iTOK sponsors CONNECTIONS 2011

Parks Associates is proud to welcome iTOK as a 2011 CONNECTIONS US Sponsor.

Founded in the US in 2004, iTOK utilizes proprietary problem prevention software to make computers more comfortable and secure for the average person to use. iTOK is founded on the belief that computer support should be personal, trustworthy and affordable.

Thank you iTOK for your support. We look forward to your participation!

Please visit www.itok.net for more information.

Verizon FiOS Scores First NFL Game on 3D TV

Verizon is kicking off the football season with the production and broadcast of the first National Football League game in 3D on television for the company's FiOS TV customers in parts of New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Rhode Island for the Sept. 2 preseason match-up between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots.

Verizon FiOS1 is producing the 3D broadcast, which will be shown on FiOS Channel 834 for FiOS TV subscribers. Similar to previously offered 3D programming from Verizon, customers must have 3D TV sets, 3D glasses and a high-definition set-top box to view the broadcast.

The broadcast marks Verizon's third major 3D initiative this summer. On July 10 and 11, the company broadcast the first Major League Baseball games in 3D, between the New York Yankees and the Seattle Mariners. And on July 15, Verizon announced that it will carry 3D programming on FiOS TV Video on Demand from WealthTV.

For the more information, click here.

Affinegy Sponsors CONNECTIONS 2011

Parks Associates is proud to announce that Affinegy as a Gold 2011 CONNECTIONS Sponsor.

Affinegy provides software solutions that enable seamless connectivity between consumers, their devices and their content, whether inside or outside the home. Leading service providers, consumer equipment vendors, and ISVs offer Affinegy solutions to their customers as the control point for their connected home experience. Deployed in nearly 5 million households, Affinegy solutions increase product and service adoption, slash inbound support costs, and provide an open architecture for delivering new value-added services for the consumer digital lifestyle.

Thank you Affinegy for your continued support of our events!

For more information about Affinegy and their seamless solutions for your digital lifestyle, please visit www.affinegy.com.

thePlatform Selected by Outdoor Channel for Online Video Publishing

thePlatform, the leading white-label video management and publishing company, announced that its mpx Beta video management system has been chosen to manage and publish online video for Outdoor Channel's popular website, OutdoorChannel.com. In addition, the network is using thePlatform's video player technology, including features for sharing video across social networks.

Outdoor Channel, America's leader in outdoor TV, broadcasts prominent outdoor programs focused on hunting, fishing, shooting, off-roading, adventure, and conservation. The network is available through a multitude of cable, satellite and telco providers across the United States, reaching 36 million homes, according to Nielsen Media Research.

OutdoorChannel.com, Outdoor Channel's comprehensive online platform, is the premier digital destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering in-depth show and host pages, useful information on state hunting and fishing licenses and destinations, and an interactive community section where fans can connect and share their passion. The centerpiece of OutdoorChannel.com is a state-of-the-art broadband video player that enables users to watch an extensive library of thousands of videos – the majority in an HD viewing experience.

In addition to using thePlatform's centralized video management system, mpx Beta, Outdoor Channel is also utilizing the social media capabilities of thePlatform's video player. The player includes 10 integrations with leading social media sites, such as Facebook, Twitter, Digg, Yahoo! Buzz, and provides Outdoor Channel with the flexibility to add more.

thePlatform publishes video and other media to PCs, mobile devices and TV. Media companies rely on thePlatform as their open, central hub for managing, monetizing and syndicating billions of professionally produced video views annually. thePlatform currently provides online video management services to numerous programmers, leading media companies, and five of the top cable TV service providers in North America, including the largest "TV Everywhere" deployments.

15th CONNECTIONS Conference Dates Announced

The fifteenth annual CONNECTIONS™: The Digital Living Conference & Showcase will take place on June 28-30, 2011, at the Santa Clara Convention Center. The 2011 event focuses on entertainment and media platforms, content distribution, mobile applications and services, broadband and operator strategies, energy management solutions, advanced advertising initiatives, and connected CE.

Early sponsors for CONNECTIONS™ 2011 are Association Sponsor CEA and Affinegy, Allegro, iTOK, Rovi, and Sonic Solutions.

Parks Associates will also host CONNECTIONS™ Europe Summit in Amsterdam, Netherlands, November 15-16, 2010, featuring the latest consumer research on digital living technologies around the world and analysis on new business models and opportunities for TV operators, content developers, advertisers, and CE companies.

