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Category: News Headline

  • Intel and NDS to collaborate on protected WiMax-based TV multicast

    Intel and NDS to collaborate on protected WiMax-based TV multicast

    MUMBAI: Intel Corporation and NDS Group plc., have announced a trial system to demonstrate the TV and video services for fixed WiMax technology.

    Using the WiMax IEEE 802.16-2004 standard and the soon to be ratified IEEE 802.16e, Intel and NDS will also collaborate on industry and market development activities. The companies will engage in demonstrations to service providers and the industry to show how WiMax can offer more than broadband access with pay-TV services.

    The pre-WiMax implementation takes place at Intel’s Wireless Competence Center in Kista, Sweden and demonstrates the first system to show WiMax TV services including live TV, VOD and integrated electronic program guide (EPG) delivery to an Intel Centrino mobile technology based notebook over 802.16-2004 and 802.11.

    The current demonstration uses fixed pre-WiMax equipment to deliver content to the customer premises equipment (CPE) and then WiFi to send content to the notebook. Companies intend to enhance the system to support 802.16e standard in the future and to make sure that security requirements protect the interests of content providers in an aim to demonstrate pay TV services delivery over mobile WiMax to Intel based PDA and notebook devices.

    NDS VideoGuard conditional access protects the business and content of the service provider and:-

    >Prevents the valuable TV channel offering from being received by subscribers who have not paid for it.

    >Protects content delivery efficiently using content entitlements, authorizations and tier packaging.

    >Enables content purchasing scenarios (e.g. Pay-Per-View)
    >Supports Video-On-Demand by enabling secure content purchasing, protecting content delivery sessions, and enabling content business scenarios like DRM.

    Intel Wireless Competence Center director Anders Huge said, “Demonstrating multicast TV to notebook computers articulates the way forward for mobile computing – extending the range of services offered by WiMAX to include broadband internet access, VOIP and video. Intel Centrino mobile technology based notebooks are great entertainment devices and offer consumers the ability to take their home entertainment experience on the go.”

    NDS vice president product marketing Yossi Deutsch added, “We are happy to work with a major force behind WiMax technology and getting a clear message out that it is not only about broadband access but rather a full range of lucrative services, enhancing the very model behind WiMax future deployments.”

  • Bertelsmann reports strong growth in first-quarter revenues

    Bertelsmann reports strong growth in first-quarter revenues

    MUMBAI: International media company Bertelsmann recorded considerable growth in its revenue and operating results for the first quarter of 2006.

    Consolidated revenues rose by 17.3 per cent to €4.5 billion, versus €3.8 billion in the first three months of 2005. Bertelsmann achieved growth both in its European core markets and in the US.

    An essential contributor to this positive performance were the acquisitions made in 2005, which were not yet consolidated in the first quarter of 2005. Adjusted for portfolio and currency effects, revenue was up by 4.5 per cent. Operating EBIT grew by 35.2 per cent to €215 million (2005: €159 million), an increase that is attributable to positive business performance in the divisions. Bertelsmann confirms its forecast of a significant year-on-year improvement in revenue and result for fiscal year 2006.

    Bertelsmann’s CFO Thomas Rabe said, “Bertelsmann got off to an excellent start this year. The record first-quarter results continue the positive business development of 2005. Building on this strong foundation, Bertelsmann is well-equipped to meet the challenges of the future. We will pursue outside opportunities and continue to rely on healthy core businesses, systematic acquisitions and expansion to new markets.”

    Net income nearly doubled year on year, reaching €90 million after €48 million in the first quarter of 2005. Investments during the first quarter of 2006 amounted to €309 million (2005: €200 million). Economic debt at 31 March 2006 was €3.9 billion as expected (31 December 2005: €3.9 billion). The number of employees increased to 89,409 (31 December 2005: 88,516).

  • McDonald’s and Warner Home Video introduce new live action home entertainment DVDs

    McDonald’s and Warner Home Video introduce new live action home entertainment DVDs

    MUMBAI: Children will be entertained and inspired to achieve happy active lives as McDonald’s and Warner Home Video (WHV) unveil two live-action home entertainment specials, with McKids Adventures Volume 1: Get Up and Go with Ronald and McKids Adventures Volume 2: Treasure Hunt with Ronald. Both will be available on 15 August 2006 and will be available globally.

