Category: Press Release

  • IBC 2019: Synamedia to show how it helps direct-to-consumer providers win top billing for live and VOD streaming services

    IBC 2019: Synamedia to show how it helps direct-to-consumer providers win top billing for live and VOD streaming services

    MUMBAI: At IBC 2019 Synamedia will shine a spotlight on how its offerings help media companies and sports rights holders deliver a new generation of direct-to-consumer (D2C) services centred increasingly around live assets.

    Synamedia’s video network technologies, security offerings, and Infinite cloud-based platform are designed to help customers cut through the three major obstacles to delivering premium D2C services: streaming broadcast-quality live programs cost-effectively and at scale; the scourge of streaming piracy; and the desire to build a sustainable, profitable business faster. With live streaming, every second counts. Synamedia’s video network technologies deliver close to broadcast-equivalent latency and quality for live streaming. With its glass-to-glass portfolio, Synamedia is continually refining its technologies to reduce latencies at every stage of the workflow – and meet the industry goal of synchronized latency across broadcast and streamed content.

    Synamedia also supports D2C operators’ efforts to control streaming costs. The firm’s Smart Rate Control encoding algorithms minimize bandwidth requirements, while its private CDN platform gives customers the option of reducing, or removing entirely, their dependency on more expensive third-party public CDNs.  Synamedia also offers on-premise, public cloud and hybrid deployments to realize the benefits of cloud elasticity while being able to adapt to specific deployment, operational and cost constraints.

    Also integral to Synamedia’s D2C offering are market-leading security solutions and services that preserve the value of premium content rights and prevent revenue decimation. These include: the Streaming Piracy Disruption managed service; the world-leading Operational Security (OpSec) service; and Credentials Sharing Insight.

    Synamedia’s Infinite platform, which already underpins direct-to-consumer OTT services from major pay-TV customers, provides a frictionless path for D2C providers upgrading first-generation solutions, as well as supporting new market entrants. It allows customers to quickly launch, scale and monetize D2C services cost-effectively across borders, accelerating the time to profitability. Infinite supports advanced cloud-based content aggregation and search and recommendations for a highly personalized user experience. It also allows service providers to operate multiple franchise and brands, making it easy to give each service its own distinct look and feel while benefiting from the economies of scale and operational efficiencies of a single platform.

    “The D2C streaming market is in a massive state of flux. Big names are entering the fray, intensifying competition for eyeballs. And premium live streaming services are growing in importance, inevitably attracting the attention of pirates set on stealing these assets. There is also financial pressure to nurture profitable streaming business models that have longevity. At IBC we will showcase how we can help customers build a profitable streaming business that scales effortlessly across borders and devices – and will outlast the competition,” said Jean-Marc Racine, chief product officer, Synamedia.

    Synamedia is one of the anchor exhibitors in the Content Everywhere hall (hall 14, stand C.41).

  • Uplifting New talent with their campaign: Unboxing Artist 2.0 by Numero Uno

    Uplifting New talent with their campaign: Unboxing Artist 2.0 by Numero Uno

    MUMBAI: After the successful launch of their campaign ‘Unboxing artists’, Numero Uno takes ahead the opportunity and unboxes another set of new artists in their ongoing campaign ‘Unboxing artist 2.0’.

    Been one of the oldest Jeanswear brands, Numero Uno speak the ‘I’ in every Denim wearer. They call on the rebel spirit of today’s generation and treasures their quirks and divergent attributes that screams ‘DenIM’ (read then I am) in them.

    Denim has always been associated with youth who believe in themselves and refuses to be labeled by the society, Numero Uno, the India’s first indigenously manufactured denim labels promotes such art  who keeps the youth spirit alive with their eloquent music. They now bring 3 new artists who cultivate the new music with their poetic aesthetics.

    Taba Chake, a fingerstyle guitarist who belongs from Arunachal is affluent in English, Hindi and Nyishi loves being called as complicated by his friends. This city musician says “if setting my own path makes me a lost cause, Den I’M.”

    Another artist, who is unboxed by Numero Uno in their campaign, is Raghav Meattle who believes in creating his own content and not intrigued by fame or money says “if chasing after the truth makes me paranoid, DEN I’M.”

