CES 2009: Comcast, TWC To Flip Tru2way Switch By July 1 [Multichannel News]
CableLab's Tru2way standard is set to hit a major milestone on July 1st of this year, as the two largest cable operators in the nation confirmed their commitment that 100% of their systems will be Tru2way ready. Tru2way promises to bring real interactivity to cable television, providing a platform for developers to create applications that can be deployed to set-tops or tru2way televisions for viewers' use. It will also open up a retail market for set top boxes with all types of high-end functionality.
Last year, the six largest cable operators committed to consumer electronics manufacturers that Tru2way would be deployed by July 1, 2009 so consumers could begin taking advantage of Tru2way devices. These cable operators are also in the process of rolling out millions of tru2way set-top boxes in certain markets. Two markets -- Chicago and Denver had an early roll-out of True2way in the retail set top market. Expect more later in 2009 and through 2010.
One interesting note from the article is that Time Warner is exploring ways to bring Internet video onto televisions via the Tru2way standard.
Google #4 On Spamhaus Spam Network List [Broadband Reports]
Spamhaus, an online organization that tracks spamming threats, has released its latest list of the worst spam generating networks. Online search giant Google, ranked fourth on that list. Based Spamhaus' report, spammers are using Google Documents to host pages that redirect to "rogue pharmacy sites." Gmail is used frequently by advance fee fraudsters - those emails promising that you're entitled to millions of dollars from a foreign country if you'll only send a few thousand dollars in advance as a guarantee. For their part, Google says it's going to make improvements to ensure that spammers aren't using its network to advance their schemes.
Checking Out 3-D TV [Multichannel News - Bit Rate]
Todd Spangler writes a review of Sony and Panasonic's 3-D television prototypes, the next big thing in high definition video. Spangler's verdict? While Sony's system featured lighter glasses and worked a bit better, both systems were "very, very cool." Apparently sporting events in 3-D were especially cool - like being at the game. Sony recently broadcast the BCS National Championship game in 3-D for viewers in select movie theaters around the country. CableLabs is already researching standards that will help to deliver 3-D television in high definition to consumers in their homes.
Trojan Found At Torrent Sites Insists "Downloading Is Wrong" [Slashdot]
Looks like the some of the peer-to-peer crowd have caught a virus from popular Bit Torrent file sharing sites. The sites, which often trade in illegally copied content, have been invaded by a Trojan that masquerades as a key generator for illegally copied software. When activated, the Trojan modifies the user's P2P software to make several file-sharing sites inaccesible and plays a sound file that says "Downloading is Wrong."
While this Trojan may be frustrating for P2Pers, they might want to count themselves lucky. P2P sites are often breeding grounds for far more destructive viruses than this one.
Comments