ITV

Category: DTH

  • China begins shift to digital TV; 41 cities targeted in 1st phase

    China begins shift to digital TV; 41 cities targeted in 1st phase

    MUMBAI: China is progressing towards a complete shift to digital signal television. An official from the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) has been quoted in media reports as saying that, all analog signal television programs will be stopped and replaced with digital signals by the year of 2015.

    Currently, 41 cities and regions in the country are shifting from analog signal to digital signal, according to the report.

    The official also said, some cities including Shenzhen, Hangzhou and Qingdao had already completed the conversion, and others including Dalian, Taiyuan and Foshan are expected to complete their switch-over within the year.

    The overall digitalization of cable television will be done in three steps. The first step started in 2003 when the digitalization work began. In the second step which starts in 2006, digitalized satellite live broadcasting technology will be adopted. The third step begins in 2008 when fuller digitalization will be realized.

  • UTStarcom, China Netcom ink largest IPTV deal

    UTStarcom, China Netcom ink largest IPTV deal

    MUMBAI: UTStarcom, Inc., a leader in IP-based, end-to-end networking solutions and services, has signed a contract with China Netcom for the deployment of its RollingStream end-to-end IPTV solution in northeast China. This deal represents the single largest IPTV capacity deployment in China to date.

    “We believe that UTStarcom’s IPTV technology and service epitomizes the evolution of network and service convergence. We believe the Harbin case indicates that a typical business model and value chain for IPTV in China is emerging and that there are large market opportunities and consumer demand throughout many regions. With this contract, UTStarcom continues to prove its position at the forefront of real-world IPTV deployments with the largest number of subscribers,” said UTStarcom China chief executive officer Ying Wu.

    The contract is based on a commercial trial that was launched in May 2005. The initial deployment had a capacity of 100,000 concurrent media streams, covering the major metropolitan areas of the city.

    Currently, the service offers channels of live broadcast television with “time-shifting” capabilities, 48-hour TV-on-demand, and approximate 5,600 hours of video-on-demand. At the same time, there are value-added services, such as on-line weather report, information browsing, and searching services available in the service package as well. The service has accumulated approximately 53,000 subscribers to date.

    UTStarcom has also announced commercial contracts in Shanghai and Fuzhou and Quanzhou in the Fujian Province, with an initial combined capacity of over 50,000 media streams.

  • TSA, IBF launch interactive badminton game

    TSA, IBF launch interactive badminton game

    MUMBAI: The International Badminton Federation (IBF) and its marketing agency Total Sports Asia (TSA) have launched Badminton Manager, an interactive fantasy game.

    IBF executive deputy president Datuk Punch Gunalan says that Badminton Manager allows badminton fans from around the world to become more actively involved in the game, managing their own team of players.

    “Fantasy games are very well known in other major sports like football and formula one. It creates a new level of enjoyment for the badminton fan by giving them an interactive experience of the game.”

    Total Sports Asia CEO Marcus Luer says, “Playing Badminton Manager will bring fans closer to the players, tournaments and the new points system with its fun and educational elements. We want to share this opportunity with as many fans as possible and we are offering this top of the line product at absolutely no cost for the users.”

    Badminton Manager is launched in conjunction with the Thomas & Uber Cup. Gunalan said that “Starting with Thomas & Uber Cup just seems right. It represents a terrific opportunity for badminton enthusiasts to get acquainted with the game. We have plans to extend Badminton Manager to the World Championships in September and continue with a year-long version by the 2007 season.

    “Being a truly global sport, an online presence is increasingly important for the game of badminton. Badminton Manager will be featured on the official IBF and Thomas & Uber Cup websites. It will also have its own dedicated website at www.badmintonmanager.net”.

    Sportdreams, a European fantasy sports company from Europe produced Badminton Manager 2006. The company’s CEO Gerald Smith says, “We believe that the fantasy badminton audience will grow rapidly. We are not only creating a true fun experience for fans around the world, but at the same time build a database with the incredibly dedicated and loyal following that is treasured by commercial partners.

