ITV

Category: Technology

  • Radiation norms non-compliant mobiles can no longer be sold in India

    NEW DELHI: The government, which had introduced stringent mobile radiation norms from 1 September last year, has now said in new norms that non-complaint phone makers will not be permitted to operate in India.

     

    Companies manufacturing or importing mobile phones for sale in India will have to ensure that the handsets are compliant with new norms. In the EMF (Electromagnetic Frequency) Radiation Standards issued last year, mobiles to be manufactured from 1 September 2012 were to have one tenth of the radiation levels compared to the then mobiles.

    The government had also said at that time that the mobile handsets with existing designs which were compliant with 2.0 W/kg averaged over 10 gram of human tissue would continue to co-exist up to 31 August 2013. Thereafter, only the mobile handsets with revised SAR value of 1.6 W/kg would be permitted to be manufactured or imported in India.

     

    It is expected that this may also help in curbing illegal imports and help Indian manufacturers such as Micromax, Karbonn, Lava and Spice to avoid pricing pressure in the market since they will not compete with lesser known rivals.

     

    Under the new rule put in place by the Communication and Information Technology Ministry, the exposure of radiation emitted from a mobile phone over a gram of human tissue should not be more than 1.6 watt if a consumer uses it for six minutes.

     

    All companies will have to display radiation emitted from mobile phones on the handset in terms of SAR (specific absorption rate) unit. According to a Department of Telecom official, no fresh stock of non-compliant mobile phones will be allowed to be sold from 1 September.

     

    Bureau of India Standards is also working on certain norms which are expected to provide clause for seizure of non-compliant handsets, the official said. These guidelines made India one of the select few countries in the world to have stringent, established in the interest of public health, for mobile towers and mobile handsets. Indian standards are now 10 times more stringent than more than 90 per cent countries in the world.

     

    Furthermore, the Manufacturer‘s mobile handset booklet will contain safety precautions. All cell phone handsets sold in the market in India will comply with relevant standards and shall be available in hands free mode.

     

    A scientific study in India-specific context is being undertaken jointly by the Department of Telecom and Department of Science and Technology in collaboration with the Indian Council for Medical Research, the Ministry of Environment and Forests, and the Science & Technology Ministry to derive norms based on credible scientific evidence taking into account diversity of Indian social context.

     

    While guidelines for consumers on mobile handset usage have been issued and placed on the DoT Web site (http://www.gov.dot.in), they include keeping distance – Holding the cell phone away from the body to the extent possible; using a headset (wired or Bluetooth) to keep the handset away from and not pressing against the head, and limiting the length of mobile calls and using text.

     

    Radio Frequency (RF) energy is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the source – being very close increases energy absorption much more. Other precautions include putting the cell phone on speaker mode and not carry a mobile phone that is close to the chest or pants pocket. When a mobile phone is switched-on, it automatically transmits at high power every one or two minutes to check (poll) the network.

  • Jet Airways launches new mobile app

    MUMBAI: Jet Airways has launched its mobile application designed exclusively for Android smartphones.

    The mobile application will allow the airline’s guests to book tickets, check the flight status, manage their JetPrivilege account and get special promotional offers. The mobile application is now available for free download from Google Play.

    The Jet Airways mobile application leverages the Android platform’s features and design, making it an easy-to-use tool for passengers through their journey.

    The application offers a convenient booking and secure payment process allowing credit card transactions accompanied by the ability to save and access booked itineraries.

    Other features include real time flight status check, with the option to search using flight number, airport or route, registration for receiving real time flight status notification, and the opportunity to avail special offers and news updates.
     

  • AoIP advancements for APT’s Oslo audio codec platform

    MUMBAI: WorldCast Systems’ codec specialists, APT, have announced a significant upgrade to the AoIP functionality of their industry-leading codec platform, the WorldNet Oslo.

     

    This new version, which will be demonstrated at IBC 2013, brings two main new benefits to the broadcaster: greater channel density and unique scripting and control capabilities. 

