"set top" articles

We've been speculating for some time now about whether we are going to see the convergence between set-top box and RG functionality. In reports such as Set-top Boxes: Outlook and Connected Home: Global Outlook, we interviewed companies from both the service provider and the CPE side to identify the key catalysts and timing for the "all-in-one" box that  incorporates all data, communications, and entertainment access would impact their services and costs. Drivers for such...

Interesting news from Telecom Italia that they are going to deploy a hybrid set-top box (reported to be an Intel-based box supplied by Amino) that will receive broadcast DTT channels and online video. With all of the hand-wringing going on about cord-cutting here in the U.S., I think the threat is far more serious in Europe, where free DTT service is already a barrier to growth for both IPTV and cable operators. We've heard from European operators that the hybrid set-top box...

Parks Associates research indicates U.S. premium video rentals and downloads will grow to $8.4 billion in 2014 After abandoning its initial online video plans in late 2007, Walmart has returned to this market with the announced acquisition of VUDU on February 22. With Best Buy working with Roxio Cinema Now, will Walmart leverage the VUDU acquisition to develop its own branded connected CE products? Walmart is re-entering the OTT (over-the-top) market at an opportune time. Parks...

Targeted and interactive TV advertising will lay the foundation for the long-term recovery of U.S. ad spending, while spending on broadcast network TV will return to pre-recession levels in 2010, leading the more immediate recovery, according to Advertising Outlook: Shifting Dollars. This new report from international research firm Parks Associates features a survey of U.S. advertising and media executives and found this group optimistic about 2010 ad spending as well as the long-term...

Finally - some hard numbers in the digital media player device space. According to the article in Multichannel News, Roku has sold 500,000 of the devices, and is looking to double that figure in 2010.

Pace announced an advanced multiroom DVR solution, Home Content Sharing (HCS). Pace’s HCS, which utilizes centralized storage to connect multiple high definition (HD) set-top boxes within the home, is integrated with Rovi’s Interactive Program Guide (IPG) and Rovi’s Connected Platform software to enhance the product’s advanced functionality.

I found a well-written article from CED titled "The Ascent of LAN" that examines the role of home networks and connected home services from the perspective of the broadband and pay television operator. Many of the thoughts expressed in the article are consistent with findings from our 2009 research, including: * Home Networks for Consumer Electronics; * Set-top Boxes: Outlook; and * Connected Home: Global Outlook. I think we're on the cusp of a rapid roll-out of...

In our recently-completed Set-top Boxes: Outlook report, we wrote the following: Consumers report strong interest in the concept of connected consumer electronics, including set-top boxes that link not only to television offerings from their service provider, but also to content hosted on home computers and streaming from the Internet. There is strong demand data for the concept of a set-top box that can pull in content from a variety of sources. Perhaps more interesting – at...