ITV

Category: News Headline

  • Archer launches IPTV platform for Indian content in the US

    Archer launches IPTV platform for Indian content in the US

    MUMBAI: Archer Entertainment Media Communications which works in different areas of digital content has launched an IPTV platform, www.IndiaTVLive.com, in the US to distribute Indian content.

    Full-time broadcasting, in every Indian language, to 40 million Indians living outside of India and 1.2 billion Indian subscribers in India via www.indiatvlive.com and www.indiaradiolive.com will begin by 15 August 2006, marking the 59th anniversary of India’s independence.

    www.IndiaTVLive.com will stream Indian TV, radio and internet content to subscribers over IPTV. It will enable all Indian media via Internet Protocol to deliver television and radio channels real time, live and direct from India in as good as high definition television quality on wired, Wi-fi and cellular devices worldwide. The content will comprise news, sports and entertainment in all Indian languages.

    IndiaTVLive.com’s content and marketing partners include Shama Broadcast & Content Service India and Creative Content Services India owned and operated by Kedar Nath Gupta. Abhesh Verma is the CEO of India Broadcast Live, an Archer supported company.

    Archer Entertainment COO Munish Gupta said, “Teaming up with Abhesh, Archer was able to put together a state-of-the-art digital technology platform to broadcast the top channels from India. We will deliver channels real time and live from one of the fastest growing and dynamic countries in the world but also guarantee terrific consumer experience in terms of quality. This is the first time that the world will watch news and events as they unfold in India on any device connected by high speed Internet. This is just the beginning of what Archer and www.indiatvlive.com intend to deliver.”

    India’s Union Cabinet minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vyalar Ravi expressed delight that this new (IPTV) platform will connect expatriates with instantaneous news and information from India thereby making the ministry’s job simpler. “I personally know both the promoters, father (Kedar Nath Gupta) and son (Munish Gupta), and their hard and consistent work in media and for the community.” The Indian Minister added that the service could further enhance the fast-growing relationship and investment by overseas Indians into India.

    Verma said, “The platform provides us the extremely lucrative opportunity to reach both inside and outside of India. Overseas Indians represent the most affluent ethnic consumers of any expatriate group. Within India, we will target a whopping 500 million consumer class with a steadily rising broadband connectivity. There’s no doubt we will become the voice of India and Indians across the globe.”

    Archer Entertainment provided the initial funding for the launch and marketing of http://www.IndiaTVLive.com. Archer Entertainment CEO Michael Selsman said, “We remain committed to growing and diversifying the (IndiaTVLive.com) platform.”

  • Zoom attempts comedy with Santa & Banta Unlimited; to air 10 July

    Zoom attempts comedy with Santa & Banta Unlimited; to air 10 July

    MUMBAI: The original Indian rap king Baba Saigal and popular RJ Siddharth Kannan team up to entertain viewers with Zoom’s first comic bonanza, Santa & Banta Unlimited. This new show aims to redefine ‘time pass viewing’, with it’s two hosts Siddharth Kannan aka Santa and Baba Saigal aka Banta.

    The one thing that the duo is confident about is that they just come on sets to have a whole load of fun to create a zara hatke comical show that will deliver everything from topical news, lifestyle issues, film reviews, TV gags of other shows, parties, call ins for “love” problems and other Gyaan, in true Santa Banta style, which is a comical rhapsody, witty repartees and award winning one liners.

    Joking about his rapport with Baba, Kannan remarks with his trademark tongue-in-cheek twist, “We are like a husband and wife team. But we haven’t figured who is the husband and who is the wife. We are two contrasting people with a zest for life. As people in Mumbai would say, we are truly bindaas.”

    “Anchoring is a part of me. It has a different kick, different popularity and a different feedback,” says Baba about his experience. “I have known Siddharth since the past 12 years. We’ve developed a great chemistry and that will be evident on-screen.”