CONNECTIONS™ Summit at CES, January 6, 2011, focuses on trends, emerging business models and technologies, and growth opportunities for companies developing products and services for the digital home.

Verizon, Google 'Net Neutrality' Debate

Google Inc. and Verizon Communications Inc. called for equal treatment of most Internet traffic while at the same time saying fast-growing cellular networks and yet-to-be-developed broadband services should be exempt from such restrictions.

Google and Verizon released a proposal arguing that broadband providers shouldn't be able to discriminate against Internet content providers.

The ideas outlined in the proposal put forth by the Internet search giant and one of the largest broadband providers stand in contrast to the Federal Communications Commission's recent proposals on "net neutrality" rules, which would prevent companies from giving preferential handling to certain types of online traffic.

The joint endorsement of exempting wireless services from net neutrality is a significant victory for cellular broadband providers such as Verizon, which have said that excessive regulation of those services would stifle their investments.

Cellular Internet access is becoming an increasingly important profit center for telecommunications companies as more consumers adopt mobile Web tools such as smart phones like the iPhone and phones based on Google's Android software.

For more information, click here.

AT&T Code Scanner, Free Mobile Application for Scanning Mobile Barcodes Now Available

AT&T is furthering its innovation with mobile barcodes with the availability of a free mobile application to read barcodes utilizing a variety of mobile devices across multiple platforms including Android and BlackBerry.

The announcement is the latest milestone in AT&T's efforts to develop mobile barcodes into an effective direct response solution for brands and their consumers. To that end, the company is investing in AT&T Mobile Barcode Services, a suite of products and services that enables marketers to provide measurable experiences with their target audience, at the moment of interest.

AT&T Mobile Barcode Services include:

AT&T Code Scanner: a free mobile application which provides a fun and easy way to scan 2D and 1D barcodes found in magazines, stores, and online, unlocking new ways to experience the world. Consumers can download the free application through several app stores including BlackBerry App World and Android Market on their mobile device. AT&T Code Scanner provides consumers with the tool they need to experience a sneak-peak into the exciting potential of this emerging mobile technology.

AT&T Create-a-Code: is a free service that allows consumers to create their own personal mobile barcodes. Mobile barcodes can be created to direct friends and family to a v-card, Facebook account, personal blog or favorite website.

Code Management Platform: built for business to create, manage and measure mobile barcodes campaign experiences for their customers. It is available now for AT&T's Mobile Barcode Charter Program members, with future availability to all business segments.

Consumer barcode scanning represents the next generation of interactive targeted marketing, enabling advertisers to deliver relevant content and offers to consumers, as well as being a valuable and efficient tool for consumers to search for promotions and information using their mobile device.

In a recent United States consumer survey, 80% of respondents indicated interest in scanning barcodes with their mobile phone. Sixty-nine percent of those surveyed want to scan barcodes to capture and redeem coupons and discounts.

Earlier this year, AT&T announced the formation of a 2D barcode charter program designed to provide AT&T and its customers with a better understanding of the marketing and advertising potential that 2D barcodes offers. AT&T is working closely with the companies presently participating in the program to test consumer response rates as well as the effectiveness of consumer barcode scanning technology as an interactive marketing vehicle.

For more information, click here.

Call Facebook friends for free with Vonage App

Vonage has introduced two apps that allow you to make free phone calls to your Facebook friends nationally and internationally. The apps, called Vonage Mobile for Facebook, are available free for the iPhone and Android phones.

The app is very simple to use. Load it and sign in as you do for Facebook. You will be asked what information you want to allow your friends access to, and you will probably at this point receive the message “Less than 5 of your friends have Vonage mobile for Facebook.” It then suggests that you invite some.

Calls can be connected over Wi-Fi or over 3G, although using 3G will use your data minutes. Connections made over Wi-Fi are free – and you save voice minutes even on local calls.

To read the full NY Times article, click here.

thePlatform Unveils New Capabilities to Support Online Video Businesses

Media companies and content owners face an expanding challenge trying to publish their video assets across multiple devices with varying rights restrictions and advertising obligations. ThePlatform, the leading white-label video publishing company, launched a suite of new features to enhance its customers' ability to enforce video business policies, monetization models, and content restrictions using the company's mpx Beta video management system.

Specifically, mpx Beta now includes new tools for creating and managing curated video feeds, integrated support for applying advertising policies, and additional capabilities to enforce viewing restrictions for TV shows, live events, movies, clips, and more. In addition, the company published a new security white paper on best- practices, including methods of securing content between storage and the CDN (content delivery network), and in various playback scenarios.

