FCC

Here in Cannes the weather is cloudy and there’s an occasional rain drop or two. And that’s about the state of technology here in the minds of the program purveyors here at MIPTV. Although the show is billed as a “digital content market,” the reality is quite different. I’ve heard comments from, “You can watch Continue Reading →

This article by Ted Hearn was passed around my group today.  I know there is a consumer advocate in here somewhere …   An array of technology firms, including major computer and TV-set manufacturers, is pressing federal regulators to enforce new set-top-box rules against the cable industry. Cable operators are resisting implementation of a Federal Continue Reading →

From the AP:   WASHINGTON – A U.S. appeals panel challenged new federal rules requiring certain video devices to have technology to prevent copying digital television programs and distributing them over the Internet. U.S. Circuit Judge Harry T. Edwards told the Federal Communications Commission it “crossed the line” requiring the new anti-piracy technology in next-generation Continue Reading →

And so, courtesy of Gizmodo, I bring you photos from Paris Hilton’s T-Mobile Sidekick II.  Ahh … the simple pleasure of browsing someone’s personal information on the world wide web.  With no effort you will be able to search the Internet using Google, Yahoo! or practically any search tool and find the complete contents of Continue Reading →

In a 4-to-1 vote, the FCC ruled that cable only “must-carry” one digital signal from each broadcast licensed station in their footprint.  This is being seen, rightly or wrongly, as a stunning defeat for the broadcasters and a serious win for the cable industry. “This is a major victory for consumers …” said exiting CEO Continue Reading →

The 2005 Media Summit New York started off with a bang yesterday morning as keynote speaker, Mel Karmazin, CEO Sirius Satellite Radio was interviewed by BusinessWeek Media Editor, Tom Lowry.   Always entertaining, Mel started off by throwing down the gauntlet to terrestrial radio – calling it a mature business with growth limited to GDP increases.  Continue Reading →

Linda Moss of Multichannel News reports: “Regional phone companies planning video services will be forced to pay cash to carry local broadcast-TV stations — which will initially put them at a competitive disadvantage to cable, but will ultimately cause problems for MSOs, a Wall Street analyst said Monday.”   Add this to the upcoming FCC Continue Reading →

I was at CES I was lucky enough to spend a few minutes with Joseph Damato, Director – Consumer Electronics for Delphi.  They make hardware for XM and Sirius Satellite Radio.  Our conversation was about compatibility and consumer choice.  While Joseph did not want me to use a time frame, he did say that the Continue Reading →