I love this on going discussion. Of course all of you who think that the OPEN internet will be the primary platform for the delivery of traditional tv content are wrong . But hey, thats what makes a market. Before I get into dismissing some of the traditional arguments why Online TV will take over, let me start you with one that hasn’t been used. Rural Broadband.

Dubai - KIT digital, a provider of IPTV delivery technology, announced on Tuesday that it has acquired Visual Connection, a Czech Republic-based provider of digital media and IPTV services, for $2.5 million in cash plus $7.5 million in performance-based payouts.

Toronto, Canada - Orbit E-Commerce, a developer of IPTV services for the Chinese market, said on Thursday that it will acquire NexTube Broadcasting.

Toronto - JumpTV, a Toronto-based broadcaster of live and on-demand sports and international television programming over the Internet, announced on Monday that it will merge with NeuLion, an IPTV service that offers live and on-demand sports, international and religious programming over the Internet and through set-top boxes.

London - Inuk Networks, a provider of IPTV delivery services, announced on Thursday that it has completed an $18.6 million second round of funding, led by broadcaster S4C and venture capital firm Wesley Clover.

Pompano Beach, Fla. - Onstream Media, a distributor of live and on-demand Internet video, announced on Friday that it has agreed to acquire Narrowstep, a provider of Internet TV and IPTV services.

Winter Park, Fla. - Highwinds Network Group, a provider of content delivery network services for IPTV and other applications, announced on Tuesday that it has closed a $55 million round of financing, led by General Catalyst Partners and Alta Communications.

New York - Online video broadcaster ROO Group on Monday further detailed its restructuring efforts, announcing it will shutter its business solutions unit and lay off 10 employees.

Palo Alto, Calif. - Vuze, a distributor of video content using BitTorrent peer-to-peer technology, announced that it has raised $20 million in its third round of funding, led by New Enterprise Associates.

Chicago - USTelematics (NASD: UTLM), a provider of Web-connected, in-car entertainment systems, said on Friday that it has added Apple iTunes (NASD: AAPL) functionality and services. USTelematics' Voyager product line offers live IPTV for passenger vehicles, connecting to the Internet over either 3G EVDO or WiMax networks. The product features a 40GB hard drive, delivers live streaming video, and can also play live and stored online games, from providers such as Disney Online and Xbox Live.

Hoofddorp, the Netherlands - Irdeto, a unit of media group Naspers that provides content security technology for digital TV, IPTV and mobile platforms, announced on Tuesday that it has acquired Virginia-based Cloakware, a developer of software security technology.

Reston, Va. - Avail Media, a provider of IPTV and other media services to broadband operators, announced on Thursday that it has raised $25 million in its second round of venture capital financing.

Mumbai, India - Microsoft (NASD: MSFT) announced on Tuesday a $500 million contract with Reliance Communications, to power the India-based company's IPTV service. The service will offer both HD and standard content, as well as features like video-on-demand, digital video recording, instant channel changing and personal media sharing.

Seoul, South Korea - Sony Computer Entertainment Korea plans to launch a service next month that will enable the PlayStation 3 to act as a set-top box to receive telecom KT's Mega TV IPTV service, The Korea Times reported.

San Diego - Verimatrix, a provider of content security software for pay-TV networks, announced on Thursday that it has raised $5 million in new venture capital financing, from existing investors including Mission Ventures.

Austin, Texas - Media Excel, a developer of transcoding technologies for mobile TV, IPTV and Web TV platforms, said on Tuesday that financier Red McCombs, a co-founder of Clear Channel Communications, has increased his investment in the company.

Chicago - Microsoft announced on Monday an update and name change for its Internet TV (IPTV) software, which will now be known as Mediaroom and include new features like in-home personal music and photo sharing, multiple picture-in-picture capabilities, support for digital terrestrial television, and new advanced applications tools for developers. So far, 18 IPTV providers worldwide have deployed Microsoft's IPTV software, including AT&T's U-verse service.