You're about to discover eight services that I think could change the way you cruise forever! In this, I talk about eight amazing, innovative and sometimes unusual services that I think could help travellers think about and cruise very differently . Some will help people cruise when they thought they could not.

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Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers aims to help you make more of your precious travel time and money on land and when cruising the oceans or rivers of the world. To help you, in every video I draw on my first-hand tips and advice from travelling every month for over 20 years and 60+ cruises.

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Princess Cruises were the first cruise line to introduce the Ocean Medallion smart wearable device that is supposed to change the way you cruise. It helps you board the ship faster, find your way around the ship, order food and drink to wherever you are on the ship, gamble and play games , locate your friends and more. But how does it really work? What are the pros and cons? Find out my thoughts, take and review of the Princess Cruises Ocean Medallion.

Numéricable has selected the Calix E7-2 Ethernet Service Access Platform and gigabit passive optical network technology to upgrade its service delivery platform in Belgium and Luxembourg. Calix, along with optical specialist Arcadiz Telecom, will work closely to roll out Numéricable’s new high-speed broadband networks to deliver business services across the region. The new platform will enable Numéricable’s customers to take advantage of advanced voice, video, and data services at symmetrical speeds ranging from 30 megabits per second (30 Mbps) up to 1 gigabit per second (1 Gbps).

Numéricable serves over 150,000 customers in Brussels with triple-play services for residential subscribers. Owned by Coditel and with a close relationship to the French Numéricable organization, with whom it shares a range of resources, Numéricable Belgium is a long-established operator with a highly dispersed coax cable network. The company has traditionally delivered triple-play residential services over its hybrid fiber coax infrastructure, but in recent years has moved increasingly towards using its fiber to connect businesses and has developed a number of specific niche markets. The company is now looking at ways to maximize the potential of its fiber infrastructure in Belgium and Luxembourg and deliver revenue-generating advanced services to its business customers.

Amino Communications will showcase at TelcoTV 2012 in Las Vegas a new breakthrough version of its Live media gateway that delivers a powerful combination of pay-TV security and exciting Android-based OTT content delivery.

The Live media gateway is the first hybrid/OTT media gateway to be powered by the new Intel Atom CE 5300 media processor. This combines dual core processing power with a range of new enhanced transcoding and encoding capabilities with multi-screen distribution to deliver content seamlessly to TVs, smartphones and tablets around the home.

Now the product has been enhanced – with a secure Linux environment, based on Amino’s proven Aminet software stack, for the delivery of payTV video, and a controlled Android virtual machine to support a wide range of OTT applications and services. The device will utilise the unparalleled hardware virtualisation features available in the Intel CE5300 SoC to run multiple virtual machines at full speed.

IPTV operators will now benefit from industry-leading revenue security solutions when using Dune HD media players, thanks to a new partnership between Dune HD and Verimatrix. Verimatrix is the specialist in securing and enhancing revenue for multi-screen digital TV services around the globe, and its Video Content Authority System for IPTV solution and embedded ViewRight security client are now available across Dune HD’s award-winning range of digital media players, enabling operators to better protect content from piracy while enhancing service revenues.

Verimatrix VCAS software-based security solutions are the most widely deployed content protection systems amongst tier-one operators globally, with a growing base of over 600 deployments. These operators and other Verimatrix partners will now be able to install Dune HD’s extensive range of digital media players and set-top boxes, which combine high performance, engineering excellence and customisable features, backed up by the highest levels of content security.

Netgem announced that Sure has partnered with Netgem to launch a new hybrid IPTV service for its customers in the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.

By working with Netgem, Sure has been able to make use of its broadband network to deliver Over the Top live and non-linear content to a hybrid STB. This means the operator can now add premium TV to its bouquet of services and offer its customers triple and quad play packages.

The new service is powered by Netgem's N8200 hybrid PVR integrating its nCloud middleware; subscribers will benefit from a brand-new TV experience that supplements UK DVB-T2 free-to-air channels for popular non-linear entertainment content and a fluid and consistent user interface.

Orange Slovensko the leading telco operator on the market uses the nangu.TV Media Platform for IPTV and OTT delivery. "With the growing demand for interactive television and more viewing possibilities, Orange sought a proven solution to bring to the market," says Product Manager at Orange, Martin Hainzl.

Orange offers their customers TV with value added features, which gives them more options and comfort than classic live TV. The VoD selection stores 50 movie titles, accessible on multiple screens: TV, PC, Smartphone or tablet. The TV Archive allows playback of content up to 7 days in the past. Customers can utilize the time shift feature to browse content already aired and watch it at their leisure with pause, play and star t over commands. They have flexibility in watching television on the go with the newly released applications for both iOS and Android devices. The nangu.TV solution allows operators to stay ahead of competition by giving cutomers the chance to be in control of how they watch TV.

