ITV

Category: iWorld

  • Prime Focus Technologies signs deal with HOOQ

    Prime Focus Technologies signs deal with HOOQ

    MUMBAI: Prime Focus Technologies (PFT), a subsidiary of Prime Focus, has inked a deal with Asian over-the-top (OTT) player HOOQ, which recently launched in the Indian market.

     

    With this, PFT’s CLEAR Operations Cloud will help package and deliver content on HOOQ. 

     

    HOOQ will deliver both Hollywood films and television series, as well as popular local movies and programs to customers anytime, anywhere by enabling them to stream and download the shows on their device or platform of choice. HOOQ, which is the OTT service from Singtel, Sony Pictures Television and Warner Bros. Entertainment, is being rolled out in Asian markets like India, Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand, from the first quarter of 2015. 

     

    The biggest challenge for any OTT platform is speed of delivery as content exists in different formats, varied quality standards, no subtitles, dubs, edits etc. Piecing this puzzle quickly for consumption requires technology. That’s the advantage of PFT’s CLEAR, Hybrid Cloud-enabled Media ERP Suite. As part of the deal, CLEAR Operations Cloud will manage key workflows including content processing and packaging. The solution initially includes managing over 20,000 hours of Indian and Hollywood content for HOOQ.

     

    “Prime Focus Technologies is thrilled to be a part of a transformative OTT solution in Asia. Consumer behavior is changing rapidly and HOOQ will surely have the first mover advantage in the Asian market. Our ‘Digital Next’ offering, Operations Cloud is uniquely placed to match scale, complexity and disruptive vision of HOOQ to securely present premium global and local content to a billion Asian viewers anytime, anywhere,” said PFT founder and CEO Ramki Sankaranarayanan.

     

    “Prime Focus Technologies is a known name in innovative Cloud solutions especially in the Asian market. Their experience and technology prowess will add huge value in managing project of this scale and size,” added HOOQ CEO Peter G. Bithos.

  • Alibaba Group to invest $193.6 million in SMG’s China Business News

    Alibaba Group to invest $193.6 million in SMG’s China Business News

    MUMBAI: Alibaba Group has signed a strategic agreement with Shanghai Media Group (SMG) to leverage both companies’ Internet technology and media resources in order to penetrate China’s financial information services industry.

     

    As part of the strategic agreement, Alibaba Group will invest $193.6 million (RMB1.2 billion) into China Business News (CBN), a Chinese financial media company under SMG, to create a financial data and information services company that will help Chinese small and medium enterprises tap a rich mine of financial data.

     

    By utilizing Alibaba Group’s big data and cloud computing capabilities, both companies will jointly develop a comprehensive financial data and information platform that will provide users with timely financial news and information in order to enhance their investment and financial decision-making capabilities.

     

    The aim of this platform is to raise the bar on enterprise efficiency in China by leveling the information playing field. By giving a greater number of Chinese enterprises access to precious financial data that can be easily mined and analyzed for actionable investment and business decisions, this platform is expected to help these enterprises scale and expand their businesses.

     

    Currently, Alipay and CBN are collaborating to provide users with stock quote information and CBN’s wealth management information product will also soon launch on Mobile Taobao. Alipay is part of Ant Financial Services Group, a related party of Alibaba Group. Alibaba Group and SMG will also work toward enhancing digital and traditional media convergence in the industry through the launch of innovative new media products for the market.

     

    “The era of Data Technology is here and it will surpass the Information Technology era. The DT era is about transparency, sharing of information and enabling others. Alibaba is excited about the possibilities of the DT era and how it can bring value to society,” said Alibaba Group founder and executive chairman Jack Ma.

     

    This strategic agreement with SMG is expected to help Alibaba Group develop DT-era products and services to enrich the lives of Chinese users, be it in academia, business or media sectors.

     

    Through this tie-up, CBN is well-poised to expand its financial media information services and continue to innovate in China’s traditional financial media industry. CBN is China’s leading financial media group with a variety of media assets, such as television, radio, newspaper, magazine and news agencies.

  • Netflix targets October 2015 for Spain launch

    Netflix targets October 2015 for Spain launch

    MUMBAI: Internet TV network Netflix will launch in Spain this October. 

     

    Internet users in Spain will be able to subscribe to Netflix and instantly watch a broad selection of TV series and movies in high-definition or even Ultra HD 4K on nearly any Internet-connected screen. 

