MTS Allstream selects Alcatel-Lucent for next-generation IPTV deployment
MTS Allstream, a wholly owned subsidiary of Manitoba Telecom Services in Canada, has signed a multi-year deal with Alcatel-Lucent for its upcoming IPTV deployment.
The service will be based on Alcatel-Lucent’s Triple Play Service Delivery Architecture (TPSDA) and Microsoft Mediaroom IPTV and multimedia platform. MTS Allstream currently has a large installed base of telco digital TV subscribers. This next-generation deployment will support an increased subscriber base and will allow MTS Allstream to launch into new markets.
For more information, visit: www.alcatel-lucent.com.
Sky Angel inks agreement to offer NFL Network on IPTV service
Sky Angel has signed a deal to offer NFL Network, the official network of the National Football League, as part of its new IPTV channel line-up.
Subscribers to Sky Angel IPTV will be able to watch NFL Network as well as its video-on-demand service. NFL Network televises more than 200 NFL games, including 52 preseason games, eight regular season games, three college bowl games and an assortment of original programs and past Super Bowl and classic games.
For more information, visit: www.skyangel.com.
TBS, NBA broaden digital rights agreement
Turner Broadcasting System and the National Basketball Association (NBA) Jan. 17 said they were expanding their digital rights agreement.
Under the agreement:
- TBS will assume responsibility for programming, marketing and technical operations of NBA TV;
- TBS will host and operate the NBA.com Network, which includes NBA.com, WNBA.com and NBADLeague.com;
- TBS will operate NBA League Pass, the league's out-of-market game package, and the NBA's broadband and wireless businesses; and
- TBS and the NBA will jointly sell advertising for all of the digital assets.
The deal will become effective for the 2008-’09 NBA season and runs through the 2015-’16 season. TBS will operate the NBA digital businesses from its Atlanta production facility.
For more information, visit: www.turner.com and www.nba.com.
blinkx partners with independent media partners
Video search engine blinkx has partnered with 13 new independent content providers, including: Calon TV, ChannelFlip.com, Channel X, Foothill Entertainment, Future Shorts, jeko.tv, Journeyman Pictures, Looking Glass International, MoMedia, Monster Distributes, Reelport, Wysiwyg Films and YoungCuts to bring users thousands of hours of film, television and music programming.
Through the partnerships, content will be fully searchable and playable at www.blinkx.com.
For more information, visit: www.blinkx.com.
Occam Networks equipment to drive New Hope FTTH upgrade
New Hope Telephone Cooperative near Huntsville, AL, has selected Occam Networks for upgrading its entire service network to a point-to-point (P2P) Gigabit Ethernet fiber to the home (FTTH) network for all voice, data and video services.
The upgrade is made possible through funding provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service program, commonly referred to as RUS.
For more information, visit: www.occamnetworks.com.
WorldTV launches in Canada on NeuLion platform
WorldTV, GlobeCast’s multicultural television platform, has launched its international bouquet on the NeuLion IPTV platform in Canada, months after its roll out in Europe.
For more information, visit: www.globecast.com and www.neulion.com.
BT selects Motorola to supply set-top boxes
BT has selected Motorola as the lead supplier of set-top boxes for its BT Vision digital TV service.
Motorola will supply BT with second-generation V-Boxes. The HD-capable V-Box digital TV recorder will provide access to as many as 40 Freeview TV channels and 30 radio channels, the ability to record an average of 80 hours of content, on-demand access to a large library of films, TV shows, music videos and sport, and a range of interactive applications.
For more information, visit: www.bt.com and www.motorola.com.
BT, Microsoft partner to deliver entertainment via Xbox 360
BT and Microsoft said Jan. 6 that BT Vision’s next-generation TV service will be available to customers using Microsoft’s Xbox 360 game system.
All BT broadband customers will have an opportunity to receive high-definition gaming, television and movies through an Xbox 360 console. BT Vision is powered by the Microsoft Mediaroom IPTV platform. The offering will be available in mid-2008.
For more information, visit: www.microsoft.com.
