Given the fast changing configuration of the satellite-cable TV market, is the merger of DirecTV and its chief rival Dish Network now appropriate and sensible?  The answer is a clear “yes” from both companies. 

Mike White, DirecTV’s chairman and CEO, told the Goldman Sachs Communacopia media conference this week that consolidation between the USA’s two giant DTH players would benefit the consumer and yet still be competitive. He was quoted in an earlier forum saying while it might take a lot of work to do a deal he’d “never say never.”

As operators, broadcasters and content providers continue to look for ways to monetise content delivery, next week’s CDN World Summit will exclusively reveal ground-breaking insights, provide future forecasts for CDN, and give visitors the opportunity to meet all of the major players within the ecosystem. As part of its evolution, the event will this year explore key areas such as Network Function Virtualisation (NFV), Software Defined Networking (SDN), Edge Caching and the Cloud.

New strategiess to capture and retain viewers, while increasing advertisement potential, were key areas of focus on the second day of the CASBAA 2013 in Hong Kong. Global and Asian industry leaders joined media personalities to examine successful strategies and techniques.

Emerging Markets Communications (EMC), a satellite and terrestrial communications solution provider and satcom technology manufacturer, has acquired STM and its affiliate entities Global IP and Vodanet Brasil.

Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

Asia Pacific’s exploding pay-TV market, piracy and the challenges of regulations took the spotlight on the first day of the CASBAA Convention 2013, entitled Change is ON THE AIR. Starring global and Asian industry leaders, regulators, media personalities and technologists, the conference discussed key opportunities and concerns that are shaping the media and broadcasting industry.

Globecomm Systems Inc. has reported a drop in its revenue to US$ 80.6 million during the fiscal 2013 fourth quarter, compared to US$ 104.8 million in the same period last year, as the company completed a major government project in January 2013.

The decrease in revenue, equivalent to 23.1 percent, resulted in the reduction of net income to $4.6 million, or $0.20 of diluted net income per common share, compared to net income of $7.1 million, or $0.31 net income per common share in the same period last year.

Quintech Electronics & Communications is acquiring 100 percent of all shares of DEV Systemtechnik GmbH & Co. KG. Quintech, headquartered in Indiana, PA, supplies RF signal routing equipment for over 24 years. Quintech’s product line includes matrix switches, routers, splitters, combiners, amplifiers, and LNB power supplies.

DEV Systemtechnik, headquartered in Friedberg, Germany, produces RF and RF over fiber signal routing equipment, including the Optribution product line.

HEICO Corp. has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Lucix Corp., a designer and manufacturer of high performance, high reliability microwave modules, units, and integrated sub-systems for commercial and military satellites.

HEICO said the purchase will be made for an undisclosed amount of cash to be paid at closing and future potential cash payments if Lucix should meet certain performance criteria. Lucix's financial information was not disclosed.

According to a Carrier ID survey, carried out by the Satellite Interference Reduction Group (IRG) and Newtec, 93% of respondents suffer from satellite interference at least once a year, with more than half suffering at least once a month and 17% continuously in their day to day operations.

With a little more than a month until the CASBAA Convention 2013, the Association announced a stellar roster of speakers who will be taking part in a variety of compelling panel discussions during the event. Taking place from 21-24 October 2013 at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, the 20th edition of the Convention will celebrate the continually evolving broadcasting industry with Change is ON THE AIR.