     

    At launch, the Netflix offering will include such original series as Marvel’s Daredevil, Sense8, Bloodline, Grace and Frankie, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and Marco Polo as well as documentaries like Virunga, Mission Blue and docuseries Chef’s Table along with various stand-up comedy specials.

     

    Additionally, younger viewers will find a wide selection of programming for kids. Netflix is fully localized, offering subtitles and dubbing. 

     

    Viewers will continuously be offered new titles. Among the shows scheduled for launch later this year are Netflix Original series Narcos, telling the story of the drug trade and Pablo Escobar’s cartel, and Club de Cuervos, a comedy around a family feud after the owner of a professional soccer team dies, as well as Marvel’s Jessica Jones, the second of four Marvel series that will be available exclusively on Netflix, leading up to the mini-series event The Defenders, which reunites characters from the previous four. 

     

    Netflix members can also look forward to the first Netflix Original feature films, with announced titles including Beasts of No Nation, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon The Green Legend, Jadotville and The Ridiculous 6. 

     

    Netflix will be available at launch on smart TVs, tablets and smartphones, computers and a range of Internet-capable game consoles and set-top boxes. 

  • Alibaba Pictures raises $1.6 billion from share sale for media acquisitions

    Alibaba Pictures raises $1.6 billion from share sale for media acquisitions

    MUMBAI: Alibaba Pictures Group, the film unit of the Chinese e-commerce giant, is selling up to $1.6 billion (HK$12.18 billion) in shares to raise capital.

     

    The money raised will be used to fund potential acquisitions in the media industry in the future and also as general working capital. However, the company, which is looking at expanding in the Chinese film market, has not yet identified any specific acquisition targets.

     

    In a statement to the Hong Kong stock exchange, Alibaba Pictures said that it would place 4.2 billion shares at HK$2.90 each, which is a 20 per cent discount to the stock’s last traded price of HK$3.62 at Monday’s close, and about 13 per cent below the average closing price over the prior five sessions.

     

    The placement represent approximately 19.96 per cent of the total existing issued share capital of the company and approximately 16.64 per cent of the total issued share capital of the company as enlarged by the allotment and issue of the placing shares.

  • Full mobile number portability from July: Ravi Shankar Prasad

    Full mobile number portability from July: Ravi Shankar Prasad

    NEW DELHI: Communications and Information Technology minister Ravi Shankar Prasad has said that full mobile number portability will become operational across the country from July and consumers will get to keep the same numbers even when changing the telecom service provider.

     

    He also announced on 2 June 2015 that Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) will offer free roaming all over the country from 15 June.

     

    The telecom minister further added that spectrum sharing and trading policy would go to the Cabinet this month.

     

    Last month, BSNL introduced an unlimited free calling scheme from 9 pm and 7 am to revive its landline business. BSNL has the largest number of landline customers, with a market share of 62.26 per cent.

     

    The Minister regretted that BSNL, which had shown profits in 2004, was showing a deficit at present.

     

    When asked about frequent call drop complaints by consumers, the Minister said he has asked officials if a scheme of disincentive for the operators can be put in place.

     

    “Call drops are due to lack of towers. As far as installation is concerned it is subject to local law. No point to raise bogey of cell tower radiation and then complain of call drop,” Prasad said.  

     

    Additionally, answering a question relating to the controversial Section 66A of the IT Act 2000, Prasad said that the government fully backs freedom of speech.

     

    Section 66A defines the punishment for sending “offensive” messages through a computer or any other communication device like a mobile phone or a tablet. A conviction can fetch a maximum of three years in jail and a fine.

     

    The Supreme Court is already examining the constitutional validity of Section 66A of the amended IT Act following a batch of petitions alleging the section impinges upon the Fundamental Right to freedom of speech and expression.

     

    The Minister said, “The case was pending in the court before I joined the ministry.”

  • Hughes supplies broadband satellite system to IPSAT

    Hughes supplies broadband satellite system to IPSAT

    MUMBAI: IPSAT Sdn Bhd, headquartered in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, has purchased a Hughes HX broadband satellite system comprising a hub and remote terminals. Implementation of the hub is underway in Malaysia and is expected to complete in June 2015.

     

    IPSAT is a service provider in Malaysia specializing in VSAT (very small aperture terminal) communications over both Ku-band and C-band satellites, with a broad range of market offerings ranging from managed networks to high-speed Internet access.

     

    Privasia Technology Bhd CEO Puvanesan Subenthiran said, “We are very pleased to have chosen Hughes to supply its new HX satellite hub and terminals, which will enable us to support our existing and future customers utilizing both Ku- and C-band capacity. IPSAT will now gain flexibility in configuring and designing the network and packaging services to meet the diverse needs of the corporate and enterprise market.”

