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Category: News Headline

  • Phillips, Yahoo survey reveals the passion of soccer fans

    Phillips, Yahoo survey reveals the passion of soccer fans

    MUMBAI: With the football World Cup gaining momentum in Germany Fifa partners Philips and Yahoo! conducted an Ultimate Football Fan Survey.

    The aim was to gain more insight into how fans enjoy and celebrate the game. The results include more than 4,500 respondents from nine countries, including World Cup hopefuls such as Brazil, Germany and The Netherlands, all of whom provided their feelings and perspective on a variety of topics ranging from what they would give up for a ticket to the Fifa World Cup to which team will triumph as the champion.

    What makes a great football fan? According to the survey, 44 per cent of respondents in Argentina and 41 per cent of respondents in the U.K. said that a true football fan is someone who will support his or her favorite team even during a losing season. Other markets differ in their view of what makes a football fan a fanatic, including 23 per cent of Brazilian respondents who will watch every game of the season and almost 24 per cent of Italian respondents who said that they will paint their body in national colors to gear up for the matches.

    The survey also probed into what fans would do for a ticket to the final, including selling their car or even giving up well-deserved vacation. Adding to the fervor, an average of 15 per cent of the global respondents claim to watch more than 31 hours of football a month, with 30 per cent of the fans in Argentina responding that they think about the World Cup ‘every waking moment’ when not watching the games.

    Football and technology: A true match both on and off the field

    With many fans dreaming of attending this high-profile sporting event in person, the majority of sports enthusiasts watch from the comfort of the couch. An average of 89 per cent of survey participants stated that they typically watch a football match at home versus an average of only 25 per cent who will attend the games in person.

    For the fans at home, Philips provides home entertainment products to ensure they are immersed in the game. More than 45 per cent of respondents in Argentina, Brazil, the U.K. and Spain agree that a new Flat TV would create the perfect World Cup M home viewing experience.

    35 per cent of fans in Mexico think that a DVD Recorder with Hard Disk would enhance the experience. Providing a colorful element to the entertainment experience, Philips’ says that its Ambilight FlatTVs are ideal for sports aficionados and design-discerning individuals alike. Philips’ Ambilight sets create a better perceived image and expand the viewing area to ensure fans catch all of the action on the field.

    Although there is a certain thrill to attending the game in person, sports enthusiasts believe watching the World Cup at home certainly has its advantages. 57 per cent of survey participants believe they are in a better position to make an important judgment call in front of their television versus a referee on the field.

    A true football fan will always remember those great moments of the game that make the World Cup an exciting and dramatic international sporting event in the world. The great moments are more than a memory to many fans thanks to some of the technology that has changed the game of football. More than 50 per cent of global survey respondents said that instant replay is the technology that has most influenced the game of football.

    When asked which team will be the most feared nearly 70 per cent of the survey respondents named Brazil, which was also named by more than half of the survey respondents as the clear favorite to win the World Cup. The rest of the world will also have their eyes set on the Brazilian team with 64 per cent of respondents outside of Brazil watching this exciting team during the World Cup.

    With Brazilian football star Ronaldinho, who was selected by nearly 62 per cent of the global respondents as the best player in the world today, it’s no surprise that Brazil is the clear favorite to win the World Cup.

    According to the survey, an average of 46 per cent of the global respondents believe that Maradona’s “Hand of God” goal in Mexico in 1986 was the greatest World Cup moment, while 26 per cent of the global respondents feel that Geoff Hurst’s hattrick was the best highlight in World Cup history.

    Keeping up with the FIFA World Cup™ away from home

    According to the survey, nearly 70 per cent of all respondents will follow their team’s progress on the Internet while away from the television; yet new technology allows fans to turn up their FIFA World Cup™ experience a notch further, even while at work or away from the computer.

    With time zones and work schedules posing a problem for the action, Philips DVD Recorders with Hard Disk enable sports enthusiasts around the world to control the game on their own terms, and never miss any of the action. Phillips says that its DVD Recorder with Hard Disk is the ultimate game and memory preserver, enabling users to record the game directly onto a DVD or preserve it on the unit’s hard disk drive.

    This survey was commissioned by Philips and fielded to more than 4,500 respondents throughout Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, The U.K., Germany, Italy, France, Spain and The Netherlands via the Yahoo! global network. The survey focussed on both male and female respondents over the age of 18 with at least one television in their home.

  • Bangalore to host CII India Innovation Summit 2006

    Bangalore to host CII India Innovation Summit 2006

    BANGALORE: The first ever International Innovation Summit in India will be held in Bangalore on 16 – 17 June 2005. The summit will cover innovations in business, governance and social causes worldwide. The UB Group chairman Dr Vijay Mallya will deliver the keynote address at the inaugural session.

