Category: News Headline

Discovery expands content offering on Google Earth

MUMBAI: US media firm Discovery Communications has expanded its expansion of its collection of world-class content on Google Earth.

It has added over 150 video segments for destinations around the globe. A pilot partner for Google Earth’s new showcase of multimedia overlays, the Discovery Networks World Tour; can be accessed through the Featured Content checkbox in the Google Earth sidebar. This expansion follows the April announcement of Discovery being the first provider to bring video content to Google Earth.

Google Earth is a satellite imagery-based mapping product that combines 3D buildings and terrain with mapping capability and Google search. Over the past year, there have been more than 10 million unique Google Earth downloads from around the world.

Discovery senior executive VP for strategy and development Don Baer, says, “As promised, Discovery has continued to populate the world with engaging video to help Google Earth users explore the wonders of our planet. Discovery is dedicated to growing its showcase on Google Earth, giving virtual globetrekkers a journey of infinite proportions.”

The initial collection included companion video for 10 of America’s most popular national parks,including Yellowstone, Mount Rushmore and Dinosaur National Park. Drawing from its rich stable of programming and to enhance viewers’ experience with its TV brands, Discovery has expanded the offering to include 48 world landmarks, national parks, American and European cities, and African location.

Google Earth users will find videos on everything from the design process used to create the face of George Washington on Mount Rushmore and how to make authentic Belgian chocolate, to the history of China’s Terra Cotta soldiers and why fire is one of the most important natural forces in Yellowstone Park’s ecosystem.

Users can access the video elements by clicking on Discovery’s globe icon, shown at destination sites where Discovery video content is available. An interactive broadband player hosted by Discovery launches into a selection of rich and compelling two- to four-minute videos. Destinations include the following:

• National Parks and Landmarks — Representing the natural diversity of the United States,videos are available for Glacier National Park, Yellowstone, the Everglades, Point Reyes National Seashore, Niagara Falls, Mt. Rushmore, Alaska National Parks, Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, Santa Monica Mountains National Park, Carlsbad Caverns and Dinosaur National Park.

• US Cities — From the Lincoln Memorial to the Golden Gate Bridge, users can explore the history, architecture and food of some of America’s favorite cities; Atlanta, Boston,Chicago, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, San Diego, San Francisco and Seattle.

• European Cities — Users can discover cathedrals, museums and neighborhoods while learning about the history, people and cultures of Europe’s greatest cities and regions: Amalfi Coast, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Bavaria, Berlin, Brussels, Dublin, Edinburgh,Florence, Interlaken, Lisbon, London, Madrid, Naples, Paris, Rome and Zurich.

• Africa — Unlocking the majesty of the world’s most diverse continent, users can learn about Ghana on a virtual tour with its president, uncover the ruins of a once great empire in Zimbabwe or get a glimpse inside King Tut’s famous crypt.

• World Landmarks — Spanning thousands of years and hundreds of cultures, the human race has created astounding feats of architecture, engineering and beauty. Users can marvel at the majesty of some of the world’s greatest wonders, including the Taj Mahal in India, the Great Wall and Terra Cotta Army in China, El Tajin in Mexico, the Great Pyramids in Egypt and the Shrine of Itsukushima in Japan.

• Coming Soon — Special features based on the upcoming global series Discovery Atlas. This is an HD project, offering video for 35 different locations in China, Brazil, Italy and Australia, the first of 30 countries in the multiyear programming franchise.

September 25, 2006
SC dismisses anti-CAS petition

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court today dismissed on technical grounds a petition filed against implementation of CAS in the three metros of Kolkata, Delhi and Mumbai.

The special leave petition (SLP) had been filed by United Cable Operators’ Welfare Association of India.

After studying the petition, the Apex court today decided that the SLP did not merit a hearing on a number of grounds, according to information available with Indiantelevision.com.

The petitioner, amongst several other reasons, had said that rollout of CAS would not be beneficial for consumers and should be deferred as DTH technology had already come in to the country.

