ITV

Category: Cable TV

  • “Our aim is clear: creating content and news and distributing it as far and wide as we can.”

    “Our aim is clear: creating content and news and distributing it as far and wide as we can.”

    52-year old Peter Chernin does not come across like your typical media CEO. No flamboyance, no arrogance, no showing off. Just a regular business guy. The bespectacled chief operating officer of News Corp and Rupert Murdoch’s No 2 looks more like a number cruncher or an economist. An affable one too. Which he is.

    He is behind such mega blockbusters as Speed, Titanic and Independence Day, which he steered when at the Fox film studio in the early nineties. Impressed with his ability, Murdoch gave him the responsibility of running the Fox Entertainment Group (80 per cent owned by News Corp) in 1998. Which he has done fabulously well with his charge accounting for 75 per cent of News Corp’s overall operating earnings.

    He is seen to be the perfect foil to the septuagenarian Murdoch. And also a tough negotiator as Disney found out when Michael Eisner bought the Family Channel from News for $5.2 billion, a billion more than he should have paid.

    Chernin is also pretty well-informed about News Corp’s Asian and Indian operations in particular. In fact he reeled off details, which shows why News Corp remains one of the most solid media companies in the world today.

    Indiantelevision.com’s Anil Wanvari caught up with Chernin in Cannes’ Carlton Hotel during Mipcom. Chernin was awarded the Personality of the Year award by the Reed Midem. Excerpts from the interview:

    What are your views about your pet initiative – the battle against piracy? And would you reinvest the savings in the business if piracy was reduced ?

    The film business is going through a crunch time thanks to piracy. It is growing in single digits. If piracy was reduced, we could look at investing the money back. The movie business loves 20-30 per cent margins. Nevertheless budgets are going up. You can’t make a movie with a camera alone these days. The average price of a movie is $85 million. About $55 billion goes into production, another $30 million is needed for promotion and marketing. It is a tough business. The movie business is not about charity. It will disappear if things are not controlled on this front.

    From the consumer perspective if consumers don’t cut down on piracy, they will not have movies to watch. It is crucial they look at it from that aspect.

    What are the expansion plans for News Corp? Would you buy a broadcaster in the UK now that laws are proposed to be changed to allow foreigners to own networks there?

    We are very consistent that we are not interested in buying a broadcaster in the UK. We are interested in expanding the existing TV channel business. Hence, National Geographic, Adventure Channel, Fox Entertainment – which has moved in to Spain and Italy. We have invested less than $30 million for the new Fox entertainment channel we will launch in the UK.

    As far as Sky Italia goes, it is very early days as yet. We launched only on 31 July there. The response has been very positive. The conversion has been very good: about 50,000 boxes a week. We also discovered that there was a lot of piracy when it was run by Telepiu. Almost 50 per cent of our new subscribers have boxes. But now that has been stemmed. There have been no cases of breaking in of our smart cards since we started.

    Our aim is clear: creating content and news and distributing it as far and wide as we can.

    With the Direct TV approval also to come, we have got a lot on our plate today.

    We want to focus on the businesses we have. In Asia, Taiwan and Hong Kong. Star TV India has a huge profit potential. In China, we are beginning to do well. We have moved into the middle east.

    What about your plans to move into DTH in India? The group tried once in 1997, but it failed singularly then?

    The only place in the new markets we see potential for DTH is in India. And we will abide by and live under all regularity norms the countries that we operate in ask us to. You saw that in the Star News case. We see limits on ownership and those are fine by us.

    Hasn’t Zee TV beaten you to the launch of DTH in India?

    Zee TV has not launched as yet. They keep making announcements. It is a soft launch. And you are not going to see a hard launch of Zee TV’s DTH.

    What do you have to say about James Murdoch’s candidature to head BSkyB?

    I’d like to see him as CEO of BSkyB. We could have gone through the process: hiring a recruiting firm, the nominating committee and the board. And I believe James would have fitted the bill. News Corp has in the past put in place candidates into BkyB and they have done well: Sam Chisolm, Tony Ball. Our track record has been good.

    We will not put in an inferior candidate into place into what has been built into a huge business. There is a fair bit of noise being made about James. It think it is ironic. The media should quieten down. He is a very experienced executive. A professional. He has built up India into the fastest growing business we see. Let him come in. The people in the UK will love him. I am sure the BSkyB guys in London must be talking to their colleagues in Star Hong Kong to find out whether he is a good guy or a jerk. And the verdict is going to turn out to be very positive. At the end of the day we need a good guy for the job. Which he is.

