* CTAM, CableLabs offer OCAP primer
CableLabs and the Cable & Telecommunications Association for Marketing (CTAM) have launched a free online guide to the OpenCable Application Platform, a specified middleware for OpenCable “hosts” such as digital set-tops and televisions.
“The OCAP Primer” covers the basics of the middleware, devices that can support it, and the business “value proposition” OCAP presents.
CableLabs and CTAM commissioned the work, which was developed by Interactive TV Works Inc.
* Telecom Italia puts Microsoft TV into deployment mode
Following earlier trials, Telecom Italia has signed Microsoft TV to a long-term deal to support IPTV and other broadband services.
Under the deal, Telecom Italia will tap Microsoft TV’s IPTV Edition software platform to power its “Alice Home TV” service, which is set to launch later this year, with expectations that it will become available to more than 1 million subs within five years. The telco will also leverage the Microsoft Connected Services Framework as a baseline for other fixed and mobile services, including a 3 gigabyte e-mail box application and hosted messaging services.
Alcatel is serving as the project’s primary integrator.
* Cedar Point picks Mindspeed VoIP chips
Cedar Point Communications has agreed to power its SAFARI C3 Multimedia Switching System with VoIP processors from Mindspeed Technologies.
Mindspeed’s platform, which includes its “Comcerto” processors, is a VoIP system-on-a-chip optimized for the PacketCable architecture, the vendor said.
The SAFARI C3 combines several PacketCable network elements, including the call management server, into one device.
* Newfound completes DV6000 buy
Newfound Technology Corp. has completed an earlier-announced deal to purchase the DV6000 product line from C-COR Inc.
With the deal done, the DV6000 will be added to Newfound’s video transport division, Artel Video Systems.
