Cable industry news from across the Web:
> Comcast is fast-following DirecTV by talking with Hollywood studios about moving up VoD releases to six to eight weeks after theatrical release. Story.
> Google's YouTube is thisclose to cutting a deal with big-time Hollywood studios to get new release movies for rental. Story.
> CableLabs reports that 13 vendors participated in its second DOCSIS Provisioning of EPON (DPoE) event, a 30 percent increase over the first event. News release.
> Twenty-five years after he hacked HBO's new satellite scrambling technology, Captain Midnight (aka John MacDougall) remains unrepentant. Story.
> Cox Communications, showing that it is actually a cable operator with a mobile wireless vision, named Kelly Williams vice president of wireless product and operations. News release.
> Knology will start operations from a fiber optic hub that feeds Auburn and Opelika, Ala. by the end of the month. Story.
> AT&T's ongoing battle to deploy U-verse equipment cabinets on San Francisco sidewalks might create an opening for a vendor that can build equipment that blends with the environment. Story.
And finally ... ION Media Networks has named Douglas Holloway, the former leader of NBCUniversal's Cable Investments business as its new president of multichannel distribution. News release.