Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Game Console Vendors to PayTV Operators: You've Been Served!" report to their offering. This report predicts that console-affiliated media portals such as Microsoft's Xbox LIVE and Sony's PlayStation Network will soon become formidable competitors to incumbent PayTV services. Leveraging broadband-enabled game consoles as Over-the-Top video platforms – thus bypassing cable and satellite TV operators – these companies will offer a compelling alternative to traditional TV programming by providing a more immersive, interactive video experience.

Listen to the experts outline when and how online video will be delivered to the TV set, who will become the new gatekeepers and what it means for established broadcasters, at the Online TV and Video Forum in London on December 9-10 2008.

Mike Greenall, VP Channels and Partners, Amino; Elena Branet, Senior Marketing Manager - EMEA, Windows Media Center, Connected TV Business Group, Microsoft Corporation; Peter King, Director, Connected Home Devices, Strategy Analytics and Eddie Abrams, CEO, IP Vision, will discuss how web TV devices will enter the mainstream, whether consumer electronics manufacturers will drive this and who will become the new gatekeepers

Following the success of last year’s show, the IPTV Zone at IBC2009 is being increased in size by 120% (from 1116m² to 2466m²). The expansion reflects the growth of the IPTV market which, according to recent research by Infonetics, is forecast to grow to reach 53 million subscribers by 2009 creating a $44 billion marketplace for equipment and services.

IBC IPTV ZoneNow in its third year, the IBC2009 IPTV Zone will bring together many of the organisations and technologies that are emerging as major forces in these new markets. It will therefore provide a unique opportunity for application developers, content providers and technology companies to showcase their capabilities at the heart of the broadcast industry's leading international conference and exhibition.

Sky Angel is excited to announce two additional channels now available through their IPTV platform: INSP - The Inspiration Network (Channel 131) and i-Lifetv - Inspirational Life Television (Channel 106).

INSP targets the millions of Americans who embrace inspirational values and has an in-depth array of inspirational programming. The network features original and exclusive music and talk programs as well as content for kids, teens, women, and men. In addition, INSP offers a wide variety of content from some of the world's leading ministries including Cornerstone with Dr. John Hagee, In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley and The Potter's Touch with Bishop T.D. Jakes.

Pace's +Le Cube satellite / IP hybrid set-top box to use the Ethernet ports for VOD services was delivered to CANAL+ Group on November 4th. +Le Cube’s hard disk has been optimised by Pace Engineering for very low audibility, to be less intrusive for the user. This is also the first HD PVR for CANAL+ Group with an internal hard disk drive, with a 320 GB capacity providing the ability to record up to 100 hours of HD programming.

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Verimatrix enhances the value and security of pay-TV networks with advanced technologies designed to address the content protection challenges of today, and those of tomorrow. The Verimatrix 3-Dimensional Content Security approach provides a framework to enhance operator competitiveness and the consumer experience in the new world of pay-TV.

Blockbuster and 2Wire introduced the 2Wire MediaPoint digital media player, an easy-to-use, on-demand video solution that offers movie fans instant access through their television sets to BLOCKBUSTER ONDEMAND content, including thousands of titles from the latest movie releases to classic favorites.

Beginning today, for a limited time, the MediaPoint digital media player is available free with the advance rental of 25 BLOCKBUSTER ONDEMAND movies for $99. Unlike subscription-based services, which typically offer movies years after their release, BLOCKBUSTER ONDEMAND includes hot new releases, many available within weeks of leaving theaters. After the initial 25 rentals, movies are available for as little as $1.99 each. The players will begin shipping in time for the holiday season.

KIT digital has entered into a distribution agreement with WebAlive, owner of "WebCommunity," the first 'plug-and-play' social networking platform for businesses. The WebCommunity module enhances "VX," KIT digital's existing IP video platform. The integrated software platform allows one customer to quickly deploy thousands of KIT VX video players within "community" areas of individual websites. As a result of this alliance, KIT digital is able to better help its clients leverage online trends in social networking, self-publishing and community-building -- all in the context of IP-based video.

Verismo and NETGEAR are collaborating on products that will enhance TV entertainment by giving consumers the ability to access and enjoy Internet video directly on the TV without a computer. The partnership leverages Verismo's strength in multimedia and Internet TV, along with NETGEAR's global leadership in home networking solutions including Wireless-N Routers and Adapters, ADSL and Cable Gateways, ReadyNAS Network Storage, Digital Entertainers, and Powerline Networking products.

As cable providers beef up their PC video offerings, satellite and telco operators increasingly see over-the-top broadband video delivery as a viable option to shore up their own weaknesses. Over the past year, both DirecTV and DISH Network have rolled out over-the-top Video On Demand on Internet-connected set-top boxes, while telcos in Europe have been combining digital terrestrial linear TV broadcasts with broadband video for VOD. ABI Research believes that as broadband video offerings increase in quality and become more seamless, carriers could be significant players in the over-the-top video delivery market.

The Nielsen Company released its second "A2/M2 Three Screen Report" that U.S. usage of TV, Internet and Mobile -- the Three Screens -- continues to increase. As of third quarter 2008, the average person in the U.S. watched approximately 142 hours of TV in one month. In addition, people who used the Internet were online 27 hours a month, and people who used a mobile phone spent 3 hours a month watching mobile video.

Crackle.com announces its upcoming season of original online web programs that will begin airing on December 1, 2008. The new 13-week season consists of a mixture of new shows, as well as the return of several sophomore series. Highlights of the new season include "Anytime with Bob Kushell," an online talk show hosted by the Emmy-nominated television writer and producer Bob Kushell, which features guests including Jennifer Esposito, Neil Patrick Harris, John Stamos and Christina Applegate; new seasons of "The Groundlings" and "Owen Benjamin Presents;" and four brand new episodes of "The Jace Hall Show." In addition, Crackle today unveiled that "Married ... with Children" star David Faustino's new comedy series "Star-ving" will premiere on Friday, January 16, 2009.

CCID Consulting and the first Chinese consulting firm, recently released a report on the prospect of China's STB market. In 2008, the strong performance of China's digital TV industry, especially cable digital TV, also drove the development of China's digital TV STB market. CCID Consulting statistics show that sales volume in 2008 Q1 to Q3 reached 16.667 millions, up 83.4% over the same period in 2007.

On November 21st at 6 p.m. EST, Revision3 and BitGravity will unveil a one of a kind episode of its hit show, providing a unique, interactive way for viewers to watch hosts Kevin Rose and Alex Albrecht discuss the week's top stories from Digg.com.

Using breakthrough technology from Internet video network BitGravity, fans will get to choose from five simultaneous and separate video streams, putting them in control of what they watch. Episode #177 -- "Your Diggnation Remix"

The IMS Research study IPTV: Beyond Telco TV reveals that an estimated 290 million households had the capability to view Internet video at the end of 2007, of which 28 million had the ability to display Internet video on a TV. By the end of 2013, this 28 million is forecast to grow to 300 million, raising 2013 revenues for related equipment to $32 billion.