Introduced by thePlatform earlier this year, mpx Beta offers features to make managing large content libraries easier; versatile tools to enable more business models across an ever-expanding number of websites, mobile devices, and set-top-boxes; and a continuing commitment to enterprise class performance. The new enhancements to mpx Beta features include: Curated Feeds Drive More Video Views, Advanced Restrictions, Integrated Advertising Policy Management, and New Media Security White Paper.

For more information, click here.

Ralink sponsors CONNECTIONS Europe 2010

CONNECTIONS Europe is excited to announce RalinkTechnology Corporation as a 2010 Advisory Sponsor.

Ralink Technology Corporation is a leading innovator and developer of wireless chipset solutions. Ralink products are recognized for the superior throughput, extended range, low-power consumption and consistent reliability required for Wi-Fi, mobile and embedded applications. These feature-rich chipsets have a high level of chip integration, enabling customers to build smaller and more sophisticated mobile wireless products cost-effectively.

Ralink’s patented MIMObility™ technology extends Wi-Fi applications from traditional PC networking to a range of digital multimedia and handheld devices including cell phones, PDAs, cameras, print servers, HDTV and video game players. Ralink customers can look forward to continuous improvements in speed, bandwidth and reliability with IEEE 802.11n solutions for next-generation high-performance Wi-Fi. Ralink Technology was founded in 2001 with headquarters in Hsin-chu, Taiwan and an R&D center in Cupertino, California.

For more information, visit Ralink at www.ralinktech.com.

AT&T Launches Wi-Fi Hotzone in Chicago

AT&T announced the launch of an AT&T Wi-Fi hotzone in Chicago that will complement the mobile broadband experience for AT&T customers who use Wi-Fi enabled devices while in Wrigleyville — the neighborhood of restaurants and shops surrounding Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs. The new Wi-Fi hotzone provides coverage along the streets and in the outdoor areas of Wrigleyville on the south, east and west sides of the stadium.

The Chicago AT&T Wi-Fi hotzone is the third to be deployed as part of a pilot project to examine using Wi-Fi to supplement AT&T's mobile broadband coverage in areas with consistently high 3G traffic and mobile data use. The first pilot AT&T Wi-Fi hotzone launched in New York City's Times Square in May, and customer response has been positive; as a result, additional Wi-Fi hotzones have been turned up in downtown Charlotte, N.C. and now Chicago.

AT&T is using wireless technologies to mobilize everything that's important to customers – their favorite content, apps, entertainment and social networks. AT&T today delivers the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, as well as the nation's largest Wi-Fi network, giving customers the best combination of speed and coverage.

The popularity of Wi-Fi service — particularly on mobile phones — has grown tremendously. In the second quarter 2010, AT&T handled 68.1 million Wi-Fi connections on its network, compared to just 15 million in the same quarter last year. Customers have made 121.2 million connections in the first half of 2010, already far surpassing the 85.5 million connections made in all of 2009.

Many of the most popular AT&T smartphones support auto-authentication at AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots, making it automatic and convenient for customers to connect. Customers can log onto AT&T Wi-Fi hotzones and more than 20,000 AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots nationwide without it counting toward their monthly smartphone data usage.

AT&T's Wi-Fi network complements its wired broadband and wireless 3G networks, offering Wi-Fi connectivity at popular locations like retail stores, restaurants and coffee shops from coast-to-coast. For more information click here.

Is Hulu really dying?

The popular online video site, Hulu has been gaining popularity and increasing its visitors since its launch date in 2007, but the popularity may be dropping off. Although Hulu has been proving that networks can make money by making their content available online for free, the number of videos viewed in June verus May decreased from 43 million to 24 million according to ComScore.

Technicolor's 3D Services Enable the Launch of DIRECTV's First 3D VOD Service

Technicolor announced the signing of a three year contract extension to provide a wide range of SD and HD set-top boxes to DIRECTV.

Since the beginning of this relationship, Technicolor has provided more than 48 million set-top-boxes to DIRECTV. The contract extension will allow the two companies to further develop their collaboration in new areas such as 3D. DIRECTV is the first video service provider to offer a suite of three dedicated 3D channels including n3D On Demand.

Technicolor, widely recognised as one of the leading suppliers of set-top boxes worldwide, reached the milestone of delivering 100 million digital set-top boxes at the end of past year.