ITV

Category: Technology

  • Times Internet sees 52 per cent growth in viewership for IPL

    Times Internet sees 52 per cent growth in viewership for IPL

    MUMBAI: As the online video usage grows across the country fans of the money spinning Indian Premier League (IPL) are going online as well.

    This year Times Internet which is the IPL‘s digital partner decided to use Youtube and BoxTV as platforms. It focused on making the IPL a more social experience and the results are telling.

    As per the viewership numbers recorded at 38 matches, which is 50 per cent of the tournament – IPL online across both www.boxtv.com and www.youtube.com/indiatimes combined recorded a 52 per cent growth viewership over 2012 (75.2 million versus 49.3 million last year). Furthermore – the combined viewership of users watching highlights and clips saw a 480 per cent growth in watch hours over 2012.

    This shows that the IPL is being used as a catch-up service to a large extent by people who may not have the time to watch live content. In India, Bangalore and Hyderabad lead the viewership with 14 per cent each, with Delhi coming in second at 10 per cent. The matches that registered the maximum online views were on 23 April between Royal Challenger Bangalore and Pune Warriors India and Mumbai Indians versus Royal Challengers Bangalore on 25 April. The viewers watch the live matches and highlights on YouTube and BoxTv.

    Times Internet CEO Satyan Gajwani said, “Over the last two years, we‘ve offered IPL fans across the world a superior experience online and steadily grown a loyal viewer base. For IPL 2013, we‘ve worked hard to make the online experience more social and interactive than ever before, and our traffic numbers so far are proof enough that IPL fans are loving it.”

    He adds that this year‘s IPL is a far more social experience with Google + Hangouts integrations, and users being able to co-watch IPL with their friends. “We added a Match Tracker to should live data and information contextual to the video match experience.”

    Google India head of media sales Praveen Sharma said, “Better streaming experience, increased mobile and tablet device access and growing awareness about the availability of IPL online is fueling the growth in viewership. In the past, we usually saw rise in the first two weeks of the tournament and then it picked up again during the final week. But this year, the growth has been consistent through the tournament. At this rate we are hopeful of registering strong growth in total viewership by the end of the tournament over last year.”

    ZenithOptimedia partner Navin Khemka said that a lot of younger viewers are watching the IPL online. “The base is small but the growth has been tremendous. The key is the access cost to watch the IPL online. High speed broadband is not cheap. But the moment costs come down which could happen in the coming year IPL viewing online will reach a critical mass. Then advertisers will move towards it in a big way.” Google which handled ad sales this time got six sponsors for the IPL this time including Maruti and Samsung.

  • Aereo to launch in Atlanta next month

    Aereo to launch in Atlanta next month

    MUMBAI: Aereo which has caused heartburn among US broadcasters has announced that Atlanta will be the next market to receive its streaming TV service. Aereo converts television signals into computer data and sends them to new media devices like the PC.

    It will launch there next month. It is already present in Boston and New York. Aereo founder and CEO Chet Kanojia said, “We‘re grateful and humbled by the continued support we‘ve received from consumers for our technology. The response and enthusiasm from consumers across all of our expansion cities has been phenomenal. It‘s clear that consumers want more choice and flexibility in how they watch television and they don‘t want to be fenced into expensive, outdated technology.”

    “Aereo‘s antenna/DVR technology brings the old-fashioned antenna into the 21st Century, providing consumers access to the over-the-air broadcast signals that belong to them. We‘re thrilled to be coming to Atlanta and look forward to our launch in June,” he added.

    Aereo will offer 27 Atlanta-area broadcast channels and the Bloomberg TV cable channel. The service will be limited to residents of 55 counties in Georgia, Alabama and North Carolina.

    There have been lawsuits over Aereo which it so far has won. Channels like Fox have threatened to go to cable over the issue. Aereo adds that its remote (cloud-based) antenna/DVR technology makes watching television simple and user-friendly. Using Aereo‘s technology, consumers can pause, rewind and fast-forward any program that they are watching live, or save a programme for future viewing.

  • TRAI decides to restrict entry to Open House on Media Ownership

    TRAI decides to restrict entry to Open House on Media Ownership

    NEW DELHI: Alarmed by the disruption of the Open House on Media Ownership in Hyderabad by local cable operators and multi-system operators, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) today issued a notice restricting entry into the Open House to be held in Delhi on the same issue later this week.