    The Innovation summit aims to provide a forum for organisations to learn from and interact with those who have ‘lived’ the journey from ‘concept to realization’ and bring to the forefront the importance of innovation as well as provide a forum for learning from actual practitioners who have faced the challenges, states an official release.

    Eminent personalities who have proven excellence as researchers, entrepreneurs, businesspersons, innovation managers, business executives and social change evangelists will be invited to speak. The summit will bring together innovation practitioners, managers of both Indian and international companies, government representatives and students, adds the release.

  • Telkonet launches IPTV trials in New York

    Telkonet launches IPTV trials in New York

    MUMBAI: Telkonet, Inc., the provider of in-building broadband access over existing electrical wiring, announced that they have begun deployment to beta customers and testing of its Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) service in New York City. Telkonet’s NuVisions IPTV service delivers traditional cable TV programming and enables subscribers to surf the internet, receive on-demand content, and perform a host of Internet-based functions via their TV sets.

    As per an official release, the NuVisions IPTV service will deliver a host of bundled services such as television, internet, and telephone service over the NuVisions’ gigabit network that connects the properties it serves in a redundant gigabit ring within New York City – a virtual fiber optic network in the air. NuVisions also plans to add more channels and features, such as video-on-demand, movies, games and interactive content, to the service when fully deployed. With NuVisions’ IPTV service, subscribers can use the television via remote controls and wireless keyboards to watch TV programs, surf the Internet, communicate with building services, and shop with neighborhood vendors or national retailers.

    NuVisions IPTV service can be deployed rapidly and at a lower cost than current cable televisions systems. It can offer consumers many advanced features, such as the ability to record several programs simultaneously without having to add more tuners. The NuVisions IPTV service is seamlessly integrated into a building as it relies on existing telephone wires for delivery to subscribers.

    The use of IP technology enables direct communication between a subscriber’s IPTV device, which replaces the much larger traditional set-top “cable box”, and the NuVisions control center. As a result of this direct connection to the control center, functions currently performed by stand alone devices, such as digital video recorders (DVR’s), are now incorporated as features of the new offering controlled through the IPTV device, the release adds.

  • Zee News ropes in Dileep Padgaonkar to host ‘Neta Tumhi Ho Kal Ke’

    Zee News ropes in Dileep Padgaonkar to host ‘Neta Tumhi Ho Kal Ke’

    MUMBAI: The Hindi news channel — Zee News is all set to launch Neta Tumhi Ho Kal Ke to be hosted by renowned journalist Dileep Padgaonkar. The first episode of the series will kick of on 18 June at 5:30 pm. The programme will showcase various personal and professional aspects of some of the young politicians of India.

    The duration of the programme would be 30 minutes having different segments like Sabse Mast Khushi Meri (Childhood), Kasauti (Turning Point), Chahta Hun (Aspirations), Kya Bhulun Kya Yaad Karun (Reminiscences), Chalte Chalte (Rapid fire round), Ek Baat Aur (Reflections of an elderly politician), informs an official release.

    Commenting on the launch of the programme Zee News Ltd director Laxmi Narain Goel said, “Zee News, in its endeavor to update its viewers with the current trend in politics, presents “Neta Tumhi Ho Kal Ke” which will feature the crème de la crème of young politicians who are marked by imagination, initiative, and readiness to undertake new projects”.

    Some of the prominent names to be part of this show include Jyotiraditya Scindia, Omar Abdullah, Navin Jindal and Milind Deora to name a few. The programme will also cover young politicians like Dharmendra Yadav, who got elected at the age of 25 years and 3 months, the youngest in the history of Indian Parliament. The programme would also feature leaders like Kiren Rijiju, young parliamentarian from the northeast, who is only 35 years old.

  • Narrowstep Inc powers broadband TV station Country Channel in UK

    Narrowstep Inc powers broadband TV station Country Channel in UK

    MUMBAI: Narrowstep Inc., the UK-based TV on the Internet Company, announced that its proprietary technology, telvOS (Television Operating System) was chosen to power the Country Channel, the first broadband TV station designed for outdoor enthusiasts.

    Accessible at www.countrychannel.tv, the channel is dedicated to country-life communities, and went live on a 24/7 basis, on 9 June.

    The Country Channel covers subjects of interest to people living in the countryside, providing targeted, relevant information to those who live, work or play, close to nature. It aims to appeal to fast-growing outdoors groups such as horseback riders and breeders, wildlife spotters and bird watchers, conservationists, hikers, walkers, fishers, truck farmers and weekend farmers. It also appeals to the societies and clubs that these people belong to, states an official release.

