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Viodi View Menu<\/strong><\/p>\n Current Issue<\/a><\/p>\n All In One<\/a><\/p>\n 802.11n Update & More<\/a><\/p>\n Previous Issue<\/a> <\/p>\n Viodi View Subscribe<\/a> <\/p>\n Viodi Forums<\/strong> Club Viodi<\/a> Open Forum <\/a> <\/p>\n Multimedia Search <\/a> <\/p>\n Viodi Workshops<\/strong> Local Content<\/a> Telco Video 101<\/a> IPTV Training<\/a> Industry<\/strong> Industry Calendar<\/a> Viodi Links<\/a> Southwest Venture<\/a> Weissberger’s Wireless World & More<\/a> <\/p>\n About Viodi<\/a> Contact<\/a> Biographies<\/a> <\/p>\n Some Videos<\/a><\/p>\n Interested in Sponsoring the Viodi View? Send an email to: sponsor@viodi.com<\/strong><\/p>\n Please forward<\/strong> this free publication to anyone you know who is involved in some way with independent telephone companies. <\/p>\n Mission of the Viodi View:<\/strong><\/p>\n In this on-line publication, we share our analysis, opinions and direction on the interactive television news and views that we believe will be of interest and use to our friends associated directly or indirectly with independent telephone companies. For more information as to the various ways Viodi works with independent telephone companies, please go to http:\/\/www.viodi.com\/alliance\/<\/a><\/p>\n Disclaimer:<\/strong><\/p>\n The Viodi View [Viodi, LLC] and its associates used their best efforts in collecting and preparing the information published herein. However, the Viodi View [Viodi, LLC] does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any and all liability for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions resulted from negligence, accident, or other causes.<\/p>\n All displayed trademarks, logos and service marks are the property of their respective owners. \u00a9 2005Viodi, LLC<\/a>. All Rights Reserved. Viodi View Newsletter – December 14th, 2006<\/strong> <\/p>\n By Ken Pyle, ken.pyle at viodi.com, Managing Editor, Viodi View<\/p>\n Billions of dollars will be spent this holiday season on the purchase of a variety of electronic gadgets, many of which are about personal entertainment. Collectively, these devices are having a huge impact on society, as they are changing the way we communicate. As such, it was timely that I had a chance to participate in last week\u2019s iHollywood\u2019s Digital Living Room<\/strong> conference, where experts from companies such as TiVo, Microsoft and Verizon<\/strong> discussed the state and the direction of this so-called digital culture. <\/p>\n Zune Who<\/strong><\/p>\n The focus groups are a unique feature of the iHollywood conferences and make for an interesting last panel. The people that comprise these groups are somewhat biased towards the early adopter, as they are recruited via craigslist from the greater Silicon Valley area. Although these people may not be representative of the typical independent telco\u2019s customer, they point to a trend where the consumer is the increasingly sophisticated driver<\/strong> of the applications that are deployed. The people on this panel are definitely mixing and matching various service offerings, including wireless, cable and broadband to optimize their digital life. <\/p>\n Although they appeared to be very aware of technology options, the people on this panel were not about technology for technology\u2019s sake. For instance, two of the younger people on the panel consciously did not have iPODs (the 17 year old record producer preferred CDs, while the 26 year old self-employed travel consultant listens to music on her PC). Their lack of awareness <\/strong>of Microsoft\u2019s Zune music player (none knew it was from Microsoft and only one had a vague idea of what it was – how many millions has Microsoft spent marketing the Zune?) points to the challenge of communicating a message to the consumer in this cluttered world. <\/p>\n More insight from the iHollywood conference can be found at the Club Viodi site<\/a>. <\/p>\n Club Viodi Postings<\/strong><\/p>\n Club Viodi is Viodi\u2019s exclusive location for independent telcos to discuss and get inside information on all things video, especially those things relating to local content. Independent telcos, click here to learn more and learn how to join<\/a>. <\/p>\n Articles posted to Club Viodi since the last issue of the Viodi View include:<\/p>\n Vsocial Audio Interview – Be Your Own YouTube<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n One of the more interesting recent posts on Club Viodi was an audio interview I had with Vsocial<\/strong> CEO, Mark Sigal<\/strong>. Vsocial sells the infrastructure that allows individuals, small businesses or enterprises to become their own “You Tube<\/strong>“. What seems to My Lunch with Cisco\u2019s Chairman and CEO John Chambers<\/strong><\/p>\n Ok, so I exaggerate a bit, but Cisco\u2019s head honcho did come over to talk to an analyst who happened to be sitting at the same table as me during lunch at Cisco\u2019s C-Scape<\/strong> conference. This conference impressed upon me that Cisco definitely has the vision to grow into something much bigger than it already it is and to use its position to bridge the formerly separate enterprise, carrier and home network markets. Susan Bostrom<\/strong>, Cisco\u2019s SVP and CMO, stated that their marketing strategy for reaching these markets is one of engagement<\/strong> and not interruption<\/strong>. Their vision is clearly for the network to be the platform to unify these areas, which means strong support for their cable or telco customers. <\/p>\n Mike Volpi<\/strong>, Cisco\u2019s Sr. VP\/GM Routing and SP Technology