    In a mail sent to some prospective participants, Trai asked them to come with indentity cards and to register themselves in advance.

    The Cable Operators Federation of India President Roop Sharma said this would mean cutting out a large section of consumers since the mail has been sent to a select few, and also bar those who have not received the mail. The initial notice on the Trai website says ‘Interested Stakeholders/industry representatives are invited to participate.’

    She said that this also amounted to a violation of the transparency clause enshrined in Section 11(4) of the Trai Act.

    During the Open House in Hyderabad yesterday, a large number of LCOs and MSOs wanted the Trai officials to attend to their queries and the meeting had to be called off mid-way.

  • MTV gets socially interactive with Tata Nano’s Drive with MTV II

    MTV gets socially interactive with Tata Nano’s Drive with MTV II

    MUMBAI: Viacom18’s music and youth entertainment channel MTV is vrooming back onto your screens with the second season of its digital show, ‘Drive with MTV’ presented by Tata Nano.

    The channel aims to make this season double the fun, double the adventure with some of the craziest and passionate drives. The show’s format is that of a web show spanning 21 days across 3,000 km and over a 100 snapshots. The webisodes will then be telecast across six episodes on television (half an hour), with the key sponsor as Tata Nano on board.

    Users will be required to register on drive.mtvindia.com and submit their video entries which showcases their passion for travel. The channel will shortlist entries that are fun, quirky and showcase the road-tripper amongst the contestants. From all the entries they receive, 24 contestants will be short-listed and 12 will be chosen to go on the road trip of their lifetime. The entire journey will be documented and will enfold live on various social media platforms and the Drive with MTV website.

    MTV India digital head Eklavaya Bhattacharya elucidates, “They (the contestants) will experience 21 days of non-stop fun, adventure, discovering new places and cultures as they travel across the length and breadth of the country in the Tata Nano. The contestants will be divided into four groups and will start journey from a particular point to four different destinations.”

    MTV executive vice president & business head Aditya Swamy further explaines about the format, “Each team will get a budget of Rs 4,000 per day and within the budget the contestants will have to take care of their food, fuel, stay and every expense one can imagine.”

    While on the trip, participants will share their experiences live with their friends, followers and the online audience using social media platforms. They will tweet, post updates, share pictures and videos every hour, every day.

    Speaking on some changes which will be in place this year, Bhattacharya reveals, “This time the fourth player of each team will remain undecided until the rest of the three players pick him/her up on their way during the journey.They will pick up or select their fourth teammate according to preference or choice. And auditions will take place anywhere and any point of time.”

    The idea behind the show is to connect with over eight lakh people on Twitter and more than 15 million on Facebook , and to channelise with the fan club of MTV India. “We have already got over 2500 tweets and has been trending nationally,” states Swamy.

    Unlike any reality show, it would be bereft of any judge, and winners would solely be decided on the basis of amount of likes they generate on digital platforms.

    “Activities on the road and on the web will get the contestants points. Each at the end of the journey, the team with maximum points will take home a Nano each,” concludes Swamy.

  • BIGFLIX launches BIGFLIX HD app for iOS users

    BIGFLIX launches BIGFLIX HD app for iOS users

    MUMBAI: BIGFLIX, India‘s first video-on-demand service launches BIGFLIX HD app for users across the world who can now enjoy watching movies in high definition on their apple devices i.e iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, laptop and desktop.

    BIGFLIX HD is the advanced and upgraded version of its predecessor. With the iOS app of BIGFLIX being amongst the top grossing entertainment app on iTunes, BIGFLIX HD will continue to allow users to stream over 2000 titles, this time in high definition.

    Featuring HD quality content, the iOS app – BIGFLIX HD – offers viewers a seamless viewing experience that is available across multiple devices i.e. Apple users subscribing through iTunes can avail the services across all their Apple devices.

    This means that you can watch a part of a movie on your iPad at home and then proceed to continue watching it (from where you left off) on your iPhone on your way.

    BIGFLIX boasts of the largest library of HD quality movies which includes both timeless classics and new releases across Indian languages like Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Bengali, Punjabi, etc.

    The company is also the first to start the trend of releasing select new movies within 14 days of their theatrical launch. The thrill of watching an adventure film or enjoying the effects of animated films can now be experienced with the BIGFLIX HD app for iOS.

