New Blog Address

Thank you for following the Parks Associates Analyst Blog. We look forward to you joining us at our new blog address. Please click here to be re-directed to the new site.

Thank you again!

President of Parks Associates Will be Speaking at the IPTV World Forum 2011

IP&TV World Forum will take place on March 22-24, 2011 in Olympia, London.

Stuart Sikes, President, Parks Associates will be chairing the "Networked Home" part of the Network Optimization track on Tuesday, March 22nd at 11:30 AM.

Now in its 7th year, the IP&TV World Forum continues to evolve with the industry to reflect the central issues of connected TV solutions and hybrid TV business models. This year IP&TV World Forum brings a greater emphasis on TV business strategies, with a new track focusing content acquisition and management, pricing and advertising. The deployment of IP in the cable market and the rise of connected TV is again core coverage, whilst optimizing the home and network for IP video is covered in depth in a specific track.

For more information, please click here.

3D VOD Streaming from Samsung, Parnership with DreamWorks comes to life

The much anticipated 3D video streaming service from Samsung has been given a green light, back home, in South Korea. This service will bring a partnership with DreamWorks Animation, and will breathe new life into 3DTV viewing.

Uncertain as to what content will be released, and when, most likely movie trailers, children's educational films, and music videos, will be streaming first in the 3D application, via Samsung’s Smart TV platform. On the downside, the U.S. and Europe will have to wait their turn for this VOD rollout.

For the rest of the world, this new 3D video streaming service will trickle down the line, and will eventually be available all across the globe.

Time Warner Cable's TWCable - Live Cable Channels on the iPad

Although our report Television Services: Global Outlook (2nd Edition) cited a few international examples of "TV Everywhere" services incorporating live streams (CJ HelloVision in South Korea is the most prominent), we hadn't found one U.S. operator deploying such a service. However, Time Warner Cable yesterday launched TWCable, an app for the iPad that allows subscribers to stream a number of live cable channels to the tablet computer. Our research - including the recent Digital Video: Three Screens and Beyond - finds that one-third of consumers age 18-34 are highly interested in the ability to watch live TV streams via the iPad.

Stores can't keep Apple's iPad 2 in stock, crowds flock to buy them

The latest version of the iPad, the iPad 2, is thinner, lighter and more powerful than its predecessor. It has added a camera, in the front and back, for video conferencing, taking photos and video. And within hours of its introduction at Apple stores nationwide, the iPad 2 sold out. While consumers know there’s more than one way to buy electronic devices, Apple’s online store was estimating shipping delays of three to four weeks, for all modifications of the iPad 2.

Have no fear, for the iPad 2 is also being sold by retailers like Best Buy, Target, and Wal-Mart. Although supplies were tight there, it is also being sold at Apple's wireless-carrier partners, AT&T and Verizon Wireless, as well. It retails between $499 and $829.

Please click here to read the full article.

3G subscribers will double over next five years, with global 3G+ tablet sales to exceed 68 million by 2015

Parks Associates forecasts more than 68 million of the 126 million tablets sold worldwide in 2015 will have 3G or greater technology. The research firm's latest report Mobile Broadband & Mobile Computing Devices shows 29% of the 16.5 million tablets sold in 2010 featured embedded 3G technology, while tablets with 3G/4G technology will account for over one-half of all tablets sold in 2015.

Consumer demand for mobile data will increase further as carriers continue to deploy 3G and 4G networks around the world, enabling better user experiences and opening new markets to reliable mobile Internet access. 3G subscribers will double over the next five years to account for 47% of total mobile subscribers in 2015, with an additional 5% of mobile subscribers receiving 4G service. The ability to turn this growing data usage into revenue will be the key challenge for carriers going forward.

Carriers need to optimize network performance, be selective about subsidizing mobile platforms, and monetize Wi-Fi assets in order to stay profitable. Additionally, carriers need to offer more pricing options with flexible rules to fit consumers’ access needs.

Comcast Introduces Xfinity Signature Support

Comcast Corporation recently announced the launch of a new 24x7 technical support and equipment protection program for the growing number of home electronics devices – like laptops, home networking equipment, gaming consoles, Wi-Fi enabled smart phones and tablets – people are connecting to Comcast’s services. Called Xfinity Signature Support, this service offers customers a single source for troubleshooting and support for their computers, home networks and many other devices and is another step in the company’s focus on delivering an end-to-end exceptional customer experience backed by the Comcast Customer Guarantee.

The new offering enables customers to select an enhanced level of technical support with monthly subscription plans and one-time support options and is offered in addition to the 24x7 support Comcast already provides for its video, high-speed Internet and phone services.

According to a 2010 survey by Parks Associates, more than 50 percent of Americans with Internet service look to their broadband provider as their first or second choice in solving their home computer-related technical issues. Additionally, 75 percent of those surveyed prefer to receive all of their technical support services from a single vendor.

With Xfinity Signature Support, Comcast customers will have access to knowledgeable and experienced IT specialists who can provide supplementary technical support online, over the phone or in the home. Assistance is available either as part of a monthly subscription plan or on a stand-alone basis for one-time fixes, such as virus removal or connecting printers or game consoles to wireless networks. Xfinity Signature Support also offers extended equipment plans covering computers and flat-panel TVs.

For more information, please visit www.xfinity.com/signaturesupport.

Nintendo® Plans new 3D Super Mario Game, Announces AT&T, Netflix Collaborations

Nintendo is getting ready to launch a new Super Mario 3D game for its Nintendo 3DS portable system. Not only are they going to be announcing this new game, but they are also going to be announcing two upcoming collaborations. The first will be with AT&T, that will allow game users access to over 10,000 Wi-Fi Hot Spots. While some consumers will be enjoying the wireless connection, Netflix members can also enjoy streaming both movies and other content on their Nintendo 3DS systems.

Nintendo 3DS is scheduled to launch, in the U.S., on March 27. It will be retailing for a suggested price of $249.99. One of its most interesting features is that it gives users the ability to view 3D content without the need for special 3D glasses. The new Super Mario 3DS game will feature the traditional Mario™, and is expected to bring true depth and distance to the game experience. This new game was created by the same team that created Super Mario Galaxy™ and Super Mario Galaxy 2 for the Wii ™.

Nintendo plans to provide their 3DS owners with a wireless system update that will activate the Nintendo eShop, allowing users access to additional features. This update feature will be provided to users at the end of May. It will also provide solutions for Nintendo DSi™ and Nintendo DSi XL™ owners to transfer their Nintendo DSiWare games to the new Nintendo 3DS systems.

For the full article, please click here.