NAB

Sezmi aims to redefine TV service models

Tue, 06 May 2008 06:59:50 -0400

For those of you who heard about Sezmi Corp. while walking around the National Association of Broadcasters show in Las Vegas last month, and didn't recognize the name, the company is actually video wholesaler Building B re-launched as an online video/broadcast/IPTV aggregator of sorts. After announcing initial partnerships with Sun Microsystems and Harris at NAB, Sezmi is now talking about further details of its FlexCast video distribution system. FlexCast leverages existing digital TV spectrum and home broadband connections such as DSL to deliver content to a Sezmi receiver, which also collects digital TV content, local broadcast content and other Internet-based content, stores all that content, and presents to users in organized, recommendation-based menus.

Some observers are calling Sezmi's approach confusing, while also calling it a competitive threat to cable TV and satellite TV companies. However, it is also a challenge to the strategies telcos have used to deploy IPTV, relying more on existing broadband conduits than new fiber investment. Sezmi also is trying to provide an answer to one of the key questions that next-generation TV service providers continue to struggle with-how to collect, maintain and present video content from as many sources as possible. It's now up to broadband service providers who haven't yet committed to massive TV investments to decide if it's the right answer.

For more:
- read this story at Telephony

Related article:
- Sezmi predecessor Building B initially launched last summer. Sezmi report

NAB: Will online TV movement hurt IPTV?

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 06:59:40 -0400

The National Association of Broadcasters trade show last week in Las Vegas appeared from some press coverage to be more of a telco IPTV meet-up. While there was plenty of positive chatter, there was also some caution. One bit of caution had to do with the growing trend of TV programming moving online--and being viewed online during prime TV viewing hours. Online video aggregation company Veoh Networks said it is seeing that trend, but even a firm from the telecom world, Motorola, noted the increasing impact that online video viewing could have on telcos' IPTV hopes. Of particular threat is the increasing amount of free TV content online from TV broadcasters themselves.

For more:
- read this story in Light Reading

Related articles:
- NAB was a place for telcos to work on content relationships. NAB report
- Content deals blooming everywhere. IPTV content report

Apple joins Avid in NAB snub

Tom Burton — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 06:59:40 -0500

Apple has followed its arch rival Avid and pulled out of the NAB2008 trade show, leaving the big Las Vegas conference without the two major suppliers of editing solutions. Apple announced its decision not to participate late last week, saying it was focusing on its shops and online site as its major sales channels. Avid last year pulled out of the April show. Both had major exhibits last year with Avid having 350 staff associated with the exhibit.

Apple's decision to not attend comes after chief executive Steve Jobs last month announced Apple's intention to pursue a more aggressive online video strategy. Jobs announced video rentals would be made available from iTunes. Both Avid and Apple's decision not to go to NAB2008 was being seen as a cost cutting exercise in the face of softer demand by media players who in turn are seeing ad revenue taper. Apple has been enjoying increased market growth in the media sector since adopting an Intel chip in their machines. Sony, the other player in the video editing sector is still planning to attend NAB2008.

For more:
- Apple wins media acceptance but eschews trade show Article
- Apple and Avid wont be at NAB Article

Related articles:
Apple seeks control of the video home Report
Apple and U-Verse to link up? Report