SBC to Roll Out IPTV Service as Early as Fall

REDMOND, Wash. — In another sign that the Internet Protocol TV industry is gaining speed, Microsoft and set-top device maker Scientific-Atlanta announced an agreement this week to work together on hardware for a rollout of the service by telecom giant SBC.

The alliance is an important step for SBC, which has devoted $4 billion to the project and plans to deliver its version of IPTV to select markets as soon as this fall.

The number of global IPTV subscribers is expected to swell from about 2 million in 2004 to more than 25 million in 2008 when subscriber revenue is expected to be about $7.2 billion, according to Multimedia Research Group.

The technology has praises. A January article by PC Magazine said that IPTV's broadband-enabled TV set-top box is a "technology breakthrough" with image quality that is "indistinguishable from broadcast."

Radium Ventures CEO Charles Prast earlier this summer said that his company, formerly XTV, has sold “thousands” of its set-top boxes since it debuted in January at Internext.

"Internet protocol television is a market-changing technology that adds a new dimension of interactivity to television viewing," Prast said.

PinkTV, the adult media division of Florida company Single Cell Entertainment, also is planning to debut its service via IPTV.

Telecom analysts at RHK recently concluded that rising broadband penetration is helping online entertainment steal market share from traditional media outlets.

“Broadband connectivity has been a key driver and will gain even more significance in enabling new forms of content services through the introduction of new high-quality features that will enhance the user’s experience,” said Stephane Teral, principal author of the report.

With IPTV, the technology could someday let people program their digital video recorders through their mobile phones or laptops, even if they are traveling around the world, said Ed Graczyk, marketing director for Microsoft TV.

"We refer to it as next-generation TV,'' he said.

IPTV also allows telecommunications companies, such as SBC, to offer package services for voice, video and data.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

2025 XBIZ Amsterdam Website Launches With Call for Speakers

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the website for its annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam, is now live.

NC Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Adult, Could Face Override

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein today vetoed a bill imposing new regulations that adult industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

25,000 Sign Petition to Legalize Pornography in Ukraine

An OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine has amassed the 25,000 signatures required for official consideration by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

WannaCollab Joins Pineapple Support as Supporter-Level Sponsor

WannaCollab has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

FSC Unpacks SCOTUS Age Verification Ruling in Webinar

The Free Speech Coalition conducted a public webinar Tuesday to help adult industry stakeholders understand the Supreme Court’s recent decision in FSC v. Paxton, and its potential implications.

UK Lawmaker Calls for Appointment of 'Porn Minister'

Baroness Gabrielle Bertin, the Conservative member of Parliament who recently convened a new anti-pornography task force, is calling for the appointment of a “minister for porn,” according to British news outlet The Guardian.

FSC Toasts Jeffrey Douglas for 30 Years of Service

n the very same evening when the adult industry was hit hard by the Supreme Court ruling supporting Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181, members of the Free Speech Coalition board, staff and supporters gathered to celebrate Jeffrey Douglas’ 30 years as board chair — a fitting reflection of his reputation as an eternal optimist.

TTS Opens UK Testing Location

Talent Testing Service (TTS) has opened a new U.K. location in Ware, Hertfordshire.

FSC: Age-Verification Laws Go Into Effect in South Dakota, Georgia, Wyoming on July 1

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has published a statement regarding new age verification laws set to go into effect tomorrow in South Dakota, Georgia, and Wyoming.

FSC Responds to Supreme Court Decision on Texas AV Law

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has released a statement responding to last week's Supreme Court decision on FSC v. Paxton, the Texas age verification law.

Show More