ITV

Category: Technology

  • Amazon’s cloud service, the preferred choice by media industry, says Amit Sharma

    Amazon’s cloud service, the preferred choice by media industry, says Amit Sharma

    MUMBAI: Striving to be Earth’s most consumer-centric company, Amazon.com is a place where customers can virtually discover anything they want to buy online. To prove their consumer-centeredness, the online retail giant in 2006 launched Amazon Web Services (AWS) exposing key infrastructure services to businesses in the form of web services, more commonly known as cloud computing.

    Even as a web service, Amazon is as well received and popular as its e-tailer form with clients ranging from MNCs to online agencies and news broadcasters.

    Talking about the base strategy of the company at Broadcast India conference, Amazon Internet Services’ solution architect Amit Sharma said “Focus on content development, leave the infrastructure management to us.”

    The company’s global clientele includes; Netflix, IMDB, Discovery Communications, Samsung, NASA while Hungama, NDTV, DigiCable, India Today Group, Sony among others joined them from India.

    According to Sharma, the company has around 8000 customers in India. “AWS Cloud is a preferred choice by the media industry,” he adds.

    With the rise of the online medium, everything from music to movies and TV shows have shifted online. The old hardware storage has been replaced almost completely by internet, tapes have been replaced by servers and the companies have gone digital. With these paradigm changes happening in the online world, AWS provides a platform for better web services to the company, Sharma opines.

    The company mainly handles issues getting all the content online to provide easy access.

    “Netflix runs almost 100 per cent of its online videos on AWS. In order to transfer the entire library of Netflix to AWS, we used around 1200 servers,” Sharma reveals.

    Similarly AWS provides solutions to problems including; reducing IT cost for new applications, for user profiling, websites and website hosting, business applications, backup and recovery, disaster recovery, data archive, high performance computing, mobile services, digital marketing, game development and digital media.

    Book My Show, uses AWS to analyse users that visit the site while Hungama was looking to reduced 33 per cent monthly costs using AWS.

    The company provides a highly reliable, scalable, low-cost infrastructure platform in the cloud that has helped a number of enterprises, government and startup customers businesses in 190 countries around the world. AWS offers over 30 different services, including Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (Amazon EC2), Amazon Simple Storage Service (Amazon S3) and Amazon Relational Database Service (Amazon RDS).

    Available to customers from data center locations in the US, Brazil, Europe, Japan, Singapore and Australia, the company is planning to expand further and open a data centre in India.

    Recently, software giant Microsoft had said it will set up three data centres in India, offering commercial cloud services, to tap what it estimates is a $2 trillion opportunity. These data centres are expected to be set up by the end of 2015.

     

  • New cell phone software for live crick updates

    New cell phone software for live crick updates

    MUMBAI: With an all important India Pakistan series which is currently underway, cricket mania seems to be rubbing off on almost everybody. The latest to cash in on the series is Chakra Interactive (gaming company based in Mumbai) which launched a revolutionary software system for mobile phones called CricketPal especially for the India-Pakistan ODI series.

    CricketPal will enable mobile subscribers to get live and complete scoreboards on their mobile phones at the press of a button. Also a boon for subscribers is that they need not pay for the numerous and tedious SMS to get latest score updates.
    What’s the score?

    Unlike the dull SMS text score updates, the CricketPal software is rich media based – having vibrant colors and sounds. Once CricketPal is downloaded into your mobile phone, all one needs to do is press one button to fetch latest score updates with live commentary. The system can also be set to auto-fetch latest score every five or 10 minutes.

    “CricketBar is a well formatted, detailed, dynamic complete scoreboard in the palm of your hand,” says Chakra Interactive CEO Vishal Lamba who is the man behind the revolutionary idea. “Cricket lovers can now enjoy ODI’s where-ever they are. The system even makes sounds when a four or six is hit, or when a wicket falls! It’s just a much more fun way of enjoying the game than SMS is.”
    Technology at its best

    CricketPal can be downloaded from www.CricketPal.com. At the website, all one needs to do is to enter their mobile phone number and phone model for the download to take place. The online system will then send CricketPal to their mobile phone over-the-air. The cost of CricketPal is $9.95.

