ITV

Category: Software

  • nexGTv bags mobile streaming rights for IPL

    nexGTv bags mobile streaming rights for IPL

    MUMBAI: nexGTv, India’s premier mobile TV service, has bagged the official mobile streaming rights of Pepsi IPL 2013 from master rights holder Times Internet.

    nexGTv users will be able to catch all the action right on their handsets and in addition to this, match repeats and highlights will also be available in the Video-on-Demand section.

    Pepsi IPL channel will be clubbed into existing subscription packs of nexGTv. Hence users can watch it by subscribing to these packs. The service can be downloaded by sending a SMS mytv to 58888, or from any of the app stores and from nexgtv.com.

    With a total of 76 matches, the action will start on 3 April and go on till 26 May.

    DigiVive Director G.D. Singh said, “Cricket is not just a sport in India but the real source of entertainment with lot of emotions involved. This is ‘the real content’ desired by users. We have witnessed immense success during last cricketing actions that were streamed live on nexGTv. Streaming all the 76 matches of IPL is yet another step towards our commitment of delivering best possible service and content on our mobile TV platform.”

    Speaking on the partnership, Times Internet Limited (TIL) CEO Satyan Gajwani said, “Sports, and cricket in particular, is a strong area of focus for us. Partnering with nexGTV is a step forward for us in bringing IPL 2013 to cricket fans across mobile devices, allowing them to catch the IPL action anytime, anywhere. The last few years have been promising and we hope for higher engagement with mobile cricket’s fans this year.”

    In the past, when DigiVive had picked up rights to stream live T20 World Cup on nexGTv, huge traction and heavy traffic was witnessed and this cricket season is further expected to add on to the popularity of the service.

  • Hungama revamps its music app

    Hungama revamps its music app

    MUMBAI: Hungama.com, the largest digital destination for Bollywood, regional and South Asian music, has revamped its music app by adding a slew of new features like video streaming, mood-based music discovery, integrated loyalty and rewards functionality.

    The audio/video download streaming service will allow users to purchase and download entertainment content on connected mobile devices. Music intelligence is another aspect of the app, with an add-on feature which brings interesting trivia and lyrics to each song with just a touch.

    The ‘my stream’ option allows users to invite, share and connect with friends online through social networking platforms and initiate waves of interesting music conversations online.

    The ‘mood discovery’ functionality, another unique component, plays music to match users’ moods. This feature allows music discovery based on user preferences – Mood, Tempo, Category, Genre or Era.

    The loyalty feature that rewards users for every action on the app brings an element of gamification. Users can earn and redeem points every time videos are viewed or music is played/shared, or even by inviting friends or creating playlists.

    The free-to-download application brings an extensive catalogue of music tracks & videos with over two million songs from Bollywood, International, Telugu, Bhojpuri, Tamil, Malayalam and other regional content.

  • New study confirms co-relation between Twitter and TV ratings

    New study confirms co-relation between Twitter and TV ratings

    MUMBAI: US TV viewers are taking to Twitter to talk about TV and the digital chatter is building steam.

    According to SocialGuide, 32 million unique people in the U.S. Tweeted about TV in 2012. That’s quite the confab, but what does it all really mean for the TV industry? Should networks and advertisers be paying attention? Early research on the subject from US media research company Nielsen and SocialGuide says yes.

    By analysing Tweets about live TV, the study confirmed a relationship between Twitter and TV ratings. It also identified Twitter as one of three statistically significant variables (in addition to prior-year rating and advertising spend) to align with TV ratings.

    SocialGuide CEO Andrew Somosi said, “While prior-year rating accounts for the lion’s share of the variability in TV ratings, Twitter’s presence as a top three influencer tells us that Tweeting about live TV may affect programme engagement.

    “We expected to see a correlation between Twitter and TV ratings, but this study quantifies the strength of that relationship.”

    Much of the correlation is being driven by the rise in media consumption across multiple device screens. 80 per cent of US tablet and smartphone owners who watch TV use their device while watching at least several times a month. 40 per cent of US tablet and smartphone users visit a social network while watching TV.