TVover.net and Echo Communications are giving away 2 free Expo passes to TelcoTV 2012, Ocotber 24-26, 2012 in Las Vegas, NV, USA. The Expo pass gives you access to Exhibit Hall, Keynotes, and Vendor-Hosted Workshops. For mroe information about TelcoTV 2012 and registration, click here.

Enter to win by emailing us at media@tvover.net with subject line 'TelcoTV 2012 raffle', name, email, company, address and phone number by noon CST, October 21, 2012. The winner will be randomly drawn.

TelcoTV released a preview of results from the annual Heavy Reading State of the Video Consumer Survey. Complete findings from the 2012 survey will be presented at the TelcoTV Conference and Expo taking place October 24 to 26, 2012 at the Las Vegas Hotel, Nevada. Aditya Kishore, Senior Analyst, Heavy Reading will present the findings during his keynote address on Wednesday, October 24, 2012.

Heavy Reading’s highly anticipated State of the Video Consumer Survey, now in its fifth year, is an annual report that reveals consumer opinions about video consumption across device platforms, provider perceptions and satisfaction levels with video services. In years past, it has proven to be a valuable planning tool for any organization serving the video distribution marketplace.

Operators looking to deploy IPTV and Video on Demand will benefit from faster, lower-risk implementations that enable them to offer more services to users through a major partnership between Dune HD and Beenius announced today at TelcoTV2012. This will be demonstrated on the Beenius booth (number 105) at TelcoTV.

As part of the partnership, Dune HD’s advanced set-top boxes have been certified by Beenius and are now integrated with Beenius’ Beesmart open, flexible, and feature-rich interactive TV middleware platform. Together this provides an adaptable, integrated and best of breed solution to operators and system integrators, backed by the engineering expertise of both partners.

Octoshape announced a partnership with INVISO to deliver Internet TV contribution services throughout Latin America.

"At INVISO, we seek the most innovative and high quality products to serve our customers through the brands we represent,” said Jose Luis Reyes, Vice President for Sales and Operations, INVISO. “In the case of Octoshape, we found a company and a product that bring these qualities to our supply chain, sales and service.”

Octoshape offers an innovative cloud-based solution that provides instant infrastructure for the distribution of both linear and video on demand content. The Octoshape Infinite Uplink service provides point-to-point distribution of TV signals over the Internet for source signal acquisition to traditional IPTV and cable headends as an alternative to traditional methods like satellite and video fiber.

Dune HD announces a new partnership with Qarva designed to enhance the IPTV experience. The integration of Qarva’s FastSwitch technology into Dune HD’s digital media players and set-top boxes will give IPTV subscribers improved interaction and higher quality through faster channel changing and the elimination of packet loss. The joint solution will be demonstrated by Dune HD on stand 17 at TV Connect MENA 2012.

An enhanced, high quality experience is proven to increase subscriber loyalty and is central to operators reducing churn and growing revenues. FastSwitch improves the viewing experience by dramatically reducing the lag associated with controlling IPTV services, bringing response times down from 5 seconds to less than half a second - in line with the speeds achieved through traditional TV broadcast channels. Through its integral Packet Loss Recovery technology, FastSwitch also eliminates IPTV issues such as picture freezing and blocking, delivering an improved viewing performance.

Qatar Telecom has selected Mariner's IP video service oriented monitoring solution, Mariner xVu. The latest version of Mariner xVu is specifically designed for integration with IPTV probes. Qtel will use Mariner xVu for the Mozaic TV service, making this the first Mariner xVu deployment in the Middle East.

Alfalak Electronic Equipment & Supplies Co., partnered with Mariner to deploy xVu. Through easy integration with network probes — at the head-end and/or individual network element — Mariner xVu offers Qtel additional insights into the IPTV network by extending video service monitoring reach to each subscriber, allowing the operator to maintain the highest possible video quality while simultaneously reducing operating expenses. Statistics collected by external data sources such as probes are compiled and configured as status indicators on Mariner NetworkVu to enable a deeper understanding of IPTV traffic and customer experience issues. The probe enhancement is now a configurable option of NetworkVu, rather than a custom development, and was created based on service provider requests for integration with external data sources.

Envivio announces that Atyaf Telecommunications and Infrastructure International has selected Envivio Muse software-based encoding solutions to power its live and on-demand TV Everywhere services. Atyaf is a leading IPTV service provider for the Middle East region, based in Bahrain.

The recently launched over-the-top multi-screen service delivers more than 130 channels in multiple adaptive bit-rate profiles for delivery to connected TV sets, PCs, Android and Apple iOS devices. In the new multi-screen headend, Atyaf is using Envivio Muse Live and Muse On-Demand on the Envivio 4Caster appliances, as well as Envivio 4Manager for headend control and monitoring.

MRG is excited to release its highly comprehensive annual study IPTV Market Leader Report by Product and Region — Fall 2012.

