IDC eyes broadcasting companies

Satellite technology maker International Datacasting Corporation (IDC) is planning to make a second strategic acquisition this year to add to its expanding broadcasting business, reports Ottawa Business Journal.

The IDC recently bought digital video and radio distribution product company Comtech Tiernan Video for $2 million, saying it has entered into a non-binding term sheet to buy select product lines and related technology from San Diego-based Logic Innovations.

"Logic Innovations has been one of the pioneers in the broadcast industry. It will bring first-class new products to our portfolio of multimedia solutions and an impressive customer list," says IDC chief executive Ron Clifton. He adds that the purchase is an "excellent fit" with its acquisition of Tiernan.

The Vietnam News Agency (VNA) and its Republic of Korea counterpart Yonhap have signed a five-point memorandum of understanding, focusing on exclusive rights and conditions for a joint TV broadcasting project next year, reports Bernama.

The memorandum was signed by VNA general director, Tran Mai Huong, and Yonhap president and general director, Park Jung Chan, in Seoul.

The two news agencies will share experiences and technology in preparations for broadcasting new TV channels, jointly conduct free-of-charge programmes, and exchange TV programmes and products, concludes the Vietnam news agency.

The first phase of the national data transmission backbone infrastructure has been completed, says New Vision Online.

The infrastructure consists of a broadband network with the capacity to handle telecom services and broadcast services across the country. During a verification tour of the new technologies, the MPs made video test calls to different government offices that are now connected by the lines.

The $106-million project has been characterised by controversy over irregularities in the procurement of the contractor and inflated product prices.