Interestingly, while it had argued in the court against the rollout of CAS, the petitioner has been party to almost all CAS-related meetings organised by the government since 2002.
According to a Delhi High Court mandated arrangement, agreed upon by the government and the industry, CAS is slated to be rolled out in the south zones of Kolkata, Delhi and Mumbai from 1 January 2007.

The sector regulator has already paved the way for the implementation of CAS by deciding on the prices of pay and free to air channels in a CAS regime.

September 25, 2006
Marva Smalls is MTV executive VP global inclusion strategy

MUMBAI: US broadcaster MTV has announced that Marva Smalls has been named the company’s first executive VP global inclusion strategy.

In this new position, Smalls will drive MTV’s ongoing efforts to champion a diverse, multicultural and inclusive workforce; and to develop the next generation of leaders across its worldwide brands.
She will report to MTV chairman and CEO, Judy McGrath and will become a member of the company’s senior strategy team. Smalls also will retain her current responsibilities as Nickelodeon/MTVN kids and family group executive VP public affairs.

“Diversity, multiculturalism and inclusion are core values for our company – they are at the heart of our business success, our programming strategy and our culture.” said McGrath. “There’s no person better suited than Marva to implement this vision across MTV Networks and help develop our next generation of leaders.”

Smalls will work with the leadership of all MTV brands to champion these values, and to support an environment across the company where all employees can contribute to its success while achieving their own professional goals. Further, she will expand MTVN’s partnerships with leading outside organizations and exemplify MTVN’s diversity, multiculturalism and inclusion efforts worldwide.

Smalls says. “Our culture at MTVN is a rare thing. Our employees share ideas, take creative risks and, most importantly, reflect the audiences they serve and what’s important to them. Diversity and inclusion are as essential as creativity and innovation for success in a global marketplace, and I am excited to build on these core values, particularly as we extend our brands – and acquire new ones – across all platforms.”

MTV has also announced that it is restructuring its day-to-day approach to diversity leadership, with the introduction of a new internal advisory team. Members of the team will reflect the leading business units of MTV Networks, and will have direct impact on diversity, multicultural and inclusion issues, including domestic and international Channel Management, Operations, Programming, Ad Sales, Corporate Responsibility, Creative, Communications, Human Resources and Learning & Development. Working closely with Smalls and the MTV Diversity Council, the advisory team will help set priorities, develop strategies and implement policies that advance MTV’s core values throughout every level of the company and beyond.

As a result of the restructuring, the position of Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) has been eliminated and CDO Billy Dexter will be leaving the company.

Mcgrath says, “Given our unique company culture with multiple stakeholders in our diversity efforts, we’ve come to realise that a team approach will best serve us in a global and now multi-platform environment. I have the greatest respect for Billy, and we thank him for his contributions to our diversity and inclusion mission. He has enhanced our existing initiatives and we’ve benefited from his expertise.”

September 25, 2006
Reliance Mobile Vijay Awards set to launch

MUMBAI: Vijay TV in its endeavor to provide the viewers wholesome and compelling entertainment, is launching Reliance Mobile Vijay awards- Ungal Favorite Yaar? (Who is your favorite star) on 25 September, Monday to Thursday at 9 pm.

The flag off ceremony for the rasigan express van was held on 23 September from Shivaji Statue (marina beach) at 11 am. Reliance mobile Vijay Awards is one of Vijay TV’s biggest properties this year and the rasigan express van would be traveling across nine cities in Tamilnadu where the emotions, the joy and the voices of the fans would be captured, states an official release.

Polling booths would also be placed at vantage points in select towns for fans to cast their votes. A whole lot of interactive activities are being planned on the Rasigan Kural Express.
Fans can mime his or her favourite star, get to sing, would be quizzed on Tamil Cinema and get to win prizes as the Rasigan Express traverses the length and breadth of the state. In addition small acts by look alikes of the stars would entertain the public. The anchor for the van activity is none other than Lollu Sabha fame Jeeva who would be traveling along with the Rasigan Express.

