Category: Over The Top Services

  • Zeel secures landmark ‘Dynamic+’ John Doe order against digital piracy

    Zeel secures landmark ‘Dynamic+’ John Doe order against digital piracy

    MUMBAI: In a groundbreaking move to combat digital piracy, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. (Zeel) has secured a comprehensive Dynamic+ John Doe order from the Delhi high court. This landmark decision empowers Zeel to protect its vast content library, including movies, TV shows, and OTT offerings on ZEE5, by enabling swift action against rogue websites without repeated court interventions.

    Unlike traditional John Doe injunctions, this advanced framework allows Zeel to directly notify the department of telecommunications (DoT), ministry of electronics and information technology (MeitY), and internet service providers (ISPs) to block infringing websites immediately. The court’s directive ensures fast-tracked enforcement, enhancing Zeel’s ability to safeguard its intellectual property.

    Key Highlights of the Dynamic+ John Doe order:

    ●   Initial Blocking: The court has ordered the blocking of 103 rogue websites involved in unauthorized streaming of Zeel’s content library.

    ●   Dynamic Notification: Zeel can directly notify DoT, MeitY, and ISPs to block new infringing websites without additional court orders.

    ●   Broader Protection: The order extends beyond live sporting events, covering Zeel’s entire entertainment catalogue, ensuring a robust defense against piracy.

    This proactive approach represents a significant evolution in Indian copyright law, combining swift anti-piracy measures with procedural safeguards. By enabling Zeel to act dynamically, the order not only protects Zeel/Zee5’s diverse audience but also strengthens the broader digital content ecosystem.

    With Saikrishna & Associates as legal counsel, Zeel has set a new standard for digital copyright enforcement, reinforcing its leadership in the fight against piracy.

     

  • Tata Play celebrates World TV Day with campaign on unity through television

    Tata Play celebrates World TV Day with campaign on unity through television

    Mumbai: Tata Play, India’s leading DTH and PayTV provider, launched a heartwarming campaign today to celebrate World Television Day, showcasing the power of television to unite a diverse India. Conceptualised by HumourMe, the ad-film beautifully conveys how television transcends barriers, bridges cultural divides, and fosters shared experiences.

    The campaign portrays a powerful message: “No matter how different all of us may be, TV unites us all together.” It presents television not just as a screen but as a medium that creates connection, laughter, and a sense of belonging. The ad-film opens with characters from vastly different walks of life, initially clashing and judging each other. As the story unfolds, they discover camaraderie and common ground, standing united by the stories brought to them through television.

    Tata Play’s campaign transforms the viewing experience into a celebration of togetherness and shared emotions, illustrating how television connects hearts and minds. The film was launched across Tata Play’s social media platforms earlier today and has already garnered widespread engagement, resonating strongly with audiences. This campaign reinforces Tata Play’s commitment to creating enriching experiences for its audience, leveraging the universal appeal of television to celebrate unity amid diversity.

  • Prime Video launches Channel K

    Prime Video launches Channel K

    Mumbai : Prime Video launched Channel K, Interactive Media Mix,  (IMX)’s Korean entertainment channel, as an add-on subscription. As the home to some of the most popular series, movies, K-pop concerts, and reality shows, Channel K will offer Prime members an immersive Hallyu experience with blockbuster series such as Summer Strike, Personal Taste, acclaimed movies like Our Season, Joint Security Area (JSA), and The Battle: Roar to Victory, NCT Nation and Made in Korea: The K-Pop Experience, in addition to providing Indian BTS fans exclusive access to the 2024 BTS FESTA: Message from Jin, with concert footage and documentaries showcasing deep insights into the journey and artistry of these global icons.

    Prime members can enjoy a diverse range of celebrated Korean content by purchasing an add-on subscription to Channel K at a monthly fee of Rs 79, with a special limited-time* inaugural price of Rs 1 for the first month.