    The phones that support CricketPal are Nokia 40 Series: 3100, 3200, 3300, 5100, 6100, 6610, 6800, 7210, 7250. In the Nokia 60 series: 3650, 3660, 6600, 7650, N-Gage. The versions for other devices like Motorola, Siemens, Sony-Ericsson, Sharp, Panasonic and LG phones will be available shortly.

  • Science Learning comes to your fingertips as Function Space Launches Android Mobile App

    Science Learning comes to your fingertips as Function Space Launches Android Mobile App

    MUMBAI: Function Space (http://www.functionspace.org/), a social learning network for Science and Technology is now available on all Android based smartphones, the company announced today. The fascinating free for download mobile application boasts of magnificent design, superior user interface and science in your pocket aspects. The app grants users complete access to the discussion-based community from anywhere across the globe, putting the power of knowledge right in your pocket. It is designed to cater to the entire community of Science Learners and experts from over 190 countries covering the gamut of colleges and universities of Science and Technology.

    The application comes bundled with real time updates of the latest discussions and opinions which enables users to gain clarity on science concepts through consultations with peer group of science experts. The app also acquaints users to novel scientific concepts and developments through quarter topics and facilitates awareness of latest developments in the science domain, through its news section. Android users can also get access to a large library of insightful discussions and articles covering the entire spectrum of the mentioned topics.

    Function Space app offers a superior immersive user experience through various innovative features. The mobile destination covers all the subtopics of Maths, Physics and Computer Science. The Complexity of topics starts from the high school level and goes up to research level.

    Speaking on the development, Adit Gupta, Founder and CEO, Function Space, said, “We chose the android platform owing to the huge customer base it caters to. Our key goal is to be available wherever our user is. Our Function Space application is the finest way to learn and discuss science, with a community of science learners and experts from over 190 countries. You have a science problem or query, this app can answer it for you. We provide you with free access to thousands of discussions, insightful articles, and an opportunity to interact with the best minds across the world.”

    “In addition, our android app provides users with the easiest way to solve their doubts related to physics, mathematics and computer science, on the go. Users can customize the content and select their learning level from beginner (high school level) to advanced (research level)”, he added.

    The near term goal is to offer Chemistry and Biology subjects for e-learners. Users can avail of thousands of discussions, latest science news, and insightful articles along with information on interesting topics pertaining to science and allied domains.

  • Cartoon Network Digital mobile app ‘Anything’ to launch on 13 October

    Cartoon Network Digital mobile app ‘Anything’ to launch on 13 October

    BENGALURU: In probably a what it claims as a first for a television brand, Cartoon Network Digital (CND) announced the debut of a micro-network specifically designed for the small screen.  Cartoon Network Anything contains content exclusively created for portable mobile platforms, rapidly delivering entertainment in a totally new and fun way. The app is free and available for download now on the App Store and Google Play. Cartoon Network will celebrate the launch of Cartoon Network Anything starting at 7:30 a.m. ET/PT on 13 October.
     

    “We want our audience to have a holistic and unique experience that remains true to Cartoon Network’s DNA on every device,” said CND vice president Chris Waldron. “Cartoon Network Anything is a new kind of network – it’s undeniably the Cartoon Network brand, but specifically tailored for the smallest screens.”

     
    CND oversees the management and production of content for the channel’s official site, CartoonNetwork.com, and all of the network’s mobile properties. A top industry web site, CartoonNetwork.com is the #1 kids’ television network site and a Top 10 Domain with kids and boys 2-12 in the United States oversees the management and production of content for the channel’s official site, CartoonNetwork.com, and all of the network’s mobile properties. A top industry Web site, CartoonNetwork.com is the #1 kids’ television network site and a Top 10 Domain with kids and boys 2-12 in the United States claims a Time Warner release.

     

     
    Cartoon Network Anything is an ever-growing and ever-changing stream of content consisting of games, activities, trivia and video, each lasting an average of 10 to 15 seconds. After each piece of content, viewers can advance to the next piece by simply swiping their screens. The perpetually-updated stream of content is delivered randomly, providing entertainment that feels both immediate and infinite, informs the company.