Fans could fill in the nomination forms and cast their vote in the ballot boxes provided in the van. A day prior to the voting, announcements and distribution of post cards will be done in the respective cities to make people aware of the places where the voting would happen.

Yuhi Sethu, one of Tamil cinema’s favourite comedians who has made people laugh with his performances in films like Panchathanthram and Ramana is the anchor for the on air episodes .The on air Reliance Mobile Vijay Awards program would have three distinct phases. Phase 1 will have the rasigan kural travel and fact files about every category and this will air from 25 September to 5 October, Monday-Thursday 9 pm, the second phase will have nomination special, jury specials, voting trends, celebrity views and comments. The second phase starts on October 7th Saturdays at 7 pm on Vijay TV.

The third phase would see the fan’s chosen star being announced in a grand event which is to be attended by the whos’s who of the tinsel town. In all this show promises to be a real treat for the true lover of cinema, the fans. So please do not miss this opportunity to vote for your favourite star, the release adds.

September 25, 2006
4th Lycra MTV Style Awards announced

MUMBAI: MTV India has announced the fourth edition of its style awards. The Lycra MTV Style Awards 2006 will be held on 14 October in Mumbai at the MMRDA Bandra Kurla Complex.

After ‘Desi Cool’ in 2003, ‘Circus’ in 2004 and ‘Military’ in 2005, the theme this year is ‘Celebrating Style’. In keeping with the theme, this year’s function will feature an explosion of colour with the year’s chosen designers – Neeta Lulla, Ritu Kumar, JJ Valaya, and Rohit Gandhi-Rahul Khanna presenting their lines.

Creating exclusive designs solely for the event, each designer will team up with a music performer to present a fusion of fashion and music. Additionally, designer Suneet Verma has been assigned the task of creating a special line for the opening sequence that will set the tone for the evening.

Divided into three broad categories – Popular, Technical and Honours, the Lycra MTV Style Awards 2006 will be presented to people in fashion, films, sports, television, business, politics and music. The nominees include actors Abhishek Bachchan and Preity Zinta, singer Himesh Reshammiya and television host Mandira Bedi, among others.

A change this year is that the event is being ramped up in terms of scale and size and will be held outdoors. Secondly, the size of the judging panel has been broadened to 29 (from eight). Additionally, this year’s awards are extending beyond Mumbai to two more cities – Kolkata and Bangalore.

The Style Awards 2006 will also be promoted through an extensive campaign running across print, outdoor, on-air, mobile and online via mtvindia.com. Media partners on the event include Red FM and women’s lifestyle magazine Marie Claire.

Brylcreem, Magic Moments Cassettes & CDs and L’Oreal are associate sponsors for the event.

September 25, 2006
Viacom is testing social networking platforms for TV, ad integration

MUMBAI:The phenomenon of social networking is growing rapidly in the US and MTV is the latest media firm looking to take advantage of this phenomenon.

It is testing new social-networking platforms that will integrate television programming with virtual world technology, resulting in interactive experiences that let viewers personally experience — and ‘live’ for themselves — the content they see on-air.

The new platforms are in early stage development and will evolve in partnership with advertisers and audience feedback. MTV says that it could help define next-generation media and advertising models.

The company is working hand-in-hand with Pepsi, Mediavest Worldwide and OMD on the development of a beta version of the first platform Virtual Laguna Beach. This is built around the successful MTV series Laguna Beach.

MTV president music, films, Logo Van Toffler noted that the platforms will deliver immersive environments that are not only reflective of, but parallel to, the world viewers see on
television. These universes take viewers beyond passive consumption to active engagement with programming and with marketers’ messages. A beta version of Virtual Laguna Beach is at www.vlb.mtv.com.

Other virtual worlds are planned later this year for the broader music community and for viewers of Logo. This makes it one of the first such applications for the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender community.

