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Viodi View Menu<\/strong><\/p>\n Current Issue<\/a><\/p>\n Previous Issue<\/a> <\/p>\n ViodiTV<\/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> 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 – March 28th, 2007<\/strong> <\/p>\n By Ken Pyle, ken.pyle at viodi.com, Managing Editor, Viodi View<\/p>\n \u201cThe real digital divide doesn\u2019t narrow until the capability is in the home,\u201d so stated Rich Motta<\/strong> CFO of the CETF<\/a>. His comments at Cal Com\u2019s Annual Meeting in Santa Barbara echoed the theme of the previous two issues of the Viodi View. CETF\u2019s mission is to make broadband broadly available, as well widely used.<\/strong> The non-profit CETF is looking for technology and service organizations and projects that will help them leverage the grant money the grant money received, because of recent telecom mergers. He cited ConnectKentucky<\/a> as an example of a non-profit that has been able to advance a broadband agenda through partnerships. <\/p>\n Video CALEA \u2013 Will Criminals Soon Be Using Sign Language?<\/strong><\/p>\n CALEA and video content are independent, right. I had not thought of a connection between these two disparate topics until I listened to Steve Gleave<\/strong>, VP of Marketing for SS8<\/strong>, speak at Cal Com\u2019s Annual Meeting. Gleave took a very dry topic, CALEA (Communications Assistant Law Enforcement Act), and made it very entertaining. CALEA, in the context of broadband networks, is at the forefront of independent telco\u2019s plans, as the FCC\u2019s mandate for independent telcos to comply is less than 2 months away.<\/p>\n Will broadband CALEA be obsolete even before the mandate takes affect? The bad guys will probably adjust and use sign language or signage over video phones to communicate their conspiracies. As was seen in the last issue of the Viodi View\/ViodiTV<\/a>, video is a new communications channel made possible by today\u2019s low cost technologies and service plans. It will not be a surprise, at some point in the not-too-distance-future, to see the intertwining<\/strong> of video<\/strong> and CALEA<\/strong>. <\/p>\n The Maturation of IPTV \u2013 Part 1<\/strong><\/p>\n Maybe the IPTV industry is starting to mature, as some of the telcos are starting to cycle through their first generation of equipment for new and improved offerings from suppliers. This echoed comments<\/strong><\/a> made by Frank Gini<\/strong> of ETI Software<\/strong> a few weeks back at the IPTV 2007 show. This thought was triggered by a comment made by Scott Barber<\/strong>, President of SureWest Broadband<\/strong>, at CalCom\u2019s Annual Meeting in Santa Barbara. Barber indicated that SureWest has selected WideVine<\/strong> as their new encryption vendor. Click here to read more about what is happening with IPTV in California.<\/p>\n Are Those Rabbit Ears or A New Way to Do IPTV?<\/strong><\/p>\n One of the most significant telecom announcements in the past month was the CableLabs RFP that explores the idea of a hybrid off-air\/cable set-top box<\/strong>. The legal implications of this are fascinating and, according to at least one legal expert who spoke on background to me, the outcome of whether something like this is possible could hinge upon who owns the set-top and its specific design. As would be expected, the broadcasters are already on the offensive and are suggesting that cable operators will still have to pay retransmission fees.<\/p>\n I wonder if this is an opportunity for IPTV providers to work with broadcasters in some sort of cooperative manner to create a hybrid off-air\/IP service<\/strong> as is done in Europe. I envision a scenario whereby a telco might be able to avoid franchising, the set-top security card fiasco and, potentially, content licensing fees. I am sure others are thinking along these lines and many of these people will be at NAB. <\/p>\n Telecom and Broadcasters – A Unique Chance to Mix <\/strong>(advertisement) <\/p>\n The merging of Telecom and broadcasting will be the theme of Telecom @ NAB<\/strong><\/a> and the associated conferences. This will be a unique opportunities for two groups that normally do not get a chance to mix to share ideas and start the relationships that can build new business models.<\/p>\n I am excited to be producing the Video Production Crash Course<\/strong><\/a>, as there will be speakers and product demonstrations that are not possible in our regular Local Content Workshop series. Confirmed speakers are representing Adobe, Avid, DataVideo, Forbidden Technologies, Grass Valley Group<\/strong> and Matrox<\/strong> with additional speakers soon to be announced.