     

     
    Soon after launch, Cartoon Network Anything will premiere original IP from Cartoon Network Studios, giving an exciting first-look at new animated micro episodes created specifically for this experience. Fans will be able to save items to their favourites for future viewing, and the ‘like’ functionality may also inform future development by gauging fan interest about a particular piece of content, the company adds.
     

     

  • Local STB manufacturers confident of meeting target of DAS phase III and IV

    Local STB manufacturers confident of meeting target of DAS phase III and IV

    NEW DELHI: The Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry has been assured by manufacturers of domestic set top boxes (STBs) that they will be able to meet the demand of 11 crore STBs needed for the final two phases of cable television digitisation.

     

    This assurance was given to I&B Ministry secretary Bimal Julka over the weekend with manufacturers to check the status of indigenous manufacturing of STBs.

     

    I&B Minister Prakash Javadekar had recently told that it was unfortunate that good quality STBs were being exported overseas and poor quality STBs from overseas were being installed.

     

    Earlier, he had said that the Ministry will take steps to solve problems of local manufacturers including those relating to taxation.

     

    The manufacturers appreciated the efforts of the government for resolving their long pending demand of C-form. They said that they have sufficient installed capacity to meet the full demands of STBs locally and said the government’s initiative would help give employment to about 50,000 people and would attract an investment of about Rs 500 crore. It would generate local support facility for repair of STBs and would also help in smooth implementation of digitisation initiative in the country. 

    The Finance Ministry had on 13 August extended the facility of Form ‘C’ under section 8(3) (b) of Central Sales Tax (CST) Act 1956 to STBs thus fulfilling the major demand of the domestic STB manufacturers who would charge CST @ 2 per cent against VAT of 12-14 per cent being paid earlier. 

    The phase III of digitisation to be completed by December 2015 would cover all other urban areas (municipal corporations/ municipalities) which were not covered in first two phases. Phase IV to be completed by December 2016 would cover the rest of India.

     

    The meeting was attended by the members of the consumer electronics and appliances manufacturers association (CEAMA) and representatives from STB manufacturers such as My Box Technologies, Dixon Technology, Videocon, Jabil, One-Eight Technologies, Skyworth Digital, Spectra Innovations, Indieon, Logic Eastern and Simmtronics.

  • Vodafone adds Broadcom Ultra HD technology to next-generation IPTV STB

    Vodafone adds Broadcom Ultra HD technology to next-generation IPTV STB

    NEW DELHI: Broadcom Corporation, which on 10 September announced the first family of eight new hybrid satellite and terrestrial system-on-a-chip (SoC) broadcast devices for set-top boxes (STBs), today said it will power Ultra HD set-top box (STB) technology in collaboration with Vodafone Germany. 

     

    The full line of Broadcom is being demonstrated at the International Broadcasting Convention in Amsterdam.

     

    Vodafone’s 4K-enabled consumer set-top box, the first Ultra HD STB to be introduced in Germany, will deliver broadband subscribers Ultra HD content at 4X the resolution of traditional HD displays. Broadcom’s high efficiency video coding (HEVC)-enabled BCM7252 device allows operators such as Vodafone to use bandwidth more efficiently, enabling uninterrupted delivery otherwise bandwidth-intensive 4K, 60 frame-per-second transmissions (4Kp60) at 50 percent of the bit rate previously required.

     

    “Broadcom’s pioneering Ultra HD technology will enable Ultra HD content for millions of potential Vodafone’s fixed broadband subscribers,” said Broadcom senior vice president of marketing, broadband & connectivity group Rich Nelson. “As a leading provider of silicon for Ultra HD technology, Broadcom’s BCM7252 SoC allows Vodafone to bring crystal-clear Ultra HD definition content to consumer’s home TV sets for the first time in Germany.”

  • World’s first single-chip hybrid direct broadcast satellite terrestrial and IP devices for STBs

    World’s first single-chip hybrid direct broadcast satellite terrestrial and IP devices for STBs

    NEW DELHI: Broadcom Corporation, a global innovation leader in semiconductor solutions for wired and wireless communications, today announced the world’s first family of eight new hybrid satellite and terrestrial system-on-a-chip (SoC) broadcast devices for set-top boxes (STBs).