  • Ortel to focus on last mile; to expand in regional markets

    Ortel to focus on last mile; to expand in regional markets

    KOLKATA: Odisha-based multi-system operator, Ortel Communications Limited is looking at investing in expansion of its existing network as well as to new locations in the region. But it stays focused on last mile connectivity.

    The cable television service provider engaged in distribution of analogue and digital cable television services, high speed broadband services and VoIP services, plans to launch various new product lines including High Definition (HD) services to its subscribers.
    Our network is ready for digital services and we will have no difficulty in migrating to full Digital services believes Ortel CEO Bibhu Prasad Rath

    Going forward, apart from increasing its broadband subscriber base and penetration of digital services, the company is eyeing acquisition of MSOs and LMOs for expansion.

    To fund the above growth, the company is exploring various fund raising options including raising equity close to Rs 100 crore.

    Most of our markets are in phase III and IV of digitisation process. We are already active and increasing our digital penetration. Our network is ready for digital services and we will have no difficulty in migrating to full Digital services,” said Ortel CEO Bibhu Prasad Rath.

    It currently offers up to 215 digital channels. The channels on digital services are tiered to offer customers’ option to chose and pay for it.

    The pricing of our digital services is based on a differential pricing for subscribers choosing to avail different services. Currently, the monthly subscription varies from Rs 122 to Rs 305 per month including taxes. In addition to this, we also offer various genres based packages as add on as well as channels on a-la-carte basis,” added Rath.

    Ortel Communications at present has around five lakh subscribers including more than 50,000 broadband retail customers and more than 70,000 digital service users, rest being analogue service users.

    “As a conscious decision, we have preferred the depth model with focus on a given geographical market, control of last mile and full retention of subscription revenue. A major part of our revenue comes from subscriptions and we are comparatively less dependent on carriage fee,” he concluded.

    The business of Ortel is focused in the states of Odisha, Chhatisgarh, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal. While the network is operational in 39 locations and the services are offered in 53 towns with more than 25,000 kilometers of cables, 35 analogue head ends and six digital head ends.

  • Subscribers blame operators for channel packages

    Subscribers blame operators for channel packages

        
    KOLKATA: This year, not only has the economic recession dampened Kolkata’s festive fervour, customers are now complaining about the inability to view their favourite television channels despite opting for them.

    However, before jumping to any conclusions about multi system operators (MSOs) having missed their deadline for offering channel packages, the MSOs maintain they’ve already done the needful. So why then are subscribers cribbing?

    Apparently, a majority of them have filled out customer request forms (CRFs) opting for a fresh bouquet of channels and yet, nothing has changed for them.

    Says Shyamal Sen, a resident of south Kolkata: “I do have a cable connection with a package of Rs 280+Rs 50 (tax), which amounts to Rs 330 per month … but all these packages are only fooling people. I assume my neighbour has taken the Rs 180 package and still enjoys all the channels.”

    Rupa Das from Behala is happy that a couple of channels she had struck off from the list last month have gone off air but is yet to receive her new package.

    On their part, MSOs refuse to take the blame for the plight of subscribers.

    Kolkata has 30 lakh cable homes and nine MSOs, of which, SitiCable controls a substantial share of cable users. The company claims it has introduced packages on time. “We have offered the package and achieved 100 per cent CRF. Around 50,000 subscribers did not submit their forms. It seems those households which have more than one set-top box have not opted for a package for their second one or they are not residing in Kolkata,” says Siticable Kolkata director Suresh Sethia.

    A Hathway Cable and Datacom official too maintains the company has offered channel packages to all its customers and hasn’t received any such complaints so far.

    While Cable Operators Digitalisation Committee Kolkata Association of Cable Operators convener Swapan Chowdhury, reasons that the process could have been delayed with the onset of Durga Puja. According to him, MSOs and operators might take another month to start beaming channel packages. “A lot of back-end technical work still remains before new packages can be beamed,” he argues.

    Similarly, an official from another MSO says since the MSO hasn’t yet collected CRFs from its customers, it plans to beam packages in phases after Durga Puja. “The LCOs will not work this week. Even if I want to offer packages, nothing can be done. Customers have to understand this,” he says.

    Manthan director Sudip Ghosh says customers are going in for need-based packages currently.

