Hardware (DVD, TV, PMP, Set-top Box, …) News

Fortis to launch HTML5 and HbbTV Set-Top Box with ACCESS NetFront Browser
Dec 20, 2012 – ACCESS CO. has announced that its NetFront™ Browser NX 2.0, one of the industry's earliest HbbTV 1.5-compliant WebKit-based browsers, has been integrated with Fortis' HbbTV ready set-top box and is available in German retail outlets.
News categories: ACCESS CO, Fortis, Digital TV, Germany, HbbTV, Middleware, Set Top Box

ARRIS to acquire Motorola Home business from Google
Dec 19, 2012 – ARRIS (NASDAQ: ARRS) and Google (NASDAQ: GOOG) have announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which ARRIS will acquire the Motorola Home business from Motorola Mobility for $2.35 billion in a cash-and-stock transaction.
News categories: ARRIS Group, Google, Digital TV, MandA, Set Top Box

Canal+ Group selects Wyplay for next generation set-top software
Dec 19, 2012 – The CANAL+ Group has teamed with Wyplay to develop its next generation set-top box software including the implementation of an HTML5 user interface, improved overall performance and the use of open software.
News categories: Wyplay, CANAL+ Group, Digital TV, France, Middleware, Satellite, Set Top Box

TiVo Brings Spotify to TiVo Premiere Boxes
Dec 18, 2012 – TiVo (NASDAQ: TIVO) has announced the availability of the Spotify music streaming service for its TiVo Premiere boxes in the US. Spotify joins TiVo's current musical lineup of Pandora, Rhapsody, Live365 and Music Choice.
News categories: TiVo Inc, Spotify, Apps, Set Top Box, USA

85 Percent of All Flat-Panel TVs Will Be Internet-Connected Smart TVs by 2016
Dec 18, 2012 – Nearly 85 percent of all flat-panel TVs produced in 2016 will be smart TVs, according to Gartner. Worldwide unit production of flat-panel smart TVs will grow from 69 million in 2012 to 198 million in 2016.
News categories: Gartner, Apps, Digital TV, Market Research, Smart TV, Streaming

Spain's TV industry proposes Marlin and Playready DRMs for HbbTV
Dec 13, 2012 – Spain's Asociación Española de Empresas de Televisión Interactiva (AEDETI) has proposed the adoption of DRMs from Intertrust (Marlin) and Microsoft (Playready) for HbbTV-based connected TV in the country.
News categories: AEDETI, Digital TV, HbbTV, Set Top Box, Smart TV, Spain, Streaming

Ofcom releases International Communications Market Report
Dec 13, 2012 – UK consumers lead the world in using technology to enhance their viewing experience, Ofcom research reveals. The UK is ahead of other countries for catching up with TV online and is at the forefront of using technology such as smart TVs and DVRs.
News categories: Ofcom, Cable TV, Digital TV, DVR, IPTV, Market Research, Satellite, Set Top Box, Smart TV, Streaming, Subscribers, Terrestrial, TV Everywhere, UK

MaxLinear MxL683 Tuner+ISDB-T Demodulator IC in Mitsumi 'Time Shift' NIMs
Dec 12, 2012 – MaxLinear (NYSE: MXL) has announced that Mitsumi has started volume shipments of its six-channel 'time shift' TV network interface modules (NIM) for use in Japanese televisions based on MaxLinear's MxL683.
News categories: MaxLinear, Mitsumi, Digital TV, ISDB-T, Japan, Semiconductor, Smart TV, Terrestrial

Silicon Image Introduces Single-Chip Mobile Transmitter for Smartphones and Tablets
Dec 10, 2012 – Silicon Image (NASDAQ: SIMG) has announced the UltraGig™ 6400, a complete WirelessHD transmitter for mobile devices. This ultra-low power transmitter enables robust high-definition wireless video connectivity between portable devices and large displays.
News categories: Silicon Image, Semiconductor, Smart Home, Smart TV, Smartphone, Tablet