Silver Spring, Md. - Broadband Internet speeds are seen as more important to consumers than HDTV and other new services, according to a new survey by Pike & Fischer.

When it comes to broadband internet access, you can have speed or large volumes of data transfer. You can't have both. One certainty in the broadband world is that for those of us with cable or DSL modems connecting us to the internet, there is still a finite amount of bandwidth available. When a user consumes a disproportionate and significant amount of bandwidth, it can and will slow down everyone. I hate that.

Port Washington, N.Y. - The percentage of U.S. HDTV owners aware of the next-generation Blu-ray Disc format has grown to 45%, from 35% in June 2007, but just 6% of all consumers and 9% of HDTV owners said they plan to buy a Blu-ray player in the next six months, according to a survey conducted by market research firm NPD Group.

In recent weeks, Low Power Television stations have been the center of attention in Washington in connection with the Digital television transition. While all full-power television stations are set to convert to digital operations less than a year from now, ceasing analog operations at the end of the day on February 17, 2009, there is no specific deadline for LPTV stations to convert to digital. As the NTIA rolls out its coupon program for the purchase of converter boxes that will take digital signals of over-the-air television stations and convert them to analog for those who do not have digital television receivers (see our summary here), LPTV advocates noted that many converters do not pass through analog signals.

Los Gatos, Calif. - Online DVD rental service Netflix (NASD: NFLX) announced on Thursday that it has partnered with Korea's LG Electronics, to develop a set-top box that will allow consumers to stream movies and other video from the Internet to HDTVs.

On the last day of 2007, the FCC released a 108 page order detailing its rules for the final stages of the transition of US full power television stations from analog to digital, a transition that is to be completed in less than 14 months. The Third Periodic Review, as the order is titled, covers in detail the timing of required construction of the final facilities for each full power television station, as well as various details on other transition issues. While we will prepare a more detailed summary of the order, some of the more significant issues that the Commission addressed include the following:

New York - Some 13.7% of U.S. TV households are equipped with a high-definition television and HD tuner capable of receiving HD signals, while 11.3% also receive at least one HD network or station, according to a report released on Wednesday by The Nielsen Company.

Chicago - OnSite Network, the provider of a digital ad and programming network placed in sports bars and restaurants, said on Monday that it has raised over $5 million through a private placement of its shares.

San Diego - Sony Electronics on Monday began shipping a new Blu-ray Disc player to U.S. retailers, which will carry a price tag of $499, or $100 cheaper than previously announced.

London - By 2012, 70% of European homes will own at least one HD-capable TV, up from 8% in 2006, according to a report from market research firm Strategy Analytics.

London - The number of homes worldwide with HDTV sets is expected to triple over the next five years, to 151 million, according to a report from market research firm Informa Telecoms & Media.

Atlanta - Arris, an Atlanta-based communications technology company specializing in broadband networks, announced on Tuesday that it plans to acquire Tandberg Television, a U.K.-based provider of digital video delivery networks.

Las Vegas - Korea's LG Electronics on Monday introduced the first device that offers playback of both next-generation DVD formats -- Sony's Blu-ray and Toshiba's HD DVD.