    Meanwhile, Namit Dave, a media analyst, is rather candid about the whole thing. He reasons that with the delay in the DAS process, it was apparent that channel packages would not be in place starting 1 October. “Even now in Kolkata, 100 per cent DAS has not been achieved in reality. So there is no question of channel offer,” he shoots.

    If sources are to be believed, nearly 60 per cent of CRFs have been collected in Kolkata. However, festivities have put a spanner in the works and it is likely that MSOs and operators will take some more weeks before they start beaming the channel packages.

  • Subscribers blame operators for channel packages

    KOLKATA: This year, not only has the economic recession dampened Kolkata’s festive fervour, customers are now complaining about the inability to view their favourite television channels despite opting for them.

    However, before jumping to any conclusions about multi system operators (MSOs) having missed their deadline for offering channel packages, the MSOs maintain they’ve already done the needful. So why then are subscribers cribbing?

    Apparently, a majority of them have filled out customer request forms (CRFs) opting for a fresh bouquet of channels and yet, nothing has changed for them.

    Says Shyamal Sen, a resident of south Kolkata: “I do have a cable connection with a package of Rs 280+Rs 50 (tax), which amounts to Rs 330 per month … but all these packages are only fooling people. I assume my neighbour has taken the Rs 180 package and still enjoys all the channels.”

    Rupa Das from Behala is happy that a couple of channels she had struck off from the list last month have gone off air but is yet to receive her new package.

    On their part, MSOs refuse to take the blame for the plight of subscribers.

    Kolkata has 30 lakh cable homes and nine MSOs, of which, SitiCable controls a substantial share of cable users. The company claims it has introduced packages on time. “We have offered the package and achieved 100 per cent CRF. Around 50,000 subscribers did not submit their forms. It seems those households which have more than one set-top box have not opted for a package for their second one or they are not residing in Kolkata,” says Siticable Kolkata director Suresh Sethia.

    A Hathway Cable and Datacom official too maintains the company has offered channel packages to all its customers and hasn’t received any such complaints so far.

    While Cable Operators Digitalisation Committee Kolkata Association of Cable Operators convener Swapan Chowdhury, reasons that the process could have been delayed with the onset of Durga Puja. According to him, MSOs and operators might take another month to start beaming channel packages. “A lot of back-end technical work still remains before new packages can be beamed,” he argues.

    Similarly, an official from another MSO says since the MSO hasn’t yet collected CRFs from its customers, it plans to beam packages in phases after Durga Puja. “The LCOs will not work this week. Even if I want to offer packages, nothing can be done. Customers have to understand this,” he says.

    Manthan director Sudip Ghosh says customers are going in for need-based packages currently.

    Meanwhile, Namit Dave, a media analyst, is rather candid about the whole thing. He reasons that with the delay in the DAS process, it was apparent that channel packages would not be in place starting 1 October. “Even now in Kolkata, 100 per cent DAS has not been achieved in reality. So there is no question of channel offer,” he shoots.

    If sources are to be believed, nearly 60 per cent of CRFs have been collected in Kolkata. However, festivities have put a spanner in the works and it is likely that MSOs and operators will take some more weeks before they start beaming the channel packages.

  • Hathway Broadband launches Docsis 3.0 Ultra High speed network

    Hathway Broadband launches Docsis 3.0 Ultra High speed network

    MUMBAI: Hathway Cable and Datacom, the largest cable broadband company in India, has launched the Docsis 3.0 ultra High speed network. Docsis 3.0 is a widely deployed technology and is the dominant technology powering leading Broadband markets like USA, Korea and Europe. Docsis 3.0 is capable of delivering speeds upto 1 Gigabit.

    We are the first Company to launch a Docsis 3.0 network in the country,” said Hathway Cable & Datacom MD & CEO Jagdish Kumar. “With our Docsis 3.0 network supplied by Cisco we are ready to deliver Ultra High Speed Broadband upto 50 Mbps to every retail customer in South Mumbai. We see Broadband as a key part of our business portfolio and we will soon be launching the Docsis 3.0 networks in other parts of the country. We are enabling our network for delivering a superior HD video experience on our Cable TV as well as on Broadband.”

    Hathway Broadband business head Kunal Ramteke added, “True High speed retail Broadband delivered on Docsis 3.0 will be a game changer in the market. In today’s video led internet consumption these speeds are absolutely vital for a superior consumer experience. The south Mumbai customers will be able to enjoy YouTube in HD and lightning fast responses in internet gaming. TV is also being consumed across multiple screens. With our new Docsis 3.0 plans starting at Rs 599 you will not break the bank to start enjoying these benefits.”