  • BBC Worldwide in content deal with European ISP T-Online

    BBC Worldwide in content deal with European ISP T-Online

    MUMBAI: BBC Worldwide, the BBC’s commercial consumer arm, has concluded an agreement with European ISP T-Online to provide content for its Video on Demand service.

    The agreement will see science, factual and arts programming from BBC Worldwide available to subscribers via T-Online’s Video on Demand portal. Additionally, a selection of the programming will soon be accessible in High Definition (HD) format.

    For the introductory price of €1.95, subscribers can view their chosen programme as often as they like within the 24-hour rental period. All that’s needed is a DSL connection, a T-Online tariff and a PC or, for use on a living room TV, a Media Receiver certified ‘Ready for T-Online Vision’.

    BBC Worldwide head of German Speaking Territories IIsabelle Helle said, “Video on demand is revolutionising the way the world watches television. Today’s agreement will allow Germany’s T-Online customers to view BBC programmes in an exciting and innovative way. It also further emphasises BBC Worldwide’s commitment to this new and important method of content provision.”

    T-Online International’s Burkhard Graßmann, said, “This agreement strengthens T-Online’s place at the forefront of next generation home entertainment, providing our customers with the opportunity to enjoy a range of films and communication services direct to their living rooms. Furthermore, this partnership gives users the possibility to see a number of documentaries in trend-setting high definition quality.”

    The announcement with T-Online follows a number of other agreements which BBC Worldwide has secured to provide content for video on demand services to such international VoD providers as Versatel in Holland, Hot Vision in Israel, Ebismedia in Italy and Telefonica in Spain.

  • DirecTV expands Intl programming platform with Korean language package

    DirecTV expands Intl programming platform with Korean language package

    MUMBAI: DirecTV is continuing to grow its international programming platform, WorldDirect, with the addition of three leading Korean-language networks – MBC, YTN, and Christian Television Systems (CTS).

    In addition, DirecTV also offers the Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS), a top-rated Korean network, which launched on the WorldDirect platform last year.

    SBS, MBC and YTN will be available as part of the new DirecTV KoreanDirect package, which is currently available to DirecTV customers nationwide for $26.99 per month. CTS will be available on an a la carte basis for $4.99 per month, according to an official release.

    DirecTV International VP Aaron McNally said, “DirecTV is offering the Korean community living in the United States not only the best Korean-language programming lineup, but also the leading English-language program offering as well. We are truly a one-stop shop for the best television viewing experience available. By partnering with the leading networks in Korea, DirecTV is able to provide a superior programming lineup compared to its competitors, and deliver a programming package that keeps the Korean community informed, entertained and connected to their homeland.”

    SBS, a top-rated Korean network, has designed its programming to feed the needs of all its viewers by providing content that is both informative and entertaining. MBC

    MBC is a top-rated, 24-hour Korean network. “M” stands for “Munwha” in Korean, which means “culture” in English. MBC offers programs such as news, sports, cultural programs, variety shows, drama, comedy and documentaries.

    YTN is the only 24-hour a day, comprehensive Korean news channel. The network, encompassing local branches and 100-plus foreign correspondents bringing news from over 50 major cities around the world, provides Korean-Americans with up-to-the-minute news and events coverage from Korea and around the world.

    Founded by the Korean Primary Christian Denomination, CTS is a gospel broadcasting channel serving Christian Koreans in the United States. For more information on how to receive KoreanDirect, customers should call (800) 378-3309.

    The DirecTV WorldDirect platform has launched 39 channels that deliver a wide variety of new programming in multiple foreign-languages, including Russian, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati, Bengali, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Korean, Italian and Ukrainian, to underserved ethnic markets throughout the United States.

    DirecTV customers will need to use a WorldDirect services satellite dish that is capable of receiving both international and English-language programming. In some markets, customers who subscribe to a local channels package will require a second smaller dish.

  • MTV, VHI US go Pink in association with Honda

    MTV, VHI US go Pink in association with Honda

    MUMBAI: MTV and VH1 in the US will paint their broadband and mobile platforms Pink with content from an exclusive flashmob concert in New York City with platinum-selling
    LaFace/Zomba artist Pink. The concert footage features music from Pink’s latest album, I’m Not Dead.

