ITV

Category: Distribution

  • Computer hardware company ProLab Design launches with an array of products

    Computer hardware company ProLab Design launches with an array of products

    MUMBAI: India’s Acro Engineering will nationally distribute the products of the newly launched professional computer hardware company ProLab Design. The company aims to provide the ultimate price to performance ratio for products like cabinets (Mid-tower, full-tower, super-tower, rackmounts, workstation cases and more), cooler (AIO coolers and air coolers for HEDT CPUs), PSUs (ATX 3.1, PCIe 5.1 compliant, 80+ gold or platinum and cybernetics certified) and in future professional esports grade peripherals and more.

    The brand is built by a community of professionals from various domains, including content creators (videographers, photographers, editors, and composers), developers, AI, data science, medical, and science. They noticed a paradigm shift in the PC hardware market, observing how the demand moved away from flashy gaming PCs towards purpose-built systems designed to maximise hardware performance. ProLab Design has been built from the ground up to meet these specific hardware requirements.

    With the Nvidia Blackwell Generation upon us, the first category that the brand is launching is PSUs. With the ATX 3.1 and PCIe 5.1 certified 12v 2×6 connector, the brand’s XPower lineup of PSUs eliminates the  user errors that plagued the 40 Series Cards and early adaptors of ATX 3.0 standards.

    The next category of products that the company plans to launch is its AI lineup of cabinets, which cater to a wide range of needs, from mid-tower to full-tower and super-tower models, making them ideal for workstations, home and business servers, multi-GPU servers and workstations, DIY NAS setups, and gaming PCs. Followed by this category is the brand’s AI lineup of all-in-one liquid coolers.

    “Our future plan is to expand ProLab Design into a full-blown computer accessories and peripherals  brand, and with our tagline Precision Redefined, our sole focus will be on performance, without any compromise to the product quality,” said a representative from the company.

    The products will be initially available via e-commerce and with ProLab’s system integrator partners across India, before they are rolled into the mass computer market.

  • Reliance Jio launches smart TV OS for Indian market

    Reliance Jio launches smart TV OS for Indian market

    MUMBAI: Three days from today and a whole new bunch of TV sets with a new type of operating system are slated to launch. Reliance Jio, the technology arm of Indian conglomerate Reliance Industries, has unveiled JioTele OS, a new operating system for affordable smart televisions, which will hit stores on 21 February.

    The platform, designed specifically for Indian viewers, will debut through partnerships with television manufacturers Thomson, Kodak, BPL and JVC. Jio says the system will offer artificial intelligence-powered content recommendations and support multiple Indian languages.

    The company’s president of technology claims the platform will deliver lag-free 4K streaming and seamless integration of television channels, streaming apps and cloud gaming services. A unified remote control will manage all content sources.

    This launch follows Jio’s recent merger of JioCinema with Disney+ Hotstar to create JioHotstar, expanding its streaming content library. The platform is expected to integrate JioGamesCloud, allowing users to access high-end games without requiring powerful hardware.

    The announcement comes amid growing demand for connected television services in India, with approximately 35 million households currently using smart TVs. Jio plans to roll out regular software updates to maintain compatibility with new apps and enhance security features.

    Additional television manufacturers are expected to adopt the platform later in 2025, though specific pricing details remain under wraps until the official launch next week.

  • Tata Power Renewable Energy partners with Rajasthan discoms to boost solar adoption

    Tata Power Renewable Energy partners with Rajasthan discoms to boost solar adoption

    MUMBAI: This one should be of interest to the television broadcasters, telecom companies, DTH players, and cable TV MSOs and operators.  A bane of most of these has been the sudden power breakdowns in the tier two and tier three towns. With the installation of rooftop solar power cells, the power tripping would be a thing of the past. 

    Tata Power Renewable Energy Ltd (TPREL), a subsidiary of Tata Power, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Rajasthan’s discoms — Jaipur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Ltd (JVVNL), Ajmer Vidyut Vitran Nigam Ltd(AVVNL), and Jodhpur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Ltd  (JDVVNL). The collaboration aims to accelerate renewable energy adoption across the state, with a focus on promoting the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSG:MBY) in residential sectors.