  • Avaya handles nine trillion bytes of data and voice transmission during the Fifa World Cup

    Avaya handles nine trillion bytes of data and voice transmission during the Fifa World Cup

    MUMBAI: Handling everything from players’ and journalists’ accreditations, to transmitting photos and match details around the world in real time, the converged network from Avaya, an official partner of the 2006 Fifa World Cup has managed a communication network that’s free of errors.

    Avaya, which provides business communications applications, systems and services. The converged network – which combines voice and data on the same infrastructure — connects the 12 host stadiums, the stadium media centers in Munich, Berlin and Dortmund and the Fifa headquarters in Berlin.

    Players, coaches, volunteers and fans alike benefit from the network that is being used to issue accreditations for players and journalists, report results, track materials and inventory, confirm accommodations at Fifa’s official hotels and maintain security systems.

    According to Avaya, at the halfway point in the tournament, the network has performed flawlessly and without any downtime, which is critical for a highly visible event such as the Fifa World Cup. For example, for the first 20 matches, the cumulative worldwide television viewing audience was almost 1.26 billion people. The total of voice and data bytes transferred over the network since it went ‘live’ on 1 June 2006 is 9.8 terabytes (or 9.8 trillion bytes of traffic). The average amount of traffic transmitted on Avaya network each day during the Fifa World Cup is 250,000 gigabytes.

    People have logged onto the converged communications network approximately 567,000 times, to date, and over 296,000 phone calls have been made on the network, which represents 632,297 minutes of calling time.

    Thousands of people have been using the high-speed Wireless Lan access from Avaya that have made connectivity easy and convenient for staff working temporarily in an area of the stadium or Fifa Headquarters Hotel.

    Journalists and photographers working in the stadiums can quickly connect to the Internet via an Avaya wireless Lan network and send photos and stories directly from the field.

    Avaya’s Fifa World Cup programme director Andrea Rinnerberger says, “Whether it’s our team of Avaya technical experts or the team of players on the field, the same rules apply: excellent preparation is critical to success. For months, the network Avaya built for the Fifa World Cup underwent rigorous testing in configuration, fail-over and resiliency.

    You might say we were in ‘intensive training’ for the tournament. Achieving 99.99 per cent network availability and reliability to date is the result of these high-powered IT ‘workouts’ that enable us to be fully ready for the expected and unexpected.”

    The unexpected arrived for the Avaya team of technicians working at a match at the Fifa World Cup stadium in Munich when Argentine football great Diego Maradona ducked into the stadium’s technical center to escape autograph seekers, and found himself surrounded by blinking monitors and racks of media servers and gateways that comprise the network Avaya built for Fifa. After his — and the Avaya team’s — initial surprise, the former football star was introduced to the world of high technology, with a tour of the network that Avaya deployed.

    Rinnerberger said, “It’s a ‘World Cup moment,’ but it illustrates Avaya’s dedication to being prepared for anything and everything. We bring the same dedication to the enterprise customers we serve around the world.”

  • Jennifer Harrington is Granada International head of formats

    Jennifer Harrington is Granada International head of formats

    MUMBAI: Jennifer Harrington has been appointed the formats head for Granada International. Based in London, Harrington, who sued to be the sales director at Twentieth Century Fox International Television, will head up all international format activity worldwide for Granada International. She will be responsible for the sale of Granada International formats and unscripted material, from both ITV Productions and independent producers.

    In addition, she will lead the push to acquire formats from external sources to complement the range of hit formats Granada International distributes from its in-house production companies, particularly focusing on the US market.

    She will report to Granada International sales director Tim Mutimer and will also work alongside the director of acquisitions and co-productions Emmanuelle Namiech on securing new formats from the worldwide independent production sector.

    Granada International’s formats cover a wide range of shows, from I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here and Saturday Night Takeaway to Hell’s Kitchen, Nanny 911, Dancing on Ice, Soapstar Superstar and ITV1’s fly-on-the-wall docusoap format, Airline. Granada International also has a portfolio of classic game shows such as Chance of A Lifetime, Alphabet Game and All New Catchphrase.