    There comes another artist Aarifah Rebello, who calls herself as awkward, nervous and shy but builds some unconventional music via vocals, with her guitar and even with a set of drums says “if you still think being awkward makes me a misfit, DEN I’M.”

    Asha Esther Jaikishan, Head of marketing, Numero Uno, says about the campaign “We received a lot of appreciation and love for our campaign ‘Unboxing artist’ and that’s when we decided to continue with ‘Unboxing artist 2.0’ and appreciate the talent of our country. We are on a lookout for more such underdog artists who don’t get the opportunity to portray their expertise; we will help them launch their skills and flair with this ongoing unboxing artist programme”

    With this, Numero Uno is on a hunt for the new progressive talent in our country to showcase their dexterity in music and get a chance to be launched by Numero Uno. They are running an online contest for the budding singer/songwriter to upload an original song/composition on social media (Instagram/Facebook) and tag the brand. The winner will get a chance to be launched exclusively by the brand and record an original composition, a music video and an opportunity to perform an intimate live gig.  

    So all the budding artists, it’s time to gird your loins for this amazing opportunity and be launched by Numero Uno.

  • Zee Cinemalu celebrates 3rd Anniversary with World Television Premiere of ‘Paper Boy’

    Zee Cinemalu celebrates 3rd Anniversary with World Television Premiere of ‘Paper Boy’

    MUMBAI: Contemporary and captivating, Zee Cinemalu screens films in all hue and shades providing its viewers with a dynamic visual experience. Adding a new feather to the crown on the occasion of the 3rd anniversary, Zee Cinemalu will now premiere ‘Paper Boy’ for its viewers on small screen for the very first time on Saturday, 7th September 2019 at 6:00 PM only on Zee Cinemalu and Zee Cinemalu HD. Released last year, the film is scripted by Sampath Nandi and revolves around the poor boy-meets-rich girl story.

    The film portrays Ravi, played by Santosh Shoban, as a hard-working paper boy, who falls in love with a rich girl Dharani, played by Riya Suman. The twist in the tale arises when the rich and poor boundaries creep in between Ravi and Dharani. How the loving couple overcome their class barriers to get together forms the crux of the story.

    Paper boy is directed by debutant V. Jayashankar, produced by Sampath Nandi, and the music scored by Bheems Ceciroleo adding intensity to the film and keeping the viewers at the edge of their seats.

  • ‘Vodafone Eco Ponds’ are back for an environment-friendly ganesh visarjan in pune

    ‘Vodafone Eco Ponds’ are back for an environment-friendly ganesh visarjan in pune

    MUMBAI: After a phenomenal response to the ‘Vodafone Eco Ponds’ initiative during Ganeshotsav 2017 and 2018, Vodafone Idea Limited is back with ‘Vodafone Eco Ponds’ 2019, for Punekars to bid good bye to Lord Ganesha in an eco-friendly way.

    Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most awaited festivals and is marked with the installation of the deity's idol at home and at elaborate pandals. Each year, over 75 lakh Ganesha idols made of Plaster of Paris, are immersed in water bodies in and around Pune at the end of the 11-day festival, contributing several environmental hazards. Immersion of idols generally made of Plaster of Paris (PoP), disturb the aquatic ecosystem and is a major cause of water pollution.

    Now people are getting more aware of the adverse effects and have been looking to adopt solutions to prevent pollution while permitting them to continue with their social/religious practices.

    ‘Vodafone Eco Ponds’ initiative was born out of the determination to find an environment friendly solution that will preserve the sanctity surrounding Ganeshotsav and take the pressure off the natural water bodies. Conceived in partnership with the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), ‘Vodafone Eco Ponds’ in Pune have been used for immersing over 8,100 Ganesha idols, since Ganeshotsav 2017.

    This year, Vodafone Idea Ltd. will set up eco-ponds at four Vodafone stores and will deploy promoters to facilitate the visarjan and monitor the activity. Additionally, two mobile eco-ponds will be sent out in the city for residents of Housing societies to carry out the visarjan in an eco-friendly way within their premises.