    The agreement was formalised in the presence of Alok, additional chief secretary (energy); Arti Dogra, chairperson of the discoms; and senior officials from TPREL, including Deepesh Nanda, chief executive officer &  managing director, and Shivram Bikkina, chief of solar rooftop & EV charging.

    The initiative will prioritise rooftop solar installations in cities such as Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, and Bikaner, with plans for statewide expansion. Joint campaigns will promote solar adoption, providing households with affordable clean energy. The partnership also offers exclusive pricing and vendor training to ensure efficient installations.

    Speaking on the collaboration, Arti Dogra said, “This partnership marks a significant step towards positioning Rajasthan as a leader in solar energy adoption. By advancing initiatives like PMSG:MBY, we aim to provide clean, affordable energy access and bolster the state’s renewable energy infrastructure.”

    Deepesh Nanda added, “Our partnership with Rajasthan discoms reflects our commitment to shaping a sustainable energy future. Leveraging TPREL’s extensive experience, we aim to expedite solar adoption and support Rajasthan’s renewable energy transition.”

    As part of the Tata Group, Tata Power holds a diverse 15.5 GW portfolio, with 43% dedicated to clean energy. The company remains committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2045 and continues to play a leading role in India’s clean energy transformation.

  • Tejas Networks appoints Sanjay Malik as executive vice-president and chief strategy & business officer

    Tejas Networks appoints Sanjay Malik as executive vice-president and chief strategy & business officer

    MUMBAI: Tata group optical, broadband and data networking products company Tejas Networks has announced the appointment of Sanjay Malik as executive vice-president, chief strategy & business officer, and senior managerial personnel, effective 30 January 2025. His tenure will continue until his resignation or retirement, as per the company’s internal human resource policy.

    Sanjay Malik, a respected business leader in the ICT sector, brings extensive global experience and a proven track record in driving growth and transformative initiatives. Known for his integrity, ethics, and action-oriented leadership style, he has delivered exceptional results in challenging business environments. Malik will work closely with managing director  Anand Athreya and the senior leadership team to shape corporate strategy, oversee business management, and engage with stakeholders.

    During his tenure as senior vice-president and India country head at Nokia Networks, Malik transformed the company into an undisputed market leader within three years, achieving record revenues. He successfully grew Nokia’s market share across wireless and wireline portfolios by focusing on cross-portfolio solutions and new customer acquisition.

    Malik’s career spans roles at Cap Gemini, HP, and Tata Unisys. An alumnus of the National Institute of Technology, Kurukshetra, he also holds a postgraduate degree in business management from the Indian Institute of Management, Mumbai.

    The appointment, approved by the board of directors based on the nomination and remuneration committee’s recommendations, aligns with Tejas Networks’ strategic goals.

  • Asha Kulkarni joins Rise advisory board to promote gender diversity in mediatech

    Asha Kulkarni joins Rise advisory board to promote gender diversity in mediatech

    MUMBAI: Asha Kulkarni, vice-president of  partnerships &  ecosystem**  Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (Zeel), has announced her involvement with the Rise advisory board, a nonprofit organization that champions gender diversity within the broadcasting and media technology sectors. 

    Under the leadership of Shivani Kochhar in India, Rise focuses on impactful initiatives designed to empower women through programs like an annual mentoring initiative, the Rise Awards that honor outstanding women, and the Rise Up Academy that aims to inspire the next generation. Recently, media veteran Sulina Menon too had been co-opted onto  the board too. 

    Asha expressed her gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “It’s a privilege to contribute to empowering women and promoting inclusivity in our field. Serving as a mentor for the past year has been incredibly rewarding.” She invites others to support Rise and join their dynamic community.

    With over 20 years of experience in the media industry, Asha has developed expertise in launching and scaling OTT/D2C platforms, managing large delivery teams, and fostering strategic partnerships across the media value chain.