    “Since its launch in India, add-on subscriptions on Prime Video have served as the launchpad for several international streaming services in the country,” said Prime Video head of marketplace (add-on subscriptions and movie rentals),  Gaurav Bhasin. “Over the past few years, we have seen tremendous increase in the popularity of Korean content on Prime Video in India, including series like Marry My Husband, No Gain No Love, Jinny’s Kitchen, and more, that were loved by our customers. We are now thrilled to launch Channel K in India and give Prime members an opportunity to get an even wider selection of scripted and unscripted Korean content with this new add-on offering.”

    “Our mission with Channel K is to deliver premium Korean entertainment to a global audience, building cultural bridges and enhancing the viewing experience for Indian fans,” said IMX CEO Sohn Il-Hyung. “Post our successful collaboration in Japan, we are thrilled to work with Prime Video to launch Channel K in India as an add-on subscription, and through their reach in India, take the Hallyu wave even deeper in the country.”

  • Paul-Tyson fight most streamed sporting event ever: Netflix

    Paul-Tyson fight most streamed sporting event ever: Netflix

    MUMBAI: The record for concurrent viewers on a streamer (Disney+Hotstar) for cricket stands at 59 million during the ICC World Cup finals in 2023 between India and Australia. And that too in India  with a population of 1.4 billion.

    That record was left by the wayside during the Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson fight which was streamed on Netflix, peaking at 65 million concurrent streams, with 38 million originating in the US. This made it the most streamed sporting event ever, said Netflix. The fight generated 46.6M views for the entire event. 

    Data provided by monitoring agency TVision revealed that almost 65 per cent off all US TV viewing between 12 am and 1 am EST  on 15 November was accounted by the much publicised slugfest. The Paul-Tyson fight garnered an estimated average minute audience (AMA) of 108 million live viewers globally from opening to closing bell and continued to drive viewing into the weekend with an estimated AMA of 125 million (Live+1).

    The event ranked at No 1 in 78 countries including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Italy, Mexico, South Africa, the UK and the US, and in the Top 10 in 91 countries tracked for the week of 11-17 November. The fight generated over 1.4B owned impressions across Netflix’s global social channels. #PaulTyson was the No 1 trending topic worldwide on X on Friday, said Netflix in a statement. 

    The live event also saw Katie Taylor defend her title as the undisputed super lightweight world champion in a brutal 10-round rematch against Amanda Serrano to become the most-watched professional women’s sports event in US history, averaging an estimated 74 million live viewers.  #Serrano was the No. 2 trending topic on X Friday in the US, Brazil, Spain, and Canada.

  • Prasar Bharati launches OTT Waves at IFFI Goa

    Prasar Bharati launches OTT Waves at IFFI Goa

    MUMBAI: It’s hoping to make waves amongst streaming consumers and viewers of its linear TV network. State-owned pubcaster Prasar Bharati  today announced the launch of its own OTT platform branded Waves, offering a broad spectrum of entertainment and news content at the opening ceremony of the International Film Festival of India in Goa. 

    Available for android and iOs devices, it offers around 70  live channels including  B4U Bhojpuri, B4U Music, B4U Kadak, B4U Movies, GNT, Indian Today, ABP News, Divya, Republic, Republic Bharat, News Nation, Pitaara, News 24, PTC Punjabi Gold, PTC Punjabi, Times Now Navbharat, News 18 India, 9XM, NDTV India, TV9 Bharatvarsh, E24, News 24, Dabang, 9X Jalwa, 9X Jakhaas, 9X Tashan, Aaj Tak, Sanskar, Satsang, Raj TV, USPL, ABZY Movies, ABZY Dhaakad, Mayaboli, Masti, and NewsX. This apart, close to 34 of its own channels are available for viewing. 

    Waves also has a slew of original programmes from DD National including Fauji 2, an agricultural reality show Khet Khet May, Swarajya, Cybercrime, Rang mein Rang Ganga,  among other shows. A new version of Ramayan  from the house of Sagar is slated to launch soon. Old DD shows of the eighties and nineties, and others from PTC Punjabi complete the package on offer. 

