Category: Technology

MUMBAI: Excel Home Videos in association with Twentieth Century Fox are releasing movies that are compatible with gaming consoles. Says MN Kapasi, managing director, Excel Home Videos, “The initiative focuses on the ongoing convergence of various Media and enriching the Cinema experience for our viewers since it can be viewed in transit”

The movies are available on UMD (Universal Media Disc) and can be viewed on Play Station Portable gaming console. The movies that have been initially released on the format include Alien, Alien Vs. Predator, Aliens, Day After Tomorrow, Garfield: The Movie, I – Robot, Ice Age, Independence Day , Mr And Mrs Smith, Phone Booth, Speed, Here‘s Something About Mary, Transporter, The X-Men (1 & 2).

MUMBAI: Jagran Prakashan Ltd and Yahoo! India have tied up for a co-branded Hindi news and current affairs internet property which will be available to the users by mid-2007. The tie up will facilitate both Yahoo‘s online services and print media content for users and advertisers.

Under the terms of the agreement, Jagran and Yahoo! India will share graphical and keyword advertising revenue generated by the property. Yahoo! India will manage the advertising sales and serving for the new co-branded property. Both companies will also partner in distributing Yahoo! India‘s search and small and medium business offerings.

“The Yahoo! India – Jagran partnership will reshape the online Hindi news and current affairs landscape — in terms of compelling customer experience, user engagement and monetization.” said Yahoo! India, Managing Director, George Zacharias,

“This exciting and strategic partnership is about re-branding, re-scaling and re-building the world‘s biggest hindi news portal i.e. Jagran.com to reach an unprecedented scale and is about redefining the hindi online portal space” said JPL CMD Mahendra Mohan Gupta.

“In this partnership we looked at leveraging each others core areas of strength to create a powerful online property. We bring in content while Yahoo brings in technology and their understanding of Internet audiences to provide an unparalleled internet experience in the Hindi space” said JPL CEO Sanjay Gupta. “We looked for a partner that stood for leadership and credibility in the online media space not just in India but worldwide, and which understood the pulse of internet audiences and had a customer-centric focus as central to their business approach. Yahoo! India definitely represents all these and more.”

MUMBAI: Moser Baer India has announced its national launch in the home video market with 101 popular Hindi movie titles at aggressive price points of just Rs 28 for VCDs and Rs 34 for DVDs. The company has earlier launched titles in Tamil, Malayalam and Kannada.

Moser Baer has also formally inaugurated the online website, which offers the entire range of home videos released by the company till now for consumers across the country to order and obtain directly without any delivery cost. The website has online payment mechanism so that the consumers can buy all their requirements without any hassle. The website offers titles in both VCD and DVD formats and in Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada and non-film titles.

Soon the titles from English, Telugu, Marathi and other languages will be made available, the company said.

Moser Baer will release video content on DVD and Video CD formats using its proprietary and patented technology. “This will enable the company to revolutionize the quality-price parity and offer unprecedented value for the consumers,” the company said.

Moser Baer has already lined up 450 distributors in the country and stocks shall be soon available in around 100,000 outlets, including stationery shops, telecom shops and regular audio and video outlets.

Said Moser Baer CMD Deepak Puri, “The entertainment industry is growing at a healthy pace of 20 per cent per annum and with our new technology, manufacturing capability and distribution network, we plan to revolutionize the entertainment industry with home video products. As a part of the value chain, we are considering producing, developing and marketing content in both films and non-films. The launch of online purchase portal is going to greatly benefit the consumers, which is our clear objective for the initiative”.

MUMBAI: Microsoft‘s Xbox 360 has announced that television series and movies from multiple sources including A&E Network, ADV Films, National Geographic and TotalVid.com will be added to the existing 1,500 hours of downloadable entertainment content already available on Xbox Live in the US.

