SAN JOSE, Calif., February 27, 2006 – Cisco Systems, Inc., today announced it has completed the acquisition of Scientific-Atlanta of Lawrenceville, Georgia. Scientific-Atlanta is a leading global provider of set-top boxes, end-to-end video distribution networks and video systems integration. This acquisition will allow Cisco to offer a world class, end-to-end data, voice, video, and mobility solution for carrier networks and the digital home. Under the terms of the agreement, Cisco paid $43 per share in cash in exchange for each share of Scientific-Atlanta, and assumed outstanding options, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $7.0 billion, or approximately $5.1 billion net of Scientific-Atlanta’s existing cash balance.

Seems Cisco is ’somewhat bullish’ on future prospects of IPTV..

ICTV’s mosaic solution, the initial result of its recent merger with Switched Media, will enable cable system operators, programmers and integrators to deploy the video industry’s first interactive multichannel mosaics that can be aligned to reflect individual subscribers’ viewing preferences. In addition to providing live video from, and navigation through, multiple channels simultaneously, the ICTV technology will enable personal mosaics to be assembled by subscriber, operator or programmer choice, or via system response to subscriber viewing habits, on any set top box.

During the February 26-28 conference at CableLabs Winter Conference in Colorado Springs, ICTV will show how its technology enables subscribers to create tailored navigational mosaics. The demonstration will include compilation of six live video feeds from a large group of channels, navigation and channel selection via the mosaic, and insertion of new favorites into the mosaic to meet changes in viewing needs. ICTV also will demonstrate the capability of blending interactive elements, including targeted advertising, within the mosaic screens.

We’ve all seen lots of YouTube and Google Video portal type content but now – and lets face it folks it was only a matter of time – here’s a a Digg like collaborative community driven site for trolling up the video on the web; check it out at VideoSift.

[via mefi projects]

Over 50,000 articles onsite, a fast-growing social networking Friends community where you can join forums and groups and message other members; and thousands of videos on just as many topics of interest to men. The site also features tasteful, non-nude pictorials and full length interviews with some of the world’s most beautiful and talented young models and actresses, as well as the ‘the girls next door’.

Featured models have included Supermodel/Actress Amber Smith, sports newscaster and Correspondent Bonnie-Jill Laflin, calendar bombshell Vida Guerra plus Nikki Ziering, Karen McDougal and Brooke Banx.

Whaddya waiting for — Oh Ya Right — The Link.

The Daily Shows 6:12 segment of “Trendspotting with Demetri Martin” from Comedy Central looks at social networking sites, particularly Myspace. Broadcast February 15th, 2006.

Embedded Flash Player to view after the Jump

Revver supports video creators by helping them earn money and distribute their work widely. By attaching ads to the video, creators can track their content anywhere online and make money every time a user clicks on the ad. Revver benefits creators, advertisers and viewers by enabling content to be free and accessible while still rewarding creators, it’s the best of both worlds.

When users click on a Revverized ad, the advertiser pays for that click. All advertiser income is split 50/50. If there’s an affiliate involved, they get 20% off the top, and the rest is split 50/50. It’s that simple, no hidden charges, and total transparency. You’ll never wonder how well your video is performing, you can monitor it in real time.

Google Valentines Video, #2 spot links to a great vlog

NBC is significantly expanding its Olympics video offerings for the internet and mobile phones, a sure sign of its increased comfort with technologies that erect geographic boundaries online, however the video access will be limited to internet users in the United States.

The network’s official Olympics site, NBCOlympics.com, will show for free, on a delayed basis, the complete runs and routines for the top finishers and for all U.S. participants in almost every event. None of the video will be live; in most cases it won’t be available online or on phones until the end of NBC’s broadcast day, generally 11:30 p.m. ET. By contrast, the BBC is simulcasting five television feeds, though only to U.K. residents.

We count at least 5 major ad. brands on the home page including AT&T, Coke, Sun Microsystems, Samsung and Intel. It would be very interesting to see the cost / benefit data once this project is finished. Via: Wired

UPDATE: NBCOlympics.com Sets Record, Makes Money

In the past, NBC worried that putting Olympics video online would eat into TV ratings. Those worries are starting to fade, as this year’s decision to run video online just after they air has paid dividends. By Feb. 22, NBCOlympics.com served up 6.4 million video streams, with 72,000 hours of video watched. Plus, the site had 278 million page views, shattering the old record of 251.4 million page views from all of the 2004 Summer Games.

NBC Universal’s Dick Ebersol told AdAge that this will be the first time NBC has turned a profit with its website, projecting it would bring in about $5 million to $6 million for its entire run. Ebersol said that by 2012, even more people will be watching the Olympics online or on other platforms. “To this point, the money that pays for the Olympics, for our rights, is still largely money coming from TV advertising,” he said. “As soon as we see significant money start to come in from fields like the Internet and wireless, we’ll adjust our policies even more.” Of course, NBC isn’t the only game in town for following the Olympics. News.com notes that Yahoo, ESPN and various blogs and podcasts have also made hay with Olympic coverage online. Via: OPA

Few have dared to tell the real story…until now. With remarkable access to FBI and DEA agents and former mobsters, National Geographic Channel gets intimate detail on the cutthroat deals, gangland assassinations and secret rituals within the infamous global mob.

Get Inside the Mafia with this full-screen interactive Flash feature which includes video interviews with the legendary undercover agent known as Donny Brasco.

With a title like that what more could we say. The Miller Lite “Tastes Great vs. Less Filling” one was funny..!! Head over to iFilm and see them all.. if you’re not too busy.

If you want to see the whole line-up of the TVCM’s that did make the final cut this year, Google has them all set-up to watch one after another Here. Total run-time 30mins