     

    “Hughes has long been very active in Asia/Pacific and we are proud to add IPSAT to our list of customers in the region. The new system will enable IPSAT to grow its business in Malaysia and other ASEAN countries, such as Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia,” added Hughes executive vice president of the international division Bahram Pourmand.

     

    With the new HX solution, IPSAT will be able to expand its offerings beyond broadband Internet access to include VPN, VoIP, multicasting, SCADA and Telemetry services to the corporate and enterprise sector. IPSAT plans to penetrate other markets in addition to Malaysia, including Vietnam, Cambodia and Indonesia. 

  • CloudWalker partners You Broadband for VoD services

    CloudWalker partners You Broadband for VoD services

    MUMBAI: Mumbai based technology start-up CloudWalker Streaming Technologies has partnered with internet service provider You Broadband to build a new video on demand (VoD) platform, which will provide a variety of digital content to the users of You Broadband. The VoD services will be accessible across web, mobile and tablets.

     

    Additionally, CloudWalker will also plug content in the VoD portal. Users will get access to 25,000 hours of content comprising movies, trailers, TV shows, and documentaries across different Indian and global languages.

     

    The new platform will allow You Broadband to extend its service offerings to its existing consumer base and help them reach to a newer set of audience. With this, You Broadband is also looking at a level playing field with players who provide VoD on their platforms.

     

    CloudWalker Streaming Technologies founder Jagdish Rajpurohit said, “We have noticed that despite the fact that big DTH players and large content creators have come up with VoD models, the MSOs and ISPs are unable to replicate this success. Although they realize the opportunity, they are facing challenges in terms of content and technology. Our aim is bridge this gap by providing them technological support and content in setting up the platform.”

  • Videogram to deliver what YouTube can’t; targets entertainment, sports & fashion

    Videogram to deliver what YouTube can’t; targets entertainment, sports & fashion

    MUMBAI: Why buffer the entire video on YouTube when you are interested in seeing only a particular part? Because there is no other option available? Now, there is a brand that has gone deep into the mind of video streaming consumers to understand their problems and has come out with an innovation called Videogram.

     

    Videogram enables users to see a particular part of the video without buffering the entire piece. Such a product is definitely welcome in a country like ours where we are still grappling with bandwidth issues.

     

    Co-founded by two Indians – Sandeep Casi and Rahul Golecha, Videogram is a global entrepreneurial venture offering innovative video solutions. Founded in 2012, the venture is a flagship product of Silicon Valley based Cinemacraft, headquartered in Tokyo.

     

    “While the entire world was happy with the streaming services and techniques available, we were brainstorming to find a solution because we repeatedly saw people wasting their time and data seeing the entire video while they were interested in watching a particular part. That’s where Videogram came into picture,” says Golecha.

     

    “We wanted to add transparency, give people more options and empower them by giving facility of summary based video streaming where a particular part can be promoted and emphasized on,” he further informs.

     

    When asked how companies can benefit through this streaming service, Golecha says, “Apart from social media, Videogram can be a bright tool for brands also. Take the case of BMW, wherein the TVC covers every aspect like engine, elegance, interior, exterior finishing and all. However, if one has to see only the engine, he can directly go there and doesn’t need to go through the entire video. So Videogram gives these added options, which if used properly can make a big difference. The entire concept behind Videogram is to provide multiple avenues in one video and disrupt the linear methodology.”

     

    Having recently worked with the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Rajasthan Royals, the company is buoyant with the response it has got from brands and consumers alike. Indian media and entertainment houses like Yash Raj Films, Dharma Productions, Born Free Entertainment, Tips Industries, Pocket Films and Star Plus amongst others have also taken to using Videogram.

     

    Globally, the company has worked with Fox Pictures, Sony Pictures, Capitol Records, Disney, HBO, Jennifer Lopez, L’Oreal, Warner, CBS, ABC, ESPN Turner Broadcasting and others.

     

    “So far, we have managed to rope in a lot of brands and all of them have been satisfied with the innovation we provided. The responses from both brands and consumers were immensely positive,” asserts Golecha on the responses garnered so far.

     

     

    Speaking about Videogram’s primary target and the company’s prospect in the Indian market, Golecha says, “Our major target and focus is on the entertainment, sports and fashion industries. India is a vast market and I see good scope here. However, one of the problems we have faced in India is that people are reluctant to experiment, or try something new. The conservative nature is the biggest obstacle for us, which we are trying our level best to overcome.”