MRG’s IPTV Market Leader Reports identify which IPTV systems and software companies are leading each of the six IPTV market segments: access systems, video headend systems, video-on-demand server software, set-top boxes, middleware, and content protection/digital rights management. The data is further segmented by geographic region as follows: North America, Latin America/Caribbean, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific and the Middle East/Africa.

“IPTV is continuing its rapid growth worldwide but some of the more exciting opportunities are only just beginning in the Middle East/Africa and Latin America/Caribbean regions,” said Jose Alvear, Senior Research Analyst at MRG. “While the growth in the number of new IPTV service providers has been slowing down because telcos around the world have already deployed IPTV services for a number of years, there are still plenty of new opportunities available to vendors in emerging markets. In addition, vendors are now supplying multi-screen, content delivery and OTT services, as the global pay-TV industry continues to evolve into new screens and devices.”

The Digital Development Group foresees dynamic growth in its industry. “On Nov. 21st we launched our first channel. We are excited to announce 5 more channels coming before year-end. On the heels of those developments we believe it is important to continue to define our mission.”

DigiDev is targeting the revolutionary “OTT” technology arena. “OTT” or Over The Top devices piggyback on existing network services in consumers’ homes or offices; pull content from the Internet and deliver it to their TV or Internet enabled device. DigiDev uses OTT technology to deliver programming to billions of desktops, mobile and smart/Internet enabled TV devices around the world.

“The market for digital distribution to 'smart' (Internet enabled) devices (smart-TV, tablet, smart-phones) continues to grow at an astonishing rate,” states Martin W. Greenwald, Chairman and CEO of DigiDev. “AppleTV, GoogleTV, and Roku sales this Holiday season are running considerably ahead of last year’s tally.”

NOW TV is now available on Roku streaming players. NOW TV offers instant access to Sky Movies – the UK’s most popular subscription movies service – with no contract, set-up costs or installation. New customers can take advantage of a free 30 day trial of the service, plus also benefit from a three-month introductory offer of £8.99 a month.

Roku users will, from today, be able to find NOW TV within the Roku Channel Store and once registered for NOW TV online will be able to access the movies they choose instantly. Once they have connected their Roku box to their TV and home WiFi network, NOW TV customers will be able to watch their favourite movies on their main TV, as well as continue to watch them out and about through their smartphone, tablet or laptop. NOW TV is already available on PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad, selected Android smartphones, and other connected devices.

No, they aren’t going to pay for themselves.

There are ways to curb the pain of economic and political changes.

His department has ignored visas for trafficking victims.

Government spending grew at its fastest pace since the Great Recession.

With his latest threats to weaken the dollar, we’re seeing this pattern once again.

The credibility of statistics apparently depends on whether they’re beneficial.

Wherever he was, whatever his title, the president has used the powers at his disposal to enrich or otherwise benefit himself.

We are all direct witnesses to Trump’s public selling out of U.S. democracy.

There might not be room for creativity when everything “new” is crowdsourced.

Punitive Medicaid work requirements are being rolled back.

The president and his team of unelected bureaucrats have siphoned power away from the legislature.

How best for the party to get its message across to voters.

Come hell or high crimes, they always truckle to Trump. And they’re the true risk to our democracy.

Public officials today could take a lesson from the former Federal Reserve chair.

Maybe it’s irony. Or maybe it’s her latest attempt to pinkwash her father’s anti-family agenda.

The tax plan has benefited the wealthy while ballooning the deficit.

They know more than anyone how difficult it is to get funding for colleges.

Gov. Greg Abbott’s decision plays into some unfortunate stereotypes.

Whatever meager gains Trump’s trade deals represent hardly look worth the pain we endured getting here.

It’s another way in which the president’s supposedly narrowly focused tariffs have trickled down.

Americans have not only health risks but also economic fears.

Republican incompetence and heartlessness are again coming to Democrats’ rescue.

The Trump administration continues its war on consumers

And now, we’re woefully unprepared.

A framework for how Congress should be thinking about the immediate economic challenges ahead — and the tools available to address them.

Some states still haven’t recovered from the last recession. They could face worse now.

Economists are in agreement that returning to business as usual too soon could have devastating effects for GDP as well as human lives.

And how Congress can rein him in.

Archaic computer technology is hampering the effort to combat the effects of covid-19 in the United States.

Young medical students and health-care workers simply want to keep contributing in the only home they know.

The administration’s crackdown on immigration makes it harder to staff a health-care system facing chronic worker shortages.

Tax cuts are the GOP’s all-purpose remedy. Even for the coronavirus.

Obviously, due to the recent COVID-19 outbreak, summer plans are on hold until further notice. And for families who rely on camp during the warmer months, this can be problematic. Although traditional summer camps might be out of the question this year, there are plenty of virtual options that will keep kids of all ages entertained. Whether they're looking to keep their academics sharp (hey, no one likes that pesky summer slide, right?) or just want some good, old-fashioned fun, these online summer camps will deliver.