    Produced in association with Dic Entertainment, the worldwide licensor for the McKids brand, The McKids Adventures DVD specials are part of McDonald’s active lifestyle campaign which promotes physical activity.

    In each DVD, Ronald McDonald leads a group of children through various adventures that entertain, engage and inspire while providing opportunities for singing and dancing along the way. Volume 1 and 2 will be sold separately and each will retail at $14.98.

    “We are pleased to be able to offer parents high-quality videos that not only educate and entertain children, but also encourage them at an early age to develop an active lifestyle. Ronald McDonald is loved and admired by kids around the world. Children look up to him as a wonderful role model and he’s the ideal personality to star in this DVD series,” said Warner Home Video vice president kids and sports marketing Dorinda Marticorena.

    “This new high-energy series is another way that McDonald’s is committed to helping families lead active lifestyles. Ronald McDonald makes it easy for kids to learn how much fun being active can be,” said McDonald’s senior director global marketing Cathy Nemeth.

    The DVDs are packed with original music videos which are sure to get kids up on their feet and participating in the fun.

    WHV will promote the debut of McKids Adventures Volume 1: Get Up and Go with Ronald and McKids Adventures Volume 2: Treasure Hunt with Ronald with a broad consumer advertising campaign that encompasses national television and print media outlets. McKids Adventures will be trailered on all WHV Kids Summer and Fall DVD releases as well as in select McDonald’s restaurants.

  • Asiasat contracts Space Systems/Loral to build Asiasat 5

    Asiasat contracts Space Systems/Loral to build Asiasat 5

    MUMBAI: Satellite operator Asiasat has signed a construction agreement with Space Systems/Loral (SS/L) to design and build Asiasat 5, a replacement satellite for Asiasat 2.

    Asiasat 5 will launch in the second quarter of 2008. It will be built on a SS/L’s 1300 series satellite platform and will carry 26 C-band and 14 Ku-band transponders with an estimated operational life of 15 years.

    Asiasat 5’s C-band footprint will offer a more powerful pan-Asian coverage than that of AsiaSat 2. Its Ku-band coverage will consist of three high power beams, two of which will cover East Asia and South Asia and an in-orbit steerable beam that can be positioned to provide service anywhere within Asiasat 5’s geographic coverage.

    Asiasat 5 is designed to replace Asiasat 2 at the orbital location of 100.5 degrees East in advance of Asiasat 2’s scheduled retirement of 2010. Launching Asiasat 5 satellite two years earlier than required allows sufficient time to construct and launch a replacement satellite if necessary.

    Asiasat CEO Peter Jackson says, “The SS/L 1300 series satellite is a space-proven platform and it offers the performance, reliability and cost effectiveness our customers require for AsiaSat 5. This satellite will allow Asiasat to expand our capacity and provide Asiasat with the capability of serving more diverse satellite services from this popular orbital slot of 100.5 degrees East.

    “Planning this project well ahead of Asiasat 2’s retirement confirms our commitment to ensure continuity of service to our customers in the years ahead.”

  • Microsoft India launches Electronic Programming Guide

    Microsoft India launches Electronic Programming Guide

    BANGALORE/MUMBAI: Microsoft Corporation India Pvt Ltd has launched an Electronic Programming Guide (EPG) for users of Windows XP Media Centre PCs. Making its debut in India, EPG is an on screen interactive guide to television programs,

    This new concept will allow viewers to navigate, select, explore and record shows across more than 80 channels in the country, at their own convenience.

    The service can be integrated into the Windows XP Media Center PCs and will be available to users free of cost. It has the capacity to automatically download and update every time the user is connected to the internet.

    The Microsoft Windows XP Media Center PC functions as a PC, TV, Radio, DVD player & Media Player. EPG adds to this functionality, as it serves as an electronic search engine that informs the user of what is playing on which channel and when, for a period of 15 days. Moreover, this time limit can be upgraded on a day-to-day basis, states an official release.