    How well does Twitter align with TV program ratings? The recent Nielsen/SocialGuide study confirmed that increases in Twitter volume correlate to increases in TV ratings for varying age groups, revealing a stronger correlation for younger audiences. Specifically, the study found that for 18-34 year olds, an 8.5 per cent increase in Twitter volume corresponds to a one per cent increase in TV ratings for premiere episodes, and a 4.2 per cent increase in Twitter volume corresponds with a one per cent increase in ratings for midseason episodes. Additionally, a 14 per cent increase in Twitter volume is associated with a one per cent increase in TV program ratings for 35-49 year olds, reflecting a stronger relationship between Twitter and TV for younger audiences.

    Further, the study found that the correlation between Tweets and TV ratings strengthens for midseason episodes for both age groups. An increase in Twitter volume of 4.2 per cent and 8.4 per cent is associated with a one per cent increase in ratings for 18-34 year olds and 35-49 year olds, respectively. Moreover, by midseason Twitter was responsible for more of the variance in ratings for 18-34 year olds than advertising spend.

    Nielsen executive VP of media analytics Mike Hess said, “The TV industry is dynamic and it was important for us to analyse multiple variables to truly understand Twitter’s impact on TV ratings.

    “While our study doesn’t prove causality, the correlation we uncovered is significant and we will continue our research to deepen the industry’s understanding of this relationship.”

  • Nick in deal with Fuhu to launch co-branded tablet

    Nick in deal with Fuhu to launch co-branded tablet

    MUMBAI: Nickelodeon and Fuhu have signed a multi-year deal to produce and distribute Nickelodeon-themed tablet accessories and nabi Jr. tablets pre-loaded with the network‘s content.

    The first release of the partnership is the recently launched, touch screen nabi Jr. tablet, filled with educational apps, games, and videos, from hit Nickelodeon preschool series including Dora the Explorer, Team Umizoomi and Bubble Guppies.

    This spring, a line of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles-inspired mobile tablet accessories, such as character bumpers, Kinabis and stands, will be available nationwide, ranging from $19.99 to $79.99.

    “We are thrilled to partner with Fuhu, Inc., they are a leader in designing state of the art devices and kid-friendly mobile tablet accessories,” said Nickelodeon Consumer ProductsSenior Vice President, Global Toys and Consumer Electronics Manuel Torres.

    “Bringing our captivating characters and adventure-filled stories to the nabi Jr. tablets; and our line of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles-themed accessories, offers Nickelodeon fans a deeper connection with their favorite properties wherever they are.”

    “We are honored to partner with Nickelodeon, a company that is synonymous with rich and engaging kids and family entertainment, and is genuinely humbling to be creating a unique technology platform like nabi Jr. in collaboration with Nick Jr. content. We believe that this partnership will bring children consumer electronics, learning and entertainment to the next level,” said Fuhu CEO Jim Mitchell.

    “As a leader in entertainment and education, we are thrilled to bring Nickelodeon content to nabi Jr. tablets. Our preschool fans, with their parents, can learn while interacting with characters they love across games, videos and books,” said Nickelodeon Group VP, Games Vikram Goel.

    Additionally, Fuhu, Inc. is an associate sponsor of Nickelodeon‘s 26th Annual Kids‘ Choice Awards 23 March. The nabi Jr. tablet features an Nvidia Tegra dual-core processor, Android 4.0 ICS, 5-inch high-resolution (800×480) capacitive touch screen and rotating front and back camera for only $99.

    nabi Jr. is a breakthrough product that redefines education with the first tablet-based adaptive learning system that takes a holistic approach to courseware vs. individualised textbooks and stand-alone apps.

  • Govt fully backs freedom of expression for online media: Sibal

    Govt fully backs freedom of expression for online media: Sibal

    NEW DELHI: Communication and Information Technology Minister Kapil Sibal has reiterated that the country is ‘wedded to the freedom of expression’.

    Delivering the keynote address at the Google Big Tent Activate summit here, he underlined that the Internet is the most important and transformative forum. Underlining the power of the internet as a most inclusive medium, as there are no borders on the net, he stated we must move slowly but surely towards making internet the equinet.

    Sibal underlined the three important points for making the internet a truly empowering, transformational and inclusive force. He said from the point of view of the State, “we must have an enabling framework and rules and regulations must not come in the way of the growth of the net”. Secondly, he said networks in terms of fibre-optics and also wireless must be developed to facilitate access to the net. Thirdly, he said affordable access devices are needed for a true inclusive transformational internet revolution. Sibal also said that it will be truly transformative, if through the internet, we can reach people in their traditional languages.