  • Nokia conducting mobile TV trials in Sweden

    Nokia conducting mobile TV trials in Sweden

    MUMBAI: Mobile firm Nokia has announced a new commercial DVB-H pilot in Stockholm with Teracom in Sweden. Nokia is supplying the Nokia Mobile Broadcast System 3.0 and Nokia N92 mobile TV devices to the pilot which will last from October to December 2006 and includes 400 consumers. The project is a co-operation between ATG, Boxer, Nokia, Sveriges Radio, Sveriges Television/UR, Telenor and Teracom.

    The pilot participants will be able to watch 14 TV channels and listen to four radio channels in the Stockholm city region, where a network has been built for high quality indoor and outdoor coverage. The objective is to evaluate what Swedish consumers think about commercial broadcast mobile TV and thus gauge market potential.

    ATG, Boxer, Sveriges Radio and Sveriges Television will provide content for the pilot. The test will be delivered using Nokia Mobile Broadcast Solution 3.0, and the pilot participants will use mobile devices from Nokia, the Nokia N92. Teracom will be responsible for the network, the broadcast and operating of the platform.

    This is the second mobile TV pilot in Sweden where Nokia is one of the main suppliers of DVB-H technology. Recently Nokia had announced a new contract with TeliaSonera Sweden for a complete DVB-H pilot system, including Nokia Mobile Broadcast System 3.0 and Nokia N92 mobile TV devices, underpinned by Nokia’s hosting and systems integration know-how.

    Fore the uninitiated DVB-H technology complements existing operator networks, optimising capacity and quality. It offers consumers the chance to enjoy high quality terrestrial digital broadcasts along with voice telephony and internet access all in a single device. Broadcast mobile TV will offer new business opportunities for mobile service providers, content and broadcast companies, infrastructure and handset manufacturers as well as technology providers.

    The feedback from different mobile TV pilots has been promising. Results from pilots on broadcast (DVB-H) mobile TV services among consumers in Finland, the UK, Spain and France have revealed clear consumer demand for such services as well as important indications over future business models for commercial mobile TV services.

  • Singapore TV personality Allan Wu to host AXN’s Amazing Race Asia edition

    Singapore TV personality Allan Wu to host AXN’s Amazing Race Asia edition

    MUMBAI: One of the action oriented AXN’s biggest on ground initiatives for this year is The Amazing Race Asia. Like its American counterpart, the reality show will see contestants from different Asian countries running from one location to another on specified modes of transport to emerge as a winner and get $100,000.

    The host of the show will be Singapore-based TV personality Allan Wu. He has in the past participated in the US reality series Fear Factor which also airs on AXN. As had been reported a few months ago by indiantelevision.com, over 1,000 teams had applied to participate in the race.

    As a marketing initiative, AXN will conduct a series of road shows in the region to engage the public. AXN will be holding the Amazing Race Fan Tour from July to October. The places it will visit are Delhi on 8 October, Korea on 8 July, Bangkok on 5 August, Singapore on 26 August, Kuala Lumpur on 9 September and Manila on 30 September.

    AXN says that it was searching for a host that could not only relate to various Asian cultures but who would be able to keep up with the intense physical demands of the race.

    SPE Networks Asia GM Ricky Ow says, “Having participated in another world-class TV show, Allan Wu understands what it takes to be the host of The Amazing Race Asia. He embodies the spirit of AXN and The Amazing Race Asia. As a big fan of The Amazing Race, Allan will be able to give interesting insight to the Asian version of this hit reality show.

    “And it doesn’t hurt that Allan is easy on the eyes. His good looks and natural charisma will offer a different appeal from the US version, and will definitely ‘Wu’ new fans for The Amazing Race Asia.”

    AXN has also announced a raft of sponsors for the event. They are Malaysia Tourism and Promotion Board, and the regional sponsors are: Official Camera Partner – Sony Electronics Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd, Official Airline Partner – AirAsia, Caltex, MSN, Official Mobile Partner – Nokia, and Official Hospitality Partner – Bintan Lagoon Resort and Bintan Resorts. Ford is a local sponsor.