Further capitalizing on this, one of the distributors of high-definition gaming and entertainment content in the living room, Paramount Pictures, for the first time on Xbox Live, will offer its feature films for download in high definition. Available titles will include Braveheart, Team America: World Police, World Trade Cente and South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut. Additionally, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment will be releasing its direct-to-video movies exclusively in high definition on Xbox Live simultaneous with their availability on DVD, starting with Sublime and later Babylon 5: The Lost Tales, informs an official release.

“With more than 300 games expected by year‘s end, an Xbox Live community of more than 6 million people and a growing catalogue of premium content from some of the biggest names in entertainment today, Xbox 360 is an incredible value,” said Microsoft corporate VP Interactive Entertainment Business in the Entertainment and Devices Division Peter Moore. “Adding partners and content like this helps reinforce the console‘s position as the center of connected entertainment in the living room.”

Among the television shows and feature films that will be coming to Xbox LIVE include A&E Network‘s Dog the Bounty Hunter, King of Cars, Gene Simmons Family Jewels, Driving Force and Criss Angel Mindfreak. ADV Films will present top offerings from producers-distributors of Japanese animation (“anime”) outside Japan.

MUMBAI: Unesco and Microsoft have joined forces to recognize and reward teachers from Europe, West Asia and Africa for new uses of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) at the Innovative Teachers Forum 2007 taking place at Unesco Headquarters and the Louvre Museum in Paris.

During the two-day event held under the auspices of the French Education Ministry, more than 200 teachers representing 40 countries from across the three regions will share best practices, network and explore new and creative ways to improve education and enrich learning for millions of children around the world using Technology. Other event sponsors include Café Pédagogique, France’s largest online community of educators, national television station France 5, Le Louvre and Samsung.

“We are delighted to host this year’s Innovative Teachers Forum,” said Abdul Waheed Khan, Assistant Unesco Director-General for Communication and Information. “Unesco has long been committed to harnessing information and communication technologies to improve education. ICT can contribute to the quality of all types of education, formal and informal, and at all levels. It can also help the international drive to provide inclusive quality education for all by the year 2015.”

The objective of the conference is to enable teachers to share their passion for teaching and showcase the innovative use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in their schools. Teachers‘ initiatives range from incorporating the internet and online courses in curricula, to interactive classroom exercises, through the use of blogs and digital portals for teachers, students and parents for interactive coursework, evaluation, feedback and dialogue.

The Innovative Teachers Forum supports the 2015 UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) for literacy and digital inclusion by helping to build a global community of educators that share ideas, classroom practices using ICT, and above all a common passion for learning. The 200 participants from 40 countries qualified for the event in national competitions that were held to recognize innovative teaching.

This year’s forum focuses on “the four C’s”: Celebration, Collaboration, Community and Content. It will include keynote presentations, roundtables, a best practice sharing showcase and exhibition, and a special event sponsored by Le Louvre which will foster teambuilding, creativity and forward-thinking among the teachers in a competitive manner.

“Through public-private partnerships we are working together to ensure the latest technology and resources are made available to global teaching communities while fostering high standards of learning,” said Alan Yates, Worldwide Managing Director for Education Programs at Microsoft. “To date, our Partners in Learning curriculum has enhanced the learning experience for more than 2 million primary and secondary school students globally.”

The Innovative Teachers Program is part of Microsoft’s worldwide Partners in Learning initiative. Through Partners in Learning, Microsoft is providing significant investments of software and cash grants to deliver ICT skills training, tailored curriculum development, technical support, and research funds and resources to students and teachers. As part of the initiative, Microsoft collaborates with local and international experts and seeks to increase access to latest computer technologies in educational institutions.

MUMBAI: Asia-Pacific remains one of the few high-growth mobile markets in the world. Apart from the vast subscriber base, much of this growth is driven by drastically reduced calling rates, decline in handset prices and the expansion of network infrastructure in the emerging markets of India and Indonesia.