Toffler says, “Our audience wants more interaction with our content and with each other. Virtual Laguna Beach lets our audience become the stars themselves, stepping onto a virtual stage and living the life they see — or would like to see — on television.

“Virtual Laguna Beach also is just one example of the next-generation media models that we’re creating for our viewers to connect with one another in ways they never could before; for content creators to develop experiences that live side by side with on-air content; and for marketers to become an integral and meaningful part of the programming.”

MTV executive VP Jeff Yapp programme enterprises notes that the media models give rise to a new concept of social networking by combining two elements audiences love —
popular television programming and emerging virtual world technology.

He says, “Virtual Laguna Beach and the other models we are developing hold the potential for ushering in a new era of audience engagement.

MTV says that the platforms offer the ideal environment for marketers to seamlessly weave their messages into the overall experience.Viewers in- world also can choose to interact with sponsors’ content and also purchase virtual as well as physical goods. MTV is working with its advertisers to help them become an integral part of each experience so they can reach their consumers — our audience — in meaningful ways.

Marketer Support: A number of marketers and media buyers have pledged their support for Virtual Laguna Beach. Pepsi says that through Virtual Laguna Beach the brandwill be able to interact with consumers in ways that it never thought possible.

Mediavest says that platforms like Virtual Laguna Beach allows it to achieve much more than a simple campaign extension. They offer the opportunity to dimensionalize the brand and infuse brand attributes into the user experience in a smart, fun, engaging way.

OMD notes that this opportunity is an extension of the truly convergent partnership between it and MTV. It allows clients the opportunity to connect with the audience of one of MTV’s premier properties in a much deeper and personal way.

Virtual Laguna Beach transports viewers directly to Orange County, California, where they live in the same environment as their favorite cast members, and interact with other fans through real-time chat. Viewers can hang out at the beach or shop at the local surf store and interact with one another in ways that mirror the on-air program. Just as the cast gears up
for the Winter Formal, so too can viewers within Virtual Laguna Beach prepare for the big night, find a date online and select the tux or prom dress for their on-screen identity.

The third season of the reality drama premiered last month and chronicles the coming-of-age stories of various high school stories in the upscale seaside town. On MTV.com fans can join the VIP section of the Laguna Beach Surf Club. Die-hard fans also can go to MTV’s Overdrive broadband channel to get exclusive content, first looks, community features, games and much more.

MTV is also working with Makena Technologies on the development of Virtual Laguna Beach and the forthcoming Logo environment. MTV Networks is also working with Doppelganger, formerly Evil Twin Studios, on the virtual
music environment.

MTV Networks selected Makena Technologies, creators of the 3D social virtual world There.com. Makena is helping develop Virtual Laguna Beach and the forthcoming Logo-based experience. The selection leverages Makena’s many years of experience in developing one of the Internet’s largest 3D social virtual worlds, its understanding of the youth demographic, its
development of an in-world economy, and its sophisticated integration of user-created content.

September 25, 2006
Nickelodeon launches live-action interactive series ‘The Upside Down Show’ in the US

MUMBAI: Preschoolers will “just press play,” as Noggin, the commercial-free, educational preschool network from Nickelodeon, introduces a new form of interactive viewing for preschoolers, on its new, original, live-action series, The Upside Down Show.

Starring comedy duo, The Umbilical Brothers (David Collins and Shane Dundas), the 13 episode half-hour preschool series developed by Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street will debut on Noggin on 16 October with two back-to-back episodes from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm (ET). Beginning Friday, November 10, The Umbilical Brothers can be seen performing in Manhattan at The New Victory Theater with their comedy show Speedmouse.

Noggin will premiere a new episode every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 4:30 pm (ET) for four weeks straight through Friday, November 10. The Upside Down Show will air regularly on Noggin weekdays at 11:00 a.m. and 4:30 pm (ET), informs an official release.