    Production on The Amazing Race Asia finished last month. Post-production work will shortly commence and the show will air in 13 episodes across Asia later in the year.

    Each team comprises of two people with a pre-existing relationship like husband – wife, mother – daughter.

    As with the US version, participants will be perpetually guessing their next destination as venturing into the unknown has always been the entertaining hallmark of the show. This sense of the unknown puts everyone on a level playing field.

  • Fifa to organise ‘Football For A Better World’ event on 7 July

    Fifa to organise ‘Football For A Better World’ event on 7 July

    MUMBAI: Just two days before the final of the 2006 Fifa World Cup between Italy and either France or Portugal, Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate, will be the setting for a big football party: The ‘Football for a Better World – From Germany to South Africa’ show will kick off the four-year journey to the 2010 Fifa World Cup with a joyful celebration of football and music.Admission is completely free.

    The show features multi-platinum selling acts from across the globe. Germany is represented by Xavier Naidoo, Wir sind Helden and Die Fantastischen Vier. South American star Ivete Sangalo will bring the samba spirit, dancehall and hip hop superstars Sean Pau,l Wyclef Jean and Lumidee will be moving the crowd all night long, and further special performances by Patrizio Buanne and other special guest stars are also lined-up.

    One of the highlights of the evening will be the super-group put together spontaneously and specially for this show by African music legend Youssou N’Dour.

    This unique group features fellow African artists such as, Angélique Kidjo, Tiken Jah Fakoly, Vusi Mahlasela, MC Solaar und Rokia Traore. Freshlyground, South Africa’s top selling artists complete the high quality line-up. The show will be presented by popular German TV sports and entertainment anchors Monica Lierhaus and Matthias Opdenhövel and stand-up comedian Michael Mittermeier will present a special set of his unique brand of humour.

    High-ranking dignitaries such as the General Secretary of the UN Kofi Annan, South Africa president Thabo Mbeki, Fifa president Joseph S Blatter, the president of the 2006 Fifa Organising Committee Franz Beckenbauer, as well as the Governing Mayor of Berlin Klaus Wowereit will be addressing the show audience in Berlin and millions of television viewers watching the broadcast in over 120 countries. The former South African president and Nobel Peace Prize winner Nelson Mandela will be joining in via a video message from the 2010 host country.

    In keeping with the upcoming change in venue for the soccer World Cup legends of African football will also grace the stage with stars such as George Weah, Roger Milla and Abedi Pele unveiling a special treat for the Berlin audience. The Giant video screens at the Fan fest will replay the greatest moments of the 2006 Fifa World Cup and provide the context for all the evenings entertainment. Fifa will also highlight its Official Charity Campaign “6 villages for 2006” in conjunction with SOS Children’s Villages. This project aiming at creating six new SOS children’s villages in Brazil, Mexico, Nigeria, South Africa, Ukraine, and Vietnam, providing a new home to at least 800 children in need.

    With this show, the world governing body of football wants to emphasise the power of football far beyond the boundaries of the pitch by bringing together with artists, football icons and world leaders to deliver a joint message to the world. The show, broadcast from Germany’s biggest public viewing event the Fan Fest Berlin, will spotlight the “Football for a Better World” alliance, which will allow the implementation of one of the main goals of world football’s governing body, which is to strive to build a better future through football, especially in Africa, but also throughout the world.

  • Music airplay: ETC, T-Series at loggerheads

    Music airplay: ETC, T-Series at loggerheads

    MUMBAI: The Zee Network owned music channels ETC and Zee Music have decided to take on T-Series, the audio company which controls a large of chunk of the Bollywood music market, over what they assert are pending dues amounting to over Rs 70 million.

    ETC Networks has issued a notice declaring that it has “with immediate effect stopped accepting bookings for telecasting of film trailers and promos of film and non film music from Super Cassette Industries Ltd (T-Series).”

    Countering the charge, T-Series has denied any outstandings and has retaliated by claiming that it is Zee that has infringed on the intellectual property rights of the entire film industry, including T-Series.

