ITV

Category: Multi System Operators

  • GTPL Hathway creates buzz with new services,

    GTPL Hathway creates buzz with new services,

    MUMBAI: It’s hoping that it’s new offering will get its customers buzzing. MSO  GTPL Hathway has announced the launch of its customer application GTPL Buzz. The app enables subscribers to experience new GTPL offerings like TV Everywhere Cloud Gaming and Distro TV and access and manage their accounts with the cable TV MSO and broadband provider. Additional services are planned to be made available within GTPL Buzz in the near future. The app is available on the Android Play store as well as on iOS (Apple Store).

    Cloud Gaming: GTPL Buzz introduces the first-ever commercial launch of Blacknut Cloud Gaming in India. Blacknut Cloud Gaming is the world’s leading pure player cloud gaming service. The subscription-based game streaming service allows GTPL to offer the largest catalogue of premium AAA games with more than 500 premium titles to its customers. With Blacknut Cloud Gaming service, gamers can now enjoy their favorite titles anytime, anywhere, without the need to invest in expensive gaming consoles. With five profiles, everybody in the family can enjoy their favourite games simultaneously across mobiles, tablets, PCs, android set Top boxes as well as smart TVs.

    TV Everywhere: The GTPL Buzz app enables customers with active cable TV and/or broadband connections to view live TV content, anytime – anywhere, on their mobile devices, thus providing them the convenience of watching live TV channels anywhere for the true experience of TV Everywhere. The service, branded as GTPL Live TV, requires customers to simply login with their registered mobile number and enjoy the freedom to watch live TV channels across two additional devices simultaneously while continuing to watch all the available channels on their set top boxes.

    Distro TV: GTPL Buzz has also integrated the Distro TV services, which provides online streaming channels,  including a mix of news, sports, entertainment, and lifestyle content in Indian as well as international languages. This redefines GTPL’s entertainment landscape for its customers, offering seamless access to a global content library through GTPL Buzz. The TV Everywhere services and Distro TV services will also be available on the GTPL website soon.

    In line with the revamp of the app, GTPL’s website (www.gtpl.net) has also been upgraded and revamped with a version which is modern, minimalistic, uncluttered and user friendly. The TV Everywhere and Distro TV services will be available to the entire customer base of GTPL soon, a massive value addition to the existing subscribed GTPL services, at no additional cost. The company services 12 million digital cable TV homes and a million broadband homes; as on June 30, 2024, it has approximately 9.60 million active digital cable TV subs and 1.03 million broadband subscribers and a broadband homepass of about 5.90 million.

    GTPL’s chatbot Giva, recently upgraded and launched on WhatsApp is now available within GTPL Buzz as well as on the revamped website and is planned to be available soon on the GTPL Facebook handle. The enhanced Giva, developed by Yellow.ai, a global leader in conversational AI, offers a one-stop solution for all GTPL services with the implementation of an NLP-trained multimodal AI chatbot, enabling seamless self-service, sales, and support.

    Says GTPL managing director Anirudhsinh Jadeja:  “GTPL has always been at the forefront of introducing technological enhancements to serve the customers’ ever evolving preferences. The launch of GTPL Buzz App and our enhanced Website are a huge step forward in this direction and sets the pace for us to continue exceeding our customer expectations. With the introduction of TV Everywhere services as well as integration of Distro TV services, we are excited to offer customers the convenience of gaining access to a wide range of Indian and international live TV channels on their devices, thus making access to content more inclusive.”

    “The India launch of Blacknut Cloud Gaming services will offer customers the best gaming titles at an economical subscription fee. The enhanced Giva offers 24X7X365 availability of self-help options across multiple modes including WhatsApp, website and GTPL Buzz, in addition to the 24X7 centralized call centre and various social media”, he adds

  • INVIDI Technologies partners with Hathway and DEN

    INVIDI Technologies partners with Hathway and DEN

    Mumbai: INVIDI Technologies has announced a partnership with Hathway Digital Ltd. (Hathway Digital), a wholly owned Subsidiary of Hathway Cable and Datacom Ltd (Hathway) and DEN Networks Ltd. (DEN). This collaboration marks a significant step in transforming the digital cable TV advertising landscape by introducing, for the first time, digital cable TV markets advanced targeted advertisement solutions to Hathway Digital and DEN’s extensive distribution network. This partnership will help in addressing the pressing need of the current day and age of reaching the right audience in the right markets in the most economical way.

