VoWiMAX (Video, that is)

The acronyms are going to get longer and longer and longer.....

Some interesting Video (not voice) over WiMAX news from IBC Amsterdam for your Friday reading pleasure:

WiNetworks Demonstrates Broadcast Quality Video Over WiMAX at IBC Exhibition in Amsterdam

WiNetworks Inc. presented today an application of real-time streaming video over WiMAX integrated with an existing DVB infrastructure. The WiNetworks patented Hybrid WiMAX DVB (HWDV(TM)) technology creates a two-way broadband network with an always-on return channel for interactive TV services such as Video on Demand and interactive gaming and polling.

The WiNetworks' solution enables the customer to order a streaming video from a typical DVB set-top-box. The request is transmitted in real-time to the DBS regional VoD server, over the always-on return channel provided by the WiMAX network. Once the IP video content is delivered through the WiMAX connection, the Hybrid WiMAX DVB (HWDV(TM)) technology converts it into the DVB format and delivers it to the existing set-top-box for customer viewing. The embedded QoS algorithm assigns higher priority to the video content over the other WiMAX-delivered data services allowing high quality viewing.
The WiNetworks solution enables DBS operators to deliver Interactive TV and VoD over the large installed-base of customers' set-top-boxes eliminating the need for expensive equipment replacements.

"There is growing competition on core TV service offerings, which is intensifying as a result of the overall shift to bundled, triple-play service offerings in the marketplace," says Anette Schaefer from the Yankee Group, "In order for DBS operators to remain competitive, they must offer triple-play services over their own networks. WiNetworks fills a gap by delivering a solution that enables DBS Operators to attach equipment to an existing infrastructure and immediately offer interactive services to their customers."

WiNetworks' solution leverages the installed customer premise infrastructure (e.g., dish, existing coax wiring, existing STB, etc.). DBS operators are able to upgrade their one-way network to a two-way broadband infrastructure for a low CAPEX and a fast ROI. This eliminates the need for cooperating with other networks and creates a new revenue stream from interactive services such as VoD services, polling, gaming, local advertisement insertion, video conferencing, etc.

"This first-time ever demonstration of VoD over WiMAX is a turning point for one-way network infrastructures," states Mr. Effi Atad, WiNetworks' CEO, "By capitalizing on the existing infrastructure to create a two-way broadband network and offer bundled Triple Play services with little investment costs, DBS operators are immediately equipped to compete with the new challenges in the market ".
WiNetworks is presenting its fully-operational DBS Triple-Play solutions including VoD, Home Networking, and Multi-Tenant Unit solutions during IBC2005, Amsterdam, Sept. 9-13, Booth 3.324.