Focus: Broadcasting

[Satellite Today 01-15-09] The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has granted EchoStar and Dish Network’s request to reexamine the claims of TiVo’s Time Warp patent.     “We are pleased that the [Patent Office] granted our petition for reexamination of the software claims of TiVo’s ‘389 patent, which are the subject of TiVo’s current motion for...

[Satellite Today 01-15-09] Zcom Networks has started negotiations to launch a satellite broadcasting station in Los Angeles, Zcom announced Jan. 14.     The company said it has begun talks with some domestic and international satellite providers for the station, which will link IPTV broadcasting with satellite broadcasting.     “Our goal is to capitalize on integrating...

[Satellite Today 01-15-09] NDS shareholders have approved the proposed transaction to take the company private, NDS announced Jan. 13.     If the transaction is completed, News Corp. and funds advised by Permira Advisers would own about 49 percent and 51 percent of NDS, respectively. The two companies announced details of the transaction in June. News...

[Satellite Today 01-14-09] Measat Satellite Systems signed a new high-definition (HD) capacity deal to distribute the All Sports Network HD channel via its Measat-3 satellite, Measat announced Jan. 12.     The 24-hour pan-Asian sports channel featuring coverage of some of America’s biggest sports and other action events from around the world.     In joining the...

[Satellite Today 01-14-09] Sidsa and Secuenzia have joined forces to develop a technology solution for a pay digital terrestrial television (DTT) service in Spain in 2009, the companies announced Jan. 13.      Sidsa and Secuenzia jointly developed a conditional access technology solution that will allow broadcasters to distribute DTT content while offering a new business...

[Satellite Today 01-14-09] IPTV Americas has launched the first IP satellite distribution platform for Latin America via SES New Skies, IPTV Americas announced Jan. 13.     IPTV Americas’ content will be distributed to the entire Americas on the NSS-806 spacecraft. The services will uplink from the SES New Skies’ Washington D.C. Mediaport.     This will...

[Satellite Today 01-13-09] TNTSat, a French digital terrestrial television (DTT) offer, is expanding its reach through the Astra satellite system, SES Astra announced Jan. 12.     Just 16 months after the service was launched, TNTSat said more than 1 million receivers are now in French households. The Astra satellite system serves more than 5 million...

[Satellite Today 01-13-09] DirecTV has completed a $3 billion stock repurchase program and its board approved the repurchase of up to an additional $2 billion of its common stock, the company announced Jan. 12.     DirecTV said additional purchases could be made from time to time through open market purchases or in negotiated transactions using...

Combined satellite-cellular service moves a step closer to fruition as TerreStar and Skyterra make final preparations for satellite launches later this year. The next generation of hybrid mobile satellite systems (MSS), which combine spacecraft with an ancillary terrestrial component (ATC), is expected to provide unparalleled coverage and spectral efficiency for consumers, enterprise, government and public...

The mobile satellite services (MSS) market in Europe was given a significant shot in the arm in August when the European Commission (EC) announced there would be a new pan-European licensing procedure for these services to make things easier for satellite operators. Operators who are successful in gaining a license will be able to offer...