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Category: iWorld

  • From Trackside to Global Fans: LiveU Transforms Tabcorp – Sky Racing Coverage through Remote Production

    From Trackside to Global Fans: LiveU Transforms Tabcorp – Sky Racing Coverage through Remote Production

    MUMBAI  – LiveU, a leader in live IP-video and remote production solutions, today announced the successful implementation of its comprehensive IP remote production solution at Tabcorp – Sky Racing, transforming how Australia’s leading betting and entertainment company broadcasts live horse racing events. Sky Racing shares its live feeds with audiences worldwide, including viewers in Hong Kong, United States, and Europe.

    Covering over 160,000 live horse races per year – broadcasting live on 150 channels on a huge range of formats (linear and digital) – Sky Racing also produces its own content. Using LiveU’s IP remote production solution, it now broadcasts horse races from eight tracks in Queensland (QLD) with high quality, low latency and resilient transmissions, managed from its central production hub in Brisbane. The remote production set-up has eliminated the need for traditional SNG trucks, Outside Broadcast trucks and full on-site crews, substantially reducing travel, accommodation, and equipment costs. 

    At its more remote locations Sky Racing has been able to reduce its costs by almost 80% by removing the whole satellite process and using LiveU. They’ve also reduced the need to send expensive OB trucks all over the state as they have moved to a model where they have designed a remote modular rack system with LiveU encoders installed in all their venues. The rack system can be turned on and tested remotely and from there the live feeds come directly into their centralized broadcasting hub. The production team can log in and support the system from anywhere in the world. Having a centralized hub has allowed further cost savings with certain staff being able to multitask between multiple venues (Director, CCU, Replay and Technicians for example).

    “LiveU’s remote production solution has transformed how we deliver live races in Queensland for aggregation and distribution to our domestic and international markets,” said Jamie Ford, Technical Operations Manager – QLD, Tabcorp – Sky Racing. “By deploying their LU810 encoders across our tracks and using our production hub in Brisbane, we’ve achieved what was previously unthinkable – maintaining broadcast quality while significantly reducing operational costs and complexity. The system’s resilience and low latency, with seamless cellular backup and flexible return feeds, ensures we never miss a moment of action while maintaining the feeds needed in both directions.”

    LiveU’s solution features LiveU’s multi-cam LU810 fixed encoders at each race track, supporting primary transmission of between 8 to 16 cameras (or other sources) per location, over high-speed WAN, sending up to four signals per device. For an extra layer of resilience, a cost-effective backup solution is in place using both LU810 encoders and separate LU810-M (modem) encoders connected via cellular. This set-up leverages the public internet for baseline reliability and can instantly switch to cellular if needed, removing the requirement for costly SNG backup trucks.

    Production teams stay in sync between the field and the hub using LiveU’s remote production tools, including Video Return, Audio Connect, and IP Pipe. From the central production hub, teams can monitor up to 36 live camera feeds from eight different race tracks simultaneously with LiveU’s Transceiver letting operators customize and control return feeds for each track independently. 

    Ryan Osinga, Manager, Technical Services and Solutions, Tabcorp – Sky Racing, summed up, “We’ve ended up with a product that is cheaper, more reliable, and more resilient, it’s got more features, lower latency and we have a significant reduction in costs. For us the LiveU solution ticked every single box that we had.”

    “Tabcorp went all-in on remote production for Sky Racing and we worked very closely with them to ensure that the solution was adapted to their production needs,” said Chris Dredge, Country & Sales Manager, LiveU Pacific. “The flexibility of the LiveU EcoSystem meant that we could devise an innovative workflow that worked for them, optimizing their resources on-the-ground and centrally. It’s a great use case for multi-venue events and we’re already seeing potential for similar projects elsewhere.”

    Watch the video clip to see the full production in action: 

    About LiveU 

    LiveU offers a set of high-quality IP-video solutions for any live production – the LiveU EcoSystem. Built on its open, adaptable platform, the LiveU EcoSystem adds efficiency and shortens workflows across the entire video production chain, from contribution and production to distribution. Through innovative story-centric workflows, we help customers share their stories with a global audience in the most dynamic and engaging way. At the core of our EcoSystem lies LRT™ (LiveU Reliable Transport), LiveU’s pioneering protocol for IP bonding and wireless connectivity, ensuring rock-solid resiliency and low latency from any location. Customers can go live from anywhere with our advanced, network-agnostic connectivity solutions – combining cellular (including private 5G), fiber and satellite. With over 5,000 customers in 150 countries and world-class customer support, LiveU’s technology is the solution of choice for global broadcasters, sports, public safety and other organizations., visit www.liveu.tv, or follow us on X, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn or Instagram.  