    Both Hathway Digital and DEN will leverage INVIDI Technologies’ cutting-edge ad tech through this strategic alliance to deliver highly targeted and personalised advertisements to its diverse audience. This solution will ensure anomalies of linear TV advertisements is addressed and advertisements are delivered to the customers with required advertiser’s cohorts of customer profile. This innovative approach will open new avenues, improve media buying efficiencies and allow brands to reach specific viewer segments with tailored messages, enhancing the relevance and effectiveness of their money spent on advertising campaigns.

    INVIDI Technologies COO Prasad Sanagavarapu stated, “Our collaboration with both Hathway and DEN represents a major advancement for content owners, viewers, and advertisers alike. By deploying INVIDI’s Addressable TV solutions, Hathway and DEN will enable brands to optimize their marketing spend by delivering relevant ads directly to their target audiences. This partnership underscores our commitment to enhancing the Indian advertising ecosystem with state-of-the-art technology.”

    A representative of DEN said, “We’re excited to integrate INVIDI’s technology into our operations. This partnership is a game-changer for our advertising partners, giving them the ability to target their audiences with unprecedented precision. For our subscribers, it means receiving more relevant and engaging content, which enhances their overall viewing experience. By bringing INVIDI’s advanced solutions to the Indian market, we’re not just improving our advertising offerings but also providing our subscribers with more relevant content and less ad clutter.”

    “We are delighted to bring first time in Digital Cable TV, targeted advertisement solution and partnering with INVIDI Technologies represents a major milestone in our commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions to our advertisers,” said a representative of Hathway Digital. “This partnership will redefine the advertisement on Digital Cable TV and enable us to offer a new level of precision in Linear TV advertising. With this, brands can connect with their audiences more meaningfully.”

  • Hathway and Den bring Invidi Tech’s addressable ad tech to digital cable TV

    Hathway and Den bring Invidi Tech’s addressable ad tech to digital cable TV

    MUMBAI: Invidi Technologies, a pioneer in addressable advertising technology, has announced a ground-breaking partnership with Hathway Digital Ltd. (Hathway Digital), a wholly owned subsidiary of Hathway Cable & Datacom Limited (Hathway)  and Den Networks Ltd. (Den), India’s leading multi-system operators (MSOs). This collaboration marks a significant step in transforming the digital cable TV advertising landscape by introducing, for the first time, digital cable TV markets advanced targeted ad solutions to Hathway Digital  and Den’s extensive distribution network. This partnership will help in addressing the pressing need of the current day and age of reaching the right audience in the right markets in the most economical way. 

    Both Hathway Digital and Den will leverage Invidi Technologies’ cutting-edge ad tech through this strategic alliance to deliver highly targeted and personalised advertisements to diverse audiences. This solution will ensure anomalies of linear TV ads is addressed and they  are delivered with the required advertiser’s customer profile cohorts. This innovative approach will open new avenues, improve media buying efficiencies and allow brands to reach specific viewer segments with tailored messages, enhancing the relevance and effectiveness of their money spent on ad campaigns.

    Says Invidi Technologies chief operating officer Prasad Sanagavarapu: “Our collaboration with both Hathway and Den represents a major advancement for content owners, viewers, and advertisers alike. By deploying Invidi’s  addressable TV solutions, Hathway and Den will enable brands to optimise their marketing spend by delivering relevant ads directly to their target audiences. This partnership underscores our commitment to enhancing the Indian advertising ecosystem with state-of-the-art technology.”

    Adds a Den representative:  “We’re excited to integrate Invidi’s technology into our operations. This partnership is a game-changer for our advertising partners, giving them the ability to target their audiences with unprecedented precision. For our subscribers, it means receiving more relevant and engaging content, which enhances their overall viewing experience. By bringing Invidi’s  advanced solutions to the Indian market, we’re not just improving our ad offerings but also providing our subscribers with more relevant content and less ad clutter.”

    “We are delighted to bring first time in digital cable TV, targeted ad solutions and partnering with Invidi Technologies represents a major milestone in our commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions to our advertisers,” points out a Hathway representative. “This partnership will redefine the ads on digital cable TV and enable us to offer a new level of precision in linear TV advertising. With this, brands can connect with their audiences more meaningfully.”

    Addressable TV advertising represents a departure from traditional broad-spectrum TV ads. Unlike conventional methods, which cast a wide net, addressable ads allow for precise targeting based on viewer demographics, interests, and behaviours. This tailored approach not only improves the relevance of the advertising content but also boosts engagement and maximises the return on investment for advertisers by minimising wasted impressions.

    Combining Hathway Digital and Den’s extensive distribution network and reach with Invidi’s advanced targeting capabilities, this partnership will deliver a robust ad solution that bridges the gap between linear digital cable TV’s wide audience and digital precision targeting, providing brands with a powerful tool to connect more effectively with their ideal customers.