    A catalogue of Hindi movies including Traffic Signal, Aarakshan, Khakee, Vodka Diaries, Phir Hera Pheri are available for viewing.  The international film slate appears to be worth watching: The Goes Wrong Show, The Monkey King, Mr Johnson, and The Hunger Games. But both the Hindi and international films are powered by  LionsgatePlay and are priced at Rs 399 per quarter. If viewers are not open to paying, they can consume a range of regional films which are dubbed in Hindi and can be watched for free. 

    Waves also has tabs offering live events, movies, shows, live TV, religious programming, archival documentaries, live radio, games, nostalgia, a shopping area linked to the open network for digital commerce, ebooks, a podcast and a creators’ corner.  

    The Waves app is available in three subscription offers. The first, a platinum annual subscription allows access to four devices simultaneously and is priced at 999 per annum while a diamond subscription has a sticker price of Rs 350 per annum for two devices. The gold pack which supposedly allows access to all content on Waves does not have a price tag attached in the subscription area.  

    In August, Prasar Bharati invited TV channels to join the platform, introducing a revenue-sharing model. Under this initiative, participating broadcasters receive 65 per cent of the ad revenue, while Prasar Bharati retains 35 per cent. Waves is offering t in SD, HD, and 4K, initially supporting 10 million concurrent users with scalability to 100 million.

  • Prime Video to stream action-packed 2024-25 New Zealand cricket season live

    Prime Video to stream action-packed 2024-25 New Zealand cricket season live

    Mumbai: For hard-core cricket fans, it could not get any better. Especially those that love the Kiwi team’s brand of cricket.  They can easily sign up to Amazon’s Prime Video service and get into the thick of cricketing action featuring the black caps this New Zealand cricket season. Following their historic Test wins against India, the Kiwis  are gearing up for a thrilling domestic season, taking on cricketing giants England, Australia, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan between now and April 2025.

    Prime members in India can enjoy exclusive live coverage of T20Is, ODIs, and Test matches featuring both the Black Caps and White Ferns.  

    The season kicks off with a high-stakes three-match Test series between New Zealand and England, starting on 28 November 2024. The series, running until 18  December, will showcase top players from both sides, including Tom Latham, Tom Blundell, and Matt Henry for New Zealand, and Ben Stokes, Joe Root, and Harry Brook for England.  

    Following this electrifying series, the White Ferns will take on Australia’s women’s team in a three-match ODI series beginning 19 December 2024, promising intense competition and top-notch performances.  

    These will be followed by T20 and ODI series against Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Australia, no necessarily in that order. 
     

  • A home is more than just a house: Aastha Gill

    A home is more than just a house: Aastha Gill

    Mumbai: Aastha Gill is on a mission to find her dream home, and she’s taking viewers with her for her as she selects her dream home on Sony LIV’s Million Dollar Listing India. The singer-songwriter, known for her chart-topping hits, is diving headfirst into the world of luxury real estate, hoping to seal the deal on her dream home.

    _”A home is more than four walls supporting a roof, it’s where memories are made and it’s a haven of love and comfort. I’m on the hunt for that perfect place-my dream home-and Million Dollar Listing India has made the whole experience feel incredibly personal and welcoming. It didn’t feel like I was on a show; it felt like I was genuinely touring these incredible homes,” Aastha shared with excitement. “I can’t wait to show my mom these incredible homes and see her reaction”

    Aastha was especially struck by the thoughtful details and clever storage solutions in the homes showcased. She also had high praise for realtor Navdeep, whose expertise and genuine approach made a strong impression. _“Seeing Navdeep’s work in person through the show has been inspiring—I’m even more impressed than before!”_

    The show is produced by Banijay Asia and licensed by NBCUniversal Formats, a division of Universal International Studios, part of Universal Studio Group. Million Dollar Listing India offers an exclusive glimpse into the intense world of India’s luxury properties, where only the sharpest and most strategic thrive.