    Commenting on the environment-friendly initiative, Rajendra Chourasia, Business Head – Maharashtra & Goa, Vodafone Idea Limited said, “Ganeshotsav is one of the most celebrated festivals in Pune. As much as we enjoy celebrating the festival, we are aware of the impact the immersion of idols leaves on the environment. We are extremely happy to support PMC and NCL for the third consecutive year with our ‘Vodafone Eco-Ponds’ initiative to enable Punekars to give an environment-friendly farewell to their beloved Ganpati Bappa. On this occasion, I wish all our Vodafone Idea customers, a very happy and blessed Ganesh Chaturthi.”

    Starting 3rd September, Vodafone Eco Ponds’ will be available at Vodafone stores at Aundh Road, Kharadi, Wakdewadi, and NIBM Road. ‘Bappa’ devotees can also search for the closest ‘Vodafone Eco Pond’ by using Maps or dial 7391000000 for information on the locations.

    ‘Vodafone Eco Ponds’ have helped recycle 34 tons of PoP and generated 2.7 lakh litres of fertiliser in the last two years. This resource was subsequently distributed to farmers in Maharashtra for their fields.

  • This Week in Sports on Hotstar VIP

    This Week in Sports on Hotstar VIP

    MUMBAI: Don’t miss out on any games as Hotstar VIP brings you the best of all sporting action LIVE from across the world. From Kabaddi to Cricket, Tennis to Football, Mixed Martial Arts to Water Sports, viewers can enjoy these games anytime, anywhere and across multiple languages.

    Wednesday, 4th September 2019

    Tournament

    Details

    Time (IST)

    Cricket (ODI)

    IND 'A' vs SA 'A'

    9.00 AM

    Cricket (TEST)

    Duleep Trophy Finals

    India Red vs India Green

    9.45 AM onward

    Pro-Kabaddi League

    Jaipur Pink Panthers v/s Dabang Delhi KC

    7.30 PM

    Bengaluru Bulls v/s Patna Pirates

    8.30 PM

    US OPEN

    Quarter Finals (Two Men’s and Two Women’s)

    9.00 PM Onward

     

    Thursday, 5th September 2019

    Tournament

     

    Details

     

    Time (IST)

     

    Cricket (T20)

    Caribbean Premier League

     

    Trinidad v/s St. Kitts

     

    4.30 AM

     

    Cricket (TEST)

     

    Bangladesh v/s Afghanistan

     

    9:30 AM onwards

     

    Pro-Kabaddi League

     

    Puneri Paltan v/s U Mumba

     

    7.30 PM

     

    FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

     

    India v/s Oman

     

    7.30 PM

     

     

    Friday, 6th September 2019

    Tournament

    Details

    Time (IST)

    Cricket (T20)

    Caribbean Premier League

    Guyana v/s St. Lucia

    4.00 AM

    Cricket (ODI)

    IND 'A' vs SA 'A'

    9.00 AM

    US OPEN

     

    Women’s Semi Finals

    5.00 AM

    Men’s Semi Finals

    10.00 PM

    Men’s Doubles FINAL

    10.00 PM

    ONE Championship

    Mixed Martial Arts

    ONE: Immortal Triumph

    7.00 PM

    Pro-Kabaddi League

    Patna Pirates vs UP Yoddha

    7.30 PM

    Bengaluru Bulls vs Telugu Titans

    8.30 PM

     

    Saturday, 7th September 2019

    Tournament

    Details

    Time (IST)

    Cricket (T20)

    Caribbean Premier League

    Trinidad v/s Jamaica

    6:00 AM

    Badminton

    Chinese Taipei Open

    Semi Final

    5.00 AM

    Water Sports

    Champions Boat League

    Race 2

    4.30 PM

    Formula 1

    Italian Grand Prix

    Qualifying Race

    6.30 PM

    Pro-Kabaddi League

    Bengal Warriors v/s Gujarat Fortune Giants

    7.30 PM

    Dabang Delhi KC v/s Haryana Steelers

    8.30 PM

    US OPEN

    Mixed Double’s Final

    10 PM onward

    Women’s Single Final

    10 PM onward

     

