heithecker: "In 2008 the industry took the IFA to pole position with a previously unmatched number of product debuts. IFA 2009 will be building on this."

    Dr. Rainer Hecker added: "High-quality, wide-ranging brand presentations will once again feature significantly at IFA 2009 in Berlin.

    "The consumer electronics range of products covers the entire market.

    "It includes innovative, flat-screen TVs, home cinema systems, high-resolution media and intelligent networking solutions, as well as all types of mobile devices.

    "As regards electrical home appliances, the focus is on ease of use and health and wellness where fridges, washing machines, tumble driers, dishwashers, kitchen appliances, hairdriers and personal hygiene appliances are concerned.

    "In both product sections an eco-friendly approach and using water and electricity in a responsible manner are at a premium."

    IFA is the meeting place of leading international companies from both industries.

    As the leading venue for doing business it moves markets, as it comprehensively serves and targets the structures of the wider trade. With its unique flair IFA provides the perfect setting for the ultimate experience of consumer electronics and home appliances brands.

    Thus IFA combines fascinating innovations and exciting entertainment with a show. What is more, Berlin is where media political decisions are made.

    "IFA brings the markets together in a unique way. It provides an ideal platform for international retailers, buyers, consumers, the industry and the media," Dr. Rainer Hecker continued.

    "This autumn at IFA 2009 we will be sending out clear and positive signals to the economy."

    TecWatch – the name says everything

    The TWF has taken off in a new direction. In future, as the IFA TecWatch, it will be offering European research projects, developers from industry, international trade associations, as well as German research institutions and universities an exclusive platform for presenting product firsts.

    In 2009 the main topics will be devoted to assisted living, the personal home, innovative audio and smart interfaces. Thus TecWatch will without a doubt be the international attraction for technologically interested exhibitors, visitors, experts and the media.

    Trade visitors and the media can register as of now

    Starting in June, trade visitors can purchase their ticket to the IFA in comfort from the online ticket shop, at a reduced advance sales price.

    Alternatively, they can redeem a ticket voucher. The IFA ticket shop is open at www.ifa-berlin.com.

    Be it special travel packages, the Fast Lane, an exclusive reception area or leading specialist forums, starting now the IFA Website has information on special services for trade visitors coming to IFA.

    As of now members of the media who can submit proof of their identity as journalists can register online under "Press" on the IFA website.

    Advance registrations will be accepted until 20 August 2009.

    Information available under "Press" on the IFA website includes press releases, press appointments with exhibitors at IFA and the organisers of IFA, innovations at IFA and press photos of IFA.

    Amy MacDonald to open IFA 2009 live in the Summer Garden.

    With her album having gone double platinum and reaching top spot in the UK charts the mega star will take to the stage with an exclusive performance presented by IFA in the Summer Garden on Thursday, 3 September 2009.

    Tickets for the IFA Summer Garden concert with Amy Macdonald are available as of now from all the usual outlets as well as under: +49/ 1805-570 060.

    Online tickets are available at: www.eventim.de or www.ticketmaster.de.

    Costing 35 euros (plus advance booking fee), these tickets let holders not only enjoy the concert but also grant admission to IFA on any of the subsequent days. More details on the programme of events at IFA 2009 can be found at www.ifa-berlin.com/ Events.

  • Successful IFA Business Model Drives Markets in 2009


    ADVERTORIAL: Product debuts and important industry topics such as ecology, lifestyle, HDTV & wireless communications the main features at IFA 2009.

    For the second time, and with an even more comprehensive show, the leading brands of the consumer electronics and electrical home appliances industries will be jointly represented on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds at IFA 2009.

    Traditionally a large number of new technologies and products make their debut at IFA.

    IFA Director Jens Heithecker: "In 2008 the industry took the IFA to pole position with a previously unmatched number of product debuts. IFA 2009 will be building on this."

    Dr. Rainer Hecker added: "High-quality, wide-ranging brand presentations will once again feature significantly at IFA 2009 in Berlin.

    "The consumer electronics range of products covers the entire market.

    "It includes innovative, flat-screen TVs, home cinema systems, high-resolution media and intelligent networking solutions, as well as all types of mobile devices.

    "As regards electrical home appliances, the focus is on ease of use and health and wellness where fridges, washing machines, tumble driers, dishwashers, kitchen appliances, hairdriers and personal hygiene appliances are concerned.

    "In both product sections an eco-friendly approach and using water and electricity in a responsible manner are at a premium."

    IFA is the meeting place of leading international companies from both industries.