    Windows Client Business Group director Rishi Srivastava said, “TV as an entertainment medium provides limitless choices to the consumer today. Presently, their TV consuming time is undirected and cluttered. We believe that the Electronic Programming Guide will help consumers take control of their entertainment experience by helping them watch their favourite program any time, any where.”

    EPG caters to the diverse needs of the viewer by allowing him to locate his favourite shows by simply punching in key words like the name of the program, movie, actors, time, day and date. Besides this, the guide also provides viewers with relevant information like a short description of the program including the start time, plot, duration, censorship classification and genre. In order to make the guide easier to scan, it is possible to hide channels that are not included in their TV service package or the ones that they do not watch regularly.

    Combined with the DVR (digital video recording) capabilities of Windows XP Media Center, viewers can search for and record not just a single episode but also an entire series. With the help of this easy to use device, users can even create their own collection of favourite movies, soaps and serials.

    Along with these facilities it also comes with conflict resolution feature. In case, two programs are to be recorded, which are scheduled simultaneously, the EPG will resolve the conflict by automatically searching for the repeat telecast of either of the two programs over the next few days thus, recording them separately with much ease.

    Srivastava adds, “We believe that Windows XP Media Center combined with the electronic programming guide will be a huge success in India. Consider this, for Rs 30,000 a consumer can now buy a PC that also provides an unmatched TV viewing experience.”

    For the benefit of the user, microsoft has also agreed to launch an awareness campaign comprising of advertisements and activities to promote this one of a kind concept, which they hope will spiral demand. The company will also partner with additional OEMs, content partners, and other companies in the digital entertainment industry to catalyse the growth of this segment.

    Currently Windows XP Media Center PCs from HP, HCL and Sahara are available at more than 300 reseller outlets across 30 cities in the country for a price range starting from Rs 30,000.

  • AOL signs deal with Clearwire for broadband

    MUMBAI: American Internet service provider AOL and Clearwire Corporation announced an agreement to offer American consumers in select markets “AOL High Speed – Powered by Clearwire.”

     

    Consumers will now be able to access the AOL service with high-speed wireless broadband access for $25.90 per month.

    AOL president access business Joe Redling says, “Clearwire‘s wireless high-speed service brings a differentiated offering to AOL members moving to broadband. This innovative approach to broadband access offers consumers additional levels of freedom and flexibility in how and where they experience AOL‘s content and services – and stands to be a promising feature for new consumer segments.”

    Clearwire‘s co-president and chief strategy officer Ben Wolff says, “This truly complementary relationship offers customers access to AOL‘s premium safety and security features and content with a simple, fast wireless connection.

     

    “Clearwire‘s reliable wireless broadband service combined with AOL‘s wide array of content and services, presents an appealing option for online users to leverage the power of the Internet.”

     

    Key features of the AOL High Speed powered by Clearwire include:

    – Wireless High Speed: In addition to high speed, wireless access offers mobility, freedom and flexibility.

    – Fast and Easy Setup: Plug-and-play installation makes establishing a wireless Internet connection quick and easy.

    – Customer Service: Help that‘s available 24/7, including help via phone, e-mail or instant message.

    – Safety: A comprehensive set of safety and security tools available to keep users safer against viruses, spyware, identity theft, and other online threats for no additional charge.

    – Content: AOL-exclusive and original programming including commercial free radio, streaming video and music are all more enjoyable than ever.

    – Storage: Additional benefits like unlimited email and picture storage on AOL.

     

    This service connects to the Internet using licensed spectrum and eliminates the confines of traditional cable or phone wiring. A small wireless modem makes connectivity easily portable and movable within the Clearwire coverage area, allowing customers to use the service throughout their home, office or favourite local coffee house.
  • BSkyB to share EPL TV rights with Setanta; total bids hit £ 1.7 billion

    BSkyB to share EPL TV rights with Setanta; total bids hit £ 1.7 billion

    MUMBAI: A move that was forced by a tough European competition commissioner has ultimately yielded a veritable bonanza for Britain’s top soccer clubs. And broken the monopoly Rupert Murdock’s DTH operator BSkyB enjoyed over English Premier Leagus (EPL), home to such clubs as Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool.

