ITV

Category: Over The Top Services

  • Eros Now Signs Licensing Deal with China’s Largest Online Video-Streaming Service iQiyi

    Eros Now Signs Licensing Deal with China’s Largest Online Video-Streaming Service iQiyi

    MUMBAI: Eros International PLC (NYSE:EROS) (“Eros”), a leading global company in the Indian film entertainment industry, announced today that Eros Now, its cutting-edge digital over-the-top (OTT) South Asian entertainment platform, has partnered with Chinese online video-streaming service iQiyi for a content licensing deal. iQiyi is one of the largest online video sites in the world,with nearly 6 billion hours spent on its service each month andover 500 million active monthly users.

    Eros Now has tied up with theBaidu-owned Chinese streaming giant for a content agreement to license its vast catalogue of Bollywood blockbusters that will be showcased on iQiyi. With this partnership, Eros Now becomes the first South Asian OTT player to make inroads into the Chinese digital space.

    Commenting on the development, Rishika Lulla Singh, CEO, Eros Digital, said, “The association with iQiyi represents a vital step forward for us as we continue to explore opportunities to expand our content offering globally. China has emerged as an important market and a major box office earner for Indian films in recent years, and it is a very significant milestone for us to further expand Eros’ dominant content distribution network through Eros Now’s alliance with iQiyi”. 

  • turner india reveals new channel pricing

    turner india reveals new channel pricing

    NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court today listed for 28 August the special leave petition filed by Star India and Vijay TV against a tariff and inter-connect orders of regulator TRAI that had been given a go-ahead by the Madras High Court.

    The TRAI tariff orders, first contested in Madras High Court by the petitioners, were cleared by the Chennai court with certain riders after hearings that continued almost over 16 months in front of two benches of the court.

    Though the petitioners were  unavailable for comments, a legal eagle explained that the very fact the Supreme Court has allotted a day for hearing the petition of Star India and Vijay TV, which basically revolves around copyright and why the regulator doesn’t have jurisdiction over such issues, highlights the fact that the judge doesn’t want to take a decision in a hurry.

    The next date of hearing of the case in the apex court on 28 August 2018 is few days before the deadline kicks in for filing of new inter-connect agreements by stakeholders of the Indian broadcast industry.

    After the Madras HC had given a thumb up to TRAI tariff order, and both the petitioners and the defendant (TRAI) had filed caveats in the Supreme Court, the regulator had bowled a googly saying that its tariff order would come into effect from 3 July 2018 as all judicial compliances had been completed. 

    “Having complied with the judicial mandates in the matter,  the Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services (Eighth) (Addressable Systems) Tariff Order, 2017 and the Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Interconnection (Addressable Systems) Regulations, 2017 as upheld by the Hon'ble Madras High  Court and the Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services Standards  of   Quality  of  Service and  Consumer  Protection (Addressable Systems) Regulations, 2017 come into effect from 3rd July 2018,” the regulator had said in a statement pointing out that all timelines mentioned in the original order should be adhered to immediately.

    According to TRAI, implementation of the new regulatory framework will “bring in transparency”, enable provisioning of affordable broadcasting and cable TV services for the consumer and, at the same time, “would lead to an orderly growth of the sector”.

    Keep tuned in for another episode of this legal saga, which started to air sometime in 2016.

  • Five key learnings from OTT platforms for the media and entertainment industry

    Five key learnings from OTT platforms for the media and entertainment industry

    OTT platforms and players are dominating the entertainment space by providing unrivalled flexibility and easy access to view a multitude of shows of various genres as well as original content without censorship. Over the past half a decade, these platforms are emerging as the go-to content consumption destination for users who look for variety and quality content to pass their free time. According to Deloitte, OTT platforms could easily cater to an audience of 355 million by 2020.Its impact on traditional media networks and video distributors has been immense. A lot of conventional entertainment platforms, in fact, can take a leaf out of the books of successful OTT platforms and revamp their offerings to boost growth and enhance viewership. Given below are a few learnings from the OTT platforms that can be beneficial for the media and entertainment industry.

    1) While OTT players started off by providing Hindi and English content, they realized that there is an immense potential in India for regional content, with75% of new internet users expected to consume data in local languages by 2020. OTT players realized that regional content could further drive demand and attract more users across the country . There are several studies that prove that regional content consumption drives thrice the amount of engagement and accessibility, which means the media and entertainment industries, should be able to connect with diverse target groups across India with relevant content to enhance their growth opportunities. As per a report by IAMAI and Kantar IMRB, presently, there are 160 million potential new users for online viewing in urban India and 732 million potential new users in rural India. They can be easily tapped by addressing the issue of the language of access on various platforms.