    Cisco service provider software solutions VP – sales Sue Taylor said, “Cisco is excited to be playing a crucial role in shaping this industry and leading it to a transformative stage with technology. Hathway has been a pioneer in its willingness to adopt technology that benefits its subscribers and we congratulate them on this important milestone.”

    To cater to this demanding high speed segment, Hathway will also be launching a dedicated Service Desk exclusively for the Docsis 3.0 customers. These desks will have fully trained staff to handle any service requirements pertaining to High speed internet access through multiple devices. Hathway is also geared to deliver 99.9 per cent network availability and service issue resolution within 24 hours recognising the criticality of a high speed connection in the connected world of today.

    Hathway Docsis 3.0 plans start from monthly Rs 599 and go upto Rs 1499 for the 50 Mbps plan which offers 50 GB of download data.
    The network is initially being deployed in south Mumbai and has been extensively tested. All existing and new customers of Hathway Broadband in south Mumbai can upgrade to the Docsis 3.0 plans. The customers will be provided a Docsis 3.0 Modem by Hathway which will be capable of supporting the Ultra High Speed Plans.

  • Maharashtra’s LMOs to blackout TV on 2 Oct

    Maharashtra’s LMOs to blackout TV on 2 Oct

    MUMBAI: A mid- week holiday is always welcome and is a good time to catch up with friends and family as well as your favourite TV shows and channels. However, this Gandhi Jayanti will see a different type of revolt on television in the west Indian state as the Maharashtra Cable Operators Federation (MCOF) has decided to put their foot down on the alleged “harassment” that they have been facing from the MSOs.

     

    From 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm tomorrow, 2 October, about 3,000 cable operators under the MCOF have decided to blackout their screens opposing the ‘high-handed’ behavior that MSOs have adopted towards LMOs (Last Mile Operators), as MCOF president Arvind Prabhoo puts it. This includes the areas of Mumbai, Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Nasik and Indore in MP where DAS I and II have been implemented. Approximately 15-20 lakh customers in Maharashtra alone will not get to see their favourite shows during prime time. LMOs in Gujarat have also been approached and a response is awaited from them.
    Arvind Prabhoo feels that it is time to start treating LMOs as equals and respect their demands

     

    The federation says that its intention is not to harass customers but just demonstrate that cable operators are united and it is high time MSOs give them their due credit in the cable TV chain. Communications to customers have already started in the form of SMSes and emails as well as leading papers – both English and Marathi – are being used to inform people about the flash blackout.

     

    “If the MSOs and broadcasters sit and talk with us there is no need to do this but no one is listening to us,” stresses Prabhoo. He does not even feel that the two will reach out to the LMOs before evening of tomorrow. Initially the plan was to shut it down for a whole day but due to legal regulations, it was reduced  to three hours.

     

    This isn’t the end as well. If nothing comes out of this then more such days will see blackouts with increased hours especially during festive times.

     

    There is a possibility that MSOs may take legal action against MCOF for this move but it is ready to fight the biggies. “This is exactly what we are opposing. When an MSO switches off channels on its own, no one questions its decision but the local guy is questioned. No legal action is taken but we have to bear all the brunt from both the MSOs as well as the customers,” adds Prabhoo. Recently, InCable had decided to switch off signals to all sports channels, right before the Champions Trophy T20, a way to bully the LMOs to cough up more cash, claims the federation.

     

    The issues that LMOs have been grappling with are many. Prabhoo points out that last minute decisions taken by MSOs lead to chaos which has to be resolved by local operators. This happened during DAS Phase I when STBs (Set Top Boxes) were being installed in homes. Unending trips to customers to fill forms is a burden on them as well, discloses Prabhoo. MSOs have the power to switch off signals to channels arbitrarily as well as make channels unavailable on a-la-carte rates so that only packages exist. “They should talk business, not superiority or inferiority,” adds Prabhoo.

     

    For now, the impending blackout is on the cards for tomorrow. Unless discussions take place soon, cable TV viewers in Maharashtra could well be in for more evenings of just looking at a blank TV set or one with a flickering static-riddled picture.