    (Pix: courtesy Barc)

     

  • TCCL fails to make overdue payments for Disney Star’s channel

    TCCL fails to make overdue payments for Disney Star’s channel

    TCCL has failed to make overdue payments for Disney Star’s channels, despite collecting subscription fees in advance from its customers. Even after continuous discussions and multiple reminders regarding the overdue payments, TCCL has yet to settle its financial obligations

    TCCL’s failure to pay outstanding dues to Disney Star, has led to a situation where Disney Star had to suspend all its channels from TCCL. This decision comes after repeated attempts to resolve the payment issue, leaving numerous viewers in Tamil Nadu unable to access their favorite Disney Star channels.

    Viewers who relied on and trusted TCCL for their entertainment needs find themselves in a fix right now. Popular channels known for their engaging content, including top-rated shows and movies on leading channels like Star Vijay, Vijay Super, Vijay Takkar, Star Movies, National Geographic Channel, Star Suvarna, Star Sports 1 Tamil, Hungama TV etc. are no longer available to TCCL customers.  

    Disney Star hopes that TCCL acts immediately and clears its dues so that the subscribers may resume enjoying their Disney Star channels without further delay.

    For those affected, it is recommended to reach out to TCCL to express concerns regarding the service disruption and ask for a reduction in subscription fees. Additionally, viewers are encouraged to switch to alternate operators allowing them access to all channels provided by Disney Star.  

  • Siti Networks CFO Vikram Singh Panwar resigns

    Siti Networks CFO Vikram Singh Panwar resigns

    MUMBAI: Even as all eyes have been focused on the drama at Zee Entertainment Enterprises, there’s been some developments at the troubled Subhash Chandra-owned Siti Networks too. Chief financial officer Vikram Singh Panwar put in his resignation a couple of days ago. The company filed a notice to this effect with the Bombay stock exchange on 9 August 2023. Panwar will continue with Siti Networks until the end of his notice period.

    Panwar had joined the company as CFO as recently as 15 April 2023. A chartered accountant with more than 18 years of experience, Panwar has been part of the digital and structural transformation journey of various companies in telecom, IT, apparel and textile, chemicals and consulting. Among the firms which he has worked with include:  HFCL, HCL Tech, PwC India, Raymond and PI Industries.

  • MIB revokes 12 and grants 6 MSO licenses between April & July

    MIB revokes 12 and grants 6 MSO licenses between April & July

    Mumbai: The ministry of information and broadcasting has granted six new licenses to multi-system operators (MSOs) between 21 April to 4 July and cancelled 12 licenses between April and 4 July. The total number of registered MSOs stood at 1753.

    MIB granted licenses to M/s Infotainment Service & Communications Pvt Ltd, Softech Infosol Private Ltd, Bhumi Cable, Shabkha Taqnia Private Ltd, Tribeni Entertainment and Binodan Digital Ltd

    MIB cancelled the registration of Yadav Cable, Sri Laxmi Local Cable TV, Thulasis Technology Private Limited, Surbhi Diginet, Sahya Digital Networks LLP, LD Family Network, Krishna Cable Network, South Star Digital Network Private Limited, RK Digital Cable TV Network, Panduranga Cable Network, Rallyon Technology and Shivam Cable & Broadband Ltd.

    Four MSO registrations including Kailash Cable Network, Bhawani Rajesh Cable and Digitech Services, Asiant Network and Ashiana Communication Mcr expired in June. 

  • Nxtdigital records revenue of Rs 1152.19 crore for FY22

    Nxtdigital records revenue of Rs 1152.19 crore for FY22

    Mumbai: Nxtdigital Ltd on Wednesday announced the results for financial year 2022. The media and communications company recorded revenue of Rs 1,152.19 crore for the year ending 31 March, registering a growth of 14.3 per cent year-on-year.

    The company clocked earnings before interest, depreciation, and taxes (EBIDTA) of Rs 256.22 crore registering a growth of 10.4 per cent YoY. The revenue and EBIDTA for the year include Rs 69.30 crore and Rs 43.88 crore, respectively, arising out of the ‘real estate’ segment of the company.

    The consolidated profit after tax for the year is Rs 1.91 crore as against a loss Rs 13.90 crore in the previous year.

    The company posted consolidated revenue of Rs 344.55 crore in the fourth quarter ended 31 March. It clocked an EBIDTA of Rs 100.41 crore.  Revenue and EBIDTA for the quarter include Rs 69.30 crore and Rs 43.88 crore respectively arising out of the ‘real estate’ segment of the company.