The Upside Down Show provides a fresh new way for preschoolers to interact by learning critical thinking skills, rich vocabulary and relational concepts and life skills through pretend play. The series elevates the concept of imaginative play to a new platform in which children build valuable reasoning skills, develop creative problem solving abilities and enhance their understanding of and joy in the world around them. The remote control featured on the series becomes a fun tool to help children learn unique vocabulary and relational concepts, as well as to play along with these completely original, imaginary stories.

Set in a fantastical living room with more doors than walls, The Upside Down Show stars David and Shane, two brothers who live with their fun-loving sidekick Puppet, their invisible pet fly Fido, and the Shmuzzies, adorable fluff balls who speak “Shmuzzish” and love to rhyme. Each episode begins as the brothers “hand” an imaginary remote control to the viewers at home so they can “control” the duo’s physical motion by fast forwarding, rewinding or pausing their movement. Breaking “the fourth wall” of the television set, the brothers encourage their audience to participate in their antics and accompany them on their excursions.

Every week, the duo will embark on a journey to explore new infinite worlds like the Very Hairy Room, Wind Room or Puppy Room, and everyday destinations like the beach, the airport or the movies. But Shane and David need help from their friends and viewers at home, as they don’t know where their destination is or how to get there! They take detours through magical doors in their apartment which allow the brothers — and the preschoolers playing along — to investigate the world around them, adds the release.

“David and Shane may be the two funniest men on the planet. They are silly, spontaneous, ridiculous, amazing and on the perfect wavelength for preschoolers,” said Nickelodeon Preschool Television executive creative director Brown Johnson. “The Brothers make ordinary things extraordinary — from taking a trip to the art museum or the beach to visiting wacky places like the sticky room, the no-room room, or the sandwich room, where they achieve ‘total sandwich.’ They make me laugh every time!”

“We’re very excited about the debut of The Upside Down Show, which is very different than other preschool shows,” said Sesame Workshop’s executive VP/Creative Director Liz Nealon. “Pairing the irresistible antics of the Umbilical Brothers with the Workshop’s understanding that young children learn best through imaginative play has created a special kind of alchemy. We’ve worked hard to make sure that this offbeat and funny show also serves up serious school readiness — teaching and reinforcing cognitive thinking and language skills, and fostering a sense of mastery and self- confidence, all while keeping kids laughing and engaged.”

Noggins’s website http://www.noggin.com will feature a variety of content to complement the premiere of The Upside Down Show, including an online game where preschoolers can personalize an imaginary play experience with Shane and David by creating their own interactive video. The site will also feature downloadable clips from the series and several activities including The Upside Down Show printables, crafts, E-cards and more. Nick Jr.’s website http://www.nickjr.com will also launch The Upside Down Show interactive game and activities, in addition to featuring a dedicated playlist of clips from series on Nick Jr. Video.

September 25, 2006
Hungama unveils free multi user gaming portal; targets 1mn users in first year

MUMBAI: Hungama, entertainment portal, content developer and aggregator has launched India’s first free multi user online gaming portal, www.gaminghungama.com. Hungama is targeting a registered user base of one million in the first year.

The games have a simple and easy to understand gaming interface coupled with a chat window. This allows the user to interact with his opponent as he plays a game, a first among gaming sites. Along with games the site also has the latest reviews of PC, console and mobile games from across the world, the freshest gaming news relayed using RSS feeds, a user forum and a downloads section, informs an official release.

Commenting on the launch of its latest offering in the digital space, Hungama CEO and MD Neeraj Roy said, “It is estimated that, the online gaming market in India is at $30 million, of which mobile gaming and internet based gaming contribute
$8 million each in revenues. It is being expected that by the year 2010 11 the software gaming industry will be $700 million in size and console, mobile and broadband or internet based gaming will each be one third of the pie and through
gaming, hungama we will be ready to meet this ever growing demand.”

“The prime focus of the site is to provide an engaging platform for the gamers across the world and our aim is to become the cle facto gaming portal in India within six months,” says Hungama creative director Carlton D’Silva.