  • Ossify to launch Compaq subscription TV package on 5 January

    Ossify to launch Compaq subscription TV package on 5 January

    MUMBAI: Here’s another player  which says it is entering the subscription television arena. Compaq TV maker Ossify Industries  says it is launching a subscription-based smart LED TV bundled with a comprehensive three-in-one package starting from  Rs 999, all available through the its  hybrid LED app.

    The subscription-based TV is being offered In collaboration with a  broadband and Wi-Fi service provider.  Users can end up owning a smart LED TV in just three years through the plan the company has drawn up.

    “We are on a mission to bring the magic of high-quality entertainment into every home,” said Ossify Industries CEO Sandeep Chaudhary. “With our new package, we’re not just offering a TV; we’re providing an experience that combines cutting-edge technology with unbeatable value. It’s time for every family to enjoy their favorite movies, shows, and many more.”

    The bundle is set to officially launch in January, with pre-booking beginning on 5 January. A press release issued by the company gives no details, but promises that viewers can enjoy seamless connectivity with reliable broadband services, access leading OTT platforms.

    But the press release raises a few questions: Is the CompaqTV  product offering including a mass of channels and OTT platforms a  la DorTV is? Or is it just following DorTV to get  a beneficial rub-off from the hype around it and attempting to make a splash by repackaging its earlier TV plus offerings?  

    That we probably will know at the time of the launch. 

  • C-DAC Chennai partners with Nav Wireless for groundbreaking Li-Fi technologies

    C-DAC Chennai partners with Nav Wireless for groundbreaking Li-Fi technologies

    Mumbai: The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Chennai, under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), signed a transfer of technology (ToT) agreement with Nav Wireless Technologies Pvt. Ltd. for the deployment and commercialisation of two cutting-edge technologies: NLOS VICINITY and ILLUMINATE. The agreement was formalised on 28 November 2024 at Electronics Niketan, New Delhi, by C-DAC Chennai, scientist F & centre head, D. Ethirajan and Nav Wireless Technologies Pvt. Ltd, head of the embedded department, Hardik Raval.

    MeitY secretary, IAS, S. Krishnan applauded the partnership, highlighting its transformative potential. “These technologies embody the power of public-private collaboration in fostering innovation,” he stated. He praised the perseverance of C-DAC over two and a half years in developing these solutions and the entrepreneurial initiative of Nav Wireless Technologies in embracing them for deployment.

    The two technologies, developed under the R&D project titled ‘Visible Light Communication-Based LED Lighting Solutions’, are set to revolutionise communication and lighting control.

    . NLOS VICINITY: A Non-Line-Of-Sight Visible Light Communication (VLC) system designed for indoor positioning, proximity advertising, and navigation.

    . ILLUMINATE: A VLC-enabled smart indoor lighting and control system ideal for RF-free zones.

    Both technologies leverage Visible Light Communication (VLC)/Li-Fi, which uses light waves instead of radio waves for data transmission. Li-Fi offers faster speeds, enhanced security, and greater energy efficiency, making it a transformative alternative to Wi-Fi. It is especially valuable for applications in smart cities, hospitals, airports, and defence sectors, thanks to its minimal electromagnetic interference and robust security features.

    The agreement aims to make these solutions widely available and highlights India’s capacity to lead the global Li-Fi market amidst growing digital economy and infrastructure initiatives.

    C-DAC Chennai and Nav Wireless Technologies will collaborate to drive the commercial success of these innovations, creating scalable solutions for industries ranging from advertising to critical infrastructure.

    The event was attended by key dignitaries, including MeitY additional secretary, IAS, Bhuvnesh Kumar; MeitY, JS&FA, Rajesh Singh; MeitY, scientist G & group coordinator (R&D in CC&BT), S. K. Marwaha; and other senior officials from MeitY and C-DAC, alongside representatives from Nav Wireless Technologies Pvt. Ltd.

     

  • Mitul Shah leapfrogs from Apple to Google

    Mitul Shah leapfrogs from Apple to Google

    MUMBAI: Apple’s loss is Google’s gain. The former’s head of consumer sales Mitul Shah has hopped onto Google as managing director – Google devices & services, India. He is leading Pixel’s sales and expansion in the country.

