Cablecom is to launch its HD television service on November 27, almost two months later than planned. As reported by Broadband TV News in June, the three-channel service comprising Sat.1 HD ProSieben HD and HD Suisse will cost a monthly SFr15 (€9.10). Anixe HD has apparently been dropped from the line-up. HD Suisse has already […]
Intelsat losses continue
Intelsat reported record quarterly revenues of $546 million (€371.86m) in the third quarter to September 30, 2007, but the 3% growth failed to stem a net loss at the satellite operator of $42.6 million. Results for the nine-month period to September 30, 2007 reported revenue of $1,607.6 million and a net loss of $189.3 million. […]
OpenTV settles Liberate lawsuit
OpenTV has settled its long running patent dispute against Liberate Technologies. In its claim originally filed in February 2002, OpenTV claimed that Liberate had infringed two patents held by OpenTV that related to interactive TV services. Under the settlement, Liberate has acknowledged OpenTV’s patent’s to be valid and admitted infringement. The United States District Court […]
New growth at Sky Italia
Sky Italia added a further 40,000 subscribers on the first quarter alongside an operating income of $48 million. This represents an improvement of $61 million on the $13 million loss made one year ago. There are perhaps signs of a slight slowdown in subscriber numbers after increases of 410,000 net new households in the past […]
SBS to launch Danish HD channel
Kanal 5 is to become the first Danish channel to launch an HD version of its broadcasts. The SBS-owned channel will be distributed on the cross platform Canal Digital and YouSee (the former TDC Kabel TV). The HD output will lean heavily on imported US series, however SBS is also investing in original local production […]
Anti piracy raids in Portugal
The Portuguese authorities have conducted a series of raids in connection with illegal viewing of TV Cabo. The action was conducted by the national Security Authority for Food and Economy (ASAE) and focused on the hotel sector. A number of legal proceedings have been initiated. The news coincided with a meeting in Dublin held by […]
QVC extends DTT contract
QVC has renewed its contract for carriage on the UK’s DTT network, extending the availability of the shopping channel through until 2022. “The contract extension underlines the on-going strength of the Freeview capacity market, providing for substantially improved terms for SDN, effective immediately, and longer term benefits for QVC including certainty of carriage on the […]
Sweden faces Digital Dividend crunch
Stakeholders in Sweden are vying to be given the right to take advantage of the country’s newly released digital spectrum. However, unlike the UK, the government has previously indicated the digital dividend will go to broadcast television services. Broadcasters are currently lobbying the communications minister Åsa Torstensson to stick to the original plan. Speaking at […]
The box of Babel
Julian Clover sees convergence at work in Babel TV’s PC-TV hybrid.
Channel looks into Africa
A new channel promoting the lifestyle and culture of Southern Africa is launching on the Sky Digital platform on November 26. Southern Africa Direct is designed to promote the region to the business sector and individual tourists. The channel has been funded by four entrepreneurs with links to the UK and Southern Africa: Alan Joy, […]