Verizon Adds Longhorn Network
Posted by Steve Fravel on Friday, August 26, 2011 · 
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Verizon can claim a first; having come to terms with ESPN on a national distribution deal for the new 24-hour Longhorn Network. The announcement of the agreement comes in the “nick of time,” as the network is scheduled to launch at 6 o’clock central on August 26. Read more
Pace, Minerva Set-Top Box Integration
Posted by Steve Fravel on Friday, June 17, 2011 · ·
Pace has announced a partnership agreement with Minerva to integrate Minerva xTVFusion middleware technology into Pace HD set-top-boxes.
Pace indicates that this is an expansion to the options available to IPTV providers seeking middleware technology. The partnership will allow Pace to provide a “pre-integrated, end-to-end solution” to service providers. Both Pace and Minerva refer to the arrangement as an effective method of providing viewing options to IPTV subscribers that includes video-on-demand, restart TV, network DVR, catch-up TV and Internet video integration.
Dish Adds New Satellite
Posted by Steve Fravel on Monday, July 12, 2010 · ·
Dish Network has announced the successful lanch of its second satellite this year. EchoStar XV was launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Saturday, July 10.
In a press release from Dish Network, Tom Cullen, executive vice president said, “The launch of EchoStar XV demostrates Dish Networks’s continuing committment to delivering the most high quality HD programming at the best value.”
EchoStar XV joins EchoStar XIV which was successfully launched earlier this year.
Dish Network did not release information describing any HD content that will be delivered via the new satellite. The satellite is scheduled to go operational later in the summer.
New Channels from Sony
Posted by Steve Fravel on Tuesday, July 6, 2010 · ·
October 1 is slated to be a busy day for Sony Pictures Television, according to an article in the Los Angeles Times and sources familiar with the company’s expansion plans.
Sony Pictures Movies HD will launch on October 1 as the first wholly owned cable channel for Sony in the United States. The channel will be devoted entirely to movies. Observers note that Sony has had great success internationally with channels that they own. The channel will draw content from the large Sony-owned film library. Multi-video program distributers will have access to another high definition (HD) channel featuring films. Sources indicate the the channel will not compete in the same arena with networks like HBO, Showtime, Starz! and the new Epix channels, but with the HD channels Universal HD and MGM HD. The perception being that distributers want more HD content that can be offered outside the “premium channel” level.
DIRECTV Adds 3D Channel
Posted by Steve Fravel on Thursday, July 1, 2010 · ·
The addition of n3D gives DIRECTV three 3D channels. n3D sponsored by Panasonic will provide a variety of content including documentary/adventure, concerts and special events.
n3D is available to HD customers at no additional cost. Customers must have a 3D monitor to experience the effect.
During July customers will have the opportunity to experience special sporting events. The MLB All-Star Game in 3D from Fox Sports and the NASCAR Coke 0 400 will be available.
DIRECTV has also added ESPN 3D, where viewers will be able to see 2010 FIFA World Cup action along with other exciting sports. DIRECTV Cinema will program various movie titles in 3D.
Dish Network Drops 4 HD Channels
Posted by Steve Fravel on Wednesday, June 23, 2010 · ·
In a dispute with Disney and ESPN, Dish Network had dropped Disney Channel HD, Disney XD HD, ABC Family HD and ESPNNews HD. According to a report filed in MultiChannel News, Dish Network claims that proposed carriage fees for the four channels are too high. Disney has countered with the assertion that Dish Network does not have “a deal in place” to support distribution of the four channels.
Dish Network noted in the article that the company recently began offering all its customers, “HD Free for Life.” Dish Network has indicated that they will continue to negotiate with the Walt Disney companies until an agreeable rate can be reached. Continuation of the HD Free for Life arrangement is dependant on low-cost carriage fees, according to Dish Network.