    Sunday, 8th September 2019

    Tournament

    Details

    Time (IST)

    Cricket (T20)

    Caribbean Premier League

    Guyana v/s St. Kitts

    5.30 AM

    Trinidad vs St. Lucia

    9.30 PM

    Badminton

    Chinese Taipei Open

    Finals

    9.30 AM

    Formula 1

    Italian Grand Prix

    Race

    6.30 PM

    Pro-Kabaddi League

    Dabang Delhi KC vs Tamil Thalaivas

    7:30 PM

    Bengal Warriors vs Puneri Paltan

    8.30 PM

    US OPEN

    Women’s Double Final

    10.00 PM

    Men’s Single Final

    10.00 PM

     

    Hotstar VIP Subscription is available for INR 365/-

  • Outbrain Integrates with Google Display & Video 360 to Strengthen Programmatic Offerings

    Outbrain Integrates with Google Display & Video 360 to Strengthen Programmatic Offerings

    MUMBAI: Outbrain, the world’s leading discovery and native advertising feed for the open web, announced today the full launch of its integration with Google’s Demand-Side Platform (DSP), Display & Video 360 to give marketers greater ability to capitalize on the benefits ofOutbrain’s unique native inventory at scale.

    “Display & Video 360 gives our customers efficient access to buy Outbrain’s premium native inventory, further heightening our investment in both the programmatic space and innovative native solutions for marketers,” said Gilad de Vries, Senior Vice President of Strategy at Outbrain.

    By connecting with Display & Video 360 through BidSwitch, Outbrain gives buyers a more efficient and direct route to provide consumers with premium ad experiences at scale. Since acquiring Zemanta in 2017, Outbrain has continued its efforts to expand its programmatic offerings so that marketers are able to enjoy full flexibility in their buying strategies, across Outbrain’s premium inventory.

    "We are activating Outbrain in Display & Video 360 for our clients in order to reach a targeted audience on premium publishers and deliver incremental performance into their digital strategies," said Philippe Imbert, Head of Adex and Programmatic Partnerships at TradeLab, an Outbrain client.

    "Gaining access to quality native inventory remains a top priority for BidSwitch demand partners. We’re excited to be partnering closely with Outbrain to unlock new pools of premium native supply and make it available to advertisers using Google’s Display & Video 360 platform for buying on BidSwitch,” said Barry Adams, GM of BidSwitch.

    “Our platform and offerings are constantly evolving to cater to the needs of modern advertisers and publishers, and our continued investment in unique deals and inventory packaging are a direct reflection of that,” added de Vries.

  • ELLE celebrates fall with a new collection of watches inspired by the effortless glamour of Parisian women

    ELLE celebrates fall with a new collection of watches inspired by the effortless glamour of Parisian women

    MUMBAI: This fall, ELLE will debut its latest collection of watches, blending classic jewellery-inspired sophisticated design with an undefinable touch of French joie de vivre. Made for modern women that desire to be fashionably classic, the ELLE range of watches bridges the gap between contemporary and timeless.

    ELLE has long been recognised worldwide as a leader in fashion, beauty lifestyle and women’s empowerment. Since 1945, ELLE’s unwavering mission is to navigate women through life and to make a better world. ELLE’s new range of watches is an inspiring and stylish range of products that are accessible to all.

    Through its decades of in-depth expertise in women’s magazines and lifestyle, ELLE has created a range of watches that reflect what women want: they blend effortless elegance, playful refinement and bold combinations — adding a ‘French touch’ to every silhouette and conveying the effortless charm of a Parisian lifestyle.

    This collection ranges from INR 5,495 – INR 9,995/-

    The collection features:

    Odéon

    The fall collection is divided into unique ranges named after places in Paris, the fashion capital of the world. The Odéon collection is an exquisite range of watches suitable for everyday life. Odéon watches pay tribute to the ELLE logo with an “E” shape rose-gold watch lug. Offering a clean, modern silhouette thanks to its mother-of-pearl dial, glitz index and rose-gold watchcase, the watches are paired with a rose-gold stainless steel bracelet or rich navy or pink leather strap.