  • Caddies welfare trust charity golf tournament and charity gala dinner on 7th september, 2013

    Caddies welfare trust charity golf tournament and charity gala dinner on 7th september, 2013

    MUMBAI: Golf is fast becoming one of the most popular sports globally with an appeal that stretches from the wide-eyed adolescent to the ageing retiree. Recognising this new phenomenon India too has joined the fray, with golf courses mushrooming all over the country to accommodate the growing tribe of golfers. As golfers are well aware, the caddy is an integral part of a round of golf and for many golfers an indispensible ally.

    However, except for a very few private golf courses, the caddy is essentially a daily wage earner, who only gets paid when he gets a round to caddy and has no income when the course is closed, when it rains heavily OR he falls sick. It is a well known fact that the caddies in general are having great difficulties sustaining themselves and their families.

    In August 2011, some concerned golfers got together, to form the Caddies Welfare Trust (CWT), with the aim of trying to address this issue and help caddies, pan-India, in whatever way we can. Steered by its Chairman, Siddharth Shriram, whose passion and commitment to the game is unprecedented, the CWT has undertaken, with the funds generated through donation and sponsorship, several activities that are beginning to impact these most necessary, yet needy individuals.

    With Life Insurance as a pre-requisite to be eligible for assistance the CWT has provided Health Insurance policies to over one hundred Caddies and their families and, funds permitting, hope to cover all five hundred currently registered at the Delhi Golf Club, in its first phase, targetting other golf clubs in phase two.

    Eye and Dental Camps have been most successully conducted at the Delhi Golf Club with spectacles, surgeries and other treatments being provided. General Health Camps, in conjunction with Max Foundation are in the offing with efforts underway to provide the maximum amount of free medicines to caddies during these Camps.

    Monetary assistance is being provided to caddies who fall sick and are unable to attend to their duties.

    Sweaters were distributed to caddies in golf clubs in Delhi, Chandigarh & Calcutta in 2012/13 winter & the same is being planned for the winter later this year.

    The CWT has the ultimate target of reaching a Corpus Fund of Rs 5 crores, after which we expect to be more or less fully funded with the interest from the Corpus allowing us to run the Trust activities.

    To help achieve the Corpus the inaugural CWT CHARITY MEMBERS GOLF TOURNAMENT is being held on Saturday, 7th September, 2013 at the Delhi Golf Club, who are the first Club to come on board to assist the Trusts’ endeavour to raise funds.

    The event will be conducted in two parts a) The CWT Charity Golf Tournament and b) The CWT Gala Charity Evening to which all members are eligible attend, along with sponsors, donors and other well-wishers. Several leading corporates and organisations have come forward including the chief sponsors Thai Airways and Tourism Authority of Thailand, the DLF Foundation, Honda Power Products, USHA, Genpact, AVL, India Bulls, Sudhir Gensets, Livpure, the Ghei Family, Taylormade, Coca-Cola, Pernod and others.

    The Ceremonial Tee off for the event will be by HE Pisan Manawapat, The Ambassador of the Royal Embassy of Thailand, at 7.30 am on Saturday, 7th September. His Excellency has also agreed to be the Chief Guest at the CWT Charity Gala Dinner the same evening.

  • India gets it first Indian Idol Junior Anjana Padmanabhan becomes the first Junior Singing sensation

    India gets it first Indian Idol Junior Anjana Padmanabhan becomes the first Junior Singing sensation

    MUMBAI: The show that enthralled viewers across the country and touched a billion hearts, a journey which started with 86 contestants who came from across India has now come to an end as India gets its ‘First Indian Idol Junior’. After three months of rigorous competition, hard work and millions of votes, Anjana Padmanabhan was crowned the winner by none other than the living legend Amitabh Bachchan himself, while Debanjana Mitra, Anmol Jaswal and Nirvesh Dave secured the first and the second runners-up position respectively. The finale was a visual spectacle of sorts with Priyanka Chopra, Shahid Kapoor and Ramcharan setting the stage on fire with their scintillating performances.

    The first Indian Idol Junior received a grand prize money of 25 lakhs from Sony Entertainment Television, a Nissan Micra Car, a fixed deposit of 5 Lakhs from Kotak and 2 Lakhs from Horlicks. The grand finale which was aired almost live on Sony Entertainment Television saw the homecoming of the top 11 contestants who entertained the audience with special performances along with electrifying performances by judges Shreya Ghoshal, Vishal Dadlani and Shekhar Ravjiani.

