• Arris, Biap, BlackArrow, Sigma to demo advanced advertising
By Traci Patterson
Arris, Biap, BlackArrow and Sigma Systems have banded together for an advanced advertising solution, which the companies will demonstrate as part of the TM Forum’s Content Encounter 3 at the Management World Orlando conference.
The Content Encounter initiative encourages companies to collaborate on solutions that address the creation, delivery and monetization of digital media services. The Personalized Advertising for Cable and IPTV demonstration will illustrate that advanced advertising is real and doable with today’s telecommunications and cable standards, and that service providers can use a common deployment architecture to deliver rich entertainment services, including content specific ad-insertion and addressable ad-insertion, according to the companies.
Arris will contribute its VOD Server and Ad Decision Manager; Biap will provide its EBIF/tru2way video middleware and applications, as well as its Ad Decision Manager; BlackArrow will contribute its SCTE 130-compliant Campaign Manager, Ad Decision Server and Placement Opportunity Information Service (POIS); and Sigma Systems will provide its service fulfillment, active mediation and Subscriber Information Service solutions.
• TiVo subs can order Domino’s Pizza via TVs
By Traci Patterson
Broadband-connected TiVo subscribers can now order from Domino’s Pizza – for delivery or pick-up – via their TV sets . And if subscribers order for delivery, they can track delivery timing on their TV.
TiVo subscribers can setup a user name and password on Dominos.com so that each time they use their TiVo remote to place an order, they can log in with a simple account number. TiVo subscribers can also enter their delivery address and build their pizza order right from their TV set by selecting type of crust, toppings and sauces.
“Our commitment to revolutionizing interactive advertising and commerce on the television is a direct result of the innovative solutions and features we provide,” said Karen Bressner, senior vice president of advertising sales for TiVo. “TiVo’s growing list of interactive features also includes the ability to find and purchase products on Amazon.com related to a customer’s favorite TV show or the convenience of being able to search for a movie that’s playing nearby and purchase tickets through Fandango – all by using the TiVo remote.”
• GridNetworks brings Internet video to consumers’ TVs
By Traci Patterson
GridNetworks has launched GridCast TV, which enables content distributors and owners to stream video directly over the Internet to consumers’ TVs.
The new GridCast TV service can already reach more than 35 million homes, the company said, because it uses existing universal plug and play (UPnP) devices such as the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Internet-enabled TVs. According to GridNetworks, GridCast TV does not require a set-top box or any other additional hardware.
“With GridCast TV, our viewers get to watch indie films on their TVs, and we don't have to deal with multiple vendors or distribution deals to get access to those TVs," said Scilla Andreen, CEO at IndieFlix. "We also don't have to give our content to a third party, or negotiate with cable or satellite providers."
• BlackArrow adds Adobe Media Player to distribution list
By Traci Patterson
BlackArrow has added the Adobe Media Player to its list of distribution platforms. The company said that it provides video content publishers that use Adobe Media Player with a centralized system for defining ad avails and managing targeted campaigns against their programming.
BlackArrow delivers advertising directly into Adobe Media Player programming, as well as into other Web properties and platforms, such as dynamic video-on-demand (VOD).
The BlackArrow multiplatform advertising system works across any combination of ad types, ad-sales models, affiliate and syndication strategies, enabling its customers to more effectively generate revenue from ad-supported video content.
More Broadband Direct:
• Bright House launches online VOD store
• Microtune adds wideband upstream amp
• ACA keeps pressure on for early quiet period
• FCC publishes white space rules
• BigBand adds ads in encrypted streams
• Videotron deploys ConceptWave's automation platform
• Vecima intros WaveRider indoor modem
• Broadband Briefs for 11/17/08