    Romance

    The Romance collection is inspired by the passionate yet tender atmosphere that can only be found in Paris. This collection is a perfect gift to oneself to celebrate a personal success or as a heartfelt present for the one, you love, thanks to its romantic rose-gold colour. The heart shape motif, mother-of-pearl dial and pavé crystal top ring is paired with a white or grey leather strap, rose-gold bracelet.

    Shades of Blue

    Another stunning collection is entitled Shades of Blue. Inspired by the intriguing and romantic deep blue colour of Paris' night sky, this collection highlights the striking contrast of blue and gold, with the bold combination offers an effortless elegance for fall. Details like a blue or white mother-of-pearl dial etched with the "ELLE" monogram add a hint of playfulness and when combined with the leather or stainless steel band, make the perfect finishing touch to any outfit.

    The new products will be available through special retailers and e-commerce channels in Fossil Group’s extensive global network.

  • La Pegasus Polo International XPL Team to be the only Indian Owned Team and Foreign Team at the Inaugural Edition of X-treme Polo League (XPL)

    La Pegasus Polo International XPL Team to be the only Indian Owned Team and Foreign Team at the Inaugural Edition of X-treme Polo League (XPL)

    Mumbai based La Pegasus Polo, founded by Sanjay Jindal and one of India’s upcoming Premiere Polo Establishments, today announced that they would field an International Team in the Inaugural Edition of the X-treme Polo League (XPL), a concept envisioned by former Argentine Polo player Juan Zavalia and inspired by India’s very own Indian Premier League (IPL), to popularize the sport of Polo in the world.

    The XPL has been devised as eventually becoming a Global League from 2020, with the Inaugural Edition, with a total prize money of US$724,000, set to begin just before the start of the Spring Polo Season in Argentina, a country well known, to be the best in Polo for a long time and having the game’s best players.

    The announcement makes La Pegasus Polo International XPL Team, the only Indian owned and Foreign Franchise in the world’s first ever Professional Polo league.

    Commenting on the development, Sanjay Jindal, Patron & Founder, La Pegasus Polo said, “After renewing the Partnership with the Argentina Open Polo Championship, we felt it was only natural for us to Partner with a Revolutionary New concept, having an immense potential to popularize the game of Polo. It is another proud moment in La Pegasus Polo’s journey, as it could not be that such great strides were being made in the game and India, the land of Polo’s birth, could be left out. We look forward to the day when the XPL is played in India.”

    Juan Zavalia, founder of EBI Media Holdings who will administer the League said, “This is a very welcome step and we appreciate the vision and passion continuously demonstrated by Mr. Sanjay Jindal and La Pegasus Polo in spreading and popularizing the game. We wish him and his XPL Team all the very best in the Inaugural Edition and we look forward to the day when the XPL will be played in the land where it all began, India”

    XPL is scheduled to begin from the September 25, 2019 and The Finals slated for October 5, 2019 to be held at the PILAR Polo grounds – Buenos Aires in Argentina.

    The League will see franchises bought by big names in Polo such as Ellerstina, Las Monjitas, La Ensenada, La Albertina Abu Dhabi, La Pegasus, La Aguada, La Alegria and Thai Polo. Some of the prominent names to feature in the league include the likes of the Facundo Pieres, the Castagnola Brothers – Camilo Castagnola and B. Castagnola, Mariano Auerre and Miguel N. Astrada, to name a few.

    The XPL will consist of players wherein the sum of all the players’ handicap within a team should be between 28-34 handicaps. Each team is allowed a maximum a two players with a handicap of 10. As far as the rules of the game go, there will be six chukkers of 6:30 min each and for the first time in Polo, player changes (substitutions) are going to be allowed during the game. To add more excitement to the game, goals scored from outside the 80-yard line will count as double.

    The XPL plans to move to places like the USA, UK, France, Spain, Dubai and Qatar, in the coming years besides Argentina and plans are afoot to bring it to India by 2021 as per Zavalia and his organization EBI Media Holdings.