                               

    The new series unveiled at the International Broadcasting Convention in Amsterdam is engineered with pin-to-pin compatibility, allowing a single set-top design to be leveraged across the entire family. Broadcom will demonstrate the chips at IBC, 12 to 16 September.

     

    The new series brings Broadcom’s high efficiency video compression (HEVC) technology to terrestrial markets, enabling broadcasters to utilise spectrum more efficiently than with current MPEG-4 video compression standards. As a result, broadcasters gain options to deliver more competitive channel line-ups and improved content quality through the same or lower spectrum footprint. Broadcom’s new family of devices also combines HEVC with the advanced modulation efficiencies of DVB-S2, DVB-T2, ISDB-T and ATSC, and high-performance IP connectivity with MoCA 2.0. This unprecedented level of integration provides set-top manufacturers with a compelling value proposition for broadcasters as they continue service upgrades.

     

    “The combination of satellite and terrestrial front-ends that this family offers now provides significant benefits to viewers who want the best channel and content selection available,” said Broadcom senior vice president of marketing, broadband & connectivity Rich Nelson.

     

    “We believe HEVC will continue to be a key driver for the delivery of high-quality content. Today’s announcement demonstrates our commitment to our customers to proliferate HEVC broadly across our set-top box product family.”

     

    “Broadcasters and regulators throughout Europe and in emerging regions, including Africa, are waiting for the arrival of DVB-T2 with HEVC to launch or extend HD terrestrial services. In addition, we expect the ability to deliver hybrid IP-services using HEVC will benefit broadcasters launching premium add-on services, including some delivered over bandwidth-constrained cellular networks,” said ABI Research practice director Sam Rosen.

     

    “In addition to allowing the next generation of services, Broadcom’s  integration of HEVC in terrestrial, satellite and cable chipsets provides broadcasters with a future-proof to ensure the set-top boxes they deploy today will provide value through 2020 and beyond.”

  • Mobile app launched by Tourism Ministry for tourists guidance

    Mobile app launched by Tourism Ministry for tourists guidance

    NEW DELHI: An ‘Incredible India’ mobile application has been launched that will assist international and domestic tourists to access information about facilities recognised by the Tourism Ministry.

     

    Launched by Tourism Secretary Parvez Dewan, it lists tourism service providers, approved Inbound Tour Operators, Adventure Tour Operators, Domestic Tour Operators, Tourist Transport Operators, Travel Agents, Regional Level Guides, Classified Hotels available in respective cities / Tourist centers. Details of the same will be given through this application to the tourists on their mobile phones based on their current location. Tourists can also query similar details for any other city he plans to travel to in future. In addition to this, the application will provide places of interest.

     

    This mobile application has been developed as part of the initiative of the new government in taking important positive decisions, especially, affecting the general public since its taking over the charge.

     

    This new application developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC) will help the tourists in seeking services from government recognised service providers and receive quality and reliable services from them.

     

    The app demonstrates the Tourism Ministry’s commitment to use the technology for service delivery.  Incredible India Mobile Application is available for the Android phones on the Google Play store and for i phone this will available in App Store during the coming week.

  • Videocon introduces 4K ultra HD TV

    Videocon introduces 4K ultra HD TV

    MUMBAI: After bringing to India 4K HD quality service through its DTH arm Videocon d2h, Videocon has unveiled its 4K UHD LED TV.  With the new range of 4K UHD LED smart TVs, it aims to increase its market share in the flat panel display (FPD) segment to 20 per cent from the current 16 per cent.

     

    With 8.3 megapixels, the LED displays four times more pixels than a conventional full HD and eight times more than any HD LED.  Its ability to connect with the smart phone’s N Screen interface allows one to run the device’s content on the LED and vice-versa.

     

    Unveiling the new 4K UHD LED range, Videocon director Anirudh Dhoot said, “Videocon is committed to bringing the latest technology at a great value to all our customers, and the new 4K UHD range reflects this. In our constant efforts to enhance TV viewing experience, we have expanded our remarkable UHD 4K LED range and added 5 new models. With this launch we are targeting a 50 per cent increase in our TV sales when compared with last year. As 4K is the future, we will continue to expand in this segment to deliver unmatched products and premium experience to our customers.”

