ABC planned to use Chyron’s graphics equipment for its broadcast of the Super Bowl in high-definition. ABC has used Chyron’s Duet system for its previous HD broadcast of the Super Bowl and will also use it for NBA games and the NHL Stanley Cup.
NBC feed service goes with Teletrax
NBC News Channel has begun tracking the use of its news video through a video watermarking service from Teletrax. With the Teletrax system, NBC News Channel, the affiliate feed service for NBC, can monitor the usage of its video to discern what’s working and what’s not for different affiliates. NBC News Channel began testing the service in the latter half of 2002. The agreement marks Teletrax’s first U.S. deployment of its service. “I think it will open the door for Teletrax, and it gives us a firm foundation for our product,” said Andy Nobbs, managing director of Teletrax. Teletrax will monitor more than 100 stations in 85 markets to provide detailed usage information.
ICTV adds two VPs of sales
In a positive sign for the interactive TV industry ICTV has expanded its sales force and added two VPs of sales: Steve Bucholz and Mike Kropf. They will be responsible for growing the business with cable operators in the United States and Canada.
Shaw deploys 2nd nCube VOD server
nCube secured its second video-on-demand deployment with Canadian cable operator Shaw, which launched VOD service in its Vancouver, British Columbia, market in mid-January using nCube’s video servers.