    About Tabcorp 

    Tabcorp is Australia’s largest gambling company ‘creating the most engaging betting and entertainment experiences business’. Its brands include TAB, Australia’s biggest multichannel wagering brand, Sky Racing, the largest aggregator and distributor of horse racing content globally, Sky Sport Radio and MAX, Australia’s leading gaming services provider. Tabcorp is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). 

    LiveU is working directly with the media arm, Sky Racing. For more information, visit https://www.tabcorp.com.au/

  • Airtel rings loud in Kerala, leaves rivals dialling up network upgrades

    Airtel rings loud in Kerala, leaves rivals dialling up network upgrades

    MUMBAI: Kerala’s telecom battlefield just got a lot more interesting—Bharti Airtel didn’t just up the ante, they’ve thrown down the gauntlet with a signal so strong, competitors are scrambling for a better connection. In a dramatic twist worthy of a telecom thriller, Airtel has rolled out an impressive 2,500 additional network sites across Kerala, cementing its position as the top telecom player in ‘God’s Own Country’. It seems Airtel knows that when it comes to connectivity, second place just doesn’t cut it.

    Deployed swiftly across all 14 districts, Airtel now boasts over 11,000 network sites, the most by any telecom operator in Kerala. Whether you’re chilling on the serene beaches of Varkala, exploring the tea-drenched hills of Munnar, or cruising on the Kochi water metro—Airtel’s got you covered. With such a dense network, it’s almost as if Airtel is personally ensuring your TikTok uploads never buffer.

    Bharti Airtel COO – Kerala, Gokul J proudly stated, “Kerala remains a critical market for Airtel, and we are committed to offering our customers the best network experience. In the last two years, we have made significant investments in the state in network densification across all the 14 districts. This has resulted in delivering a ubiquitous voice and data experience for our customers, no matter where they are in the state. We remain committed to Kerala and will continue to invest in technologies that will help elevate service experience for our customers.”

    These enhancements aren’t just marketing fluff—Opensignal recently handed Airtel multiple awards, crowning them the king of Kerala’s telecom jungle. Airtel emerged as number one in several categories, including seamless 5G video streaming, unbeatable live video experiences, exceptional gaming performance, and the fastest upload speeds around. Let’s just say, Airtel users now have bragging rights when it comes to flawless video chats and lag-free gaming sessions.

    With Airtel’s supercharged connectivity, Kerala’s beautiful landscapes are more than just Instagram-worthy—they’re reliably Insta-uploadable. So go ahead, snap, game, stream, and upload without a care; Airtel’s got your back. And your signal.

  • India’s gaming sector poised for explosive growth: Winzo report at GDC, 2025

    India’s gaming sector poised for explosive growth: Winzo report at GDC, 2025

    MUMBAI: India’s online gaming companies are gearing up for a blockbuster debut on public markets that could unlock a whopping $26bn in investor value, according to a report unveiled yesterday at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco.

    The India Gaming Market Report launched by WinZO Games and the Interactive Entertainment and Innovation Council (IEIC) at the India Pavilion, offers a tantalising glimpse into the sector’s meteoric rise. Currently worth $3.7bn, the industry is expected to surge at a 19.6 per cent compound annual growth rate to reach $9.1bn by 2029—and a staggering $60bn by 2034.

    “India stands at the cusp of a remarkable transformation in the global gaming ecosystem,” declared San Francisco consul general of India Srikar Reddy at the launch. The report suggests the sector’s public market potential could balloon to $63bn by 2029 if projections hold true.

    The document paints a picture of a market primed for explosive growth. With 591 million gamers—roughly 20 per cent of the global total—and approximately 11.2 billion mobile game downloads, India’s digital playground is expanding rapidly. The country now boasts around 1,900 gaming companies employing 130,000 skilled professionals.
     