    BSkyB has won the telecast rights to four of the six EPL packaged that were up for grabs for three years starting from 2007. But it has had to cough up a staggering £ 1.314 billion for the privelege. The six broadcast packages generated £ 1.706 billion ($3.16 billion) in total, with Irish pay-TV operator Setanta’s £ 392 million bid winning it the rights to the two remaining packages. The bidding was for 138 games in all.

    BSkyB will be paying nearly twice as much per game (£4.8 million as against £2.5 million) and losing the 14-year stranglehold it has had on top flight soccer in the UK in the bargain.

    The upside for Sky is that it has been able to cherry pick the best four of the six packages on offer. It has won the coveted “A” package of matches, which are played late on Sunday afternoons. It also has the rights for early afternoon Saturday and Sunday matches, as well as a group to be played midweek and on bank holidays. Additionally, with Setanta a broadcaster that is already available on its platform, it will still be able to offer its subscribers the “total football” promise that has been the underpinning of its success.

    As far as Britain’s soccer bosses are concerned, there is more to come from its EPL property since the rights it has auctioned were for just the UK territory. According to media reports, the sale of remaining rights – overseas, near-live, highlights, mobile – could swell the final figure to as high as £ 2.5 billion.

    The biggest loser from all this, however, could well be the viewer, which would negate the logic that was behind the European competition commissioner’s insistence that the Premier League end Sky’s monopoly on live television rights in the first place – introduce more choice for viewers. The £1.7 billion tab that Sky and Setanta have toted up between them will ultimately mean that fans will ultimately pay more to watch matches in the UK.

  • MTV greenlights global show ‘Meet Or Delete’

    MTV greenlights global show ‘Meet Or Delete’

    MUMBAI: US broadcaster MTV and mtvU have greenlit Meet or Delete. This is the first MTV series to premiere to a global audience and roll out on every MTV platform.

    The series, developed in collaboration with Hewlett-Packard’s (HP) PC business as a core component of its new global marketing campaign, follows college students as they size each other up and decide if they’d like to meet, based solely on the contents of their hard drives.

    The show will roll out internationally and utilise virtually every MTV asset, including mtvU, mtvU.com, MTV, MTV.com MTV2, broadband channels mtvU Uber and MTV Overdrive, MTV wireless, the MTV Store and even the massive MTV 44 1/2 high definition TV in Times Square.

    The first episode will premiere on mtvU Uber at mtvU.com on 10 May and subsequently debut across MTV’s global network, including local channels in Europe, Asia-Pacific and Latin America. Five more episodes will follow in the fall. In addition, each of the local MTV channels outside the US will air another four locally produced episodes of Meet or Delete on-air, online and on wireless handsets.

    As a complement to the programming and marketing campaign, MTV and mtvU are launching 14 regionalised Meet or Delete online hubs with episodes from around the globe, unseen footage, interactive games, free music downloads, updates on previous cast members, casting calls and more. The global hub will launch on 10 May and be available at www.meetordelete.com. Meet or Delete will also hit college campuses and other hot spots across the US this summer as part of mtvU’s upcoming VJ search.

    MTV president and COO Michael Wolf says,”PCs have become the emotional hard drive of our global audience, making the premise of Meet or Delete relevant everywhere in the world. We are thrilled to collaborate with HP on this groundbreaking project – a milestone in our drive to deliver great content, worldwide, on every device – and it’s a prime example of the innovative programs we are developing for top global companies.”

    HP senior VP global marketing for the personal systems group Satjiv Chahil says, “We are delighted to join with MTV, working together at the forefront of the entertainment industry to meet the emerging demand for more personal, digital content that is always available, always connected.

    “HP is the one company with the digital expertise to simplify the entire digital entertainment experience, making access to personal content – through any medium, using any device, at any time – a reality.”