    The Country Channel is available on subscription, with a startup price of 16.99 pounds for a full year. In order to provide as full an experience for viewers as possible, The Country Channel also encourages appropriate advertising and sponsors, who can bring information and services to the audience, adds the release..

  • Tariffs for CAS areas: Trai seeks industry feedback

    Tariffs for CAS areas: Trai seeks industry feedback

    NEW DELHI: The broadcast regulator is at it again — issuing another set of consultation paper on cable TV prices for CAS areas.

    The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) today floated a paper on amendments to the tariff order for CAS areas asking stakeholders whether the regulator should fix the maximum retail prices (MRPs) of TV channels, amongst other things.

    The last date for the industry to give feedback is 5 July 2006, the day when the government is supposed to revert to the Delhi High Court on the status of CAS rollout in Kolkata, Delhi and Mumbai.

    Pointing out that the latest initiative is at he behest of the industry, Trai said, “Several stakeholders (had) suggested fixation of ceilings for individual channels. Since this is at variance with the earlier decision of Trai, it was considered appropriate to undertake a fresh consultation on the specific issues of regulation of tariff in CAS areas.”

    A Trai, official, however, denied that these consultation papers would any way affect a court case on CAS or that it would give the government some breathing space when it updates the judiciary on CAS’ rollout plans.

    “The issue of consultation papers and government’s stand on CAS are different matters,” the official stressed, refusing to expand any further.

    On 10 March 2006, the Delhi High Court had directed that CAS be implemented in three cities within a month’s time after being petitioned by a group of MSOs.

    Subsequently, the I&B ministry had held a series of meetings with industry stakeholders and consumer groups and had submitted to the court that for an effective rollout of CAS an additional 265 days were needed.

    The court, after making clear its disapproval of such suggestions and penalizing the ministry Rs. 100,000 (RS 1 lakh) for delay, asked the government to come back with a final implementation plan by 5 July.

    The regulator’s fresh consultation paper covers the following issues:

    i) Should Trai fix the maximum retail price for each individual channel?

    ii) If so, what should be the methodology and principles to be adopted for the same?

    iii) Should Trai promote individual choice of channels by fixation of the maximum price as a percentage of the average price of a channel in a bouquet and, if so, what should be this percentage?

    (iv) If the individual MRPs are fixed by Trai, along with a formula as indicated, should TRAI also regulate the maximum permissible discount for the bouquet of channels? If so what should be the discount and what are the principles on which this should be calculated?

    (v) The choice of the precise option out of the several alternatives to regulate prices in a CAS environment.

  • Harris Corporation strikes TV transmission and turnkey services deal with ANTV Indonesia

    Harris Corporation strikes TV transmission and turnkey services deal with ANTV Indonesia

    MUMBAI: Florida-headquartered Harris Broadcast Communications Division has announced that PT Marlin Trisiana has purchased a Harris TV transmission system that will provide over-the-air service to all of Indonesia on behalf of its customer, ANTV, a terrestrial TV network there.

    ANTV is a terrestrial TV station in Indonesia and a joint venture between PT. CMA Indonesia (80 per cent) and Star (20 per cent). First aired in Lampung Province in 1993, ANTV is now a national station with an 85 per cent audience reach in the country.

    Delivery of the $6.9 million system begins this month, with a planned launch in late October. Harris will provide analog transmitters and spare parts, along with turnkey services for commissioning the transmission sites. PT Marlin Trisiana, a broadcast systems integrator based in Jakarta, will deliver the Harris transmission equipment, supply tower and antenna systems and provide civil works.

    As per the official communique, Harris will deliver two 120 kW Sigma analog transmitters, one each to sites in Jakarta and Surabuya where the bulk of the station’s broadcast signals will originate. Eight sets of 20 kW and nine sets of 5 kW Atlas(TM) analogue transmitters will be delivered to other sites in the country.

  • VSNL to set up cyber cafes at railway stations

    VSNL to set up cyber cafes at railway stations

    MUMBAI: Videsh Sanchar Nigam Ltd (VSNL) is setting up cyber cafes at major railway stations across the country to create user-friendly public internet access points.

    The company, which has been awarded franchisee rights for running of cyber cafes at 68 locations, plans to make all of them operational in the next few weeks. The first of this was inaugurated at the Bangalore railway station by VSNL president of broadband and retail business Shashi Kalathil.