    2) Discovery of content is of more importance than ever before, as it helps consumers to easily access the content that will appeal to them the most. OTT players  have enabled easy discovery of content for users with AI-based recommendation engines, automatic content display basis, etc. The ability to quickly search all the available content and pair it with any device can be overwhelming for viewers. While quality and entertaining content are prerequisites to augment subscription and grow consumer affinity, the media and entertainment industry should also ensure that their offerings are easily discoverable and the delivery uncomplicated in order to retain or enhance user base. Recommendation engines are considered to be highly powerful personalization tools, as they help improve a visitor’s experience by offering relevant items at the right time and on the right page.

    3) While the real differentiator is content when it comes to OTT platforms, a lot of players are now investing in improving their tech and platform capabilities to ensure that viewers have the best possible experience while consuming their content of choice. OTT platforms have pulled out all the stops to ensure that even during high concurrency periods, such as Cricket or Football season, the viewing experience of users is uninhibited and they are able to enjoy the games without a glitch. All of this requires tremendous innovation and investment in terms of technology, which OTT platforms haven’t shied away from and other players in the domain would do well to emulate.

    4) In times to come, aggregation models will gain prominence and enable consumers to navigate through the vast amount of content available online. Currently, nexGTV is one of the most advanced OTT content aggregation platforms, providing content to multi-screen equipment. Users are easily able tostream media channels ona variety of terminals, like mobile phone, smart TV, high-definition player, etc., anywhere at any time. Apart from offering original shows and series, OTT players are now charging a minimal fee for each piece of content basis the demand witnessed from the users.

    5) Gone are the days when only short-format content such as short films, caught the attention of viewers on OTT platforms. These days, people are equally interested in viewing long-format content on their mobile phones and are eager to finish watching a movie or a web series during their commute time. So it is no more just content snacking, it is serious viewing in India post low cost and steady internet availability that is attracting today’s new-age consumers. The media and entertainment industry should be able to up their ante and release content that is relevant to consumers’ specific interests and viewing preferences, regardless of the length and format of the content.

    The article has been authored by NexGTv head, growth Dushyant Kohli

    The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of Indiantelevision.com and we do not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

  • YouTube to release first Indian original content soon

    YouTube to release first Indian original content soon

    MUMBAI: Streamers in India are about to get new delight. YouTube is bringing its first Indian original in the coming weeks called ARRived under an ad-supported model. The streaming giant has joined hands with music maestro AR Rahman for the show. Earlier also, YouTube global head original programming Susanne Daniels said that it is planning scripted series and original programming for international markets including India.

    “Affordable data costs are driving video consumption in India, data usage is about 8 GB a month per subscriber. This has pushed online video consumption as well, which is now about 75 per cent of all mobile traffic as per industry reports,” YouTube India entertainment head Satya Raghavan said.

    While in many countries YouTube offers its originals under the subscription model, in India it doesn’t have any premium model currently. According to some media reports, it will eventually come up with the premium service in India. YouTube’s international rivals Netflix and Amazon Prime have already released original shows in the country, some of which has been critically acclaimed too along with getting high popularity. The local OTT players are also eyeing the same pie in the growing video market. Players like ZEE5, Voot, ALTBalaji, Viu, Eros Now also have a pipeline of original shows to woo the audience. On the other hand, Hotstar has taken the top position among OTT players according to several reports.

    “Our DNA is built around partnerships, so a lot of competitors are our partners we work closely with, some of them are large advertisers of ours, some of them are large content partners. So for us, it is about growing the video pie not just for our own creators but for the entire online video industry for sure,” Raghavan commented.

    The company said it had run two sponsored shows as pilots, working closely with advertisers to test the market. It also claimed to have received a good response. Globally, YouTube Originals has released over 60 projects to date and plans to release more than 50 new shows next year.

  • Viu, Leading OTT Video Service, Launches in Myanmar as the Country’s First 100% Subtitled Video Service

    Viu, Leading OTT Video Service, Launches in Myanmar as the Country’s First 100% Subtitled Video Service

    MUMBAI: Viu, a leading OTT Video service by PCCW and Vuclip, has officially launched in Myanmar today at Novotel Yangon Max, bringing the service now to 16 markets, also including Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, India, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines and the Middle East countries of Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE.

    The brand was launched on stage by Janice Lee, Managing Director of PCCW Media Group, Arun Prakash, President & Chief Operating Officer of Vuclip, Lavina Tauro, Country Manager of Viu Myanmar along with U Min Thein, CAO of MyanmarNet, Steve Britton, CEO of Red Dot Myanmar, and U Maung Maung Oo, MD of MOM.COM all partners in bringing Viu to Myanmar.

