Friday, February 23, 2007

Corporate Acquisitions Transforming The IPTV Marketplace

A recent spate of corporate acquisitions is changing the burgeoning Internet protocol television (IPTV) market, recent research has suggested.

The number of independent IPTV providers is rapidly decreasing, which is creating a wide market gap, according to a report from New York-based ABI Research. Recently Swedish communications giant Ericsson acquired the broadband provider Redband Networks and Motorola announced in December that it was to acquire Tut Systems.

ABI Research principal analyst Michael Arden said: "Those first IP video equipment providers were small startups creating cutting-edge technologies that the larger vendors weren't nimble enough to do themselves. "Lately, as IPTV technology becomes more important - not only for telco TV but also for cable and satellite - the big companies need those technologies."

The larger corporations are now acquiring the smaller companies, which were the first on the market, Mr. Arden added. Recently it was found that the US is not among the top ten countries with the most IPTV subscriptions, reports Telephony Online. With 896,000 IPTV subscribers, France tops the list of countries with the most IPTV subscriptions, a new report from the marketing researcher Dittberner has found.

"There's a natural cycle of consolidation in every industry and the IPTV arena is no different", states Mark Weibel, EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, the industries leading comparative shopping website. "I wouldn't be surprised if this same thing doesn't happen in other high growth broadband products and services, VoIP being one of them"

For more information on IPTV and other digital products and services visit
www.broadbandnational.com

Spiketv.com Debuts Eight New Broadband Series

The popular Spiketv.com has announced that it is to launch eight new TV series via broadband.

Freestyle motocross, sexy bartenders, beautiful co-eds/cheerleaders, demolition and stick fighting are some of the programs that will be made available. Furthermore, Spiketv.com will also continue to operate its user-generated content hub along with its Wild World of Spike show.

Steve Farrell, vice-president of digital media at SpikeTV.com, said: "Spiketv.com is the destination for guys looking to feast on non-stop action and beautiful women.

"Our new broadband original series will satisfy their hunger for this genre of programming and keep them coming back for more." Among the new series will be Miss March Madness, a contest in anticipation of the NCAA tournament, where cheerleaders and co-eds from colleges across the country compete to be dubbed the most attractive.

A program currently running on Spike TV is Reality Racing – The Rookie Challenge, which features amateur drivers in stock racing cars.

"SpikeTV.com is one of the first to truly embrace the concept of IPTV," states Mark Weibel, EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, creators of the industries leading comparative shopping website. " Their male oriented content is not only original but the production value is also outstanding."

For more information on IPTV and broadband connectivity for your home or office visit www.broadbandnational.com

Thursday, February 22, 2007

Music Students Go Online


Berkleemusic.com has become the world's largest online music school, having taught over 11,000 students. The online extension of Berklee College of Music in Boston has over 100,000 registered members involved in the online community. And it is estimated that this year alone another 6,000 students will be taught by the online music school.

David Kusek, vice president at Berklee, said: "In four short years, we have built one of the largest music schools on the planet and our mission is aligned with the general trend in the music industry of everything going online." Several big names from the music industry are studying with the school this year, including Scott Underwood from the band Train and Danny Weinkauf from They Might Be Giants. The school also offers online music scholarships named after great artists like Herbie Hancock and Gloria Estefan. Meanwhile, downloading music online has resulted in more people listening to new music, talking about music and attending concerts, according to a recent survey.

Almost 60 percent of consumers said that since they started getting online they have been listening to more music, a survey from the Digital Media Association (DiMA) found.

"It was the advancement of broadband that really propelled the advent of downloading music online," states Mark Weibel EVP of Marketing for online comparative shopping website Broadband National Inc. "Without a high speed Internet connection the downloading process is just to cumbersome." For more information on connectivity for your home or office visit www.broadbandnational.com

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Broadband National Promotes Mickey Smith To Chief Operating Officer


Vero Beach, FL—Broadband National announced today the promotion of Mickey Smith from Vice President of Operations to Chief Operating Officer. Smith will be responsible for the operations of the company’s call centers, customer service, and sales.

Mr. Smith has over 20 years of successful management experience in competitive, customer-driven environments. Mr. Smith’s expertise in developing systems and controls that deliver the highest levels of customer service has benefited Broadband National’s goal of becoming the premier online marketing company for digital services and products

“Mickey’s vast experience and management in a customer driven environment makes him the perfect candidate to oversee our fast growing business,” states Vinny Olmstead, President of Broadband National. “His contributions have helped position the company to meet our continued demand which has tripled since his December 2005 start date with the company.”

