Chris Gohlke
07-21-2006, 04:00 PM
<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,1990761,00.asp' target='_blank'>http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,1990761,00.asp</a><br /><br /></div><i>"IP-based TV (IPTV) is starting to materialize in California. Backspace Communications, a company in San Luis Obispo, announced on Monday that they have licensed content with major television networks and are one step away from being able to service their first customer. When Backspace's package called Walled Garden launches in a few weeks, customers will have access to local NBC, CBS and FOX channels, in addition to channels owned by Discovery Networks, A&E Television Networks, Lifetime Television, NBC Universal, and FOX Cable Networks. Backspace chief technology officer Joseph Lea says that the service is comparable to the cable television packages that are available in their area, but for a smaller monthly fee. Charter Communications, the cable provider in the area, has basic packages starting at $49 per month. Backspace's comparable 50-channel starter package will cost $29.95. "</i><br /><br />This looks like a pretty cool service. In addition to being cheaper than cable, they have TiVo and SlingBox functionality. I did question this statement:<br /><br /><i>"If anything, I think it's more reliable," Rogers said. "When we initially launched, our CTO made sure we got the proper encryption so it's a very reliable network."</i><br /><br />Choosing the right encryption method is not going to help you with network outages.