| This week's sponsor is Alcatel-Lucent. |
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Wednesday, August 27th, 11am ET/ 8am PT
Meeting customer expectations has never been more challenging than it is today. Learn how Alcatel-Lucent OmniAccess™ Wireless LAN switch family and Access Point product line can help you deliver the Wi-Fi solution your customers want and create new revenue streams. Register Today! |
Also Noted: Ineoquest
Spotlight On... DirecTV to pass on carrying Pac-12 sports channels
Liberty increases stake in Ziggo; AT&T launches more Digital Life markets and much more...
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White Paper: Mobilizing the Entire Enterprise
"Mobility" as a catch-phrase is popping up on every CTO's radar. But what does it mean to "mobilize" your business? Learn how to optimize IT investments for better business performance and make the most of all that mobility promises. Download Now.
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Today's Top News
New York City Mayoral candidate and City Council speaker Christine Quinn is urging CBS ( NYSE: CBS) and Time Warner Cable ( NYSE: TWC) to settle their dispute over retransmission consent and not disrupt service to customers. According to NY1 news channel, Quinn sent letters to both sides asking them to negotiate without disrupting service and she even threatened to schedule an oversight hearing to hold both parties accountable to the public.
Time Warner Cable and CBS agreed on Friday to extend their deadline for reaching a new retransmission-consent agreement until today at 5 p.m. EST. If an agreement is not reached, CBS could be removed from the Time Warner Cable System. Quinn is asking both companies to continue negotiations without CBS going off the air, even if no agreement is reached by the deadline.
"We appreciate Speaker Quinn's letter. We're fighting to keep our customers' bills as low as possible. In the event of a blackout, we'll also work hard to make sure that our customers are aware that they still have options to watch their favorite CBS programming for free," said a Time Warner Cable spokesperson in a statement to NY1 news channel.
Time Warner claims CBS is demanding a 600 percent increase in re-transmission fees. CBS maintains that it is getting a smaller share of what Time Warner Cable pays other networks for their programming.
This isn't the first cable dispute that Quinn has become involved in. In February 2012, she threatened to grill Time Warner CEO Glenn Britt and Cablevision ( NYSE: CVC) CEO Jim Dolan in public if they didn't resolve a dispute over a new carriage agreement for regional sports network MSG.
"If these discussions cannot produce a resolution within two weeks, the City Council will hold hearings and request that both parties explain themselves to the public," Quinn wrote in a letter to Dolan and Britt.
For more: - see this article
Commentary: Tracking the top 10 worst programming disputes of all time
Related articles: Time Warner Cable, CBS extend blackout deadline; MSO loses Journal Broadcast stations CBS prepares for Time Warner Cable blackout CBS-Time Warner Cable talks break down as blackout deadline approaches Time Warner Cable to pitch Aereo if CBS blacks out cable subscribers CBS to flood TV Guide Network with reality shows |
Netflix subscribers watch just as much TV as other TV viewers, according to new research from TiVo (Nasdaq: TIVO) Research and Analytics. In fact, Netflix viewers not only watch Netflix content in addition to linear TV, but they also watch more premium content.
The survey, which queried nearly 10,000 TiVo subscribers, found that of the 57 percent of subscribers who said they subscribed to Netflix, 18 percent had watched "House of Cards," the original series offered by Netflix. In addition, 50 percent said they subscribe to Amazon Prime and 18 percent subscribe to Hulu Plus. About 8 percent said they subscribed to all three over-the-top services.
Interestingly, Netflix subscribers are also heavier viewers of other premium content. Households that said they watched "House of Cards" also watched 85 percent more HBO than non-Netflix households. And "House of Cards" households also watched Showtime's "Homeland" about 125 percent more than those who don't use Netflix. In addition, Netflix households viewed Showtime's "Homeland" 26 percent more than those who don't use Netflix.
TiVo Research CEO Mark Lieberman said that the study's data indicates that Netflix is not currently a substitute for traditional TV but instead a way for TV lovers to watch more kinds of programming.
Last July TiVo purchased ad research firm TRA for $20 million and created a new business unit called TiVo Research and Analytics. TRA already sells its research to 27 networks, including CBS and A&E Television Networks, and 45 advertisers, including Procter & Gamble, Oscar Mayer and Starcom MediaVest Group.
For more: - see this press release
Related articles: TiVo spends $20M to buy ad research firm TRA TiVo, PayPal team up to enable interactive ad products purchases TiVo grows cable subscribers, but litigation expenses sap profits TiVo countersues Motorola Mobility, Time Warner Cable TiVo earnings boosted by AT&T settlement, cable deployments |
HITS, Comcast's ( Nasdaq: CMCSA) wholesale division that provides satellite-based content to independent cable operators, will expand its HITS Q2 satellite-based content distribution platform, making it possible to deliver more channels using existing bandwidth. Specifically, the technology will let HITS add 10 new HD channels and three new SD channels to its HITs Quantum SD/HD lineup. This will increase the number of HITS HD networks available to cable operators to 34, which is a 42 percent increase.