  • It’s bear hug time as Cartoon Network’s We bare bears visit india

    It’s bear hug time as Cartoon Network’s We bare bears visit india

    MUMBAI: Make way for big-bear hugs as Grizzly, Panda, and Ice Bear, come to India! Cartoon Network’s We Bare Bears’ 2019 awareness and fan-engagement campaign ‘We’ll be There’ is all set to enter the Indian market after a successful run across Asia Pacific region.

    Created by Daniel Chong, We Bare Bears follows the lovable three bear brothers – Grizzly, Panda and Ice Bear, in their ongoing attempt to fit into human society, how they always get into mishaps, but they make new friends along the way.

    Taking its name from the lyrics from the show’s theme song, ‘We’ll Be There’ will include a host of events ranging from mall activations, social media influencer engagement, meet-and-greets with character mascots in key locations across India. The three bears will spread good vibes and paw-sitivity with bear hugs at malls such as Select City Walk in New Delhi, Phoenix Mall in Bangalore and Infinity Mall in Malad, Mumbai, starting September 2019.

    “Cartoon Network is officially welcoming the bears to India. Grizzly, Panda and Ice Bear never fail to put smiles on faces wherever they go – and fans in India are going to love them,” said Vikram Sharma, Vice President of Cartoon Network Enterprises, Asia Pacific. “This is a really important franchise for us and we are working on many unique associations and collaborations for merchandising and brand partnerships. We’re sure that they will resonate with our legions of bear fans here, just as they have done in many other countries around Asia Pacific.”

    One of the most popular Cartoon Network shows, We Bare Bears’ success has paved the way to several merchandise and licensing deals. A wide range of merchandise is now available to fans at Miniso stores across India, The Souled Store for fashion apparel and accessories , Tee Story for apparel as well, Clovia for Lounge and nightwear, Balenzia for socks and My Baby Excel for WBB Plush Toys, that are retailed out of Hamleys, Max Retail, Toys R Us, Landmark Stores, Shoppers Stop and online platforms such Flipkart, Amazon and Firstcry.com

    In addition to Cartoon Network, audiences can watch the series on Amazon Prime  and Voot. They can also vote for which country in Asia they want the bears to visit next through the “We’ll Be There” microsite. Socially, new emoticons, stickers and local digital channels for the Bears are being added all the time. Passionate fans in India can also join the Facebook community page and watch the We Bare Bears videos on Cartoon Network India website and on YouTube channel in Hindi to know what the bears are up to.

  • Thomas Cook India identifies Punjab as a high growth market for its holiday business Delivers strong 30% YoY growth

    Thomas Cook India identifies Punjab as a high growth market for its holiday business Delivers strong 30% YoY growth

    MUMBAI: Thomas Cook (India) Ltd., India’s leading integrated travel and travel related financial services company, has identified Punjab as a high growth market for its holiday business. In an initiative to leverage this opportunity, Thomas Cook India has strengthened its presence with the launch of a new Gold Circle Partner (GCP) franchise outlet at Amritsar, inaugurated by Ms. Anita Patni, Associate Vice President – Leisure Travel, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd. and Gold Circle Partner Mr. Vineet Bansal.

    This expansion augments Thomas Cook India’s distribution and reach in Punjab to 11 consumer access centres: 5 owned branches and 6 Gold Circle Partner (franchise) outlets. 

    The new Gold Circle Partner outlet in Amritsar offers consumers end-to-end travel solutions with a bouquet of travel and travel related financial services, including: International & Domestic Holidays (Group Tours, Personalised holidays, Cruises, etc.), Value Added Services like Travel Insurance; Visa Services, etc.

    Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head Leisure Travel & M.I.C.E, Thomas Cook (India) Limited said, “Punjab has been identified as a high potential source market delivering a strong growth of 30% YoY for our Leisure Travel business. Our second outlet, at Amritsar’s Ranjit Avenue, was selected as it is a prime locality catering to a viable catchment of consumers across families, business travellers, students, senior citizens and NRIs.”

    Gold Circle Partner Mr. Vineet Bansal, is a travel and tourism industry veteran and his expertise in the industry along with his extensive network will assist Thomas Cook India to further strengthen its presence in this growing market.