    Commenting on the launch, Arun Prakash, President and COO of Vuclip said, “Over the last three years, Viu has emerged as a leader in the OTT industry. This is primarily on the basis of our passion for delighting consumers with quality, fresh and localized content; our commitment to developing local content industries and talent; and our approach to create wins for our ecosystem partners. We’re excited to bring the same to Myanmar.”

    Viu has achieved much success across Asia since its launch in 2016 and is known as a leading destination for digital entertainment. To amplify its efforts to deliver the Best of Asian entertainment in Myanmar, Viu is the first and only OTT service with all international content with 100% Myanmar subtitles and available to download.

    Lavina Tauro, Country Manager of Viu Myanmar, said, “It has been months of hard work to ensure we give our fans in Myanmar what they want. We bring alive the promise of Best of Asian Entertainment by offering the latest and best from Korea, Thailand, India, and Myanmar to name a few. All our movies and shows, whether our simulcast shows like Running Man, other K-dramas like The Heirs, Doctors or international movies like PeeMak from Thailand or Bhaagmathie from India come with 100% Myanmar subtitles.”  

    Viu also today announced the launch of its partnership with Myanmar Net, one of the top internet service providers in Myanmar. With Myanmar Net’s bundled pack called “A Wa Thone A Mone Kyi”, users can enjoy fixed-price access quality content through unlimited data.

    Ms. Tauro added, “Myanmar Net believes in our philosophy of having the consumer at the center of the experience. Through this pack offered by Myanmar Net, we are enabling a rich consumer experience whereby they can watch their favorite content without worrying about data. We believe this partnership will help redefine the digital entertainment space in Myanmar.” 

  • Twitter India country director Taranjeet Singh steps down

    Twitter India country director Taranjeet Singh steps down

    MUMBAI: After a four-year stint with Twitter India, country director Taranjeet Singh has stepped down from his role. He was one of the earliest Twitter employees in the country. The company’s Twitter’s global head of revenue strategy and operations Balaji Krish has been named as the interim country head until the replacement of Singh is hired.

    “India is one of our largest and fastest growing markets worldwide today. We have hired many Tweeps at Twitter India, diversified our client base across the country and continue to be the pulse of Indian society – breaking news, sports, entertainment, politics,” Singh tweeted.

    As Indian country director, he built the up the sales team from the ground up and led the social media giant’s expansion and investments. He worked closely with brands and agencies to increase their commercial opportunities and leading overall Twitter operations in India. Twitter compared to its competitors like Facebook, has not been dragged into in any major controversy yet.

    The media veteran has 20 years of sales and business development experience. He also spent close to a decade with BBC as head of advertising and sales director of South Asia.

    “I’m proud to say that Twitter India is in a strong position and will continue to grow stronger in the years to come. I want to thank all our partners, brands and agencies for their continued belief, trust and support in making my journey so incredible at Twitter,” he tweeted.

  • Hathway to show Netflix content with new STB

    Hathway to show Netflix content with new STB

    MUMBAI: Hathway has taken the step ahead to bridge the gap between TV and OTT by landing a deal with giant Netflix. Consumers will get seamless access to Netflix through the Hathway set top box. While there will be a dedicated Netflix button on the remote of the set top box, Hathway subscribers will be able to pay for Netflix subscription using the Hathway bill.

    The introductory price for set top box has been set at Rs 2,999. All existing and new Hathway broadband consumers, who subscribe to Netflix and pay through their Hathway bill for their Netflix subscription, will receive this box for free.

    “In this smart and digital era, customers are looking at leading internet entertainment services like Netflix to access high quality, well produced entertainment. The soon-to-be launched Hathway set top box will make watching streaming videos on large screens an incredible experience. The Hathway set top box will be bundled with our high-speed, unlimited fibre-to-home monthly plans,”  Hathway MD Rajan Gupta said.

    In the changing content scenario, both OTT platforms and internet service providers are getting into deals to expand consumer reach. While for Netflix it is an important deal to reach local consumers, Hathway will also be able to lure customers on the back of the OTT platform’s content library. Moreover, when Jio is gearing up to roll out its fibre to home service, all other existing players have started changing their strategy.

     “We’re very excited to partner with Hathway Broadband in India to bring the latest technologies and great stories under one roof. The Hathway set top box will allow Hathway’s customers to use the Netflix button on their remote controls to seamlessly access and enjoy the best entertainment at high speeds,” Netflix Asia business development VP Tony Zameczkowski said.

  • Netflix debuts fight featurettes for marvel’s iron fist 2

    Netflix debuts fight featurettes for marvel’s iron fist 2

    MUMBAI: Watch Marvel’s Iron Fist – Season 2 Building an Epic Fight Sequence featurette

    About this Asset: A behind-the-scenes piece that dives into the contributions of our new stunt coordinator, Clayton Barber. Featuring interviews with Barber, Finn Jones, and Jessica Henwick, this video will give fans a sneak-peak at some of the stand-out fights from Season 2, and call-out the improved choreography.

