Leading technology service provider Ascertane announced it has been chosen to direct technology integration efforts for GlobeVISION's subscription video on demand (SVOD) and IPTV service offerings.

The Dutch network operator KPN has chosen Siemens as its partner for the development and installation of television over the Internet Protocol (IP). This further strengthens cooperation between the two companies after KPN opted for Siemens as the strategic IP partner for its entire fixed network and mobile phone business at the end of last year. KPN plans to introduce digital television over its DSL network for the first time during the course of this year, using the provisional designation "IP TV".

Aliant TV, a value-packed new television service, launches today in Halifax. The new, IP-based television service delivers digital picture and sound quality and features over 150 television and over 70 music channels.

Path 1 Network Technologies Inc., a leading provider of products that enable the transmission of broadcast-quality video over IP networks, announced that it has received its first order for its Vx8000 video gateway. The order, valued in excess of $375,000, is from a major broadcast operator for use in the U.S. market. The customer will use the Vx8000 gateways to facilitate the reliable transport of all TV broadcasts (including high-definition programs) between its major broadcast centers and primary distribution facilities. This private IP network, operating 24/7, will be used to transport the customer's complete channel lineup, which is then distributed to all of its customers across the United States. The order is scheduled to be filled within the next several weeks.

RBN Inc, http://www.rbni.com, an industry-leading designer and manufacturer of carrier-class optical transport solutions for metro and access networks, announced a low cost, IPTV digital broadcast solution for carriers and MSOs.

Paradyne, a leading provider of triple play broadband loop carriers (BLCs) and Ethernet access equipment, announced an expanded relationship with Og Vodafone, Iceland's Second Largest Broadband Services Provider, marking the first BLC deployment in Iceland.

Henbang, China's leading behavioral marketing & advertising company, chairman and CEO Don Hsi exhibited a new advertising tool developed by the company called Interactive Behavioral Advertising (IBA) at the China International New Media Forum on June 11.

Shanghai Media Group (SMG) president Li Ruigang announced at the China International New Media Forum on June 11 that SMG will launch an IPTV trial in Shanghai soon, reports Eastday. Li said the company's first IPTV trial was launched in Harbin in mid-May. Suburban Zhabei district will be the first area for the Shanghai trial.

Cable Companies Try to Prevent Verizon FiOS Rollout

The New York Public Service Commission today rejected a petition from Cablevision and the Cable Telecommunications Association of New York Inc. aimed at frustrating consumer choice for better voice, data and video services.

"This is a victory for New York consumers," said Paul A. Crotty, president of Verizon New York/Connecticut. "The cable-TV industry, led by Cablevision, failed in this transparent attempt to deny New Yorkers faster, better broadband services and the promise of future choice for TV programming."

85 Percent of Respondents in Poll Support Updating Franchising Law

New Jersey residents want choice and competition for cable TV.

In a poll commissioned by Verizon, an overwhelming number of respondents expressed strong support for updating the state's antiquated franchise laws.

In response to continual increasing viewers on www.swedishmatchtour.tv, Narrowstep has developed a new broadband player for the Tour.

The Swedish Match Tour, recognized as the training ground for many of the America's Cup Teams, launched the channel last July to offer sponsors, sailors and industry members a sophisticated and unique medium to view the sport which does not enjoy the luxury of maistream TV coverage.

As telecom operators push hard to roll out Internet Protocol (IP) television services worldwide, they face major roadblocks in the shape of licensing and franchising issues, according to new studies from ABI Research.

On one side, content providers worry about the security of IP networks, which are certainly not immune to hacking. These concerns affect the license arrangements they must reach with telcos wishing to distribute their intellectual property.

Endavo Media and Communications, Inc., the leading developer of the D-Commerce Marketplace, announced an agreement with Clearlight TV to begin distributing its family-oriented television programming via IP over the Endavo EcoSystem beginning July 2005.

SKY Perfect Communications Inc.(SKY PerfecTV), Japan's digital multi-channel broadcasting services company and EdgeStream, Inc announced that they have agreed to begin a three months trial to evaluate EdgeStream's 'Next Generation Video Streaming over IP Technology Platform' for VOD/IPTV in Japan. EdgeStream's disruptive technology platform shall enable for the very first time, broadband users across all networks in Japan to watch uninterrupted Broadcast quality video on demand streams over the public Internet.

Hong Kong based IPTV solutions provider Broadband Network Systems Ltd (BNS) has landed an extensive long-term deal with National Data Japan and United Power to provide broadband content for their STB-based VOD service portal Joy channel at Rakuichi.net.