     

    The Oslo’s AoIP module combines audio, IP transport, management and auxiliary data (basically the complete functionality of a codec unit), onto a single, plug-in module. This newest version 1.2 now supports Simplex modes, enabling the AoIP module to operate as either a Dual Stereo Encoder or Dual Stereo Decoder in addition to the existing duplex Stereo Codec mode. With four simplex channels per module, a single Oslo platform can now offer the broadcaster up to 16 or 32 channels of professional quality audio in only 1U or 3U of rackspace. This makes the Oslo an extremely cost-effective option for studio and transmitter sites handling multi-channel encode or decode. 

     

    As well as increasing the channel density, version 1.2 of the Oslo AoIP module also offers support for ScriptEasy, the intelligent scripting application from our partner company, Audemat. 

     

    ScriptEasy is a hugely powerful and flexible tool that enables a broadcast engineer to control not only the behaviour of their APT codec but also other equipment co-located at the codec site. The control goes much further than standard codec software, enabling the specification of complex combinations of alarm and events scenarios and the precise definition of what action should be triggered should any of these occur. This allows you to create and manage many individual back-up scenarios, remotely reconfigure units and receive confirmation of status as well as schedule specific changes to the configuration or streams.

     

    ScriptEasy can also provide consolidated monitoring by aggregating data received via SNMP with controls from traditional I/O and summary data into a user-friendly dashboard view. This dashboard will provide simple graphical statuses of many different parameters across several units in your network.

     

    “ScriptEasy takes codec control to the next level,” commented Christophe Poulain, Group VP Sales for WorldCast Systems. “One early adopter of Scripteasy on the AoIP codec has used the technology to create a complex scheduler, automatically connecting and disconnecting from multicast IP addresses to create a complete program schedule across numerous sites. Not only is Scripteasy the tool that creates the schedule it is also the tool that polices the schedule sending alarms to a central site should audio not be present on the correct decoder at the scheduled time. There are no other codecs on the market capable of such sophisticated management.”

     

    The AoIP module in the Oslo 1U and Oslo 3U platforms will be on display on the WorldCast Systems’ stand 8.B50 during IBC 2013 in Amsterdam from the 13-17 September 2013.

  • Vizrt sets the benchmark for high quality video productivity at IBC

    Vizrt sets the benchmark for high quality video productivity at IBC

    MUMBAI: At the International Broadcasting Convention (IBC), Vizrt will display tools to increase graphics and video productivity, enhance live sports broadcasts, and streamline production. IBC2013 will be held from 12-17 September in the RAI convention center in Amsterdam.

    Among the highlights will be new technology that allows designers to run Viz Artist with a remote connection to a powerful cloud computer. A press conference on 13 September at 8:00 am in the RAI’s news conference room will present full details of this development and other top news from Vizrt.

    Vizrt’s real-time 3D compositing system, has increased its rendering capability beyond HD to 4k. Vizrt will display the breakthrough 4k rendering capability of the Viz Engine at the IBC show.

    Viewers on mobile devices, online, and on-air have the best possible viewing experience without the delay caused by transcoding.

    Viz Media Engine includes an extension panel to Adobe Premiere Pro CC that enables Premiere Pro users on both Mac and Windows to search and access media held within Viz Media Engine without leaving the Premiere Pro interface.

    With Viz Arena, broadcasters can superimpose animated 3D graphics, text, video, logos, images and animation over the live coverage of a sports event. The graphics remain in place, regardless of camera movement. The 3D graphics appear to be part of the live coverage.

    Vizrt will also display the Vizrt Online Suite integrated with Viz Media Engine. This integration gives journalists the ability to search all assets contained within Viz Media Engine from the Vizrt Online Suite CMS. MOS rundowns can also now be viewed within the Vizrt Online suite CMS.

    A cross-platform implementation between the Viz Media Engine and Vimond’s over-the-top TV toolset will enable broadcasters to control their video content across multiple platforms and monetise their content online.

  • Rs 800 crore earmarked for two communication satellites in current year

    NEW DELHI: A budget of Rs 800 crore has been set aside for the launch of the GSAT 15 and GSAT 16 communication satellites during 2013-14.


    However, the total budget for GSAT-15 is Rs 859.5 crore and the figure for GSAT-16 is Rs 865.5 crore.






    GSAT-15 is a geostationary communication satellite which will carry 24 Ku-band transponders and one GAGAN (GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation) payload. GSAT-15 satellite will support the existing Direct-To-Home (DTH) and Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) services in the country and the GAGAN payload will be a part of GAGAN space segment to provide better air traffic management over Indian Air Space.