     

    Elaborating on the features of Videocon 4K UHD LED, Videocon COO CM Singh said, “Videocon 4K UHD LED TV is designed to provide stunningly crisp and realistic picture with 4K resolution that is full in details and true in colour. The new models are part of our cherished 4K range which has garnered a tremendous response from our consumers. We have carefully studied consumer’s requirements and have added features such as 3D gaming with motion sensing. With many more features, we are certain that Videocon 4K UHD LED is the India’s most feature-packed 4K ultra high definition smart TV.”

     

    It has innovative features like 3D gaming and face recognition the LED offers an unparalleled TV viewing experience which allows game enthusiasts and movie buffs to view content in 3D. Videocon 4K UHD LED offers 3D gaming with motion sensing feature which adds to the complete gaming experience. The smart TV comes with an in-built application store that aims to enhance the user experience.

     

    Allowing strong connectivity, the 4K UHD LED is powered by N screen and home cloud technology to enable the users to share media from the phone directly to their LED through wi-fi, and wireless display allows effortless streaming of movies from the mobile device to the HDTV.

     

    Equipped with MHL interface, the UHD LED allows users to connect their smart phones, tablets and other portable consumer electronic gadgets while simultaneously charging the device. This allows users to view content from their device on a 4K screen, without any lag. It is the first made in India MHL enabled LED.

     

    The LED can be controlled with a touch of a finger by the extraordinary touch pad remote. The LEDs grant ease of use for the most dramatic and impactful home entertainment experiences. Touted for its nautilus sound mode, the LED brings truly immersive high-quality surround sound.

      

    Comprising five new models in different screen sizes between 40 inches to 85 inches, Videocon 4K UHD LED will be available across markets by September.

     

    Videocon will also be coming up with a special 360 degree advertising campaign that would be spread across all major mediums to build top of mind recall. It also plans to add more models to its 4k range.

     

    The TV set price starts from Rs 91,000 with a target of selling 1 million units this festive season. Videocon d2h will be launching its 4K UHD service by October 2014.

  • Yo Yo Honey Singh goes digital; launches album on Hungama

    Yo Yo Honey Singh goes digital; launches album on Hungama

    MUMBAI: From launching Happy New Year trailer on Whatsapp to releasing Mary Kom pictures on social media, the industry is getting innovative with its marketing and promotional strategies and moving more towards the digital space. Yo Yo Honey Singh has also taken a digital leap.

    The latest album of the famous singer/rapper has been launched on the Hungama, a first of its kind initiative. “The main objective behind launching the album on an app was to distribute it to 20-25 million people at the same time who subscribe to the app,” said Hungama Digital Media CEO and MD Neeraj Roy.

    Launched by the press of a button on a smartphone, Desi Kalakaar is the first album of Yo Yo Honey Singh with a romantic angle. The album consists of eight songs. While the video of the title track was released on 26 August starring Sonakshi Sinha with the rapper, the videos of the other songs will be released over time. Shot like short movies with a basic storyline, all the videos will feature foreign locations.

    The album was released exclusively on all digital platforms across Hungama on 26 August, while it will be launched very soon on iTunes, YouTube and other platforms.

    Talking about the marketing strategy for the album, the MD said, “We are looking at a lot of famous forums to launch the album as it contains both music as well as rap songs. We are looking at taking the album to the international Honey Singh fan base through the app.”

    Excited about the launch, Hungama Digital Media COO (Consumer Business & Allied Services) Siddharth Roy said that he is confident that the album will succeed due to the Honey Singh magic and also because the artist has been extensively pushed and promoted by T-series.

    While the COO did not comment on the marketing and distribution cost, he added, “We will distribute the album to telecom giants like Vodafone live, Airtel music etc. We are expecting revenue by the audiences subscribing to the song through hello tunes and caller tunes. We are also looking to launch the album on the DTH platform through a campaign with Tata Sky. While the streaming is free for the audiences, the ads that come during the video will help us generate revenue.”

    The Hungama team may also add gaming element to the album by the second or third video release.

    While Honey Singh, Bhushan Kumar, Neeraj Roy and Siddharth roy were present at the launch, Sonakshi Sinha could not come due to prior engagements.

    Hungama exclusively sources content from 300 providers and distributes it in 60 countries over 500 networks.