     

    “Going forward we want to emerge as brand’s best friend when it comes to video distribution, and that can happen because the facilities and options that Videogram can offer no one else can,” he concludes. 

  • PayTM & Dineout partner for cashback programme

    PayTM & Dineout partner for cashback programme

    MUMBAI: In a bid to tempt foodies to dine out and indulge in a wonderful gastronomical affair, mobile commerce platform PayTM has partnered with Dineout.co.in, an online table reservation service.

     

    Through the Dineout loyalty programme, users can take advantage of having a table reserved, avail discounts and additional savings in the form of cashback and loyalty points credited into their PayTM wallets.

     

    By completing tasks like writing reviews, inviting friends and checking-in while at the restaurant through the Dineout app, users can earn loyalty points. All these points are redeemable to cash directly into a users PayTM wallet.

     

    PayTM VP Amit Lakhotia said, “PayTM and Dineout enjoy massive popularity and the loyalty programme that we have devised is a truly innovative concept for the benefit of our users. PayTM is committed to coming up with extremely innovative tie-ups to offer customers maximum benefit while using their digital wallets. Through this first-of-its-kind partnership, we aim to give food connoisseurs in India another reason to turn to technology for the most convenient and rewarding dining out experience till date.”

     

    Dineout.co.in co-founder Ankit Mehrotra added, “For serious foodies, dining out is beyond a hobby, it is a way of life! After speaking to many Dineout users we arrived at a loyalty program where our valued patrons can reap the benefits of sticking with a great service. PayTM was an obvious choice for this partnership owing to their wide consumer reach, and the ease of use of the service. Dineout users can now enjoy additional earnings in the form of direct cash back into their PayTM wallet for writing-reviews, inviting their friends and via check-ins when they arrive at the restaurant/venue.”

  • HOOQ targets tier I Indian cities as early adopters; plans original series

    HOOQ targets tier I Indian cities as early adopters; plans original series

    MUMBAI: Come June and India will witness its first subscription based video-on-demand platform HOOQ.

     

    As was reported earlier by Indiantelevision.com, the platform will compete with over the top (OTT) players like Hotstar and Ditto TV amongst others. As a major differentiating factor, HOOQ will be providing content that has not been available before to Indian consumers and intends to target tier I cities in the country as early adopters. However, the app will be available to all smart phone users nationally. The service also offers content for all age groups.

     

    The OTT player is in the Indian market for the long haul. With a view to gather substantial number of users in the coming years, HOOQ is also looking at starting its own original series, a la Netflix, which had launched its exclusive made-for-web series House of Cards.

     

    In a conversation with this website about its readiness to improve the platform, HOOQ India head Krishnan Rajagopalan said, “We are constantly going to be evolving the product and the content based on user feedback. This is very much a company philosophy and it’s really up to the user to give us feedback. The better feedback you give, the better the product will be.”

     

    When queried whether the Indian audience is ready for a particular genre, which has more traction Rajagopalan said, “We are going to have different categories. The app will have all Indian languages and feeds and by the time we launch it will be more Indianised. It will be much more relevant, have genres that matter, top action, top rom-com; we will have it all.”

     

    Talking about the Indian market, Rajagopalan said that since India was a fascinating market, there are bound to be challenges. “This is a first product in its category. I don’t think there is anybody doing what we are doing, which is to offer premium content that is not there on ad supported platforms. So we are spending a lot of money, tens of millions on marketing, content and technology. A major challenge is that there will be a lot of consumer education required in the early days and we clearly need to have the right content. We need to have the right distribution partnerships to make it as convenient to the consumer as possible. Not necessarily a challenge, but there are steps that we need to take before we become ubiquitous.”

     

    While the company has not yet chalked out its marketing strategy, plans are to take ‘Go To Market’ (GTM) marketing route when the service’s commercial launch takes place in June.

     

    Speaking about Warner Bros’ association with HOOQ, Warner Bros general manager N Muthuram said, “Singtel will have a strategic presence in the Indian market with their partnership with Airtel. While we are licensed to HOOQ, we also have other local partners and we have been providing content to others as well. The deal with HOOQ is to have access to all of the content that is relevant to the consumer.”

     

    As reported earlier, the platform will have 10,000 movies and series from Hollywood, Bollywood and regional content for just Rs 199 a month. HOOQ is a joint venture with Singtel, Sony Pictures Television and Warner Bros. It will provide content from international as well as local players and has already partnered with 60 local partners.