* Narad nets two more patents
Narad Networks said it has obtained two patents linked to switched Ethernet over HFC technology that is designed to support dedicated symmetrical speeds of 100 Mbps.

So far, the company has been awarded five patents related to fiber-to-the-curb system architecture, system management, traffic management and RF techniques for high-performance coax cable transmission.

* Siemens supplies IPTV gear to KPN
KPN, the largest carrier in the Netherlands, has launched an IPTV service based on Surpass equipment supplied by Siemens Communications.

The service features video-on-demand and the ability to record up to 100 hours on network storage (a la Cablevision Systems Corp.’s forthcoming RS-DVR test in the U.S.). In addition to physical equipment, Siemens has provided KPN with management systems for all applications, digital rights management, and uniform subscriber management. The middleware providing the communication between the network and the set-top box comes from Siemens subsidiary Myrio.

* Dan Rather lends gravitas to HDNet
In October, HDNet will premiere Dan Rather Reports, a weekly, one-hour news magazine produced by the former CBS News anchor.

 “Hard news needs backers who won’t back down. Mark Cuban is such a leader,” said Rather, referring to HDNet’s owner.

* Former Chairman/CEO of AT&T joins Motorola board
Motorola Inc. has elected David Dorman, the former chairman and chief executive officer of AT&T, to its board of directors, effective 10 July.

Prior to joining AT&T, Dorman was CEO of Concert, the global venture created by AT&T and British Telecommunications from 1999 to 2000, and chairman, president and CEO of PointCast, an Internet-based news and information service, from 1997 to 1999.

Prior to that Dorman was as an EVP at SBC Communications.