    Marvel’s Iron Fist: Season 2 Violent Ballet featurette

    This is a fun marketing piece, featuring the incredible Fight Coordinator, Clayton Barber. Clayton previously worked on Marvel Studio’s Black Panther and Creed, and now brings his unique vision to Season 2 of Iron Fist.

  • Eros International senior management bag prestigious awards at ‘Pride of India Awards’ 2018

    Eros International senior management bag prestigious awards at ‘Pride of India Awards’ 2018

    MUMBAI: India’s leading global film and digital studio, Eros International has added further feathers to its cap. At the recently concluded ‘Pride of India Awards’ by WCRC Leaders Asia, Mr. Kishore Lulla (Chairman and CEO, Eros International) and Mrs. Rishika Lulla Singh (CEO, Eros Digital) have bagged the ‘Most Responsible Leader 2018’ and ‘India’s Most Trusted CEO’s’ awards respectively for their proven leadership in the industry.

    With over 35 years of experience in media and entertainment industry, Kishore Lulla has been instrumental in spearheading Eros International’s growth and expansion since 1980s. Being a visionary, Mr. Lulla has set revolutionary trends in Indian cinema and today Eros is poised to become India’s largest digital entertainment company.

  • Amazon Prime Music launches innovative voice controls powered by Alexa to further enhance Prime members’ music listening experience

    Amazon Prime Music launches innovative voice controls powered by Alexa to further enhance Prime members’ music listening experience

    MUMBAI: Amazon Music today announced the launch of more innovative voice features on Alexa- available only on Amazon Prime Music – both in its mobile app as well as on Echo family devices. Amazon Prime Music listeners can now simply use voice to ask Alexa to play their favorite songs that they haven’t heard in a while. Also launching today is the ability to easily create new playlist(s) or add to the existing playlists just by asking, no searching or browsing required. 

    Amazon Prime Music now makes it easier to go back and listen to music from an earlier point in time by asking Alexa, eliminating the need to remember specific track titles or look back through listening history. Listeners can easily ask for their recently played songs or even those they haven’t heard in a while by artist, genre or time to make the listening experience even easier, including “Alexa, play music that I was listening to last week” or “Alexa, play me the Arijit Singh song I was listening to three weeks ago”. Also launching today is the ability to ask, “Alexa create a new playlist from this song” or add a song from their play queue to an existing personal playlist, making it easier to track and explore music while significantly enhancing the day-to-day listening experience. 

    Sahas Malhotra, Director, Amazon Prime Music India, said, “At Amazon, we constantly listen to our customers’ feedback and innovate to serve their needs in the best possible ways. With the launch of these new ways to discover music, we have made it easier than ever to make the music listening using your voice simpler and easier with Alexa being more like your best friend who understands you well and knows what you want to listen to – all just by asking! With the ad-free music streaming now coupled with the power and simplicity of Alexa Voice controls, Amazon Prime Music will continue to offer simpler, easier and more fun ways to listen to your favourite music.” 

    Now, simply ask for recently played music by artist, genre, or time to make the listening experience even easier. For example, say:
    • “Alexa, play me songs which I recently played”
    • “Alexa, play me the Arijit Singh song I listened to last month” 
    • “Alexa, play me hip hop music I was listening to three weeks ago” 
    • Or even try, “Alexa, play music that I was listening to earlier today” 

    Rediscover your favourite songs you haven’t played in a while, and enjoy without the need to manually scan the search bar or listening history, just try:
    • “Alexa, play songs I haven’t heard in a while”
    • “Alexa, play Rihanna songs I haven’t heard in a while” 
    • “Alexa, play rock songs I haven’t heard recently” 
    • Don’t know what to ask? Just say, “Alexa, play something I haven’t heard in a while” and let her take you down the memory lane.

    While listening to Amazon Prime Music on Echo family devices, add a new song to a playlist, or create a new one by asking:                                              

    • “Alexa, create a new playlist”
    • “Alexa, create a workout playlist”
    • “Alexa, create the playlist ‘My favorite hits’”
    • “Alexa, add this song to my playlist”

    Learn more at https://www.amazon.in/newwithalexa

    Amazon Prime Music is an ad-free service launched as a Prime benefit at no additional cost to the annual membership of INR 999/- and monthly membership of INR 129/-. Amazon Prime Music includes tens of millions of songs across major International and Indian music labels in over 10 languages including English, Hindi, Tamil, Punjabi, Bengali, Kannada, Telugu and more. Amazon Prime Music is available on Android and iOS mobile phone apps, Desktop app and Web player, Amazon Fire TV sticks and Amazon Echo devices.