    Google’s Big Tent Activate Summit aims to address questions like: Can India gain a global competitive edge by enabling the full economic potential of the Internet?; Will the Internet dilute Indian culture, or can it help preserve and share it locally and globally?; How is the Internet already changing the democratic process, and what will happen as many more constituents come online? The debate has become relevant in the wake of India‘s growing online population.

  • SUS multi-channel video subscriber universe sees small growth in 2012: SNL Kagan

    SUS multi-channel video subscriber universe sees small growth in 2012: SNL Kagan

    MUMBAI: US multichannel subscribers grew slightly in both Q4 2012 and for the full year, reversing the negative quarterly trends of the earlier two quarters. The small gain that brought total multichannel subs to 100.4 million illustrates the continued popularity of multichannel video alongside evidence that alternative access is siphoning the segment‘s growth potential, according to SNL Kagan.

    Multichannel service providers in the US collectively added 51,000 new customers in fourth quarter 2012, according to company reports, private MSO surveys and SNL Kagan estimates for total subscribers served by cable, satellite and telco video packages. The gains for the full year hinged on fourth-quarter performance following declines in the seasonally weak second and third quarters that essentially erased the 2012 first-quarter bump.

    The three platforms collectively added 46,000 video customers year over year in 2012, finishing the year with more than 100.4 million. While the industry has never posted a full-year decline in video subscribers, growth has proven difficult above the 100 million-household mark. For the year, SNL Kagan estimates that U.S. cable subs declined to 56.4 million, DBS subs grew to 34.1 million and telco video subs grew to 9.9 million.

    External factors continue to hold a place in the discussion, including persistent high unemployment and other macroeconomic weights along with widespread disruption to East Coast systems from Hurricane Sandy.

    However, the modest fourth-quarter and full-year 2012 subscriber growth suggests the segment is not rebounding with the broader economy, and customer formation is lagging the rebounding housing market. According to the fourth-quarter 2012 figures from the US Census Bureau housing survey, occupied housing continued to ramp up, adding nearly half a million new units when including occupied, seasonal and occasional-use households.

    The year-over-year comparison, which benefits from a standard backward revision in the survey, offers a broader perspective that supports the same trend line. The metric points to an annual net gain of 974,000 occupied, seasonal and occasional-use households, more than 21x the increase in multichannel subscribers over the same period. The result is a persistent dip in the multichannel penetration of occupied households in the US.

    According to SNL Kagan‘s overlay, the three primary platforms accounted for 84.7 per cent of the occupied homes in the US, down both sequentially and annually and off of the high point of 87.3 per cent registered in first quarter 2010.

    The cable industry posted a net loss in fourth quarter 2012 that was a significant improvement over the previous two quarters, but outpaced the segment‘s performance in the year-ago quarter. SNL Kagan estimates the industry dropped 418,000 video subs, a 0.7 per cent sequential decline. The segment lost 1.66 million video customers in 2012, an improvement over the 1.8 million dip in 2011.

    The telcos are experiencing slowing growth as their penetrations rise. The industry was still the driving force in subscriber growth, with more than 1.4 million new video customers in 2012. However, the momentum is slowing, down from nearly 1.6 million in 2011.

    DBS providers built on their slice of the video segment, but with net adds of 288,000 in 2012 — down from the nearly half a million new subs added in 2011 — growth is becoming more difficult to come by.

  • Sweden’s Com Hem to use SeaChange’s software platform for its VoD service

    Sweden’s Com Hem to use SeaChange’s software platform for its VoD service

    MUMBAI: SeaChange International, a global multi-screen video software company, has said that Swedish cable television operator, Com Hem, has selected the SeaChange Adrenalin video platform for its new Tivo service.

    Due for rollout later this year, Com Hem‘s new offering will include broadcast TV channels, VOD (video-on-demand), catch-up TV and start-over for DVB-based (Digital Video Broadcasting) TiVo set-tops, Lan set-tops, smartphones and tablets.

    Com Hem will use the Adrenalin video platform to integrate and manage a wide range of third-party components. These include TiVo‘s client solution and other third-party vendors in the ecosystem. SeaChange will provide its Professional Services to handle integration, customization and deployment.

