Cisco Purchases Inlet Technologies
Posted by Steve Fravel on Monday, February 7, 2011 · 
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Intent on adding strength to the Videoscape product, Cisco has announced plans to purchase Inlet Technologies of Raleigh, N.C., for $95 million. Inlet Technologies is a provider of adaptive-bit-rate video processing platforms.
The Inlet encoding capabilities are reported to adapt the quality of the video stream based on “real-time” network conditions relative to the receiving device in use. The Cisco Videoscape platform will deliver video content over IP-based networks to any qualified receiving device.
Cisco has indicated in promotional demonstrations and materials that Videoscape will dramatically change the television viewing experience so that conventional television content and online content can be integrated with videoconferencing and social networks and then extended to mobile devices.
The acquisition of Inlet Technologies adds strength and versatility to the Videoscape product, described as a more robust TV Everywhere experience. The deal is expected to be completed during the first half of 2011.
For more, see Cisco’s video release.
Cisco Unveils its Videoscape Solution at CES
Posted by Jesse Ward on Thursday, January 6, 2011 · ·
Live from the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) today in Las Vegas, Cisco announced the release of Cisco Videoscape, a comprehensive TV platform for service providers that brings together digital TV, online content, social media and communications applications to create an all-inclusive home and mobile video entertainment experience.
Videoscape is an open platform that utilizes cloud computing, IP networking and client devices and software. In a press conference today, Cisco CEO John Chambers said 75%-80% of Videoscape is software, making it primarily an architectural play that extends from the core network all the way down to devices. Read more
Cisco: Online Video Drives 26% of Broadband Traffic
Posted by Jesse Ward on Monday, November 1, 2010 · ·
Cisco’s Systems Visual Networking Index (VNI) Study notes that the average broadband connection now generates 14.9 GB of Internet traffic per month, up 31% from 11.4 GB last year. Cisco notes that the majority of this traffic is video driven, while traffic attributed to peer-to-peer (P2P) networks continues to decline; P2P traffic now accounts for 25% of global broadband traffic, down from 38% last year, while video accounts for 26% of all global broadband traffic. Other highlights from the study: Read more
Cisco Launches ‘Umi’ Home HD Videoconferencing Solution
Posted by Jesse Ward on Tuesday, October 12, 2010 · ·
After much anticipation by the tradepress, last week Cisco officially launched Cisco ūmi telepresence. Pronounced you-me, Cisco has developed an HD videoconferencing system aimed at consumers. (See the video after the jump.) The ūmi comes equipped with an HD camera, a console and a remote. The camera sits on top of the user’s HDTV and the rectangular set-top connects to the TV and Internet, while also handling the processing of the video data. Read more
Cisco Advances Smart Grid Strategy
Posted by Jesse Ward on Tuesday, September 7, 2010 · ·
Cisco is aggressively pursuing the smart grid market, announcing last week that it will acquire Arch Rock Corp., a provider of IP-based wireless technology focused on the smart meter, and releasing news of a new strategic partnership with smart meter vendor Itron.
Based in San Francisco, Arch Rock technology is designed to enable utilities to connect smart meters and other distributed intelligent devices over a scalable, wireless mesh network. Read more
Cisco Intent on Adding ExtendMedia
Posted by Steve Fravel on Friday, August 27, 2010 · ·
Cisco has announced the pending acquisition of ExtendMedia with an eye on enhancing content management capabilities to encompass the “everywhere” concept. Current trends indicate a growing importance of Web and mobile applications as consumers adopt and expand the ways that video is consumed.
Cox Launches Whole-Home DVR
Posted by Jesse Ward on Monday, May 10, 2010 · (3) ·
Cox Communications has revamped its home entertainment experience launching a new Trio program guide, tru2way-capable Cisco set-top boxes (STBs) and the first whole home DVR-system by a nationwide cable operator. The new features will be available to subscribers who pay $5 more on top of any level of Cox Advanced TV service and subscribe to the Plus Package. Read more