Congress renews satellite authorisation

US Congress has cleared a bill that re-authorises the laws governing satellite television providers, reports CQ Politics.

The legislation works with the compulsory licence programmes that satellite providers use to carry broadcast television signals without having to negotiate with individual providers.

“The bill will assure the continued satellite delivery of network television programming to rural homes that cannot receive that programming by means of an outdoor antenna or rabbit ears from a local television station,” says Rick Boucher, who chairs the Energy and Commerce subcommittee on communications, technology and the Internet.

NEP Broadcasting has purchased Premiere Entertainment for an undisclosed sum, states TVB.

Premiere specialises in creating live and taped broadcasts for the Web, and has produced multi-camera, live coverage of the Academy Awards, as well as several Hollywood film premieres.

“NEP is delighted to have Premiere Entertainment join the family,” says NEP CEO Debbie Honkus. “The outstanding work that they do, allowing clients to expand their reach to the Internet and generate buzz for their brand, is a tremendous addition to our scope of services.”

Hungry will receive 3D transmission from UPC, with the company broadcasting 3D videos, reports Broadband TV News.

UPC will make use of its existing cable network and digital mediabox. It has further announced that its digital cable service is now received in 200 000 homes and is available on the company's entire network.

“As HDTVs have gained ground within just a few years, we are confident that 3D-enabled TV sets will also be largely available in the homes in the nearest future,” says Betzalel Kenigsztein, MD of UPC Hungary. “While 3D content is limited at the moment, one only needs to look at the 3D surge in cinemas to get a sense as to how quickly content providers will look to take advantage of the increasing sales of 3D capable flat screen TVs.”