Broadband National with offices in Vero Beach, Atlanta, Ga, and Orlando Florida is the leading comparative shopping service for digital services such as high speed internet, voip, and cable TV. With a nationwide distribution, Broadband National provides services to both residential and business customers. Broadband National’s proprietary software (IBIS) Integrated Broadband Information System allows customers objective carrier comparisons including service offers, product offers, and guaranteed lowest pricing. Back end integrations with more than 50 companies such as AT&T, Qwest, Time Warner, Comcast, Covad, and Verizon ensures a comprehensive customer solution. Broadband National also licenses the IBIS system to more than 1,500 companies such as retailers, VoIP suppliers, online marketers, and integrators allowing the same robust experience, while monetizing their customer base.

For more information on platform use, business development and strategic partnerships, please visit www.broadbandnational.com. For Broadband National press inquiries, please contact Mark Ballard at 772-539-0618 or email markb@broadbandnational.com

Thursday, February 15, 2007

Islamorada Fishing Report

By Capt. Russ Pellow
Reported on: Feb 13, 2007
Offshore to backcountry from Islamoradasportfishing.com

Offshore:

The first nice day of the week was Wednesday and there was a catch of Dolphin to report! Capt. John on the Suzanne and Capt. Don on the Sea Horse from Whale Harbor Marina both had "double racked" school Dolphin at days end. Both boats boxed about twenty-five 4 to 5 pound Mahi caught "a little off the Hump".

Reefs:

Capt. Rob Corradi on the Southern Comfort from Whale Harbor Marina had a very active and exciting day recently. When the smoke cleared, Rob's anglers released two out of eight Sailfish (at one time they had four hooked at once). As the mate was winding up baits after a Sail was hooked a Wahoo that was estimated at forty pound charged and inhaled the ballyhoo nearly running into the transom of the boat! Of course the monofilament line was cut and the big Wahoo swam away into the sunset!

All in all, Sailfishing has been pretty good!

Gulf and Bay:

Broken record time and the tune is that the Spanish Mackerel are chewing the bottom out of the boat! Capt. Lou Brubaker had a couple from Texas out on a 1/2 day recently. The female counterpart of the duo reportedly could not fish any longer as her wrist and arm hurting too much from battling the four to six pound Mackerel. Tripletail action has heated up too. On the calmer days many guides are cruising the buoy lines in the Gulf and although there are many small "Trips" there are some nice ones too.

A Tripletail must be 15" or better to keep, with a daily bag limit of two per angler. Reports indicate it was an off week on the Cobia probably due to the cool water temperatures and the cloudy water coming out of Florida Bay.

Flats, Backcountry and Flamingo:

A Bonefish report comes from Capt. Dave on the No Politics skiff from Whale Harbor Marina. Dave reports on a mid week trip that his angler released a Bonefish estimated at 13 pounds. Concerned with the health and wellbeing of the fish he catches, Dave does not lift the Bonefish onto a scale or use a tape to calculate the weight, a quick estimate and a quick release is the best way to treat any fought-out fish! The action in the Flamingo area is off and on with the rapidly changing conditions caused by the frequent fronts moving through the upper Keys. Mainly cool water temperatures just after a front subdues the activity.

Good catches of Snook, Redfish, Black Drum and Trout will be had on the balmier days.

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Treasure Coast Fishing Report

Treasure Coast fishing report: February 13
Ed Killer

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY

Capt. Tom Constantine of the Sebastian Lady party boat out of Capt. Butcher's Marina in Sebastian said sea conditions improved over the weekend and his anglers cashed in on sea bass, triggerfish, grouper and red snapper. The snook bite at Sebastian Inlet turned on along the north jetty for anglers fishing with live shrimp. Trout continues to be a constant bite on the flats. Try using jerk baits or live shrimp and a pop cork when fishing 2-4 feet of water.

LUCIE COUNTY

Capt. Glenn Cameron of the Floridian charter boat out of Fort Pierce City Marina said the weekend produced a decent catch of dolphin and kingfish for his anglers. Bottom fishing has been fair with a few catches of nice-sized grouper, however, snapper fishing has been off the mark through the first two months of the year. Fishing reefs in 65 to 95 feet of water has also produced large triggerfish this year. Cameron suggested fishing with a mix of live and dead baits for grouper.

MARTIN COUNTY

Capt. Kevin Drennan said the re-appearance of live bait and sailfish close to the St. Lucie Inlet has been a welcome sight. Drennan guided angler Jim Couzens of Wallington, Conn., to a sailfish release. Capt. Pete Jakits of Rainbow Runner charters said Sunday's trip out to 90 feet of water yielded a couple of gaffer dolphin and a first sailfish release for angler Sam Wells, 86. Spanish mackerel are down at the Kingfish Hole, but were tough to catch due to clear water.

LAKE OKEECHOBEE

Capt. Mike Shellen of Shellen's Guide Service in Okeechobee guided his Monday party to 27 bass on wild shiners while fishing out in the lake. He said things appear to be getting better, although the water level is still alarming. Fishing with crank baits has been decent as indicated by results from a tournament on Saturday. Nathan Shellen won the co-angler division of the Weekend Bassmasters tossing crank baits in canals. The eventual winner bagged 20 pounds fishing with 10-inch Gambler worms.