    Speaking on the upgraded version BIGFLIX business head Shreyash Sigtia said, “The BIGFLIX app for iOS has been designed to offer a user friendly experience featuring high-quality movie content, which makes it easy for users to find their favorite movies as well as discover new launches on the platform. The app has been amongst the top grossing entertainment app on iTunes, hence, we decided to upgrade BIGFLIX HD and offer a high quality entertainment experience to our Apple users.”

  • Hyderabad-based MSO chooses Conax for transmitting signals to LCOs

    Hyderabad-based MSO chooses Conax for transmitting signals to LCOs

    NEW DELHI: Indian multi-system operator Bhagyanagar Digital Services Pvt Ltd of Hyderbad is using selected Conax to transmit signals to cable TV operators with a cost effective and flexible content security (CAS) solution for enabling smooth digital migration and development of subscriber bases.

    Conax will empower Bhagyanagar Digital Services with smooth transition to the benefits of digital services and the integration of new secure content distribution offerings and easy upgrade to future services and business models such as multi-device and broadband content delivery.

    Bhagyanagar Digital Services is a large consortium of cable TV operators based in Hyderabad. Conax will guide the Bhagyanagar cable TV operators in navigating the new digital landscape and deploying secure distribution of new pay TV content models. The partnership will enable Bhagyanagar Digital Services‘ operators to significantly reduce churn, overcome the challenges of digitisation and harness the opportunities provided by the new digital environment.

    The new solution, complimented by Conax‘ advisory role, will help position and secure the Hyderabad operator‘s regional roadmap into the future. The Conax Contego Broadcast solution will also offer Bhagyanagar with total, state-of-the-art security for one-way operations and comprehensive support for subscription, pairing, fingerprinting and messaging, with optional support for DRM control and pay-per-view. Introduction of new consumer offerings such as video-on-demand and advanced multiscreen services can be smoothly integrated to the existing platform to support future growth demands.

    Bhagyanagar Digital Services MD A V Pullarao said, “Key factors in selecting Conax include the expert guidance we have received, flexibility, India based 24/7 support service, long experience in digitization and strong proven security track record in both India and around the globe. Additionally, Conax offers us short-time-to-market and a wide range of security-certified, cost effective set-top-boxes.”

    Conax vice president (Asia sales) Are Mathisen added, “In deploying Conax Contego Broadcast, Conax will guide Bhagyanagar Digital Services‘ pay-TV operators in building a strong foundation for subscriber and revenue growth during this exciting digitization phase, including a strong roadmap for integrating additional types of networks and services in the future. Conax has a long tradition of furnishing world-class content security, features and functionality for small, medium and large -sized operators.”

  • Trai Open House on media ownership called off as LCOs, MSOs raise demands on DAS

    Trai Open House on media ownership called off as LCOs, MSOs raise demands on DAS

    NEW DELHI: An open house called by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) in Hyderabad on media ownership had to be called off mid-way when cable operators and multi-system operators insisted that they should be heard on their problems relating to digitisation.

    Around 200 LCOs and MSOs wanted an end to the vertical monopoly of large media houses and sought protection from the Government.

    They also raised issues relating to revenue share not being fair, and said it was the LCOs who had built the industry from scratch and made it possible for the broadcasters to reach the consumers.

    They also wanted the bouquets drawn up by large broadcasting houses to be broken and rates to be fixed channel-wise.

    Some LCOs said the customer had become like a ‘robot‘ that could be manipulated by the broadcasters.

    Some of the speakers also said the LCOs had built the industry without foreign direct investment (FDI), and therefore any discussion on FDI was meaningless unless their questions were answered.

    The Trai delegation included principal advisors N Parameshwaran and Anuradha Mitra, deputy advisor G S Kesarwani, and secretary Rajeev Agrawal.

    Trai officials had come armed with just over thirty questions relating to media ownership issues on which it has already issued a consultation paper. Less than twenty were discussed.

  • Zapak gets Shard Sharma as the National Sales Head

    Zapak gets Shard Sharma as the National Sales Head

    Mumbai: Zapak Digital Entertainment, the India gaming business by Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group, has announced the appointment of Shard Sharma as the national sales head of all businesses under Zapak.