Group, suggested that the challenge for communications providers, whether they be cable or telco, is ability to innovate at the speed of their over the top competitors<\/strong>, such as Skype with its 150 million users and YouTube with its 200 Million streams per day. More on this analyst conference in a future issue, but in the meantime, check out excellent commentary from Parks Associates’ Kurt Scherf\u2019s regarding this conference by clicking here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n And the Debate Goes On <\/strong><\/p>\n Cisco reiterated their views on network neutrality and their strong support for carriers to be able to provide differentiated service levels. Cisco used an airline analogy<\/strong> to suggest that the Internet could support different classes of service and implied that the \u201cfirst-class\u201d services would help subsidize the rest of the network. <\/p>\n On the other side of the debate, Roger Bindl<\/strong> pointed out this interesting video<\/a> that argues for the importance of ensuring that the Internet continues to be a true two-way communications infrastructure. It makes some interesting points, especially with regards to a resource that is truly a common good<\/strong>, radio, was sold off early on and not allowed to develop as an alternative access solution. Bindl\u2019s comment on this video, as well his video<\/a> which shows how independent telcos have been IPTV innovators can be found by clicking here<\/a>. <\/p>\n OPASTCO \u2013 More ViodiTV <\/strong> <\/p>\n Discount registration<\/strong> for OPASTCO\u2019s Winter Convention<\/strong><\/a> ends this week<\/strong>. This is a great place to meet the independent telcos. To get a flavor for an OPASTCO event is like, check out the videos from ViodiTV, which include interviews with OPASTCO President John Rose and former Presidential Press Secretary Dee Dee Myers. We are producing ViodiTV at the Winter Convention, so please contact us if you are interested in being involved with this effort. <\/p>\n Click to View<\/a><\/p>\n Country Music Capital Hearings, RFD Troubles & Franchise Streamlining <\/strong><\/p>\n A somewhat related conversation took place in Nashville<\/a> this past week, as the FCC held hearings on the topic of media ownership. This would have been a fun meeting, as Country Music artists like Big and Rich, Naomi Judd and George Jones<\/strong> spoke at this meeting. The topic of independent and locally produced content via broadcasters was a hot topic at this event. Of course, as has been reported here many times, local content is a natural extension of independent telcos\u2019s efforts to strengthen their communities. <\/p>\n Here are links to the FCC Commissioner\u2019s opening comments:<\/p>\n Adelstein<\/a>, Copps<\/a>, Martin<\/a><\/p>\n Another story of interest, which was not widely reported, is the FCC\u2019s Declaratory Ruling stating that RFD<\/strong>, \u201cfails to qualify for carriage by direct broadcast satellite (\u201cDBS\u201d) providers in fulfillment of their public interest obligations under 47 C.F.R. \u00a7 25.701.\u201d Apparently, RFD Communications is a non-profit acting like a commercial entity<\/strong>. A friend, who has a much better grasp of this story, suggests that this Declaratory Ruling just scratches the surface of the challenges faced by this channel, which is a favorite for independent telcos\u2019 video customers. <\/p>\n Last FCC news \u2013 there are some wild rumors<\/strong> going around the Internet that the FCC is going to take away cities ability to provide local franchises. There is indeed an agenda item on franchising at next week\u2019s December 20th FCC Open Commission Meeting. It looks to me like this agenda item is about ensuring that the franchising process streamlining franchising within the existing laws. <\/p>\n All-In-One Devices Fueling Wireless Telecom Growth<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Alan Weissberger<\/strong> reports that the TIA\u2019s latest forecasts portend a positive future for Wireless Internet Service Providers around the world. To read this article, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Update on IEEE 802.11n and Related Companies<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n In this article, Weissberger provides an update on the 802.11n standard, which promises four times or greater performance improvement as compared today\u2019s WiFi standards. Click here<\/a> to read about highlights from an 802.11n webinar, WiFi Alliance Plans for 802.11n Standardization, 802.11n Company Developments, and look at “smart WiFi” and 802.11n for in-home IPTV distribution.<\/p>\n Who Will Deploy WiMAX? – Correction<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n The wrong revision of Weissberger\u2019s article on the prospects for U.S. deployment of WiMAX was published in the last issue of the Viodi View. To see the correct version of this article, please click here<\/a>. <\/p>\n 50 Megabits Symmetric \u2013 The New 5 Mb\/s?