As at June 2006, India has overtaken Japan as the second largest mobile services market in Asia-Pacific in terms of subscribers, after China.

In fact, with 142.7 million subscribers in 2006 and a mobile penetration rate of only 13 percent, the market in India still remains largely untapped.

New analysis from global growth consulting company, Frost & Sullivan, Asia Pacific Mobile Communications Outlook 2007, reveals that the market – covering 13 major Asia-Pacific economies – grew at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24 per cent between 2002 and 2006, reaching a subscriber base of 0.95 billion in 2006. At a mobile penetration rate of 30.9 percent in 2006, the Asia-Pacific mobile subscriber base is estimated to reach 1.14 billion by end-2007, driven by the robust growth in emerging markets.

“The impact of the emerging markets on the rest of the region is likely to grow in significance as regional carriers search for sustainable growth, and as economies of scale further drives down 3G handset prices,” notes Frost & Sullivan industry manager Janice Chong. “Of the expected 190 million net subscriber additions in 2007, 90.8 percent is likely to stem from the emerging markets.”

With most major cities in emerging markets reaching high mobile saturation, the focus rests on increasing mobile penetration in rural areas and the lower-end segments in the next three to five years. The series of price cuts in voice minutes and the introduction of low-entry one-nation call rate plans in 2006 prove that raising the affordability rates among the masses is increasingly important to penetrate into the lower-end market, which holds strong growth potential for Asia‘s cellular industry.

Mobile broadband is likely to be the next killer application in Asia‘s promising mobile landscape. However, given its limited bandwidth, the current 3G network may not necessarily be the ideal technology for mobile broadband. The business case for 3G may not lie in 3G itself, but in 3.5G or commonly known as high speed downlink packet access (HSDPA), as 3G ultimately provides a platform for enabling 3.5G.

“HSDPA and WiMAX (worldwide interoperability for microwave access) are expected to play a prominent role in 2007, given the number of trials that have taken place in 2006,” cites Chong. “These, together with pending issues such as fixed-mobile convergence (FMC), mobile number portability (MNP), and mobile broadband, are believed to be the major factors that can potentially change the competitive landscape of the telecommunications industry.”

While the launch of HSDPA has taken precedence in certain countries, WiMAX is likely to be the focus in emerging markets such as India and Indonesia, which lack telecommunications infrastructure.

Elsewhere, WiMAX is expected to remain a niche technology, functioning as a backhaul infrastructure to complement existing WiFi (wireless fidelity) networks, and as an alternative wireless broadband access targeting the higher ARPU (average revenue per user) enterprise segments. This is mainly due to costly customer premise equipment (CPE) and the limited availability of WiMAX-enabled handsets and laptop devices, which are expected to be the biggest market restraints until 2009.

MUMBAI:In an attempt to build on its extensive catalogue of international programme offerings, Voom HD Networks has added 225 new hours of stunning high-definition (HD) original content to its agreement with iD Distribution. This news marks the fifth recent expansion to Rainbow’s Voom HD catalogue represented internationally by the independent distributor.

Voom HD Networks’ Senior Vice President, Global Operations and Business Development Glenn Oakley says, “The iD team has done a great job garnering international distribution for Voom HD. As the worldwide appetite for HD content continues to grow exponentially, we have worked hard to meet that demand by continuing to add to Voom HD’s rich catalogue. We
look forward to seeing what iD can do with this newest
content.”

iD Distribution‘s MD Sally Miles says, “Voom has become adept at meeting the entertainment needs of its growing audience with visually stunning and fascinating content, and we‘re thrilled to present this new array of crystal-clear HD programming to international programme buyers.”

iD Distribution has been working with Rainbow Media to drive foreign sales for Voom HD, WE tv, IFC , Lifeskool and, most recently, fuse. Since launching its global expansion initiative just over a year ago, Rainbow Media—through iD Distribution—has sold more than 1,000 hours of programming from its Voom HD, WE tv, IFC , Lifeskool and Sportskool brands to broadcasters all over the world, including India, China, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.