    In his new role, Sharma will be managing teams in Mumbai and Delhi. He will be reporting to Zapak Digital Entertainment business head – India Chaitanya Prabhu.

    Prabhu said “We are happy to welcome Shard Sharma as the Nation Sales Head for Zapak. Shard brings along with him vast experience of monetizing various internet properties and we are looking forward to working closely with Shard in tapping the monetisation opportunity in exponentially growing free to play gaming category in India across mobile and PC.”

    Sharma joins Zapak from Sify as regional manager- North, East and West.

    With over 14 years of work experience in sales and business development, he has been associated with names like Rediff.com, Moneycontrol.com, Zee Network and Webdunia.com in the past.

  • Vh1 India celebrates 2 million likes on Facebook

    Vh1 India celebrates 2 million likes on Facebook

    MUMBAI: Vh1 India has become the first English entertainment channel in India to have two million fans on Facebook.

    The international music channel has built a continuous relation by connecting with its viewers through birthday celebrations, dedications, paying homage to famous artists and by presenting the best in international music.

    Recently, the channel has launched a music streaming app – Vh1 Pulse for the music lovers. The app has a series of contests like the ‘Ticket 2 Ride‘ where the winner gets a chance to attend concerts of different artists and to become a part of different events abroad.

    Concert tickets, official merchandise and meet and greets are some of the other things that fans have been able to enjoy over the years.

    Talking on the achievement Ferzad Palia English entertainment Viacom18 senior VP and GM said, “A big thank you to all our ardent fans for helping us reach this mark. It truly feels wonderful to know that the channel has got 2 million likes on our Facebook page which only goes to prove their loyalty. Vh1 India re-affirms the endeavour to provide its fans with cult entertainment.”

    Digital Media VP and business head Rajneel Kumar added, “This is definitely a time for us to celebrate. We are extremely thrilled at reaching this milestone figure. Vh1 has always been a leader in engaging with its fans on digital platforms. This just goes to prove that our efforts have paid off and our fans like the content. We really can‘t thank them enough.”

    To celebrate this occasion, Vh1 has lined up some plans for its fans. The channel will be holding a two-week ‘Superfan Contest‘ to find the biggest fans of the channel. These fans will be shortlisted on the basis of their knowledge of music and the latest trends. Ten lucky winners will get a chance to win gratifications such as free passes to Vh1 associated events and much more. Few winners will also be able to cover Vh1 events across India and reviews new albums and videos.

  • Vserv.mobi brings social sharing, A/B testing to HTML5 Mobile Ads

    Vserv.mobi brings social sharing, A/B testing to HTML5 Mobile Ads

    MUMBAI: Mobile ad network for app developers, publishers, advertisers and telecom providers Vserv.mobi has announced that it has strengthened its HTML5 rich media solution offering by introducing features of social sharing and A/B testing.

    The company further announced that it will offer free HTML5 creative services to allow marketers to discover the mobile medium. Through this end-to-end rich media offering, which includes ad creative development, distribution, social capabilities, analytics and measurement, the company will enable brands to leverage mobile rich media effectively.

    Vserv.mobi director – global marketing, product Binay Tiwari said, “Our rich media ad platform allows advertisers to create engaging moments that consumers love, and we have now natively built in social sharing options to enable ‘virality‘ of this engagement. The addition of A/B testing functionality makes running parallel campaigns a breeze, thereby allowing advertisers to experiment more and take more informed decisions based on real-time user engagement metrics. Our unique mobile rich media offering, combined with our premium full screen App media will allow advertisers to breathe life into their mobile ad campaigns.”

    IDC recently highlighted key milestones in the rapidly evolving mobile HTML5 space, suggesting that there will be more than 1 billion HTML5 mobile browsers in the market in 2013. HTML5 ads are already providing marketers with highly interactive, impactful and intuitive engagement methods such as touch, click, drag, scratch, 360 degree view functionalities, thus enabling consumers to experience a brand in a much more human and relevant way than ever before.

    Mindshare APAC regional digital leader Sanchit Sanga said, “We continue to see a surge in interest for rich media solutions from brands, and the Vserv.mobi rich media platform has allowed us to create unique and out-of-the-box HTML5 ads and mobile microsites. The additional capabilities of A/B testing and social sharing, will allow us to innovate with even lesser friction, to create brand experiences that mobile consumers absolutely love.”