    As the leading venue for doing business it moves markets, as it comprehensively serves and targets the structures of the wider trade. With its unique flair IFA provides the perfect setting for the ultimate experience of consumer electronics and home appliances brands.

    Thus IFA combines fascinating innovations and exciting entertainment with a show. What is more, Berlin is where media political decisions are made.

    "IFA brings the markets together in a unique way. It provides an ideal platform for international retailers, buyers, consumers, the industry and the media," Dr. Rainer Hecker continued.

    "This autumn at IFA 2009 we will be sending out clear and positive signals to the economy."

    TecWatch – the name says everything

    The TWF has taken off in a new direction. In future, as the IFA TecWatch, it will be offering European research projects, developers from industry, international trade associations, as well as German research institutions and universities an exclusive platform for presenting product firsts.

    In 2009 the main topics will be devoted to assisted living, the personal home, innovative audio and smart interfaces. Thus TecWatch will without a doubt be the international attraction for technologically interested exhibitors, visitors, experts and the media.

    Trade visitors and the media can register as of now.

    Starting in June, trade visitors can purchase their ticket to the IFA in comfort from the online ticket shop, at a reduced advance sales price.

    Alternatively, they can redeem a ticket voucher. The IFA ticket shop is open at www.ifa-berlin.com.

    Be it special travel packages, the Fast Lane, an exclusive reception area or leading specialist forums, starting now the IFA Website has information on special services for trade visitors coming to IFA.

    As of now members of the media who can submit proof of their identity as journalists can register online under "Press" on the IFA website.

    Advance registrations will be accepted until 20 August 2009.

    Information available under "Press" on the IFA website includes press releases, press appointments with exhibitors at IFA and the organisers of IFA, innovations at IFA and press photos of IFA.

    Amy MacDonald to open IFA 2009 live in the Summer Garden

    With her album having gone double platinum and reaching top spot in the UK charts the mega star will take to the stage with an exclusive performance presented by IFA in the Summer Garden on Thursday, 3 September 2009.

    Tickets for the IFA Summer Garden concert with Amy Macdonald are available as of now from all the usual outlets as well as under: +49/ 1805-570 060.

    Online tickets are available at: www.eventim.de or www.ticketmaster.de.

    Costing 35 euros (plus advance booking fee), these tickets let holders not only enjoy the concert but also grant admission to IFA on any of the subsequent days. More details on the programme of events at IFA 2009 can be found at www.ifa-berlin.com/ Events.

  • Successful IFA Business Model Drives Markets in 2009


    ADVERTORIAL: Product debuts and important industry topics such as ecology, lifestyle, HDTV & wireless communications the main features at IFA 2009.

    For the second time, and with an even more comprehensive show, the leading brands of the consumer electronics and electrical home appliances industries will be jointly represented on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds at IFA 2009.

    Traditionally a large number of new technologies and products make their debut at IFA.

    IFA Director Jens Heithecker: "In 2008 the industry took the IFA to pole position with a previously unmatched number of product debuts. IFA 2009 will be building on this."

    Dr. Rainer Hecker added: "High-quality, wide-ranging brand presentations will once again feature significantly at IFA 2009 in Berlin.

    "The consumer electronics range of products covers the entire market.

    "It includes innovative, flat-screen TVs, home cinema systems, high-resolution media and intelligent networking solutions, as well as all types of mobile devices.

    "As regards electrical home appliances, the focus is on ease of use and health and wellness where fridges, washing machines, tumble driers, dishwashers, kitchen appliances, hairdriers and personal hygiene appliances are concerned.

    "In both product sections an eco-friendly approach and using water and electricity in a responsible manner are at a premium."

    IFA is the meeting place of leading international companies from both industries.

    As the leading venue for doing business it moves markets, as it comprehensively serves and targets the structures of the wider trade. With its unique flair IFA provides the perfect setting for the ultimate experience of consumer electronics and home appliances brands.

    Thus IFA combines fascinating innovations and exciting entertainment with a show. What is more, Berlin is where media political decisions are made.

    "IFA brings the markets together in a unique way. It provides an ideal platform for international retailers, buyers, consumers, the industry and the media," Dr. Rainer Hecker continued.

    "This autumn at IFA 2009 we will be sending out clear and positive signals to the economy."

    TecWatch – the name says everything

    The TWF has taken off in a new direction. In future, as the IFA TecWatch, it will be offering European research projects, developers from industry, international trade associations, as well as German research institutions and universities an exclusive platform for presenting product firsts.

    In 2009 the main topics will be devoted to assisted living, the personal home, innovative audio and smart interfaces. Thus TecWatch will without a doubt be the international attraction for technologically interested exhibitors, visitors, experts and the media.