    The media and entertainment segment recorded an EBIDTA of Rs 56.53 crore for the quarter. The consolidated PAT for the quarter stood at Rs 84.46 crore. PAT for the quarter is inclusive of the profit from ‘real estate’ segment of the company.

    “We have remained singularly focused on the changing consumer preferences, in no small measure impacted by the lockdown periods; and have accelerated our digital transformation in line with the same,” said Nxtdigital managing director and CEO Vynsley Fernandes. “Our performance across all segments of our business reflects that mission. Offering a “combo” of digital television, broadband and OTT is now our norm, rather than the exception; whilst we will continue to expand our footprint through the launch of more Nxthubs.”

  • MIB cancels three MSO licenses in April

    MIB cancels three MSO licenses in April

    Mumbai: The ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB) reported that there are 1761 registered multi-system operators (MSOs) as of 30 April compared to 1763 registered MSOs on 22 March. The ministry granted one new license, cancelled three licenses and rejected two applications for license in the month of April.

    MIB granted Manipur-based Infotainment Service & Communication Pvt Ltd license to operate on 21 March. It cancelled the license of RK Digital Cable TV Network, Panduranga Cable Network for being non-operational as well as Dewshree Network Pvt Ltd. The ministry rejected the applications of Shivam Cable & Broadband Pvt Ltd and Rallyon Technology due to suppression of vital information.

    Previously, MIB had granted 13 licenses between 31 December 2021 and 21 March 2022 including the MSOs Sky Media, SGRA Satellite Cable Network, Dainik Savera News and Media Network, Sai Namo Digital Cable Network, Inishia Media, Ganapati Digital Network, Swastika, Grand Gumber Network, Digital Fusion Network, Raaga Communication, SSCN Digital TV and Broadband, Assistive Netspeed Technologies and Asiasat Channel and Consultancy India.

  • Den Networks reports revenue of Rs 1,226 crore for FY’22

    Den Networks reports revenue of Rs 1,226 crore for FY’22

    Mumbai: Cable TV distribution company Den Networks has released its financial results for the fourth quarter 2022 on Thursday. The company reported revenues of Rs 303 crore and profit after tax of Rs 49 crore higher than Q3’22 which was at Rs 44 core.

    The company reported revenue of Rs 1,226 crore for FY’22 less than it earned in FY’21 at 1,307 crore. Its profit after tax for the year stood at Rs 171 crore and the total cost for the year stood at Rs 1,022 crore.

    The company reported gross debt and healthy cash balances of Rs 2,547 crore for the quarter. It earned Rs 167 crore from subscriptions, Rs 93 crore from marketing income, Rs 26 crore from other operating income, and Rs 17 crore in activation revenues.

    The company also reported total costs of Rs 248 crore including content costs at Rs 148 crore, personnel costs at Rs 21 core, other operational expenses at Rs 79 crore, and Rs one crore provision for doubtful debts and advances.

    Den Networks operates a cable and broadband business. Its cable operations cover over 500+ cities/towns across 13 key states including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, Kerala, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttarakhand in India. Its broadband business is enabled across 41 cities/towns in the country.

  • GTPL Hathway ropes in Verimatrix for secure Android TV rollout

    GTPL Hathway ropes in Verimatrix for secure Android TV rollout

    Mumbai: Digital cable TV and broadband service provider GTPL Hathway Ltd (GTPL) has announced its partnership with Verimatrix leveraging the latter’s Video Content Authority System (VCAS) to protect its Google Android TV-based DVB hybrid set top box.

    Verimatrix (Euronext Paris: VMX) helps power the modern connected world with people-centered security. Verimatrix VCAS is designed as a future-proof and scalable security solution for premium video content. Its DVB Hybrid offers GTPL a combination of protection and flexibility as delivery methods expand and evolve throughout India.

    “Verimatrix is a time-tested content security leader in the market that offers unprecedented ease of deployment and gives us the confidence that we will be ready to easily adapt as our offerings progress,” said GTPL Hathway MD Anirudhsinh Jadeja. “By selecting Verimatrix as our security provider, we gain much more than just studio compliant protection – GTPL gains enhanced workflow and integration options as well as the reliability that we’re ready to rapidly scale up new subscribers across our areas of operation, to any additional devices we choose later, with a single security platform.”

    “We are extremely pleased to announce GTPL Hathway as one of our latest customers,” stated Verimatrix COO and president Asaf Ashkenazi. “GTPL’s large customer base in India is provided a frictionless premium entertainment experience while their operators harness the full power of Verimatrix’s security innovations and award-winning customer support behind the scenes – ensuring GTPL is armed with the peace-of-mind it demands today and the performance and scalability it expects for tomorrow.”