    Shah had worked at Apple for a good nine years, rising up the ranks as  head – assisted sales to head -consumer sales when he decided to move on from the innovative megacorp.

    Prior to that, Shah had also spent five years at Accenture, based in Gurgaon, working in sectors such as consumer goods and life sciences. He also had a stint with Infosys Technologies focusing on the areas of retail, CPG and logistics.

    Says Shah: “It’s an honor to be part of a company that’s at the forefront of innovation, and I’m particularly thrilled to be working on a product that has the potential to put the magic and power of AI in the pockets of millions of people across my beloved country. Pixel is not just another device. It’s an absolute privilege to be part of this story, to bring the best of Google to Indian consumers and build a more connected and empowered society. “

  • Paramount Communications soars with 46.1 per cent growth YoY in Q2 FY25

    Paramount Communications soars with 46.1 per cent growth YoY in Q2 FY25

    Mumbai: In a world that prides itself on wireless connectivity, the humble cable remains indispensable, quietly powering our digital lives and delivering seamless connections. As another quarter dawns, Paramount Communications Ltd., a stalwart in India’s cables and pipes industry, emerges with a balance sheet that shines just as brightly as its sturdy wires. The company’s Q2 FY25 financial results reveal a story of resilience and growth, with gains in revenue and profitability that underscore its strategic prowess and market strength. Against the backdrop of growing demand in the telecommunications, energy, and infrastructure sectors, Paramount’s latest performance showcases the results of steady expansion and commitment to value creation.

    For the quarter ending 30 September 2024, Paramount posted a revenue from operations of Rs 35,210.10 lakh, a notable 28.3 per cent increase from Rs 27,452.30 lakh in Q2 FY24. In the first half of FY25, revenues totaled Rs 67,694.55 lakh, representing a remarkable 46.1 per cent growth year-over-year (YoY). This robust expansion reflects heightened demand for Paramount’s products, particularly in the expanding cable sector, which contributed significantly to the earnings momentum. Cables remain Paramount’s largest revenue driver, contributing Rs 66,541.68 lakh over the half-year period, up from Rs 46,082.64 lakh during the same timeframe last year.

    The company’s pipes segment, though smaller in scale, also exhibited a compelling growth rate. Revenue here reached Rs 1,260.98 lakh in H1 FY25, a nearly six-fold increase over the Rs 215.31 lakh reported in H1 FY24. This sector growth is driven by Paramount’s increased penetration into infrastructure and irrigation projects, which are anticipated to remain robust revenue contributors for the foreseeable future.

    Paramount’s profitability surged alongside its revenue growth. In Q2 FY25, the company’s profit before tax (PBT) reached Rs 2,911.32 lakh, up from Rs 1,950.12 lakh in Q2 FY24, marking a 49.3 per cent increase. Paramount’s net profit for Q2 FY25 also rose by an impressive 40.8 per cent, closing at Rs 2,033.11 lakh compared to Rs 1,948.92 lakh in the previous fiscal year.

    Additionally, Paramount’s margin enhancements reflect the company’s ongoing efficiency measures and prudent cost management. The cost of materials consumed in Q2 FY25, though rising due to increased production volumes, remained well-managed, totaling Rs 28,845.71 lakh. Meanwhile, operating expenses such as finance costs were reduced to Rs 170.20 lakh, showcasing an ability to maintain financial discipline amidst scaling operations.

    A closer look at Paramount’s balance sheet shows a robust position with total assets reaching Rs 83,041.21 lakh as of 30 September 2024, up from Rs 68,540.52 lakh in the previous year—a 21.2 per cent increase. Key non-current assets like property and equipment saw a strong increase, with capital investment in plant and equipment growing to Rs 16,268.12 lakh, reflecting Paramount’s commitment to expanding its production capabilities.