<\/p>\n From a content side, I am looking forward to hearing from the ever creative and ever resourceful Angela Abshier<\/strong>, Executive Producer for the 48 Hour Film Project \u2013 Las Vegas, as well speakers from Stella Productions<\/strong> discussing lighting and sound. The folks at Datavideo are loaning us some equipment, so we can have a real hands-on<\/strong> event.<\/p>\n People from independent telcos, if you are going to this event, please let us know as we have a couple of special events planned just for our independent telco friends. <\/p>\n The Maturation of IPTV \u2013 Part 2 – Telephony at VON<\/strong><\/p>\n That Textronix<\/strong> was a key sponsor of Telephony\u2019s IPTV pre-VON seminar in San Jose speaks volumes that maybe IPTV is starting to mature. Textronix was one of many vendors at VON that are focusing on the operations of an IPTV system. A packed room of telcos, vendors, analysts and VCs heard not only test and measurement strategies, but also how both independent telcos and large carriers, such as Verizon<\/strong> and AT&T<\/strong>, are deploying video service.<\/p>\n Open IPTV Forum \u2013 Is This What the Industry\u2019s Been Asking For?<\/strong><\/p>\n An oft-repeated question at this conference (repeated by me) was whether there was any hope for an interoperability process for IPTV. Everyone who responded seemed pessimistic about this possibility. Then, like a bolt of thunder from the sky, came the announcement last week from a group of large telecom and consumer electronics organizations announcing the Open IPTV Forum<\/a>, which has the goal of addressing the gaps in IPTV standardization and interoperability. <\/p>\n It has nine founding members (4 consumer electronic, 3 operators and 2 infrastructure providers). That AT&T<\/strong> is a member and the only U.S.-based company is significant. More significant, is that two of AT&T’s biggest IPTV vendors, Alcatel<\/strong> and Microsoft<\/strong>, are not yet members (the IPTV Open Forum will open up membership to other companies at an unspecified date).<\/p>\n AT&T Comes Out Swinging at Telephony’s Pre-VON IPTV Conference<\/strong><\/p>\n AT&T\u2019s Michael Grasso<\/strong> came out swinging and aggressively and rather effectively defended their IPTV approach vis-\u00e0-vis, Verizon\u2019s take on video delivery at Telephony\u2019s pre-VON conference. At times, it felt like he was presenting to shareholders and not industry colleagues. Unfortunately, there was no question and answer time, as it would have been interesting to hear how AT&T justifies short-term fixes to fully depreciated copper plant that was on track for major upgrades a decade ago, prior to its purchase by AT&T ( SBC). The New York Times has a good article<\/strong><\/a> on this topic. <\/p>\n Video On the Net Alliance \u2013 A Group Representing the Over the Top Content Creator<\/strong><\/p>\n Jeff Pulver of VON<\/strong> is concerned that regulators will try to regulate video on the net. The Video on the Net Alliance<\/strong><\/a> is a new lobbying organization that Pulver announced on March 20th. He is fearful that, \u201cthe sleeping giants will try to take legacy laws to squash video over the net.\u201d This organization is no cost to join. They are trying to make sure there is a level playing field for the over-the-top creators. Pulver just filed a petition asking for a declaratory ruling<\/strong> that says that, \u201cvideo over the net is not regulated under Titles 3 or 6\u201d. He called this, \u201cPulver petition 2.0,\u201d and described it as a pre-emptive strike.\u201d He asked the industry for their support in this endeavor. <\/p>\n Doesn\u2019t the \u201cP\u201d stand for Public in PSTN? <\/strong><\/p>\n Pulver has reason to be concerned about the “sleeping giants”, if the recent action by AT&T\/Cingular, Sprint and Qwest to block certain phone numbers<\/strong><\/a> of certain conference call providers is indicative of what they might do to Internet applications. These incumbents justify<\/strong><\/a> their actions by suggesting the conference call providers are essentially committing fraud and that they are within their bounds to block these numbers. One telecom expert who spoke to me on background, however, suggests that these carriers are on weak ground in taking the law into their own hands. Politically, this action could backfire as it could bolster the case for proponents of Net Neutrality. <\/p>\n Click here to comment<\/strong><\/a> on this article. <\/p>\n Remote Control Cell Phone, Social Video & More Club Viodi Content<\/strong><\/p>\n The nuggets referenced above are just a few of many from the VON conference and just a sampling of what has been going on at Club Viodi. Club Viodi members; click the following links to read more (must be an independent telco to join Club Viodi).<\/p>\n Voice Over WiMAX \u2013 By Alan J. Weissberger<\/strong><\/p>\n A growing number of wireless industry professionals believe that WiMAX will evolve from a platform which is currently used for fixed access and backhaul applications, to one that will be attractive for both fixed and mobile Broadband Internet access.