    The ETC release, meanwhile, points out, “All concerned producers who have made bookings through Super Cassette Industries may kindly note that their trailers and promos will not be telecast by us on account of deliberate and purposeful default of payment.”

    ETC has also highlighted that “all producers who are interested in telecasting their film trailers and promos of film and non film music with immediate effect as well as in future are requested to directly approach the company.” The statement further says that ETC is ready to provide “new revised and reduced rates and terms” specially for producers.

    T-Series holds the audio rights of some big upcoming releases in 2006 including Babul, Salaam-e Ishq, Jaaneman and the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Don, so how the face-off plays out could well have far-reaching implications across the industry.

  • MTV to celebrate anniversary of Live8 concert globally

    MTV to celebrate anniversary of Live8 concert globally

    MUMBAI: One year on from the historic Live8 concert, MTV Networks International is celebrating the first anniversary of the momentous music event by airing a new special this month called Live8: What A Difference A Day Made. This is being done through a partnership with Network Live. An estimated three billion people all from all over the world watched Live8, billed as the greatest show on earth, where the crème of the world’s music artists came together to perform with one message – make poverty history.

    MTV will premiere the 90-minute special reaching 480 million households around the world in major markets including US, Japan, UK, France, Germany and Latin America. In addition to providing viewers the chance to relive the music spectacular of Live8, Bob Geldof will introduce the programme by giving a retrospective on how far we have travelled since the historic event and why it’s important to remember one year later.

    The programme is a selection of highlights from most inspirational performances and presentations that took place across 10 cities including London, Paris, Berlin, Rome, Ontario, Toyko, Johannesburg, Philadelphia, Moscow and Edinburgh. Live8: What A Difference A Day Made relives the moments when U2, Coldplay, Black Eyed Peas, Green Day, Madonna, Youssou N’Dour and Dido, Robbie Williams, Pink Floyd, R.E.M., Paul McCartney and others captured the hope and optimism of the world and rallied the crowds to fight against poverty in Africa and to lobby the G8 leaders to makes promises on debt relief, Aids drugs, trade tariffs and education.

    The special will air on MTV’s channels in the lead up the G8 Summit 2006 on 15 July in St Petersburg, Russia where G8 leaders are expected to discuss international issues such as global energy security, infectious diseases and education. Live8 was executive produced by Network Live CEO Kevin Wall.

    In 2005 in the week leading to the G8 Summit and Live8 concerts, UK Prime Minister and chair of the G8 summit Tony Blair and Live8’s leading force Bob Geldof took tough questions on African poverty, debt relief and US President George Bush’s policies on climate control from MTV viewers representing 24 countries around the world – including seven African nations.

  • ABU delivers excellent results for Commonwealth Games

    ABU delivers excellent results for Commonwealth Games

    MUMBAI: The Asia Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) has announced that over a billion people had access to free-to-air coverage of the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games, stretching from Mongolia in Central Asia, down to the Republic of Timor Leste.

    ABU’s head of sport in Melbourne John Barton says, “We have built the biggest television platform in Asia and the Pacific for the Melbourne games and we will continue to see it grow over the years, especially with New Delhi hosting the next event in 2010.”

    Televising multi sport events such as the Olympics and Commonwealth Games on free-to-air television would have lasting economic benefits for a nation, says Barton.

    “We are not just investing in a sporting contest. It is much greater than that. We are showcasing the character of a host nation, its many cultural and commercial assets, and the character and values of the competing nations. That was why it is extremely important for the events to be seen on the free-to-air television markets around the world where their countrymen could share the highs and lows that come with the great sporting occasion.

    “Governments and broadcasters have a dual responsibility to make sure that their athletes and teams are given due recognition on television for their years of effort and training. So when they step out onto the international sporting stage they know that their nation is with them, right at that moment, sharing their joy or sadness” he adds.

    Governments in Asia are spending hundreds of millions of dollars on sporting infrastructure, facilities, coaches and new training methods. “Asia is thriving as a regional sporting powerhouse with the increasing numbers of Olympic champions. But without television, which has been the engine for growth for many years, that development could be arrested,” he added.