    Equity shares also increased from Rs 4,773.70 lakh in September 2023 to Rs 6,098.70 lakh in September 2024, largely attributed to strategic equity issuance and the conversion of equity share warrants. Notably, the company’s equity base expanded by 54.5 per cent over the past year, strengthening Paramount’s long-term financial foundation. Total borrowings, on the other hand, were reduced significantly, reflecting a strategic focus on improving the capital structure.

    Paramount’s cash flow statement underscores the company’s operational resilience. Cash from operating activities (CFO) reached Rs 5,687.33 lakh in H1 FY25, a substantial turnaround from the previous year’s cash outflow of Rs 3,491.53 lakh. The improvement is mainly due to better working capital management, with receivables turnover reducing from prior levels.

    Further investments in the business, including a purchase of property and equipment totaling Rs 2,688.19 lakh, highlight Paramount’s commitment to enhancing manufacturing capabilities. Despite these investments, Paramount’s financial strategy enabled it to maintain positive cash flow, signalling preparedness for future growth.

    The results affirm Paramount Communications Ltd.’s strategic growth trajectory, supported by a balanced approach to expansion and operational efficiency. As the cables and pipes markets continue to grow, the company appears well-positioned to leverage its improved capacity and sectoral demand. Paramount’s focus on capturing rising demand across telecommunications, energy, and infrastructure sectors has paid off, with impressive gains in both top-line and bottom-line figures. Looking forward, the company’s expanded production capabilities and reduced debt load place it favourably for sustained growth in these booming sectors.

  • Cobalt Digital’s new IP focused products awarded at IBC2024  

    Cobalt Digital’s new IP focused products awarded at IBC2024  

    AMSTERDAM: Cobalt Digital, the designer and manufacturer of award-winning edge devices for live video production and master control, and a founding partner in the openGear® initiative brought innovative solutions to IBC designed to streamline a path to IP and was rewarded with two best of show awards.

    The two winners were tapped as exceptional standouts in Cobalt’s stand that was crowded with ground-breaking, IP focused products. The Cobalt UltraBlue IP-MV multiviewer won best of show in the TVB Europe category, and the Indigo OG-21100-Bidi4-Gateway took home the same honour in the TV Tech one. 
     
    The awards recognise the very best media and broadcast technology products and solutions on display at IBC2024, with hundreds of products and solutions considered. All entries were reviewed by a panel of industry experts and editors at the Rai. Factors taken into account include how diverse and comprehensive the product’s features are; how easy it is to use and how it integrates with other products; how well it solves a problem for the user; and how innovative and unique it is within the market.
     
    The new Cobalt UltraBlue IP-MV multiviewer can be provided as a turnkey solution with four HDMI heads, or as a software package to run on customer-supplied dedicated hardware, delivering maximum flexibility.  Features include support for receiving audio/video content over IP across a variety of protocols and formats with very flexible audio routing, bringing a multitude of options to suit every application.
     
    Winner in the TV Tech category and a member of the company’s Indigo platform, the Cobalt ® Indigo OG-2110-Bidi4-Gateway has native SMPTE ST 2110 support in an openGear® format card with dual 25G ethernet interfaces for ST 2022-7 support. The card is a bidirectional quad channel native ST 2110 interface to SDI I/O, and the transmit and receive paths of the gateway can operate simultaneously. The gateway  also includes support for IS-04/IS-05 NMOS for automatic discovery and configuration.
     
    “We are so grateful to both TVB Europe and TV Tech for these enormous honors,” said Cobalt Digital senior vice-president of worldwide sales & marketing Suzana Brady. “Our products are all developed to accommodate the requirements of our customers, and IP is a predominant factor during all our conversations, so we know we hit the mark with our lineup. But it is also reassuring to know that the journalists and judges that review and evaluate all the new technology in the industry acknowledged our products as some of the best on the entire show floor.”
     
    The awards’ editorial team said that “IBC2024 has been busier than ever this year, with over 1,300 companies showcasing their latest innovations. Our awards followed suit with this popularity and more were entered than ever before.. judging and winner selections were extremely difficult this year, feedback from our judges confirmed that the standard across the board was incredible. To all those companies who have won, you can be truly proud of your company’s achievements in standing out amongst the crowd at IBC2024.”