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.