Factual
Comcast inks deal with Samsung for digital STB purchase
MUMBAI: Samsung Electronics and Comcast Corporation have announced a multi-year digital cable set-top box (STB) purchase agreement.
Beginning in 2007, Comcast will purchase 200,000, and subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, an additional 500,000, OpenCable Application Platform (OCAP) compliant digital cable STBs that will be capable of running Advanced Video Codecs such as all facets of Mpeg- 4 including H264 as well as Mpeg-2.
In addition, these devices are designed to leverage DOCSIS 2.0 and USB 2.0 to enable advanced interactive applications.
Comcast has also entered an agreement with Panasonic for enhanced Ocap HD-DVR STBs and Ocap software license.
These devices are part of Comcast’s newly developed series of digital cable set-top boxes, referred to as “RNG,” which are the result of Comcast’s efforts to develop next-generation devices that bring greater efficiencies to today’s cable infrastructure while adding advanced functionality.
Samsung Electronics, Co., Ltd. executive vice president Byoung Youl Yu, said, “Samsung is eager to demonstrate our commitment to deploy a new generation of set-top box solutions. We are delighted to play an integral role in this fascinating move forward in quality video technology offerings by Comcast.”
Samsung Electronics America, Inc senior vice president sales and marketing ( US Consumer Electronics and North American Corporate Marketing) Peter Weedfald added, “Samsung values the importance of providing a complete line of cable-compatible Consumer Electronics products. Aligning the Samsung brand with Comcast creates a powerful union benefiting both companies.”
Comcast executive vice president new business development Steve Silva said, “This agreement with Samsung underscores our commitment to providing consumers with an outstanding home entertainment experience. These all-digital boxes will offer customers the advanced services that our industry-leading interactive network makes possible, including video on demand, and the ability to integrate with other consumer media devices.”
Also read:
Panasonic, Comcast announce deal for enhanced Ocap HD-DVR STBs and Ocap software license
MUMBAI: India’s most famous hot seat is about to welcome an unlikely first-timer. For the first time on Hindi general entertainment television, industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla will appear on Kaun Banega Crorepati, the iconic quiz show hosted by Amitabh Bachchan.
The special episode marks a rare meeting point of boardroom heft and prime-time television, bringing one of India’s most influential business leaders face to face with the country’s most enduring screen legend. It is a crossover that blends intellect, leadership and popular culture, all under KBC’s familiar spotlight.
Birla’s appearance dovetails neatly with the show’s current theme, Jahaan Akal Hai, Wahan Akad Hai, which celebrates the confidence that comes from clarity of thought and knowledge. His presence lends weight to the idea that sharp thinking and conviction are as vital in life as they are in the quiz chair.
In a thoughtful conversation with Bachchan, Birla shared an upbeat view of India’s economic journey, pointing to the nation’s rapid growth and the scale of opportunity opening up across industries and communities. He spoke of momentum, ambition and a future shaped by enterprise and ideas.
The episode is not all serious talk. In lighter moments, Birla confessed his long-standing admiration for Bachchan, calling him his favourite actor and admitting to a touch of nervousness at answering questions in front of the Shahenshah himself. The candour adds a human touch to a man more often seen in headlines than on television sets.
The special episode airs on Monday, 29 December at 9.00 pm on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV.