    GDC

    Foreign investors are certainly not playing around, having poured $3 billion into the sector. A hefty 85 per cent of this foreign direct investment has flowed into the pay-to-play segment, which has cracked the once-vexing challenge of monetising Indian gaming assets.

    Nazara Technologies, India’s lone publicly listed gaming company, currently commands the highest premium among global gaming stocks. Apply similar multiples to the broader sector, and you get the eye-watering $26bn valuation potential cited in the report.

    “The online gaming industry in India is on an unprecedented growth path,” said WinZO  co-founder Paavan Nanda,  who launched the report alongside co-founder Saumya Singh Rathore. The duo’s company is no small player itself, boasting over 250 million registered users across India and Brazil.

    The report also highlights how Indian gamers overwhelmingly favour casual and hyper-casual games developed in regional languages, heralding what it calls “the renaissance of Indic content ‘Made in India, for the World’.”
    Despite its impressive growth, India’s gaming market currently represents just 1.1 per cent of the $300bn global market—suggesting plenty of room to level up. If projections hold, the user base could swell to 952 million by 2029, creating over two million jobs along the way.

    The report’s launch coincided with the second edition of the India Pavilion at GDC, showcasing games from major players and indie developers alike. The pavilion was a joint effort by WinZO, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, the Game Developer’s Association of India, and Nazara Technologies.

    In the game of global tech dominance, India’s gaming industry is clearly playing to win.

  • Swiggy orders fresh talent, puts Anuj Gupta in revenue driver’s seat as VP

    Swiggy orders fresh talent, puts Anuj Gupta in revenue driver’s seat as VP

    MUMBAI: Swiggy just ordered itself a fresh hot serving of growth—with extra toppings of expertise. The food delivery giant is turning up the heat in its growth kitchen by appointing seasoned omnichannel wizard Anuj Gupta as vice president of revenue and growth for its food marketplace. Clearly, Swiggy knows the secret sauce to stay ahead: hiring a seasoned chef of consumer-tech strategy.

    Bringing more than 14 years of consumer-tech and retail mastery to Swiggy’s table, Gupta is tasked with spearheading strategic initiatives that’ll spice up user growth, revenue expansion, and brand power.

    Previously, Gupta co-founded Thimblerr, transforming it into a powerhouse in fashion supply-chain solutions. Before stitching success at Thimblerr, he held key positions at Zivame, notably as chief revenue officer, dramatically shifting it from a marketplace to India’s biggest women’s intimatewear brand, driving revenue up by a staggering 12 times in just four years. Now that’s some impressive brand makeover!

    Notably at Zivame, Gupta also boosted six month customer retention by 1400 basis points and increased purchase frequency by 25 per cent. These numbers aren’t just impressive—they’re sizzling hot!

    At Swiggy, Gupta’s culinary magic will focus on optimising revenue streams, enhancing customer experience, and maximising platform growth. Whether it’s perfecting the recipe for customer retention or cooking up tasty innovations in user engagement, he’s got a proven appetite for results.

    Gupta’s earlier stints include impactful roles at Myntra, JPMorgan Chase, and co-founding ventures like Flont and Citizens for Accountable Governance. Clearly, he loves wearing multiple hats—and looks good in all of them!

    With Gupta behind the wheel, Swiggy aims to deliver an enhanced dining experience for millions across India, one delicious strategy at a time.

  • Vi finally gets its 5G groove on in Mumbai

    Vi finally gets its 5G groove on in Mumbai

    MUMBAI: After watching rivals race ahead, beleaguered telecom operator Vodafone Idea (Vi) has finally unleashed its 5G services in Mumbai. The struggling carrier is betting its fashionably late entry will turn heads with unlimited data packages starting at a wallet-friendly Rs 299.

    Vi’s arrival to the 5G party comes after the company raised a whopping Rs 26,000 crore in the past year, including India’s largest follow-on public offer worth Rs 18,000 crore and Rs 4,000 crore coughed up by its increasingly patient promoters.

    The cash injection has enabled Vi to dust off ambitious expansion plans, with Rs 50,000-55,000 crore earmarked for network upgrades over the next three years. The company aims to blanket roughly 90 per cent of Indians with 4G coverage while rolling out 5G in “key geographies”—corporate speak for “where the money is”.

