SBC to Roll Out IPTV Service as Early as Fall

REDMOND, Wash. — In another sign that the Internet Protocol TV industry is gaining speed, Microsoft and set-top device maker Scientific-Atlanta announced an agreement this week to work together on hardware for a rollout of the service by telecom giant SBC.

The alliance is an important step for SBC, which has devoted $4 billion to the project and plans to deliver its version of IPTV to select markets as soon as this fall.

The number of global IPTV subscribers is expected to swell from about 2 million in 2004 to more than 25 million in 2008 when subscriber revenue is expected to be about $7.2 billion, according to Multimedia Research Group.

The technology has praises. A January article by PC Magazine said that IPTV's broadband-enabled TV set-top box is a "technology breakthrough" with image quality that is "indistinguishable from broadcast."

Radium Ventures CEO Charles Prast earlier this summer said that his company, formerly XTV, has sold “thousands” of its set-top boxes since it debuted in January at Internext.

"Internet protocol television is a market-changing technology that adds a new dimension of interactivity to television viewing," Prast said.

PinkTV, the adult media division of Florida company Single Cell Entertainment, also is planning to debut its service via IPTV.

Telecom analysts at RHK recently concluded that rising broadband penetration is helping online entertainment steal market share from traditional media outlets.

“Broadband connectivity has been a key driver and will gain even more significance in enabling new forms of content services through the introduction of new high-quality features that will enhance the user’s experience,” said Stephane Teral, principal author of the report.

With IPTV, the technology could someday let people program their digital video recorders through their mobile phones or laptops, even if they are traveling around the world, said Ed Graczyk, marketing director for Microsoft TV.

"We refer to it as next-generation TV,'' he said.

IPTV also allows telecommunications companies, such as SBC, to offer package services for voice, video and data.

Copyright © 2024 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

MojoHost Reaffirms Commitment to Adult Industry Amid Project 2025 Implications

In the wake of Tuesday's election and amid concerns about the possible ramifications for the adult industry, MojoHost President Brad Mitchell has releases a statement addressing Project 2025 and the future of the industy.

Adult Web Hosting Service 'Midnight-Host' Launches

Midnight-Host, a new web hosting service designed specifically for adult websites, has launched.

ASN Lifestyle Magazine Joins Pineapple Support as Media Sponsor

ASN Lifestyle Magazine has joined the ranks of over 60 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support, partnering with the organization as a media sponsor.

Adult Industry Reacts to Trump Victory

On Tuesday, former President Donald Trump was reelected, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris to reclaim the office he lost four years ago.

Fetisfy Online Fetish Marketplace Launches

Fetisfy.com, an online marketplace for users to sell fetish items, has launched.

Pineapple Support Launches 'Spill the Tea, Colombia' Community Support Event Series

Pineapple Support has launched "Spill the Tea, Colombia," a monthly, in-person community support event for adult industry professionals.

Streamster Launches 'Tip2Peep' Camera-Switching Feature

Live-streaming software provider Streamster has launched Tip2Peep, a new feature that allows viewers to switch between multiple webcam viewing angles by tipping the creator.

Tyler Wu Guests on Chaturbate's 'Sex Tales' Podcast

Tyler Wu is the latest guest on Chaturbate’s “Sex Tales” podcast, hosted by Melissa Stratton and Vanniall on the company’s “Camming Life” YouTube channel.

Fleshy to Launch Interactive Cam Site 'Eromote'

Male pleasure brand Fleshy has announced that it will launch an interactive, bidirectional cam site next month called Eromote.

XBIZ LA Show Introduces New 'Crib Crawl' Feature

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the 2025 edition of its flagship conference, the XBIZ Show, will debut a brand-new feature: Crib Crawl, offering attendees the chance to meet and greet representatives from leading brands and organizations in dedicated suites at the host venue.

Show More