    Trade visitors and the media can register as of now

    Starting in June, trade visitors can purchase their ticket to the IFA in comfort from the online ticket shop, at a reduced advance sales price.

    Alternatively, they can redeem a ticket voucher. The IFA ticket shop is open at www.ifa-berlin.com.

    Be it special travel packages, the Fast Lane, an exclusive reception area or leading specialist forums, starting now the IFA Website has information on special services for trade visitors coming to IFA.

    As of now members of the media who can submit proof of their identity as journalists can register online under "Press" on the IFA website.

    Advance registrations will be accepted until 20 August 2009.

    Information available under "Press" on the IFA website includes press releases, press appointments with exhibitors at IFA and the organisers of IFA, innovations at IFA and press photos of IFA.

    Amy MacDonald to open IFA 2009 live in the Summer Garden

    With her album having gone double platinum and reaching top spot in the UK charts the mega star will take to the stage with an exclusive performance presented by IFA in the Summer Garden on Thursday, 3 September 2009.

    Tickets for the IFA Summer Garden concert with Amy Macdonald are available as of now from all the usual outlets as well as under: +49/ 1805-570 060.

    Online tickets are available at: www.eventim.de or www.ticketmaster.de.

    Costing 35 euros (plus advance booking fee), these tickets let holders not only enjoy the concert but also grant admission to IFA on any of the subsequent days. More details on the programme of events at IFA 2009 can be found at www.ifa-berlin.com/ Events.

  • Successful IFA Business Model Drives Markets in 2009


    ADVERTORIAL: Product debuts and important industry topics such as ecology, lifestyle, HDTV & wireless communications the main features at IFA 2009.

    For the second time, and with an even more comprehensive show, the leading brands of the consumer electronics and electrical home appliances industries will be jointly represented on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds at IFA 2009.

    Traditionally a large number of new technologies and products make their debut at IFA.

    IFA Director Jens Heithecker: "In 2008 the industry took the IFA to pole position with a previously unmatched number of product debuts. IFA 2009 will be building on this."

    Dr. Rainer Hecker added: "High-quality, wide-ranging brand presentations will once again feature significantly at IFA 2009 in Berlin.

    "The consumer electronics range of products covers the entire market.

    "It includes innovative, flat-screen TVs, home cinema systems, high-resolution media and intelligent networking solutions, as well as all types of mobile devices.

    "As regards electrical home appliances, the focus is on ease of use and health and wellness where fridges, washing machines, tumble driers, dishwashers, kitchen appliances, hairdriers and personal hygiene appliances are concerned.

    "In both product sections an eco-friendly approach and using water and electricity in a responsible manner are at a premium."

    IFA is the meeting place of leading international companies from both industries.

    As the leading venue for doing business it moves markets, as it comprehensively serves and targets the structures of the wider trade. With its unique flair IFA provides the perfect setting for the ultimate experience of consumer electronics and home appliances brands.

    Thus IFA combines fascinating innovations and exciting entertainment with a show. What is more, Berlin is where media political decisions are made.

    "IFA brings the markets together in a unique way. It provides an ideal platform for international retailers, buyers, consumers, the industry and the media," Dr. Rainer Hecker continued.

    "This autumn at IFA 2009 we will be sending out clear and positive signals to the economy."

    TecWatch – the name says everything

    The TWF has taken off in a new direction. In future, as the IFA TecWatch, it will be offering European research projects, developers from industry, international trade associations, as well as German research institutions and universities an exclusive platform for presenting product firsts.

    In 2009 the main topics will be devoted to assisted living, the personal home, innovative audio and smart interfaces. Thus TecWatch will without a doubt be the international attraction for technologically interested exhibitors, visitors, experts and the media.

    Trade visitors and the media can register as of now

    Starting in June, trade visitors can purchase their ticket to the IFA in comfort from the online ticket shop, at a reduced advance sales price.

    Alternatively, they can redeem a ticket voucher. The IFA ticket shop is open at www.ifa-berlin.com.

    Be it special travel packages, the Fast Lane, an exclusive reception area or leading specialist forums, starting now the IFA Website has information on special services for trade visitors coming to IFA.

    As of now members of the media who can submit proof of their identity as journalists can register online under "Press" on the IFA website.

    Advance registrations will be accepted until 20 August 2009.

    Information available under "Press" on the IFA website includes press releases, press appointments with exhibitors at IFA and the organisers of IFA, innovations at IFA and press photos of IFA.

    Amy MacDonald to open IFA 2009 live in the Summer Garden

    With her album having gone double platinum and reaching top spot in the UK charts the mega star will take to the stage with an exclusive performance presented by IFA in the Summer Garden on Thursday, 3 September 2009.

