NETGEAR selects Gigle Networks' Intelligent Switch for Home Networking Kit

Gigle Networks, the leading developer of intelligent multi-PHY switching devices for both wired and wireless entertainment--grade home networking, announced that NETGEAR, Inc., a worldwide provider of technologically innovative, branded networking solutions, has selected Gigle Networks' GGL301 HomePlugR AV / IEEE 1901 solution with Xtendnet intelligent switching technology to give its XAV101V2 powerline adapters best-in-class network coverage and reliability in the home.

NETGEAR's XAV101V2 enables consumers to quickly and easily connect their multimedia devices and share digital content using the existing electrical wiring in their homes. Advanced quality of service (QoS) support enables simultaneous delivery of high definition (HD) video streams, voice over IP (VoIP) calls, streaming audio, broadband data and other demanding broadband services. The NETGEAR XAV101V2 adapters' embedded Gigle GGL301 HomePlugR AV / IEEE 1901 technology simplifies installation, eliminating the need for cumbersome configuration software, or special knowledge of networking technology. Users set up a point-to-point connection by simply plugging the adapter into a power outlet; additional devices can be joined to the network by plugging them into other outlets in the home. Security can be automatically configured by pressing the Push-and-Secure button.

For the full press release, click here.

NBC utilizes Facebook for "Community" Premiere

NBC's pilot, Community, a smart comedy series will make its premiere on online with Facebook (not NBC.com and not NBC-owned Hulu). If you want a sneak peek at the new sitcom, you have to become a fan of it on Facebook.

According to NewTeeVee, "this is the first network programming premiere that the social network has hosted. Facebook is already exerting itself as a personal video sharing platform — extending that influence into premium content should have the folks at Hulu HQ concerned. Sure Hulu has Facebook Connect, but that’s still one step removed from putting the show right where people are already interacting and sharing what they like. Additionally, with Facebook, as opposed to other sites, the fan additions, comments and reviews are from real people."

Beginning September 17th, Community is about a band of misfits who attend Greendale Community College.

Social Video and User-generated Content

Summary information from Day 2: CONNECTIONS™ May 2007, hosted in Santa Clara, CA

What will be the ultimate impact of the social video movement? This panel shares views and analysis of what Web 2.0 will really mean to the video space once the hype subsides.

Huan C. Le, Vice President, Business Development, Break.com
Fred McIntyre, Senior Vice President, AOL Video, AOL LLC
Matt Sanchez, CEO & Co-founder, VideoEgg, Inc.
Garrick Schmitt, Vice President and National Lead, User Experience, Avenue A Razorfish
Michelle Wu, CEO, MediaZone
Moderator: John Barrett, Director, Research, Parks Associates

Specific Questions to Address:

• How important is the consumers’ role in social video? Do they provide more than just a way for sites to by-pass copyright laws?
• Will advertisers pay top dollar for cheaply produced, user-generated content?
• Will advertising on user-generated content always be discounted against commercially produced content?
• How blurry will the line be between commercial and user-generated video?
• What will be the long-term impact of social video on the entertainment business?

The rise of video sharing has surpassed even the growth of social networking sites. Panelists discussed the role of the consumer in social video, the opportunities and challenges in monetizing social video, and the future evolutionary path of social video. John Barrett introduced the topic by discussing the types of content that users are viewing on video-sharing sites. There is a misconception that the bulk of videos being viewed on video-sharing sites are user generated. According to Parks Associates’ research, the most popular forms of content being viewed on video-sharing sites are professionally created — 76% of consumers surveyed watch Movie Previews, 75% watch TV Clips, and 72% watch Music Videos.

The panelists felt user-generated content will play a key role in consumer services moving forward. The current emphasis on content, however, will gradually transition to an emphasis on community. Moreover, the revenue potential of the space will eventually push players to resolve the digital rights management issues surrounding the use of commercial content in user-generated content.