The 10 new HD channels will be added in the third quarter and will include Bio HD, Bravo HD, CNBC HD+, DIY Network HD, E! HD, Hub HD, Investigation Discovery HD, MSNBC HD, Nat Geo Wild HD and OWN HD. The three new SD services will include Fuel TV, Nick2 and MSG National.
"The advanced video compression technology used on the upgraded HITS Quantum platform allows cable operators to offer more HD channels using significantly less bandwidth, without compromising the viewing experience," said Leslie Russell, vice president and general manager for HITS.
Last April, HITS upgraded its encoding technology to 256 QAM DVB-S2 on 75 percent of the HITS multiplexes. The upgrade freed 25 percent more local bandwidth allowing cable operators to add more SD and HD signals using fewer satellite receivers and their existing customer premise equipment.
For more: - See this press release
Related articles: Comcast Media Center markets HITS to independent operators NCTC extends HITS agreement with Comcast Media Center Abbas quits NCTC for 'other opportunities' NCTC seals carriage deal for Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movie Channel |
Outside Television inked a master affiliation deal with the National Cable Television Cooperative that could help it get its content on small and mid-size cable systems throughout the U.S. The NCTC deal, along with Outside's existing agreement with distribution partners such as Comcast ( Nasdaq: CMCSA) XFinity, gives the network the potential to reach more than 40 million homes.
The network, which is just two years old, caters to outdoor enthusiasts. It estimates its potential audience includes more than 140 million people, or more than half the entire U.S. population. Outside has partnered with top adventure producers like Red Bull, IMG, Warren Miller Entertainment, Teton Gravity Research, REEL Rock and many others. In addition, it is backed by sponsors such as Nissan, Ford and The North Face.
"Today's video landscape is incredibly dynamic, and independents keep striving to fulfill cable's original promise – delivering high-quality programs to serve and inspire a specific lifestyle," says Dennis Gillespie, senior vice president of distribution for Outside Television.
In June 2012, Outside inked a deal with Comcast Xfinity, which has added the service across its national footprint. NCTC negotiates carriage deals for about 1,000 independent cable operators across the U.S.
For more: - see this press release
Related articles: Charter, NCTC sign carriage deals with Disney, NBCU NCTC smooths TV Everywhere rollout for 80 small cable operators Mediacom signs multiplatform carriage deal with NBCUniversal |
Caching platform PeerApp is the preferred vendor for independent cable operators to use to deliver OTT content to customers. The National Cable Television Cooperative said it selected PeerApp because it provides a solution that is both efficient and cost-effective.
The NCTA, which is hosting its Independent Cable Show this week in San Diego, said that it picks certain network technologies and recommends them to its members as a way of helping them identify and implement proven network technologies. According to Corey McCarthy, SVP business development at NCTC, many of the organization's members are already using the PeerApp UltraBand caching platform.
PeerApp's caching platform lets operators meet the demand for OTT video and multimedia content by bringing the content closer to the subscriber and delivering a high quality of experience, the company said.
Over-the-top video will be a key topic of discussion this week at the National Cable Television Cooperative. This year's convention features multiple sessions about over-the-top video, including one panel titled "Growth in High Quality Content for OTT Distribution: a New Opportunity for NCTC Members?" For more: - see this press release
Related articles: Cable operators embrace over-the-top video, but studios thwart Netflix, Hulu options DirecTV pushing programmers for over-the-top video rights Will Cox go over the top of fellow cable MSOs with FlareWatch? |
Also Noted
This week's sponsor is Ineoquest.
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Webinar: Assuring Customers' Multiscreen and OTT Video Viewing Experience Monday August 19th, 2pm ET/ 11am PT This webinar is intended to provide a general description and recommended practices for monitoring adaptive streaming video networks, provide an opportunity to understand how many others have successfully deployed a video service assurance solution for multiscreen and OTT video. Register to attend the webinar.
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DirecTV is going to pass on picking up Pac-12 Networks sports channels this season. Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott said during media day Friday that the satellite broadcaster is not going to broadcast the network, which provides coverage of the conference's sports. Pac-12 Networks has said it wants its content distributed widely and not on a specialty tier, which is where DirecTV wants it to be. Article
Quick news from around the Web.
