Thursday, June 15, 2006
Metalink 802.11n Demo
Update: Metalink has found a buyer for their 802.11n technology. The article doesn't have much detail, but would seem to validate the technology. I'm still skeptical that wireless will provide sufficient performance for HD transmission through walls.
Metalink
Metalink playing the wireless card. This release lacks details on real throughput achieved, but does say they're using MIMO. Data on QoS under real-world impairments is also missing. The recent failure of the 802.11n Draft 1.0 ballot will certainly delay the implementation.
Metalink
Metalink playing the wireless card. This release lacks details on real throughput achieved, but does say they're using MIMO. Data on QoS under real-world impairments is also missing. The recent failure of the 802.11n Draft 1.0 ballot will certainly delay the implementation.
Connecticut proposes franchising bypass for telco TV - 5/9/2006
Update 1: Cablevision, Cox and Charter are asking the state of Connecticut to stay the decision that effectively granted a statewide video franschise. I think these end runs by AT&T and Verizon are unfair to the cable companies, who have operated under a difficult regulatory environment for over twenty years.
Update 2: The telcos still need to play fair in most places, and it looks like Verizon's FiOS service will be coming to my back yard soon as a result. VZ has signed a video franchise in Tewksbury, MA, so I may be able to provide first-hand evaluation of their service.
Connecticut proposes franchising bypass for telco TV - 5/9/2006
The regulatory environment will certainly have an impact on the Telco (Verizon, AT&T) vs. MSO (Comcast, Time Warner) battle. This decision in Connecticut would seem to give AT&T an advantage since Comcast must secure and service franchises at the local level. There is also some talk of granting nationwide video franchises to the telcos.
Update 2: The telcos still need to play fair in most places, and it looks like Verizon's FiOS service will be coming to my back yard soon as a result. VZ has signed a video franchise in Tewksbury, MA, so I may be able to provide first-hand evaluation of their service.
Connecticut proposes franchising bypass for telco TV - 5/9/2006
The regulatory environment will certainly have an impact on the Telco (Verizon, AT&T) vs. MSO (Comcast, Time Warner) battle. This decision in Connecticut would seem to give AT&T an advantage since Comcast must secure and service franchises at the local level. There is also some talk of granting nationwide video franchises to the telcos.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Remote Storage DVR or Stealth VOD?
CDN Broadband Log: Daily Market Insight
The battle between Cablevision and the big Studios and Networks over the former's planned Network DVR (nDVR) will have a profound impact on the home network. The case will very likely set a precedent for distribution of protected video that will reverberate throughout the value chain. If the content providers win, will you need a new license to use a Sling Box or stream music from your home computer to a WiFi-enabled iPOD?
The plaintiffs are accusing Cablevision of disguising an unauthorized VOD service as nDVR to avoid additional licensing fees. It seems to me that what counts is the consumer experience. If it walks like a TiVO and quacks like a TiVO, it's a TiVO. In other words, the physical location of the storage medium shouldn't matter so long as the same services are provided to the user, with the same restrictions.
The battle between Cablevision and the big Studios and Networks over the former's planned Network DVR (nDVR) will have a profound impact on the home network. The case will very likely set a precedent for distribution of protected video that will reverberate throughout the value chain. If the content providers win, will you need a new license to use a Sling Box or stream music from your home computer to a WiFi-enabled iPOD?
The plaintiffs are accusing Cablevision of disguising an unauthorized VOD service as nDVR to avoid additional licensing fees. It seems to me that what counts is the consumer experience. If it walks like a TiVO and quacks like a TiVO, it's a TiVO. In other words, the physical location of the storage medium shouldn't matter so long as the same services are provided to the user, with the same restrictions.