\u00a0 Large telcos (like BT<\/strong> and AT&T<\/strong>), mobile carriers (SPRINT-Nextel<\/strong>), media giants (Time Warner<\/strong> and Disney<\/strong>) and broadband ISPs (Earthlink<\/strong> and Yahoo<\/strong>) will all be looking for the most operationally efficient and functional converged network to deliver the Quad Play <\/strong>of video, high speed data and voice over fixed or mobile connections. <\/p>\n In particular, low cost VoIP (with roaming) is seen as making Mobile WiMAX (IEEE 802.16e) a very attractive technology for the mobile internet.\u00a0 Is this a realistic vision or just “pie in the sky?”<\/p>\n Many pundits believe that there is a real\u00a0business case for bundled voice\/data\/video services over WiMAX.\u00a0 Voice over WiMAX may be the key to broadband wireless profitability as mobile users are demanding all in one handsets. By 2009, In-Stat forecasts there will be 4.4 million VoWiMAX subscribers<\/strong>, worldwide.\u00a0 <\/p>\n Two recent vendor announcements highlight the\u00a0Voice over WiMAX movement\u00a0:<\/p>\n Alvarion’s BreezeMAX Now Enables Primary Voice Services Over WiMAX<\/a><\/p>\n VCom, CableMatrix, AudioCodes and Emergent Network Solutions Unveil High Quality VoIP Over WiMAX Offering<\/a><\/p>\n However, there is a dissenting point of view that seems to be gaining momentum:<\/p>\n Go slow with voice over WiMax<\/a><\/p>\n More recently:<\/p>\n Recognize the Risks: VoWiMAX is Vulnerable to Loss, Cannibalization and Fraud<\/a><\/p>\n [Note, Alan J. Weissberger has begun a multi-client research study on the technical challenges, security issues, and economic realities of VoIP over Mobile WiMAX.\u00a0 Please contact him (alan@viodi.com<\/a>) if you are interested in funding the study and obtaining the results.]<\/p>\n Alan Weissberger reports that Joint Venture’s Wireless Project<\/a>, which aims to blanket the\u00a0region with wireless Internet access, has moved off the drawing boards into the streets \u2013 or, to be technically precise, onto the streetlights.<\/p>\n The cities of Palo Alto and San Carlos have agreed to host the first test sites for Silicon Valley Metro Connect, the collaboration of IBM, Cisco Systems, SeaKay <\/strong>and Azulstar<\/strong> that is building and operating the network. Each of the sites will have 30 to 45 access points installed on light poles and other outdoor locations, for up to six months, to study how many access points will be required for the full project.<\/p>\n Wireless Silicon Valley<\/strong> has also formed its first two user groups \u2013 one for traffic management and related transportation issues, another for emergency services \u2013 to explore new ways of utilizing the proposed network.<\/p>\n Image Courtesy of Seth Fearey, Joint Venture Silicon Valley <\/p>\n Independent Telcos Still at the Forefront of Deploying Triple Play<\/strong><\/p>\n Bernie Arnason of Pivot Media<\/strong> reports that 48% of independent telcos are currently providing \u201ctriple play services\u201d and are averaging $94 per customer. According to his research, 69% of the independent telcos deploying triple play have been to increase their market presence. His latest report, Examining the IOC Triple Play Landscape<\/a><\/em>, provides a snapshot of where independent telcos are in their efforts to deploy bundled services. <\/p>\n Upcoming Conferences<\/strong><\/p>\n Here are some of the conferences where in the next month or two where Viodi will have some presence. I recommend them all and hope to see lots of the Viodi View readers and ViodiTV viewers at these events. <\/p>\n Date(s) Event 4\/6 Iowa Telecom Association’s<\/strong> seminar The Future of Video \u2013 From Content to the Customer.<\/strong><\/em>” This conference features outstanding national speakers combined with perspectives from independent telcos who provide video. Click Here<\/a> for more information 4\/9-13 <\/p>\n IP Possibilities<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 This show is popular with independent telcos and their vendors. This is a good conference, if you want to see the how independent telcos are deploying IP networks and services. <\/p>\n 4\/16-18 <\/p>\n Cable, Satellite and TV broadcasters have been going to NAB (National Association of Broadcasters) for years. Telecom@ NAB 2007<\/strong><\/a> will be a great place to learn for independent telcos to learn about video and get tips and techniques for competing in this converged marketplace. Plus, Viodi is helping to produce the Video Production Crash Course<\/strong><\/a>, which will be the Local Content Workshop<\/a> on steroids.<\/p>\n
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Joint Venture Silicon Valley Wireless project moves into test phase<\/h4>\n
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