The games are original concepts and are based on popular themes with titles such as Bollywood Squares, a hilarious take on Hollywood Squares, the American TV show. The other titles include Quick Et, a fast cricket game, Star Gaze, a Bollywood celebrity quiz game, Top the Class, a multi user game that can support over 500 users at any given point, adds the release.

“The site will be launched with multi user games to begin with which will serve as an educational exercise for the gamers that are not so used to multi user games. The games are kept simple in nature and at sometime in our lives played the physical form of the game. This makes it easier for the gamers to comprehend the games and quicker to get started. Post the initial push of multi user games; we will eventually release single user online and casual games,” adds D’Silva.

September 25, 2006
Tata Sky starts receiving Zee-Turner channels

MUMBAI: It took a rap on the knuckles today by the sector tribunal, but finally, DTH service provider Tata Sky can now claim to have a “complete” channel offering. Zee-Turner this evening provided the signals for its channels after an order issued earlier in the day by the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT).

“Now they (the Zee-Turner channels) are on,” Tata Sky MD & CEO Vikram Kaushik told Indiantelevision.com. “The channels were delayed by Zee-Turner and the tribunal directed them to provide the signals,” he added.

Coming down heavily on the distribution network, TDSAT chairman Justice Arun Kumar was quoted by Press trust of India news service as saying, “tricks would not work … at least I did not expect this from you … you are more interested in earning money rather than implementation of the order.”

During the proceedings Zee-Turner, a 74:26 joint venture between Zee Telefilms and Turner International India, a sister concern of Time Warner, contended that Tata Sky was yet to address issues “regarding territory and piracy” mentioned in their terms and condition, the PTI report said. In its response, Tata Sky accused Zee-Turner of unilaterally deciding the terms and conditions under which they would provide signals.

Zee Turrner had given an undertaking last Wednesday (20 September) to TDSAT that it would provide all the 32 channels in its bouquet at an interim pricing of Rs 75. Tata Sky is already offering 75 channels at an introductory price offer of Rs 200.

Zee Turner claims had then told Indiantelevision.com that it had got what it wanted. “We wanted our entire bundle of channels to be taken and at that price. This falls in line with the latest TDSAT directive,” Zee Turner CEO Arun Poddar had said.

The final hearing will be on 18 October where the issues of pricing, capacity and other related issues will be decided.

It may be recalled that Zee Turner was willing to provide all its channels at a price of Rs 75 while Tata Sky wanted to select the channels it wants at half the price of cable TV rates.

September 25, 2006
Tandberg TV to beef up Asian IPTV business

MUMBAI: Tandberg TV is set to build on its business and technology in the Asian IPTV video head-end market with a demonstration of its full suite of live, on-demand and interactive solutions at IPTV World Forum Asia 2006 (stand 83), which runs 27 September – 29 September in Shanghai.

The event will give delegates the chance to see why the annual IPTV leadership report, published earlier this month by the Multimedia Research Group (MRG), ranked Tandberg Television as the leading IP video head-end supplier in Asia, as well as in EMEA and rest of world.

Worldwide Tandberg Television claims to have been involved in more than 160xDSL and FTTH deployments and there are over 2 million subscribers currently viewing IPTV due to the company’s technology, states an official release.

“Asia has always been a very important market for us,” says Tandberg Television Asia Pacific EVP & GM Graham Cradock. “According to research from In-Stat the Asia-Pacific IP video services market will grow nearly 80 per cent per year between now and 2010, with Asia accounting for half of all worldwide IPTV subscribers by the end of 2009. We’ve been working with IPTV operators in the region for over five years and our market-leading technology is allowing telcos to deploy IPTV services right across the continent, from Dubai to Osaka and from Delhi to Shanghai.”

Tandberg Television EVP Corporate Development Jim Olson will deliver a keynote speech: Beyond IPTV – Why Plain Old Television Won’t Cut it for Telcos at 9:10 on 29 September at IPTV World Forum Asia.

September 25, 2006