CableLabs® To Use European MHP Middleware for OpenCable®

Cable Television Laboratories, Inc. (CableLabs®) has adopted the middleware software developed by the Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) project for advanced OpenCable™ digital set-top boxes that are to be deployed throughout North America.

No doubt a blow to ATVEF's standard

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Bravo signs iTV deal with Volvo

Says Bravo Networks SVP Cynthia Burnell:

By offering a two-screen [television and computer] synchronized product, we enhance our audience’s control and overall experience, while also increasing value to our advertisers.

Sponsored by Volvo, Bravo plans to integrate interactive content with their "Inside the Actors Studio" by way of several internet-through-television platforms, including MSNTV and AOLTV.

Most Won't Pay Premium for Fast Web Access

Having come from the CTAM Broadband Opportunity conference last week, I'm not entirely surprised to see the following:

...most Internet users seem content sticking with dial-up connections because broadband proponents haven't offered compelling content to attract a mass market. [emphasis added]

Not sure I can spell it out more clearly, but I'll try: Make the content worth the cost. We won't pay just for speed.

Comdex: Gates foresees ‘digital decade’ - November 12, 2001

Despite the fact that his presentation ran for nearly 90 minutes, notably absent from Gates’ speech was any mention of the recent antitrust settlement agreed to by Microsoft, the Justice Department and half the states involved in the case.

Also notably absent: any mention of interactive television!