The new Voom HD offerings being represented by iD Distribution include Full Frontal Fashion 2007. This series presents the hottest looks straight from the spring and fall 2007 runway collections of today’s most talked about designers. Chasing History Home gives viewers an insider’s look at the places famous historical figures once called “home,” including the Winchester Mystery House, FDR’s family estate, Alcatraz and William Shakespeare’s childhood home. Magnificent Obsessions profiles people who have turned their everyday interests into a passion that drives their lives, including Civil War re-enactors, glider-plane junkies and more!

Treasure Seekers is hosted by Elyse Luray. This series takes viewers around the globe to see some of the most coveted collectibles at the largest and most famous antique shows and flea markets.

MUMBAI: Always dreamt of creating a blockbuster animation like Howl‘s Moving Castle or Death Note that will take the world by storm? Dream no more! You now have a rare and golden opportunity to tell the world a story you have longed to be made into an animation, and possibly join the ranks of iconic animators like Hayao Miyazaki and Osamu Tezuka.

Animax, the leading youth channel for the latest and hottest anime, has launched its debut pan-Asia scriptwriting competition, Animax Awards, for both amateurs and established artists to showcase their work and ‘break out‘ on the international stage!

Animax Awards has been staged in Japan for five consecutive years since 2002, and has become a prestigious competition where the grand prize is coveted by many in the industry. For the very first time, Animax Awards is expanding its scope across Asia to call for talents to the animation industry.

The extension of the competition only means good news for aspiring animators beyond Japan. Animax Awards is now open to applicants from seven regions across Asia. The regions are Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, India, Philippines and South East Asia (Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand). Top entries from each region will enter the Finals where the grand prize winner will have his or her entry developed into an original production by a top Japanese animation studio!

Now keen animators have the chance to tell the stories they have been waiting to share with the world. Going on the theme, “A Story I Wish to be Animated”, contestants are free to create scripts that may be in script, novel or comic format for a 30-minute short film. They also have the option of incorporating original characters created by Animax into the scripts to form unique and creative works of art.

Mr. Ricky Ow, General Manager of SPE Networks – Asia, the broadcaster of Animax in 17 countries across Asia, says, “The animation industry is thriving around the world and as a leader in providing the ultimate animation entertainment and lifestyle, Animax is dedicated to play a role in shaping the animation industry of the future. Animax Awards is truly a dream come true for aspiring animators!”

Leading Japanese Animation Studio to Develop Winning Entry
The winner of this year‘s Animax Awards will not only take home JP? 2 million (approximately US$18,000), but will bag the golden opportunity to have his or her winning entry developed into an original production by leading Japanese animation studio, A-1 Pictures of Aniplex (famous work like Full Metal Alchemist) and broadcast Asia-wide on the Animax network. Finalists from each region will also be awarded with US$2,000 prize money.

Each region will have home-grown talents – people who are passionately and professionally connected to the creative world of animation, film and design – judge the script entries from their region. These illustrious judges have been selected as they are recognized leaders in their respective fields.

From there, top entries from each region entering the Finals will be judged by creative professionals from Japan, including renowned sci-fi and adventure writer Baku Yumemakura.

Animax is calling for all keen contestants to submit their original script for a 30-minute short film, from now to May 31, 2007. Visit www.animaxawards.com for more information on how to participate and to find out more about Animax‘s original characters.

NEW DELHI: A delegation from India led by the Confederation of Indian Industry is taking part in the Global Summit on Innovation and Intellectual Property Rights on March 27 and 28 at Beijing.

CII is the principal Indian Partner for this important Summit organized by United States Chamber of Commerce, and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT).

The Indian delegation comprising high-level corporate officials and Intellectual Property practitioners is led by Mr. Ramesh Adige, Executive Director Ranbaxy Laboratories ltd and Chairman CII IPR Task force.