  • Sony LIV wins ‘Best App for Large Screens’ at Google Play’s Best of 2024 awards

    Sony LIV wins ‘Best App for Large Screens’ at Google Play’s Best of 2024 awards

    Mumbai: Sony LIV, a leader in India’s streaming landscape, has been honoured with the prestigious “Best App for Large Screens” award at Google Play’s Best of 2024 Awards in India. This accolade highlights Sony LIV’s exceptional commitment to delivering immersive entertainment experiences tailored for larger devices, such as tablets, allowing users to enjoy premium sports and high-quality content like never before.  

    The Google Play Best of Awards celebrates excellence in product innovation and user experience, and Sony LIV’s seamless and engaging interface stood out for enhancing content discovery and navigation on large screens.  

    Sony LIV’s rich content library includes blockbuster TV shows, original series, movies, and live sports, all powered by cutting-edge technology that ensures a superior user experience across platforms. By consistently blending innovation with engaging storytelling, Sony LIV remains a preferred choice for audiences nationwide.  

    Sony LIV, head of growth & monetisation, Manish Aggarwal expressed his excitement, stating: “We are thrilled to receive this esteemed award from Google Play. This achievement is a testament to our long-standing partnership with Google and due to our consistent efforts in providing users with seamless, engaging, and immersive screen agnostic viewing experiences. Our team has worked tirelessly to optimize the platform, ensuring users enjoy unparalleled entertainment and sports, anywhere, anytime across platforms and devices. This award motivates us to continue innovating and setting new benchmarks within the industry.”

    This recognition reinforces Sony LIV’s dedication to advancing streaming technology and elevating audience experiences. With this milestone, the platform aims to continue setting industry benchmarks and expanding its reach across diverse viewing preferences.  

     

  • Prime Video announces line-up for 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI)

    Prime Video announces line-up for 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI)

    Mumbai : Prime Video returned to the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) for its 55th edition, with a line-up of exclusive premieres, performances and more. Demonstrating its continued to promoting excellence in cinematic arts and appreciation for diverse storytelling, Prime Video’s presence at the iconic IFFI will be marked with several high-octane events. These include:

    World Premiere of Unscripted Telugu Original Series—The Rana Daggubati Show: 21 November

    Showcasing the first episode of the highly anticipated unscripted Telugu Original series—The Rana Daggubati Show at the festival, Prime Video will treat the attendees with a glimpse into the world of Rana Daggubati and his guests as they indulge in entertaining conversations and engaging activities that bring out a never-seen-before side of his guests. The premiere will be attended by none other than Rana Daggubati himself, along with Sonal Kabi, Director & Head – Marketing, Prime Video, India. Following the special screening, Rana will spill the beans on his exciting line-up of guests in the upcoming series and will engage in a tete-e-tete with the audience. Created and hosted by Rana Daggubati and executive produced by him under the banner of Spirit Media, the eight-episode series will feature a dazzling line-up of guests, including Dulquer Salmaan, Naga Chaitanya Akkineni, Nani, Rishab Shetty, Siddhu Jonnalagadda with Sreeleela, S.S. Rajamouli with Ram Gopal Varma, and many more prominent celebrities. Brimming with unfiltered conversations and unexplored facets of celebrities, The Rana Daggubati Show presents a refreshing take on the celebrity talk show format, as Rana and his guests unmask their fun side and reveal insights into their personal lives that are unknown to their fans and unheard of by the world while partaking in exciting activities and passionate hobbies that go beyond the silver screen. The Rana Daggubati Show will premiere exclusively on Prime Video starting November 23 in India and across more than 240 countries and territories worldwide, with new episodes dropping every Saturday.