Friday, February 09, 2007

Google Most Recognized Brand

A recent survey has shown that search engine Google is the most recognized brand in the world.

Video sharing site YouTube and Internet encyclopedia Wikipedia were both ranked in the top five by online magazine brandchannel.com. The survey asked 3,625 students and branding professionals; "Which brand had the most impact on our lives in 2006?"

Editor of brandchannel.com, Anthony Zumpano, said: "The dramatic debut of these newcomers – YouTube in third and Wikipedia in fourth – is an indication of a larger trend – the growing impact of online brands built on user-generated contents." Apple was ranked in second place by the survey, closely followed by YouTube, Wikipedia and finally the coffee behemoth Starbucks.

Online social networking site MySpace was ranked 15th in the US rankings and the news channel Al Jazeera advanced to 19th place worldwide.

Meanwhile, YouTube may start to pay contributors for their content, according to the company's cofounder. Video clips on the site would show a short advertisement before starting, creating revenue, which would be shared with the creator.

YouTube’s popularity soared with the proliferation of broadband access. The company is credited with fueling the craze of uploading, and sharing video clips across the Internet. With the U.S. broadband household penetration rate at only 33% it’s safe to say that there are millions of new video clips bound for YouTube. Seizing on this fact a handful of companies have come forward to offer comparative shopping websites that specialize in broadband Internet access, with www.broadbandnational.com consistently rated the best in class.

Thursday, February 08, 2007

Broadband Changing The Future Of Advertising

Advertising is being fundamentally changed by the increasing usage of broadband TV, according to a new report from Nielsen Analytics. Television programmers and advertisers are finding fresh and profitable opportunities to advertise over the new medium, the report found.

Broadband TV viewers are young, wealthy and educated to a high standard, the report stated, therefore allowing advertisers to access a more lucrative demographic. Larry Gerbrandt, general manager and senior vice president of Nielsen Analytics, said: "By researching controlled broadband access, this study concludes that programmers have the opportunity to create new revenue models to benefit content owners and their affiliated stations.

"Such ad-supported models are uniquely adaptable to the broadband environment and are potentially superior to existing models because they can take full advantage of the digital environment." With broadband streams, the capability to fast-forward through commercials can be disabled, which forces viewers to engage with them, added Mr Gerbrandt. Of the US households with broadband connections, 34 per cent fell in the 18 to 34 age group and 45 per cent were in the 35 to 52 group, the report found.

For more information on broadband television (IPTV visit the consumer deals at www.broadbandnational.com

The Internet To Revolutionize Television


The internet is to completely change the way we watch TV, according to Microsoft founder Bill Gates. In a mere five years, the internet will have completely revolutionised TV and the two mediums will have merged, Gates said on Saturday.

The popularity of sites like YouTube and the increased availability of high-speed internet are precursors of what is to come, the multi-billionaire stated. Speaking to business leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Mr Gates said: "I'm stunned how people aren't seeing that with TV, in five years from now, people will laugh at what we've had. "Certain things like elections or the Olympics really point out how TV is terrible. You have to wait for the guy to talk about the thing you care about or you miss the event and want to go back and see it."

Accessing such events on the internet is vastly superior, added Mr Gates. Meanwhile, Telephony Online has reported that the U.S. is not among the top ten countries with the most internet protocol television (IPTV) subscriptions. With 896,000 IPTV subscribers, France tops the list of countries with the most IPTV subscriptions, a new report from the marketing researcher Dittberner has found.

For more information check out the Consumer Deals at www.broadbandnational.com

YouTube To Pay Contributors

Popular video-sharing site YouTube may start to pay contributors for their content, according to the company's co-founder. Video clips on the site would show a short advertisement before starting, creating revenue which would be shared with the creator.

Last year the search engine company Google bought YouTube for $1.68 billion. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Chad Hurley, YouTube's cofounder, said: "In terms of paying users revenue against content they're uploading, we're definitely going to move in that direction.

"We didn't want to build a system that was motivated by monetary reward. When you start giving money to people from day one… the people you do attract will just switch to the next provider that’s paying more" YouTube is at the stage now where they could conceivable pay and retain a community, added Mr Hurley.

Last week YouTube was subpoenaed by Fox Television regarding episodes of 24 and the Simpsons that appeared on the site.

Founded in 2005 by 3 pervious PayPal employees YouTube’s popularity soared with the proliferation of broadband access. The company is credited with fueling the craze of uploading, and sharing video clips across the Internet. With the U.S. broadband household penetration rate at only 33% it’s safe to say that there are millions of new video clips bound for YouTube. Seizing on this fact a handful of companies have come forward to offer comparative shopping websites that specialize in broadband Internet access, with www.broadbandnational.com consistently rated the best in class.

www.comcastspecial.com www.timewarnerspecial.com