<\/strong><\/p>\n As reported here before, independent telco, Surewest<\/strong> keeps raising the bar for service providers in the U.S. and around the world. They just announced their \u201cUltimate Package\u201d, which debuts next week and is a quad play bundle offering all of their basic and premium video channels, telephony, wireless (with 1,000 minutes of roaming) and a whopping 50 Megabits<\/strong> of symmetric<\/strong> last mile bandwidth. The price is not cheap at $415.18 per mont<\/strong>h and it will clearly be for those who are early adopters or having a real need for speed. This may seem like a lot, but I heard today of someone who, in the mid-90s, paid $500 a month for the privilege of a frame relay connection measured in the kilobits. <\/p>\n This is a brilliant move<\/strong> by Surewest to use their FTTH<\/strong> architecture to their advantage and establish themselves as the technology leaders in their area. And there will be early adopters for this service, who effectively subsidize the folks who take the lower speed services (e.g. back to the airplane model of first class subsidizing coach). These early adopters may not even need this service today, but they will want it if for no other reason than prestige or perception. As history has shown, these 50 Mb\/s pipes will soon be filled with new and wonderful applications.<\/p>\n Late Breaking News \u2013 Satellite Headend In The Sky Consolidation <\/strong><\/p>\n Just across my virutal desk comes a story from a trusted source suggesting that two of the players in the MPEG-4 transport over satellite will be announcing their merger<\/strong> today. This makes sense as how many of these providers can the market realistically support, especially when some of the programmers are seemingly bypassing these carriers and going direct to the operator. It will be interesting to see how this market shakes out in 2007, as MPEG-4 finally (hopefully) becomes a reality for IPTV deployments. <\/p>\n The Korner \u2013 Ho, Ho, Ho <\/strong><\/p>\n Now is the time of year when children\u2019s thoughts turn to visions of Santa Claus and Christmas day presents. There is nothing like the joy of talking to Santa (who could forget my son\u2019s video telephone conversation with Santa 2 years ago \u2013 thanks Packet8). <\/p>\n The people at GotVoice have come up with an interesting way to use Santa Claus to promote<\/a> their voicemail service. To get a message <\/strong>from Santa, one only has to complete either a simple form and, like magic, a message will appear in a person\u2019s email box or as a phone call \u2013 fun stuff. <\/p>\n Roger Bindl<\/strong> puts his own twist on the Jolly Old Soul in his latest video collaboration with Madison\u2019s own artist\/singer Art Paul Schlosser<\/strong>. Art Paul is a local celebrity and has a following among the Madison, WI college crowd. I have found that my kids enjoy the music videos he and Roger have put together. <\/p>\n And on that note, peace on earth, good will to all. <\/p>\n Back to Top<\/a><\/p>\n Next Article<\/a> <\/p>\n Previous Issue<\/a><\/p>\n Viodi View Subscribe<\/strong><\/p>\n * Email * First Name * Last Name Business * = Required Field Privacy Policy<\/a> <\/p>\n \n \n \n \n ViodiTV DVD More Info<\/a><\/p>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Video Business Case for Independent Telcos \u2013 The Report<\/strong> <\/p>\n Viodi\u2019s report, Video Business Case provides results to a survey of independent telcos and their business case for video. Most of the telcos that responded to the survey have figured out a way to deploy video services. This survey provides insight from the independent telcos as well as several of their Engineering firms. <\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Viodi Job Board <\/p>\n Telco\/Cable Experience<\/strong> <\/p>\n An ambitious and goal-oriented professional with 10 years successful sales and marketing experience in the telecommunications industry. A committed leader with strong administrative, marketing and interpersonal skills. Willing to accept change, learn and promote new technologies and explore innovative concepts in marketing products and services. <\/p>\n Ken’s comment – this person is a great find <\/strong>for any telco wanting to get in the cable business! Contact us at jobs at viodi.com to meet this person. <\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n \u00a0 <\/p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Viodi View Menu Current Issue All In One 802.11n Update & More Previous Issue Viodi View Subscribe Viodi Forums Club Viodi Open Forum Multimedia Search Viodi Workshops Local Content Telco Video 101 IPTV Training Industry Industry Calendar Viodi Links Southwest Venture Weissberger’s Wireless World & More About Viodi Contact Biographies Some Videos Interested in Sponsoring […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-441","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-newsletter"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/viodi.com\/classic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/441","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/viodi.com\/classic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/viodi.com\/classic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/viodi.com\/classic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/viodi.com\/classic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=441"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/viodi.com\/classic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/441\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1000,"href":"https:\/\/viodi.com\/classic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/441\/revisions\/1000"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/viodi.com\/classic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=441"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/viodi.com\/classic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=441"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/viodi.com\/classic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=441"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
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