    “Our focus is on introducing 5G meaningfully for our users,” said Vi  chief technology officer Jagbir Singh. The firm has partnered with Nokia to deploy energy-efficient equipment that’s supposedly both leaner and greener.

    Not content with merely catching up to competitors Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, Vi claims to have embraced artificial intelligence with an AI-based self-organising networks system. This whizzy bit of tech reportedly optimises network performance continuously, though sceptics might suggest the carrier focus on basics like keeping calls connected first.

    The move comes as welcome news for Vi’s dwindling subscriber base, who have watched their chosen network struggle with debt while rivals hoovered up market share. OpenSignal reportedly ranks Vi’s 4G network as Mumbai’s best, though this will come as news to many of the city’s residents.

    For videogamers, binge-watchers, and those who simply enjoy browsing the internet without mysterious disconnections, Vi promises its unlimited 5G data will enhance experiences across streaming, gaming and real-time cloud access. The company has yet to announce when other Indian cities might join Mumbai in the 5G fast lane, saying only that expansion will happen “in a phased manner.”

    Mumbai’s mobile users can check whether their devices are compatible with Vi’s newfound speed at myvi.in/5g-networK.

  • Sourav Ganguly brings humour and nostalgia to Netflix’s Khakee promo

    Sourav Ganguly brings humour and nostalgia to Netflix’s Khakee promo

    MUMBAI: Netflix India has pulled off a marketing coup by featuring former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly in an unexpected and humorous role for its latest original series, Khakee: The Bengal Chapter. The promotional campaign, crafted in collaboration with Trailer Park Group, Netflix’s creative agency for the series, blends nostalgia and entertainment to captivate audiences across India.

    Trailer Park Group has ingeniously woven Ganguly’s charismatic persona and cricketing legacy into the promo, delivering a light-hearted yet engaging narrative. The film opens with Ganguly interrupting a scene on the set of Khakee: The Bengal Chapter, eager to take on the role of a tough police officer. Initially struggling to embody the fierce aggression required, he finds his rhythm by channelling memories of his fiery cricketing moments, particularly his rivalry with Greg Chappell. The scene unfolds with comedic brilliance, as Ganguly jokingly suggests using his signature cricket strokes the cover drive, cut, and pull with a police baton to take down criminals, all while reaffirming his famed preference for the off-side.

    “Integrating Dada’s dynamic presence into the campaign brought authenticity and excitement to the storytelling. This collaboration allowed us to blend nostalgia with humour, creating a moment that truly resonates with audiences.” White Turtle Studios executive director and co-founder Ankit Bhatia.

    “Working with Netflix India on the creative strategy for this series has been a thrilling experience. At Trailer Park Group, we strive to push creative boundaries and build deep audience connections through powerful storytelling.” Trailer Park Group Asia-Pacific (APAC) managing director Tamagna Ghosh.

    Renowned for delivering iconic campaigns across OTT, cinema, gaming, music, and sports, Trailer Park Group has previously worked with major platforms such as Prime Video, Warner Bros., Universal, and Peacock.

    Directed by Neeraj Pandey, Khakee: The Bengal Chapter promises an intense and gripping narrative. The series features an impressive ensemble cast, including Jeet Madnani, Prosenjit Chatterjee, Saswata Chatterjee, Ritwik Bhowmik, and Chitrangda Singh. A sequel to Khakee: The Bihar Chapter (2022), the crime thriller is set to premiere on 20 March 2025 on Netflix.

  • Endeavor Streaming scores five year digital deal with global hockey body FIH

    Endeavor Streaming scores five year digital deal with global hockey body FIH

    MUMBAI: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has netted a five-year strategic partnership with Endeavor Streaming to revamp its global streaming service, Watch.Hockey, in a bid to drive up digital engagement and fan experience for the stick-and-ball sport worldwide.

    The deal will create a one-stop digital destination for hockey enthusiasts to access live action from all FIH competitions and other events from the global hockey community throughout the year.

    Set to launch ahead of a packed calendar of events including the FIH Hockey Pro League and various Nations Cup tournaments, the beefed-up platform will stream more than 600 events live to fans globally. The service will cover all major competitions including the FIH Hockey World Cup, Pro League, Nations Cups, Junior World Cup, Hockey5s World Cup and Indoor Hockey World Cup.