    Asia Premiere of Internationally Acclaimed Original Movie The Mehta Boys: 25 November

    The Mehta Boys will make its Asia debut at IFFI on 25 November. The movie will take the audience on a heartfelt exploration of the complex and often turbulent bond between a father and son, who are compelled to spend 48 hours together under challenging circumstances. The Mehta Boys stole the spotlight at the 15th Chicago South Asian Film Festival (CSAFF) with the exclusive world premiere on the Opening Night on September 20th. The movie was honoured with the prestigious Best Feature Film award. The Mehta Boys marks Boman Irani’s directorial debut, has received this accolade for its compelling storytelling and heartfelt performances, resonating deeply with audiences and critics alike. The premiere will be attended by the film’s cast, including actor, writer, director, and producer Boman Irani, along with writer Alexander Dinelaris Jr., actors Avinash Tiwary, Shreya Chaudhry and Puja Sarup and producer Danesh Irani.

    Musical Performance by Bandish Bandits Season 2 Team at the Closing Ceremony: 28 November

    Known for celebrating India’s cultural diversity through powerful storytelling, Prime Video will present at IFFI’s closing ceremony, a vibrant Jugalbandi performance featuring the highly talented team of its upcoming musical drama Bandish Bandits Season 2. Audiences will enjoy both soulful and energetic compositions performed live by musicians Nikita Gandhi, Digvijay Singh Pariyar and Mame Khan. The event will also be attended by the lead cast Ritwik Bhowmik and Shreya Chaudhary, Producer Amritpal Singh Bindra, Director Anand Tiwari, and Nikhil Madhok, Head of Originals, Prime Video, India. The live music performance will be followed by an exciting show reveal.

    In addition to the above, Prime Video will also participate in the Knowledge Series at NFDC’s Film Bazaar at IFFI:

    Panel Discussion on Greenlighting Your Project: Strategies for Film & Series Creators: 22 November

    Prime Video India director – Content Licensing Manish Menghani will participate in this highly insightful panel session that will also feature industry leaders including Jyoti Deshpande, CEO of Viacom18, filmmaker Nikhil Advani, and Shobha Sant, CEO of Creativeland Studios, with filmmaker Richie Mehta moderating the discussion. Together, they will guide creators through the process of getting their projects greenlit, and offer expert insights into content development.

    Besides this, Prime Video director & head – SVOD, Shilangi Mukherji will address the audience at a special event at IFFI.

  • Zee5 partners with smart TV OS Whale TV

    Zee5 partners with smart TV OS Whale TV

    MUMBAI: Zee5 has got onto another  independent smart TV OS, Whale TV. With this, the streamer will be available on all Whale TV smart TVs, including major brands such as Philips, TCL, and Sharp, across more than 150 countries including India, the Middle East and North Africa, Asia-Pacific, and the US.

    Zee5 offers south Asian content including original shows, franchise hits, and diverse content across 18 languages. Operating in over 190 countries, the platform boasts a catalogue that spans blockbuster movies, acclaimed TV shows, and lifestyle programming. By partnering with Whale TV, Zee5 is making its content accessible to millions of viewers worldwide. 

    On Whale TV models, consumers will now have an easy-to-use smart TV experience with advanced AI powered recommendations, making it easier than ever to discover and enjoy Zee5’s  wide range of premium titles including Oscar winner RRR, Sam Bahadur, Gyaarah Gyaarah, Hanu-Man (Telugu) and more.

    Said Zee5 chief business officer Manish Kalra:  “Smart TVs are an increasingly dominant way for people to consume content. This strategic alliance with Whale TV further strengthens our global reach, enabling entirely new audiences to discover our curated catalogue of premium South Asian content at scale. We are confident that this partnership will accelerate our efforts to bring viewers across the globe seamless access to the best of south Asian content.”

    “With Whale TV we aim to deliver a smart and simple TV experience to consumers, where they can watch their favorite entertainment whether that’s streamed, broadcasted or playing on a connected device. With our global reach it is important that we offer a diverse content selection and we are delighted to add Zee5 Global to our platform,” added Whale TV VP content distribution Lucas Huang.