    The concert was the result of a contest launched last year in conjunction with Honda and its advertising agency RPA to promote the launch of the 2006 Honda Civic. MTV and VH1 worked with Honda to develop the extensive 12-week Honda Civic Under The Hood campaign featuring a series of music-based interstitials that drove viewers to various media platforms to enter their zip codes, giving the region with the most entries a “flashmob” concert by a national music artist.

    VH1 and MTV joined forces for the first time ever in creating a cross-channel multiplatform campaign that amplified the reach of the networks’ live music franchises to support the launch of the 2006 Honda Civic.

    On 5 April, text messages and emails went out to contest entrants informing them of the Pink “flashmob” concert in New York that evening. The first 200 to respond to the message won access to the event at Crobar. Pink Across All VH1 and MTV Platforms

    From tomorrow 13 April, footage from the exclusive concert, including full songs from Pink’s performance will be available on VH1 and MTV’s broadband channels VSpot (vspot.vh1.com) and Overdrive (overdrive.mtv.com).

    Fans will also be able to enjoy video clips of the concert on MTV Mobile and VH1 Mobile cross-carrier. Pink appeared on MTV’s Total Request Live the day of the concert and upon her exit took a few of the members of the audience and escorted them to the show. In addition, a half-hour version of the concert will air on MTV on 14 April.

    VH1 will also produce a video podcast interview with Pink that will be available for download on VH1.com and iTunes.

  • PanAmSat solidifies HD dominance with National Geographic HD win

    PanAmSat solidifies HD dominance with National Geographic HD win

    MUMBAI: National Geographic HD has chosen to join PanAmSat’s high-definition neighborhood. PanAmSat’s Galaxy HD neighborhood reaches over 9,000 cable systems throughout the US and features many of America’s top HD offerings, including: HBO HD, Cinemax HD, National Geographic HD, HDNet, HDNet Movies, Encore HD, ESPN HD, Fox Sports Net HD, NBA HD, NFL Network HD, The Outdoor Channel, Showtime HD West, STARZ! HD, TNT HD, WB HD and Wealth TV.

    “National Geographic’s high-quality, award-winning programming lends itself perfectly to high-definition television delivery. By joining the A-list roster of customers on Galaxy 13, National Geographic HD will enjoy the industry’s best coast-to-coast coverage that this powerful spacecraft offers. And, bar none, the Galaxy HD neighborhood delivers what television networks want — to pass every potential HDTV cable home in the nation’s top ADIs,” said PanAmSat executive vice president global sales and marketing Mike Antonovich.

    National Geographic HD is distributed by Fox Entertainment Group. Fox had signed a long-term, multi-year, multi-satellite, multi-transponder deal with the Company, consolidating its entire suite of US programming onto PanAmSat’s global fleet as well as a significant portion of its international traffic. The contract was later expanded to include two additional transponders on Galaxy 13, the new home for National Geographic HD.

    High-definition television has made large strides in the US and is predicted to make even larger inroads in the next four years.

    According to industry analyst reports, by 2009, HDTV will be in 52 million households, up from the current four million households. Northern Sky Research estimates that 500 channels will be broadcast in HD by 2010. And, the Consumer Electronics Association reports that seven in 10 consumers are planning to purchase a digital cable-ready HDTV as their next television.

    Ultimately, the continued price reductions in the HDTV arena, coupled with the looming analog cut-off, will result in 55 percent of US households having at least one HD-capable TV by the end of 2010 explain analysts from Leichtman Research Group’s in a recent report entitled, “HDTV: Awareness, Interest and Intent to Purchase 2005.”

  • MTV US president Van Toffler highlights the importance of short form videos during CTIA keynote

    MTV US president Van Toffler highlights the importance of short form videos during CTIA keynote

    MUMBAI: In his keynote address at the CTIA Wireless 2006 event in the US, MTV Music Group president Van Toffler highlighted the appeal of short-form video from the MTV, VH1, CMT, Comedy Central, Logo and Spike TV brands on the wireless platform.