    Fans hungry for hockey content will also be able to feast on highlights and historical matches from the FIH archive on Watch.Hockey, available across web, smart TVs, iOS and Android mobile devices.

    Under the partnership, Endeavor Streaming will support and develop the FIH’s direct-to-consumer strategy, providing business advisory, audience development, technical deployment, content operations and customer service. The platform will be powered by Endeavor Streaming’s Vesper Platform, a complete end-to-end streaming solution designed to help sports bodies build profitable direct-to-consumer experiences.

    FIH president Tayyab Ikram said: “Developing and promoting the game is at the very top of the FIH mission. In this regard, the new version of our streaming platform, Watch.Hockey, shall play an even bigger role than ever before in enhancing the visibility of hockey worldwide.”

    Endeavor Streaming  president Fred Santarpia added: “This partnership combines our world-class streaming technology and digital strategy capabilities to deliver sustained commercial growth for international hockey.”
    The collaboration taps into Endeavor Streaming’s experience in delivering innovative direct-to-consumer streaming offerings for leading sports organisations including UEFA, the National Women’s Soccer League, Ligue 1 McDonald’s, World Rugby and the International Ski and Snowboard Federation.

    For hockey fans worldwide, this partnership promises to be anything but a short corner, with ambitious plans to bring the sport to screens big and small for years to come.

  • Flipkart and vivo T4x’s Suvidha Ke Liye Khed Hai sparks viral sensation

    Flipkart and vivo T4x’s Suvidha Ke Liye Khed Hai sparks viral sensation

    MUMBAI: The launch of vivo T4x on Flipkart took an unexpected turn with the Suvidha Ke Liye Khed Hai campaign, conceptualised by creative and entertainment agency Only Much Louder (OML). The campaign quickly captured public attention, becoming a viral sensation and securing the top trending spot on X (formerly Twitter).

    Rather than promoting convenience as a benefit, OML took a fresh approach highlighting the unintended ‘problem’ caused by a device that eliminates everyday struggles. The vivo T4x, powered by a Mediatek Dimensity 7300 Processor and a massive 6500mAh battery, removes common frustrations like lag, buffering, and battery drain, leaving users without an excuse for breaks or distractions. This clever spin resonated widely, sparking conversations across social media.

    Executed through a trans-media strategy, the campaign seamlessly integrated high-impact OOH placements, digital activations, and website integrations to maximise engagement. A standout moment was Flipkart’s playful ‘formal apology’ for making life too easy, which became a major talking point online. Influencers such as Riyaz Ali and Byomkesh joined the conversation, while meme pages like Naughtyworld, Laughtercolours, and The Sarcastic Page amplified the campaign’s reach with viral content.

    OML SVP revenue Pankaj Malani, commented, “We’ve all experienced the frustration of a phone running out of battery at the worst possible moment whether mid-game, during a binge-watch session, or on an important call. Working with Flipkart, we turned this universal experience into an engaging narrative, highlighting how the vivo T4x’s 6500mAh battery ensures uninterrupted usage, leaving no room for excuses.”

    By turning convenience into an unexpected dilemma, the campaign struck a chord with audiences across demographics. The humorous messaging and innovative execution ensured that the vivo T4x launch was not just another product release but a widely shared cultural moment.
     

  • Lightfury hits it out of the park with e-cricket reveal at GDC 2025

    Lightfury hits it out of the park with e-cricket reveal at GDC 2025

    MUMBAI: Lightfury Games is taking India’s gaming industry global, announcing its highly anticipated AAA title E-Cricket at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2025 in San Francisco. The teaser and demo, unveiled today, showcase a groundbreaking, high-fidelity cricket gaming experience built on Unreal Engine 5, with next-gen visuals and AI-powered mechanics.

    Developed in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS), E-Cricket leverages Amazon Gamelift Streams to bring console-quality gameplay to virtually any device with a browser with no high-end hardware required. Designed for both Esports athletes and cricket lovers, the game promises a competitive multiplayer ecosystem with live tournaments, immersive gameplay, and innovative mechanics that redefine the sport in a virtual arena.

