Microsoft has widened the functionality of its Xbox platform with the introduction of Xbox SmartGlass. The new platform and update will allow the Xbox 360 to connect to your PCs, Phones and Tablets and show content. According to Microsoft SmartGlass will make “entertainment more engaging, web surfing more effortless and playing games more immersive”, by delivering companion content and control to enhance a TV experience.
Dirk Wieberneit has joined Lantiq as the new Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) Business Unit. With previous roles at Trident Microsystems, Micronas and Infineon Technologies, Wieberneit has over twenty years in the consumer and communication semiconductor space, serving in different R&D, CTO and General Management positions.
Comcast has partnered with Technicolor and Entropic to extend its Xfinity Home services solution to include Xfinity HD Video conference calling. The Xfinity HD video services will enable customers to make video calls with friends and family while watching TV via their set-top box or connected TV. The platform was built on Technicolor’s 720p HD telepresence adapter and is powered by Entropic’s ARM Cortex-A9 high performance media processor.
For over 20 years, cable operators have enjoyed being the choice for television entertainment above satellite and analogue broadcasting. With the arrival of digital services such as connected TV and other on-demand services cable-TV for the first time face the challenge of remaining relevant and competitive. According to a group of analyst at Informa they have found ten things that cable operators can do to remain competitive.
Cable operators are being given the opportunity to expand their revenue stream with a new set of solutions from D-Link. At this year’s Cable Show in Boston, D-Link is promoting a range of home security solutions for Multi System Operators (MSOs). Included are the latest IPv6 ready DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem and Gateway solutions, PowerLine routers, MoCA solutions, and a range of IP camera home-surveillance solutions.
Entropic has launched a new System-on-Chip solution for set-top box (STB) market. The new “TSC17x/18x” STB SoC family features a dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 processors and advanced security to provide the latest platform for service operators and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). It offers support for a wide range of mobile software technologies such as Google Android 4.0 “Ice Cream Sandiwich” and established industry security standards (NOCS, CSA3, AES, NDS NSK etc).
Netgear’s is right on the pulse with this one, they have teamed up with Broadcom to create their first 802.11ac base router. The Netgear R6300 Wi-Fi Router is the first 802.11ac dual gigabit Wi-Fi router of its kind. With the R6300, you can get speed of up to 1300Mbps or 450Mbps depending on your setup. Because it is based on 802.11ac, it’s suggested that you will get better connectivity for your mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets.
Affinegy has made a strategic move to acquire the Sagemcom’s TR-069 ACS (Auto Configuration Servers) Solutions Business. According to Affinegy the acquisition has allowed it to expand its product range with Sagemcom’s TR-069 ACS Subscriber Manager and FrontLine, which are now part of Affinegy’s Portal Platform. They have also gained more customers in Europe, Asia, Central/South America Africa and Japan.
Sony has announced plans to launch a new 500GB NAS device for today’s digital home. The new “Nasne” device as it is called comes with built in digital terrestrial and satellite broadcast tuners. Nasne works with other Sony Apps such as "Torne" for PlayStation3 (PS3) and "VAIO TV with Nasne" for VAIO so that you can watch and record digital TV and satellite broadcast programs.
Your home Audio/Video system can now be controlled through the same HAI Snap-Link software. The new version of Snap-Link when used in conjunction with its Home Theater Extender (HTX) will allow you to use your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch (iOS devices) as a remote control. Also available is the HAI’s HTX2 mobile designer software, a tool that allows you to customize the user interface of your remote control – the different devices.