    Ecstatic and overwhelmed with her win, Anjana Padmanabhan said, “Although we were competing against each other, we were like a family filled with unique characters and had our moments of joy and sorrow. I am thrilled at having been chosen the nation’s first Indian Idol Junior. All I can say is a big heartfelt thank you for liking me and helping me achieve my dream.

    Ms. Sneha Rajani, Senior EVP and Business Head, Sony Entertainment Television adds, “I wish Anjana Padmanabhan, the first Indian Idol Junior all the very best for a bright future. Indian Idol Junior has set a new benchmark in the world of singing reality shows. These little wonders have created waves in the entire nation by showcasing their amazing talent.

    Anupama Mandloi, Content Head, Fremantle MediaIndia added, “This season is a matter of immense pride for us at Fremantle media. We have unearthed brilliant talent and some of the juniors are sure to make a mark in the music industry. It’s been an enjoyable and collaborative experience and we are all pleased with the show and the worldwide appreciation it has garnered”.

    The Indian Idol Junior caravan went across four cities to audition lakhs of young singing talent in search of that one unique voice. This journey brought together a galaxy of bright budding singing talent from nooks and corners of the country. The show grew stronger with each leg passing by; from auditions to the theatre round and gala and finally, the finale.
    Keep watching Sony Entertainment Television for some more breathtaking & entertaining shows!

  • Kolkata based MSOs, LCOs receive summons from service tax department

    Kolkata based MSOs, LCOs receive summons from service tax department

    KOLKATA: The Kolkata based Multi System Operators (MSOs) and local cable TV operators (LCOs) had uninvited guests last week. They were taken by surprise when the service tax officials conducted two raids to probe into their alleged financial irregularities. And, this in a digital addressable system (DAS) cable TV ecosystem which reveals the business and operations of these players at length.

    Apart from service tax, the income tax department also searched the premises of one of the big MSOs. And if sources are to be believed, the MSO made an upfront payment of around Rs 50 lakh – Rs 75 lakh to the income tax authorities.

    More than 350 cable operators have been issued summons for evading service tax payments for the past five years, sources said. “As per market reports two MSOs were raided last week, who then had to cough up huge amounts to the service tax authorities. The officials questioned the accountant of the MSOs on the financial details,” said a cable TV industry insider.

    It is also learnt that another MSO who had evaded service tax amounting to Rs 15 crore – Rs 20 crore spanning over four years, had to cover up the case by paying a huge amount to the authorities. “It is learnt that the company deposited a huge amount, though I am unsure of the exact amount,” the source added.

    Though the second MSO, whose office was raided on Thursday paid Rs 2.5 crore (approximately) to the service tax department officials. “Another Rs 50 lakh – Rs 75 lakh was given to the income tax department,” he informed.

    “The raid was part of a probe into financial transactions for suspected alleged tax evasion by the cable TV operators in Kolkata,” he said.

    A cable operator under Gujarat Telelink, an MSO, informed that as per the summons, the operator has to furnish details of the number of set top boxes installed and also the account details for the past five years. “If we don’t furnish it, we might be in trouble,” he said.

    Cable industry sources inform that cable TV operators are liable to pay 12.36 per cent as service tax to the authorities from the subscription amount collected every month from the customers.

    Kolkata based operators are treading in troubled waters. First it was the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) which planned to take strict action against the MSOs and LCOs for not collecting and feeding the CAF details into the system for DAS implementation and now they face the wrath of tax inspectors.

    Seems like it is time for operators to buck up and clear all past payments to avert any embarrassing situation in the DAS environment.

  • Apple TV gets Disney Channels app, Microsofts Xbox offers Time Warner Cable

    Apple TV gets Disney Channels app, Microsofts Xbox offers Time Warner Cable

    MUMBAI: Apple and Microsoft have added new channels to their streaming video devices that boost their available content. It’s a step forward for both gadgets but doesn’t break the a la carte wall just yet. Apple TV was upgraded to include apps for Disney channels – pay TV subscription required – Vevo and the Weather Channel, while Microsoft’s Xbox 360 console added a subscription-contingent Time Warner Cable app. The latter offers access to 300 TV channels including CNN, AMC and Comedy Central.
        

    Blair Westlake, corporate VP of Microsoft’s media and entertainment group, told the Wall Street Journal’s Digits blog that his company had considered licensing channels directly from media companies to create a service similar to the kinds of online cable TV products planned by Intel and Sony. “We looked at it and said if we can deliver an app or apps like the one we are lighting up today” with Time Warner Cable, that’s “really what people expect.”