    GSAT-16 is a geostationary communication satellite which will carry 24 C-band, 12 Ku-band and 12 Upper Extended C-band transponders. GSAT-16 satellite will support satellite based telecommunication, television, VSAT and other services in the country.


    GSAT-15 and GSAT-16 satellites are targeted for launch during the 2014-16 timeframe. The two satellites were approved in July this year, Minister of State in Prime Minister’s Office V Narayansamy told Parliament.


    The revenue earned by ANTRIX Corporation, the commercial arm of the department, through leasing of INSAT/GSAT transponders during the year 2012-13 is approximately Rs 482.67 crore.


    This revenue accrues from service providers of Direct-To-Home (DTH) services, TV Uplink services, Digital Satellite News Gathering (DSNG) services and Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) services. This revenue does not include the capacities provided to various societal applications such a tele-education, tele-medicine, Village Resource Center, Disaster Management and part of public broadcasting services, which are not of the nature of revenue-earning services.


    At present, there are nine operational INSAT/GSAT communication satellites: INSAT-3A, INSAT-3C, INSAT-3E, INSAT-4A, INSAT-4B, INSAT-4CR, GSAT-8, GSAT-10 and GSAT-12. The total number of transponders available at present from these satellites is 195 operating in C, Extended C, Ku, and S-bands.


    Transponders on communication satellites are leased to users after the launch and operationalisation of the satellite. The Department of Space leases the transponders on INSAT/GSAT satellites through ANTRIX.

  • Marshall Electronics introduces its first products for professional broadcast and A/V applications

    MUMBAI: Marshall Electronics has announced that its newly formed Wireless Division is developing a number of solutions for professional broadcast, audio, and video applications.

    Marshall Electronics‘ new Wireless HDMI transmitter/receiver system brings together its high quality audio with its new cutting-edge video technology for remote DSLR monitoring and audio-visual solutions. The system’s range of 300ft. improves the limited HDMI cable distance up to 10 times. The 300ft range does not require a direct line of sight.

    The Wireless Monitor System is available with the V-LCD70MDW 7” camera-top field monitor or V-LCD90MDW 9” camera-top field monitor. With each monitor, the user has the choice of two wireless receiver battery mounting plates: the V-ABR when using Anton-Bauer batteries or the V-VMR when using the IDX style V-Mount batteries.

    A third receiver option is the VWHR, a standalone receiver that can be used with any monitor and a WHDI transmitter.

    The monitors work with two available transmitters. The V-WHT-A stick transmitter plugs directly into the camera and draws power from the camera’s HDMI port. The V-MHT-B belt pack transmitter can use a variety of small DSLR or camcorder batteries.

    In addition to wireless monitors, Marshall has released the FR-500WK Wireless Professional Portable Audio System under the MXL brand. It is a belt pack system consisting of a compact, battery-operated transmitter and a receiver with a unique built-in speaker for extra versatility. The receiver is mountable directly onto a DSLR camera.
     

  • DDB MudraMax wins digital media mandate for Experion Group

    MUMBAI: DDB MudraMax has won the digital media mandate for Experion Group. The client will be handled out of the DDB MudraMax office in Delhi.


    Experion is a 100 per cent FDI funded real estate developer backed by Experion Holding (Singapore), the real estate investing arm of the $2.5 billion AT Holdings Group of Companies. Other businesses of AT Holdings include Construction, Oil & Gas, Renewable Energy and Asset Management.






    Commenting on choosing DDB MudraMax, Marketing Experion Developers senior manager Rishi Raj Sethi said, “We met some of the top agencies before we chose DDB MudraMax. We liked their creative inputs and media strategy.  Having found the category to be highly competitive, we found it to be one where a lot is possible with the digital medium and DDB MudraMax provided us with insights that showcased their expertise in this segment.”






    On winning the account, DDB MudraMax Sr. VP and head-media, Delhi Anwesh Bose said, “It is always delightful to be recognised and rewarded, especially when our approach of business driven solutions for clients is finding resonance in this win. It’s a challenging responsibility that we have of creating value in a very busy category & we look forward to make a favourable and tangible difference for Experion.”