> Liberty Global increased its stake in Dutch cable operator Ziggo to 28.5 percent. Article
> AT&T announced beginning today it will launch Digital Life in San Diego along with five other markets: Cincinnati, Columbus, Indianapolis, San Jose and Tampa. Release
> SeaChange will demonstrate its Nitro subscriber experience software at the Independent Show this week. The software helps small and mid-sized cable television service providers launch multi-screen offerings that blend with over-the-top content. Release
Telecom News
> Arctic Fibre will begin physical landing site surveys to bring its 40G broadband submarine cable into eight sites in northern Canada starting in mid-August. Article
> Infinera credited increased acceptance of the DTN-X platform for boosting revenues from the first quarter's $124.6 million to $138.4 million in the second quarter. Article
And finally… A new study says that full moons can wreak havoc on your sleep. Article
> Assuring Customers' Multiscreen and OTT Video Viewing Experience- August 19, 2013, 2 pm ET / 11 am PT
This webinar is intended to provide a general description and recommended practices for monitoring adaptive streaming video networks, provide an opportunity to understand how many others have successfully deployed a video service assurance solution for multiscreen and OTT video. Register to attend the webinar.
> Getting started with carrier WiFi - what's it take for a great user experience? - August 27th, 11am ET/ 8am PT
Meeting customer expectations has never been more challenging than it is today. Learn how Alcatel-Lucent OmniAccess™ Wireless LAN switch family and Access Point product line can help you deliver the Wi-Fi solution your customers want and create new revenue streams. Register Today!
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> TIA 2013 - October 8-10 - Washington D.C.
TIA 2013 will address disruptive technologies and changing business models as companies position themselves for success with wireless, the transition to all-IP networks, Cloud, M2M, smart buildings, and more. The conference will offer ideas for thriving in the changing ICT environment. www.tia2013.org. Registration opens June 2013.
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> Whitepaper: Knowledge Management: 5 Steps to Getting it Right the First Time
This eBook sets out 5 simple steps for optimizing customer service and support with an effective, best-practice-led knowledge management initiative. Download today!
> Whitepaper: eBook: Smarter Service: The Contact Center of the Future
This eBook explores the challenges facing traditional contact centers and the benefits of deploying the contact center of the future. You'll find links to further resources on the final page. Download today.
> Whitepaper: How Mobility Can Transform Your Business
Mobility is more than just smartphones and tablets. IT professionals need to get their arms around on four key elements of the mobile ecosystem as the rise of mobile devices in the enterprise offer untapped opportunities for businesses... Download today!
> Whitepaper: How HR Is Solving the Puzzle of Leave Management
Over half of HR professionals are unsure how much employee absence costs their organization. This unsettling statistic was revealed in the Optis survey conducted in June at the SHRM 2012 Annual Conference & Exposition in Atlanta. Find out more and download today!
> Whitepaper: Touch Technology Extends Mobile Gaming
Get the latest in touch and sensory technologies. This edition explores the frontiers of touch computing, mobile lifestyles and more. Learn more today.
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> Wireless Store Manager – Florham Park, NJ – Cricket Communications
Cricket Communications offers nationwide wireless voice and mobile data services over high-quality, all-digital wireless networks. Every day, our Store Managers at Cricket run all aspects of the Cricket retail business including, but not limited to, financial management, business operations... Learn More
> Sr. Account Executive – San Diego, CA – Cox Communications
The Sr. Account Executive - Enterprise is responsible for meeting or exceeding sales goals for large accounts. The position is responsible for initial contact with customers, follow-up, proposal preparation, making customer presentations and seeing the sale through to the signing of a contract... Learn More
> Inventory Specialist /Revenue Analyst – Oklahoma City, OK – Cox Communications
The Inventory Specialist is responsible for providing accurate and detailed reports regarding inventory sell-out levels with recommendations and guidance to assist sales leadership in yield management through the development of optimized rates... Learn More
> Field Auditor I – Rancho Santa Margarita, CA – Cox Communications
The Field Auditor will maintain the security of the cable system by designing and implementing an effective and efficient audit program, asset and loss prevention programs; investigate internal and external security problems; implement internal and field security programs with other departments... Learn More
> SAS Administrator – Atlanta, CA – Cox Communications
SAS Administrator is responsible for providing senior level expertise on overall technology, infrastructure and administration as it relates to the SAS Grid enabled architecture, installed on RHEL/JBOSS server platform. Manages, configures and supports SAS... Learn More
> Senior Director, Technology Delivery Assurance – Atlanta, CA – Cox Communications
This position is accountable for driving Standard Processes, Governance, and Continuous Process Improvements across the Technology organization to improve the consistency and repeatability of our delivery processes. This role supports all technology organizations and closely partners with our enterprise portfolio management team... Learn More
> SMB Account Exec (Cox Business) – San Diego, CA – Cox Communications
The SMB Account Executive promotes, sells, and retains commercial business solutions for voice, data and video to SMB level customers. Sell bundled telephony, data and video products to existing/new commercial business customers based on assigned revenue targets... Learn More
> Commercial Development Executive – Anywhere – WhistleOut
This is an easy, 'open and shut' opportunity for an experienced and well-connected telco executive who is looking for a fresh opportunity in digital marketing with a unique, innovative and fast growing online comparison engine. This position is tasked with enhancing the depth of relationships with carriers and resellers in the US and Canada... Learn More
> Need a job? Need to hire? Visit FierceWirelessJobs
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