    Tickets for the IFA Summer Garden concert with Amy Macdonald are available as of now from all the usual outlets as well as under: +49/ 1805-570 060.

    Online tickets are available at: www.eventim.de or www.ticketmaster.de.

    Costing 35 euros (plus advance booking fee), these tickets let holders not only enjoy the concert but also grant admission to IFA on any of the subsequent days. More details on the programme of events at IFA 2009 can be found at www.ifa-berlin.com/ Events.

  • ADVERTORIAL: IPTV World Forum North America – The Key Event For The IPTV Industry


    Both AT&T – now with over a million subscribers – and Verizon have made huge in-roads into the market with their IP based services.

    Largely as a result of these two companies’ successes, North America is expected to account for a large proportion of the world’s new IPTV subscriptions during the next few years.

    They join the significant number of regional and local telecoms operators in North America who pioneered this new digital TV platform – but the big question is whether any company bringing Pay TV to market this late – even those with the resources of AT&T – can gain significant market share on a national basis?

    The question also remains how regional telcos can build a compelling TV offering at a realistic level of investment.

    These are two of the many themes that will be addressed at the IPTV World Forum North America conference and exhibition being held 21-22 July 2009 at the Millennium Broadway Hotel, New York.

    The two-day event will draw together leading IPTV service providers, content providers, analysts and key technology vendors for what is expected to become one of the key events in the North American IPTV calendar.

    The programme will focus on all the key topical issues on IP&TV in North America, including:

    • monetising OTT in the TV experience
    • how to roll out whole home DVR
    • assessing the impact of the Broadband stimulus package on the US video market
    • hybrid solutions for the delivery of TV and IP and EPG2.0
    • content discovery and search

    A highly interactive, intensive, high level networking conference, it features quality case-study led presentations from carriers, service providers & content owners, interactive full value chain panel discussion and analyst roundtable briefings.

    A key feature will be the opportunities for delegates and all participants to discuss presentations and pose questions to the speakers after the sessions.

    Among the industry leaders participating are:

    • Terry Denson, VP of content Strategy and Acquisition, Verizon
    • Jeff Weber, Vice President of Video Product and Strategy, AT&T
    • Daniel O’Callaghan, Chairman IPTV Interoperability Forum (ATIS) and Principal Member of Technical Staff, Verizon
    • Franz Kurath, Executive Director, Broadband Content, AT&T Operations Inc.

    There will also be leading representatives from Surewest Communications, Cox Communications, Qwest Communications, OPATSCO and many more.

    The event also features an exhibition, where vendors, manufacturers and service providers can showcase their latest products and do business with a pre-qualified audience.

    During the conference sessions, a wide range of themes will be covered, such as considering how the influence of IP is being felt most keenly outside the managed telco services space.

    In particular, the rise of Over the Top TV services, delivered over the open internet, provides a potentially massive disruption to the traditional TV service model.

    Whilst these services clearly popular with the public, the search for successful business models – which enhance rather than undermine existing offers – remains a challenge that the industry must embrace.

    Then there’s the comparision between markets on either side of the Atlantic, with North American IPTV service providers facing a tougher test than their European counterparts.

    The latter have benefited from a natural watershed in the Pay TV marketplace thanks to the introduction of DVR (Digital Video Recorder), true VOD and Replay TV, and HDTV.

    In the US, VOD is an established cable offering and HDTV is available widely on cable and satellite.

    Cable operators have also pursued an increasingly aggressive triple-play strategy (they now have 24 million broadband Internet customers and 5 million telephone customers) and this makes it even harder to tempt customers from their legacy suppliers.

    Yet cable operators can also reap huge benefits from the implementation of IP, and potentially can enhance their services to combine IP efficiency & interactivity with existing bandwidth to deliver a highly compelling consumer solution.

    Also being covered is the new boom area in the global IPTV market, hybrid IPTV solutions – which combine managed IPTV with other delivery mechanisms such as DTH or Satellite.

    Already there have been landmark deployments from early IPTV adopters such as Orange/France Telecom, Portugal Telecom & BT Vision.

    Whilst SES Americom’s strategic withdrawal has marked an early failure in the US market, partnership models will increasingly be a feature of new TV service in North America, particularly in more circumspect times.

    This conference will provide participants with the opportunity to hear, learn from, and network with the leaders in the IP&TV American industry.

    IP&TV Forum North America is the second annual event and part of the IPTV World Series of events organised by Informa Telecoms & Media globally.
    For more information, please click HERE.