KUALA LUMPUR: Cuzzy Advanced Convergence Laboratories Sdn Bhd has announced the launch of XBB.TV, its new digital television service.

According to Cuzzy, XBB.TV offers nearly 1,000 radio and over 500 television stations that are delivered direct to computers and digital TVs via a broadband connection.

XBB.TV chief executive officer Jeffrey Raj said it promised to spur interest in broadband uptake, driving forward the government’s National Broadband Plan as people adopt broadband connections in order to enjoy the service.

He attributed the very low broadband uptake in Malaysia, currently at 0.7 per cent, mainly because there has been no “killer application” for broadband.

“XBB.TV’s launch here in Malaysia means more than just another TV offering.

The impact that the service will have on society, industry and economy is rather weighty,” Raj said in statement yesterday.

He said offering live streams from many parts of the world, XBB.TV allowed users to watch dozens of smaller and more independent news channels from around the world.

Raj said getting XBB.TV’s service (available at www.xbb.tv) needed no satellite dish, special antenna, set-up boxes or cables.

“All you need is a broadband connection, and this is one of XBB.TV’s most attractive point: it’s free,” he said.

“Because users don’t need expensive gear, they save on initial setup costs.

”And since XBB.TV does not have to subsidise the cost of such equipment, the company is able to pass on its savings to consumers,” he added.

Raj said that the company planned to introduce the VIP Access Decoder, a high-tech adapter that gives users an all-access pass to premium channels, including interactive activities like posting their personal information or profiles in order to make friends, to date or to use webcams.