    He described the mobile platform as a rich, creative medium for new and emerging talent to connect with and cultivate new audiences.

    To underscore that point, Toffler welcomed recording artist LL Cool J, to the stage. LL offered an advance look at an upcoming episode of MTV’s Life & Rhymes, which chronicles his life as an artist and is set to debut tonight 10 April on MTV, MTV’s broadband channel Overdrive and on MTV Mobile.

    Toffler noted that audiences have increasingly embraced MTV Networks’ diverse array of mobile programming. Last month MTV Networks streamed nearly 2.5 million videos cross-carrier, an all-time high, Toffler reported, adding that the number is growing by nearly 40 per cent month-to-month for the first three months of 2006.

    He says, “Our audience is responding in droves to our mobile programming. They have a personal relationship with our brands and they increasingly want to consume our content on the handset, the new ‘holy grail’ of electronic
    devices.”

    LL Cool J echoed that sentiment saying, “The mobile phone helps me establish closer ties with my fans, connect with new ones and hopefully inspire everyone I touch through my music. The cell phone — which has become
    the accessory for today’s young adults — is one way that helps me reach them.”

    Among the varied types of mobile programming driving audience consumption are music videos, comedy segments, user-generated content, scenes from television shows, ‘after shows’ developed exclusively for mobile, never-
    before-seen outtakes, and short art breaks, also known as “sharts,” featuring animated and live-action segments.

    In many respects, the burgeoning mobile
    platform is a return to MTV Networks’ early roots, when MTV gained significant
    notoriety for the five- and 15-second art breaks created by brilliant, young talent and which lived between the music videos. For the MTVN Music Group, which encompasses the CMT, MTV and VH1 brands, three types of programming — extensions of on-air franchises; made-for-mobile episodes; and music — are all performing well on the mobile platform.

    Extensions of On-air Franchises
    VH1’s Flavour of Love, the most successful show in that channel’s history, was also the most popular VH1 Mobile content in February
    and March.
    — Web Junk 20 also on VH1 and VH1 Mobile, ushered in the user-generated era to TV and simultaneously to mobile phones.

    — MTV will showcase a 20-year-old college student’s visual interpretation using stick figures based on the lyrics of Fall Out
    Boy’s Sugar We’re Going Down, representing original user-generated content.
    — VH1 is debuting Dingo Ate My Video, a made-for-mobile series that combines VH1’s comedic voice with music videos from a wide
    range of artists, including Green Day, Missy Elliot, Jewel and others.
    — Country Music Television soon will debut a made-for-mobile reality series called Road Hammers about a southern rock/blues band trying to make it in the music business.

    MTV adds that labels and artists like LL Cool J increasingly are embracing the mobile platform to connect with fans and institute new marketing paradigms.
    The Arctic Monkey’s new video I Bet You Look Good on the Dance floor made its debut on: mtvU, MTV’s network for college students; mtvU’s Uber broadband network; mtvU.com and mtvU wireless.

    The approach mirrored a similar one taken by VH1 last year, which debuted Te Amo Corazon, the new Prince single, on VH1, VH1’s
    VSPOT broadband channel, and VH1 Mobile. The Prince debut marked the world’s first-ever multimedia, multiplatform worldwide
    exclusive premiere.
    — Prior to releasing her latest single and album, Madonna distributed an exclusive ringtone for Hung Upon MTV Mobile and VH1 Mobile.

    Spike TV is delivering the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s ‘Ultimate Fight Night(TM) Live’ to Amp’d Mobile subscribers tonight.
    This represents the first time the live sporting event is being simulcast to both mobile devices and to television subscribers.

    “The wireless platform is as important to us as television and computer screens. As soon as we start developing a new concept, we think beyond the television. We think of how that idea can live on broadband and mobile” Toffler says.

  • Jabil completes $ 185 million acquisition of Celetronix

    Jabil completes $ 185 million acquisition of Celetronix

    MUMBAI: Jabil Circuit, Inc. has acquired Celetronix, a leading electronic manufacturing services (EMS) company in India, for around $185 million, including debt.