  • Sony Music Jive claims to be most downloaded app

    Sony Music Jive claims to be most downloaded app

    MUMBAI: Sony Music Jive has claimed to be the most downloaded and accepted app. The app, launched six months back, was created for making legitimate music easy to use for customers. Launched by Sony Music India, the app is also a part of the Sony Xperia range of handsets and the new Sony Vaio range of laptops.

    Sony Music Jive allows consumers to download and stream unlimited music for free for a period of six months after which the consumer has to pay a nominal monthly fee.

    Sony Music Jive president India and Middle East Shridhar Subramaniam said, “Sony Music Jive is our foray into directly engaging with consumer by offering them a unique and compelling digital music proposition. It has been more than six months since the service was launched and we have been very encouraged by the consumer response. As a brand, we have been doing a number of digital innovations and the launch of this new hybrid application is another such.”

     The users can browse through over two million songs across multiple genres -pop, rock, reggae, hip hop, country, classical, dance, Indian regional, Bollywood and download to create a playlist or just listen on the go.  Sony Music Jive has access to iconic Bollywood soundtracks – Lagaan, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Guru , Kal Ho Na Ho, Rang De Basanti, Dostana, Kabhi Kushi Kabhi Gam, Jannat, Student of the Year, Agneepath, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Raanjhaana to 100 years of international music ranging from iconic and pop artists such as Elvis Presley, Bruce Springsteen, Whitney Houston, Aerosmith, Bob Dylan, Micheal Jackson, Santana, AR Rahman, Shakira, Beyonce, Keisha, Pitbull to pop stars like KK, Lucky Ali, Strings, Daler Mehendi, Harris Jayraj, Kailash Kher and more. 

    The app plans to be available across operating systems and integrated with operators for all consumers to have access to this service.

  • Sony Music Jive claims to be most downloaded app

     

    MUMBAI: Sony Music Jive has claimed to be the most downloaded and accepted app. The app, launched six months back, was created for making legitimate music easy to use for customers. Launched by Sony Music India, the app is also a part of the Sony Xperia range of handsets and the new Sony Vaio range of laptops.

    Sony Music Jive allows consumers to download and stream unlimited music for free for a period of six months after which the consumer has to pay a nominal monthly fee.

    Sony Music Jive president India and Middle East Shridhar Subramaniam said, “Sony Music Jive is our foray into directly engaging with consumer by offering them a unique and compelling digital music proposition. It has been more than six months since the service was launched and we have been very encouraged by the consumer response. As a brand, we have been doing a number of digital innovations and the launch of this new hybrid application is another such.”

     The users can browse through over two million songs across multiple genres -pop, rock, reggae, hip hop, country, classical, dance, Indian regional, Bollywood and download to create a playlist or just listen on the go.  Sony Music Jive has access to iconic Bollywood soundtracks –Lagaan, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Guru , Kal Ho Na Ho, Rang De Basanti, Dostana, Kabhi Kushi Kabhi Gam, Jannat, Student of the Year, Agneepath, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Raanjhaana to 100 years of international music ranging from iconic and pop artists such as Elvis Presley, Bruce Springsteen, Whitney Houston, Aerosmith, Bob Dylan, Micheal Jackson, Santana, AR Rahman, Shakira, Beyonce, Keisha, Pitbull to pop stars like KK, Lucky Ali, Strings, Daler Mehendi, Harris Jayraj, Kailash Kher and more. 

    The app plans to be available across operating systems and integrated with operators for all consumers to have access to this service.
     

  • Apple TV gets Disney Channels app, Microsoft’s Xbox offers Time Warner Cable

    MUMBAI: Apple and Microsoft have added new channels to their streaming video devices that boost their available content. It’s a step forward for both gadgets but doesn’t break the a la carte wall just yet. Apple TV was upgraded to include apps for Disney channels – pay TV subscription required – Vevo and the Weather Channel, while Microsoft’s Xbox 360 console added a subscription-contingent Time Warner Cable app. The latter offers access to 300 TV channels including CNN, AMC and Comedy Central.

    Blair Westlake, corporate VP of Microsoft’s media and entertainment group, told the Wall Street Journal’s Digits blog that his company had considered licensing channels directly from media companies to create a service similar to the kinds of online cable TV products planned by Intel and Sony. “We looked at it and said if we can deliver an app or apps like the one we are lighting up today” with Time Warner Cable, that’s “really what people expect.”