Skype, Panasonic HD video calls appeal to families but make at-home workers wary; Rogers Media acquires BV! Media

> Panasonic and Skype think that a collaboration that puts Skype calls on Panasonic HD screens is something that families will want. On the other hand, the more immediate use by home-based workers seems less likely to be met with such enthusiasm by the pajamas and bunny slippers set. Story.

> Canadian cable behemoth Rogers Communications' (NYSE: RCI) media division has bulked up with the acquisition of Internet advertising network BV! Media which it bought for $25 million. BV! Media will give Rogers Media (are we a little heavy on media in this bit?) "an impressive set of content offerings and digital sales solutions," according to Rogers' Claude Galipeau, senior VP and general manager of digital (you got it) media. Story.

> OrbisNet, an ISP located on the border between the Czech Republic and Poland is ready to launch pay TV services via cable and IPTV to the Czech viewing public. Story.

> Hauppage Digital has launched an HD PVR that is supported as a TV video recorder in the Windows Media Center, allowing users to record high definition TV programs from cable or satellite set-top boxes onto their computers. News release.

And finally... Digital television will be the focus of China's only national digital television research center which has opened in the Pudong New Area of Shanghai. The center will draft industry standards and regulate intellectual property rights for digital television and no doubt soon pop up on the radio of U.S. telecommunications service providers eager to tap the monstrous Chinese video entertainment market. Story.