    The purchase price consists of around $155 million in cash plus the assumption of $30 million in debt. The acquisition process was completed on 31 March, a source said.

    Celetronix offers services from design and prototyping and is the strategic partner used by many of the world’s recognised brands in set-top satellite decoders, computers, home electronics, networking and server appliances. The company, for instance, does work for direct-to-home (DTH) service provider EchoStar in the US.

    Jabil, a premier EMS company in the world, will be able to get access to low-cost manufacturing from India while targeting new markets and customers. Also, its manufacturing footprint will expand in India. Jabil currently manufactures in 176,000 square feet in Ranjangaon, India. Celetronix has manufacturing facilities in Mumbai, Chennai and Pondicherry.

    Indiantelevision.com e-mailed a set of questions to the company on the acquisition details and its expansion plans. But Celetronix officials in Mumbai declined to comment.

    Celetronix, founded by the Tandon family, has low-cost manufacturing facilities in India and delivers through its worldwide locations including India, US, Malaysia, Singapore and Sri Lanka.

  • Sydus teams up with Bacardi for radio mobile service

    Sydus teams up with Bacardi for radio mobile service

    MUMBAI: The spirits company Bacardi has launched Bacardi B-Live Radio for mobile. This is being done through a tie up with Sydus, which works in creating audio-to-mobile lifestyle expressions.

    The service goes live next month and will take Bacardi’s spirit out of the bottle and onto mobile phones around the world. B-Live Radio is the world’s first brand-funded global digital music service, and will also be delivered via the web.

    While traditional marketing strategies have been ‘push’, going from the brand out to the consumer, with Sydus’ BrandedRadio solution, consumers can ‘pull’ the Bacardi experience onto their mobile phones and enjoy the Baqcardi spirit and lifestyle, wherever they are.

    Bacardi B-Live Radio combines two elements – the emotional connection of music, with the ubiquitous and extremely personal usage of mobile phones – to build a stickiness that is declining in traditional delivery mechanisms.

    Sydus president Saumil Nanavati says, “Bacardi B-Live Radio is an innovative way to market to audiences globally, using new media to attract and engage today’s savvy consumer. Sydus is delighted to be a part of Bacardi’s innovative approach to reach out to its users, and we believe this is the start of the next big shift in lifestyle marketing, whereby brands can connect to a global audience in a cost-effective manner.”

    Mobile marketing is rapidly emerging as an effective medium as brands target their customers via mobile phones. Bacardi, using Sydus’ technology solution, has taken a lead in demonstrating how a brand can reach out to its target consumers across the globe effectively, as compared with other marketing options, including the Internet.

    Bacardi global brand director John Burke says, “We are happy to partner with Sydus to enable the Bacardi B-Live Radio service. This is a music service that extends Bacardi’s existing music properties and long standing experience in events. Being available both online and via mobile, we are investing in new mediums that have a real relevance to our consumer’s lives. Sydus’ technology will service strengthen our association with music by creating further opportunities for us to connect with our target consumer in a way that reflects our brand values”.

    Bacardi B-Live Radio will play a mix of uplifting party classics from the world’s hottest dance floors with guest DJs selected from a global talent portfolio to produce exclusive mixes. At weekends, the content features the ‘best of the week’ and live recordings of Bacardi events across the globe. Bacardi has worked with independent experts to ensure content is selected with the correct audience in mind. All tracks must be socially responsible, avoiding any that feature foul language, incite racism or drug taking and excessive drinking.

    B-Live Radio will stream Bacardi mixes 24×7 through the Internet, and via Sydus’ BrandedRadio solution, directly onto GPRS/Edge/3G-compatible mobile handsets, estimated at 85 million handsets worldwide. This spans 189 mobile phone handset models and variants that are compatible with Sydus technology. Listeners can download the radio player free of charge onto their phones from www.bacardibliveradio.com to tune in to the service, and share the application with family and friends using Bluetooth or infrared. Alternatively, the radio service can be accessed via the site wap.bliveradio.com.