    MTVu GM v says, “College students are the first adopters of emerging media and technologies, which enables mtvU to serve as a creative laboratory for new types of on-air, online and wireless short form programming. Meet or Delete offers a fascinating look at the degree to which students now live their lives online, and we look forward to working with HP to tell this story on a global stage.”

    Meet or Delete offers a new twist on getting to know someone, be it for dating, identifying your next roommate or picking a new band member. In the pilot episode, Amanda Alpert of the University of South Carolina Columbia is given unlimited access to the computers of three potential dates she’s never met.

    With the opportunity to explore the deepest reaches of the guys’ hard drives, from a remote location and with nothing else to go on, she checks their e-mail, music playlists, pictures, recently visited websites, video files, IMs with their friends, etc. The guys watch in horror as she goes deeper and deeper into their digital persona, finding info and files they never planned to share with anyone.

    The pilot episode premieres on mtvU and the network’s all-access broadband channel, mtvU Uber at mtvU.com, on 10 May. Meet or Delete is executive produced by Eric Conte.

    HP’s new PC marketing campaign, themed The Computer is Personal Again focusses on the highly individual and personal relationships people have with their computers. The worldwide campaign includes traditional, web and viral marketing elements, such as the Meet or Delete series and online community, that will be rolled out across key countries in North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia over the next six months. The deal with MTV was brokered and will be managed on a global level by Zenith Optimedia and CBS Viacom Plus.

  • AXN introduces the concept of ‘Elite Weekends’

    AXN introduces the concept of ‘Elite Weekends’

    MUMBAI: The action oriented AXN is using the weekend to air back to back epiodes of shows so that viewers who missed them during the week can catch them at one sitting. The initiative is called Elite Weekends.

    Viewers can chill out with back-to-back episodes from six series all weekend, including The Shield (Season 4), Las Vegas (Season 2), House, and all three of the CSI series: Crime Scene Investigation, CSI:Miami and CSI:New York.

    This month AXN will also be premiering new seasons of CSI and CSI: NY. Expect plenty of grisly details and heinous crimes in the 6th season of CSI ahead, and marvel as the team uses increasingly high-tech and technical forensic tools to comb through the evidence for clues in their search for the elusive solution.

    AXN Elite Weekend will premiere on the 6 and 7 May and will air every Saturday and Sunday from 12 pm to 3 pm.

  • US women’s network Oxygen is following an unconventional path

    US women’s network Oxygen is following an unconventional path

    MUMBAI: US women’s network Oxygen is looking to innovate with its most ambitious development slate to date for 2007

    The network is collaborating with producers such as Lynda Obst, Working Title Television, Lionsgate Television, Escape Artists, September Films, Lovespell, Fox TV Studios, and New Line Television for a diverse mix of comedy and reality series and original films.

    Projects that have gone to pilot for the network include Once More With Feeling The reality series takes peoples big announcements and turns them into Broadway caliber musical productions.

    Capitol Hill Girls is a docu-soap that focusses on the lives of young women working on Capitol Hill. Tease is a competition reality series in which world renowned hair stylists compete against talented challengers.

    Other projects in development include the animated series Angry Little Girls from Hollywood actress Jennifer Love Hewitt. Then there is a single camera comedy series Bastards! from Fox TV Studios, an hour long series of Robin Hudson Mysteries from Lynda Obst, limited drama series Serial from Lionsgate and original film MK Ultra.

    In addition to these new projects, Oxygen is gearing up for a premiere packed summer of new original programming. In June, the channel premieres The Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency, a reality series that chronicles the exploits of Americas Over the Top Supermodel, Janice Dickinson, as she launches her own modeling agency.

    Banshee is a movie starring Taryn Manning in the title role as a car thief on the run from a killer whose car she has stolen. In July, Oxygen premieres MoNiques F.A.T. Chance; the second annual beauty competition for plus sized women. In August comes a reality series Breaking Up with Shannen Doherty and there’s Fight Girls, a reality movie that features the countrys best female fighters as they train to compete with the toughest women on earth in a battle for the Muay Thai World Championship.