The Initiative will bring nations around the world together to foster Multilateral Cooperation and Exchange, and the best practices around critical issues of Innovation and Intellectual Property. It will eventually pave way for a plethora of opportunities for developing solutions to persistent Global IP Protection and enforcement Challenges.

NEW DELHI: The Roundtable on Policy Development and Regulatory Capacity, part of the discussions at the Commonwealth Connects 2007 Summit that ended here today, saw some general issues being discussed, had one major message for India: converge the regulators.

Yesterday the revelation was that South Africa now has just one single regulatory authority, which covers everything from postal to telecom, broadcasting and internet.

Paris Mashile, chairperson of the Independent Communication Authority of South Africa had told indiantelevision.com on the sideline of the panel discussion that due to convergence being the rule of the day, the regulatory authorities have all been merged into one, just like the ministry of communications is the umbrella for all communication platforms.

Today, Vincent Waiswa Bagiire of CIPESA, or Collaboration of International ICT Policy in East and Southern Africa) said that Uganda has a single Ministry of ICT.

India still has separate ministries for telecommunication, broadcasting, postal system, etc., observed the participants and the chairperson for this roundtable, Dr Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, CEO of Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisations, called for governments across the Commonwealth to converge regulators.

Spio-Garbrah also called for what he termed cooperative collaborative regulatory process, which perhaps derived from a problem raised by Bagiire, that there are countries (in Africa) where the executive goes ahead and issues all rules and laws by itself, without consultation with the judiciary or the legislature.

He also pointed out that this means that when the drafts are issued and problems are pointed out, they are held back and “they just remain drafts”. ICT is not emerging also because projects are initiated, but after the pilot stage, “they just remain pilots”.

In this context, what BV Raman of CDMA Development Group said during his presentation was significant. Speaking on the issue of digital divide between urban and rural areas, and to ensure that the teledensity imbalance is handled progressively, there should be regulatory incentive for rural rollout.

Raman projected some of the vital policy vistas uncrossed so far. He said that licensing should be made technology neutral on any spectrum. Earlier, the Indian government had been issuing licenses specific to technology.

Raman said that pricing, a crucial factor for bridging the digital divide, would have to be lowered which would imply that there ought to be intense competition, and one of the ways in ensuring competition is to make licensing technology neutral.

He added too, that tariff should be revenue-linked, and there should be few players with deep pockets for the rural sector to grow enough before the companies saw profit.

But most importantly, Raman demanded that there should be as a matter of policy, a Rural Rollout Obligation, though he did not discuss the specifics.

Speaking ahead of Raman, in fact, Upasna Kakroo senior researcher at the Centre, Development and Media Studies, had said that their research showed that there is a lot of differences between the urban and rural markets, and if the teledensity imbalance (38 : 2) has to be handle appropriately, there must be different policy frameworks for urban and rural development.

Kakroo, citing their researches said that it is OK to talk about CDMA, 3G or other higher technology, but there is need for two crucial things on the issue of balancing teledensity: low-cost equipment and rural content.

There should be a policy approach to tap rural potential, Kakroo held.

Yunkap Kawankan, who runs a WHO sponsored Corporate Social Responsibility project, Hinari, in Africa, who spoke first today, did not really spoke of policy issues, but did enlighten on how ICT can transform have-not countries, a case study worth mentioning.

He said that there was a study that showed that many medical colleges in Africa were found to be teaching with just two journals, simply because they were too costly for the students there.

Hinari initiated a process in which it asked medical book publishers to give it access to their publications online free of cost.

“Today, we have access to books from 123 corporate partners, with a list of 3,500 journal titles, for students in 2,500 institutions across 130 countries. If you compute the total value, it comes to six billion dollars!”

Kawankan appealed to the industry for the health sector to donate the intellectual properties where they do not have a market, such as nations so poor their students will never be able to buy the books.