    Speaking on the occasion, Kalathil said, “This effort will enable VSNL implement the promise made in the Union Railway budget of setting up such cyber cafes across the leading railway stations in the country. We are keen on making internet easily available so that passengers can stay connected even while on the move.”

    All Tata Indicom dial-up internet and broadband subscribers can use this facility by using their existing accounts. “Each of these cybercafes will be equipped with 10-20 high end multimedia PCs with flat panel monitors and will be open 24 X 7. Travellers can now avail Internet browsing and gaming facilities at very affordable rates. We also plan to offer other value added services like printing, scanning, mobile charging and CD writing through these cafes. Passengers can also use the cyber cafes for making onward bookings, checking their bank statements, tracking their investment portfolio and making ISD calls at affordable prices,” VSNL said.

    Tata Indicom will also create select areas in the railway station that are Wi Fi enabled, allowing passengers to experience the internet on their laptop or Wi-Fi enabled PDAs.

  • Gemini Communication buys out US-based PointRed Technologies

    Gemini Communication buys out US-based PointRed Technologies

    MUMBAI: In a bid to get a global presence, Gemini Communication Ltd, a provider in networking, systems integration and RFID solutions, is buying out the US-based PointRed Technologies for an undisclosed amount.

    The acquisition of the wireless product company will help the Chennai company foray into a new segment. “We were implementing solutions on other product providers. Now we can provide solutions and offer an innovative product range. The buy out will help make us the largest broadband wireless access company in South Asia,” says Gemini Communication chairman Vijay Kumar.

    PointRed Technologies has a presence in 12 countries with a turnover of $1.5 million. The company has been funded by Acer Technology Venture America to the tune of US $9.7 million.

    “We will be getting into the DSL (digital subscriber line) segment. It will also help us in expanding rural connectivity. We will be aggressively targeting ISPs (internet service providers), telecom operators and corporates with multiple points,” says Kumar.

    Gemini Communication is acquiring the entire share capital of Clear Blue Llc, the holding company of PointRed Technologies. The company owns IP’s and IPR’s products in the wireless broadband space.

    PointRed has been commercially deploying its wireless broadband access solutions worldwide since June 2002. The company offers a pay-as-you-grow infrastructure and a NLOS solution that route around line-of-sight obstacles.

    The acquisition of PointRed is expected to increase Gemini’s turnover from Rs 1.26 billion to Rs 2 billion this fiscal. “Over the years, Gemini Communication has been selling products of other companies. Through this acquisition, we will now be promoting our own brand and this will enable us to access the international markets in a shorter span of time in the wireless technology space”, says Kumar.

  • Cartoon Network signs license deal with Mattel

    Cartoon Network signs license deal with Mattel

    MUMBAI: Cartoon Network is strengthening its licensing division Cartoon Network Enterprises (CNE) by entering into a a multi-year, multi-property deal with the toymaker Mattel Inc to produce toys and games based on the network’s animated titles.

    In an official statement issued, the license agreement covers original Cartoon Network properties for the 6 to 11 age group and also carries a first-look option on all newly created original series and programming.

    As per the deal, Mattel will have licensing rights to multiple toy and games categories including vehicles, action figures, playsets, role-play, board games, puzzles, and youth electronics items for the Cartoon Network brand as well as shows including Fosters Home for Imaginary Friends, The Powerpuff Girls, Camp Lazlo, Ed, Edd n Eddy, The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy, the newly launched My Gym Partner’s a Monkey and The Life & Times of Juniper Lee. Existing relationships for other original series will remain unaffected by the deal.

    Mattel has licensing deals with Viacom Inc.’s Nickelodeon and movies studios as Warner Bros. and Disney-Pixar.

    “We are pleased to be aligning the Cartoon Network brand with one of the world’s largest and most respected toy companies, setting the stage for great success in the all important toy and games category,” Turner Entertainment sales and marketing president David Levy says. “We’ve always had a very strong relationship with Mattel as an advertiser and now we are extending that into consumer products. This will enhance the brands of both companies by combining our assets as a leading entertainment company with their expertise in the global toy market.”

    In 2007, the first product lines to come to market under the agreement will be toys based on one of Cartoon Network’s most successful series, the Emmy-winning Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends, created by Craig McCracken, the visionary behind The Powerpuff Girls. Products for Ed, Edd n Eddy, Camp Lazlo and The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy will also debut in 2007.

    “We’re confident that combining Cartoon Network’s strength in creating original, quality programming with Mattel’s expertise in developing innovative products will engage kids in new ways,” Mattel Brands president Neil Friedman says. “By leveraging the Cartoon Network brand as well as their original content, we’re opening up a whole new type of creative and licensing partnership.”