    “AWS is proud to support LightFury Games as they showcase their ground-breaking work on this new title at GDC,” said AWS head of immersive technologies Chris Lee. “Amazon GameLift Streams empowers studios like LightFury Games to deliver exceptional experiences without hardware limitations and unlocks new opportunities for game developers worldwide.”

    “It’s an impactful opportunity for an Indian AAA game studio to showcase at GDC, marking an incredible milestone for the industry,” said Lightfury Games CPTO and co-founder Anurag Banerjee. “Amazon GameLift Streams is going to revolutionise mobile gaming in India – the world’s second-largest mobile market. By delivering high-fidelity visuals on mobile devices through any web browser (without app installations) and requiring only high-speed internet, this technology makes premium gaming more accessible and affordable. It reshapes the industry, unlocking bold new opportunities for gameplay, engagement, and monetisation, allowing us to take this game to the masses like never before,” he added.

    “We have announced the release of a blockbuster AAA E-Cricket game made in India, for India and the world. We are fully committed to launching it in early 2026 and are moving full steam ahead. With the right combination of world-class tech, and global and Indian talent, we are confident of building India’s AAA gaming ecosystem, and positioning the country as a key player on the global Esports stage,” said Lightfury Games CEO and co-founder Karan Shroff.

    With E-Cricket, LightFury Games is swinging for the fences, aiming to bring world-class gaming innovation to India and beyond.
     

  • Gamerji hits a six with Sportsdraft, adds IPL auction fun to esports play

    Gamerji hits a six with Sportsdraft, adds IPL auction fun to esports play

    MUMBAI: Ever dreamed of owning an IPL team, only to realise your wallet’s emptier than a stadium during a rain delay? Good news—Gamerji just bowled an irresistible googly your way. Forget bidding goodbye to your savings; now, you can outbid your mates for Kohli or Rohit—all without spending real cash!

    Ahmedabad-based esports juggernaut Gamerji has announced the launch of Sportsdraft, its first in-house, non-fantasy, non-RMG cricket gameplay. Set to officially go live next week, Sportsdraft mimics IPL-style player auctions, letting users virtually bid on their favourite players to build winning squads. With 16.7 million users in India and the middle east, Gamerji clearly knows how to spin a good game—and this might just be their best delivery yet.

    Sportsdraft introduces cricket lovers to a fresh style of digital gaming. Participants join leagues through Gamerji’s app or website, strategically bid on players with virtual currency, and assemble dream teams to compete for glory (and Gamerji diamonds). Miss the timer by a whisker? Say goodbye to your star batsman, swiftly auctioned to your cleverer competitor.

    Gamerji founder & CEO Soham Thacker shared his excitement, saying, “With India’s unbeatable run in the ongoing Champions Trophy and world’s biggest league IPL starting in just a few weeks, the cricket fever is on. Our users and telecom customers’ feedback encouraged us to develop Sportsdraft. It is a non RMG gameplay designed to engage players in building their squads using points earned on the Gamerji platform. The official game launch is scheduled for next week but traction from the beta launch has already shown 35 per cent of Gamerji users playing Sportsdraft, we expect this to double as we reach IPL season commencement.”

    He further clarified, “The gameplay itself is not the conventional fantasy model. It is a season-long experience that involves drafting players and getting the thrill of owning a team rather than just selecting players randomly, putting your squad in, and staking. This is about actually experiencing the excitement of team ownership because you get exclusive rights to those players. No one else has those players when you play in your league.”

    Participants can also pick their ‘Power Player’ to double points and challenge friends in thrilling daily head-to-head battles. Victors earn Gamerji diamonds, redeemable for gift vouchers—because who doesn’t like winning free stuff?

    Founded by serial entrepreneur Soham Thacker in 2019, Gamerji already hosts 1,400 tournaments daily, aiming to boost its user base from 16.7 million to 30 million within the next year. Considering India’s esports market hit $200.7 million in 2024, projected to soar to $919 million by 2033 with an impressive CAGR of 18.42 per cent, Gamerji is playing the long innings smartly.

    Is virtual cricket auction the future? Perhaps. For now, Gamerji’s Sportsdraft sounds like the perfect game to bring friends together—and then tear friendships apart over outbidding each other for Dhoni.