    Com Hem manager R&D Jens Persson said, “Com Hem aims to offer subscribers the latest services in compelling bundles. With SeaChange‘s technology and services we can do that. The open Adrenalin architecture means we can integrate our existing equipment and systems effortlessly. And because it‘s easy to expand, the back office can grow as quickly as we do”.

    SeaChange SVP & GM Europe Middle East and Africa and APAC Andrei Noppe said, “We are delighted to support Com Hem in its rapid growth. Throughout Europe, customers come to SeaChange for our deep experience and expertise in on-demand service development. Our agreement with Com Hem marks continued expansion of SeaChange‘s strong presence in the Nordic and Baltic region, with customers from Denmark to Estonia.”

    About 40 per cent, or 1.75 million, of Sweden‘s households are connected to Com Hem‘s network. This gives them access to TV channels, HDTV and TV on Demand, as well as broadband and fixed line services. Com Hem is the latest European operator to choose SeaChange‘s next generation Adrenalin as a foundation for its VoD services.

    Adrenalin is based on an open service-oriented architecture which delivers a television experience that scales to serve millions of assets to any video device across multiple network types, either deployed in a network or in a hosted model. SeaChange‘s customers across Europe serve an estimated 36 million subscribers on televisions, PCs, tablets and mobile phones.

  • Sky adds Channel 4’s 4oD to a catch-up TV service

    Sky adds Channel 4’s 4oD to a catch-up TV service

    MUMBAI: UK pay TV service provider Sky customers will be able to access that the company says is a complete catch-up TV service following the addition of 4 on demand (4oD) to its On Demand service.

    The upgrade comes at no charge for Sky customers who have connected their Sky+HD box to broadband and can download catch-up content at a push of a button. New figures show that the surge in connections has continued in the early part of 2013, with the total number of connected Sky+HD boxes now surpassing two million and continuing to grow rapidly.

    With the launch of 4oD, catch-up content from Channel 4‘s portfolio of channels – including Channel 4, E4 and More 4 – will be available alongside hundreds of hours of great content from Sky 1, Sky Atlantic, Sky Living, Sky Arts, the BBC, ITV, Channel 5, the History Channel, National Geographic and others. Taken together, it means that Sky+ offers the most complete catch-up TV service in the UK, so customers never need to miss out on shows.

    At the same time, older shows and series from the Channel 4 archives will also become available to download from the library section of Sky‘s On Demand service, where box-sets of classic shows and series are available. Channel 4 series available on Sky will include ‘The Inbetweeners‘, ‘Shameless‘, ‘Spaced‘ and ‘The IT Crowd‘.

    In addition to joining the On Demand service on Sky+, Channel 4 is also the first terrestrial network to offer its channels and programmes on Sky Go, Sky‘s award-winning internet and mobile TV service. Sky Go users can now enjoy Channel 4 and More4 live on their laptop, smartphone, or tablet, with E4 and Film4 to follow shortly.

    In addition, a range of classic Channel 4 shows will be available within the On Demand section of Sky Go. And for Sky customers who upgrade to Sky Go Extra, those Channel 4 shows can be downloaded to watch offline, so they can enjoy TV on the move even when they‘re not connected to the internet.

    And finally, More4 HD joins Sky‘s line-up of HD channels, giving Sky‘s 4.5 million HD customers an even greater choice of their favourite TV in HD. Film4 HD will also join the Sky platform in September, further extending Sky‘s market-leading line-up of HD channels.

    Sky director of TV products Luke Bradley-Jones said, “The way people enjoy TV is changing as customers embrace technology to take control over their viewing. We know customers have busier lives than ever, which is why we‘ve created the most comprehensive catch-up service in the UK.

    “Over 2 million Sky customers have already connected their Sky+ box to the Internet so they can enjoy our full catch-up and On Demand service. But we are working hard to get even more Sky homes connected as we know our customers love the control and flexibility it gives them – it‘s a perfect complement to Sky+.

    “Offering great TV from Channel 4 on demand on Sky+ and on Sky Go at no extra charge is all part of our continued commitment to offer our customers the best combination of content and innovation.”

    Channel 4 director of commercial, business development Sarah Rose said, “The launch of our successful VOD service, 4oD, on the Sky on demand and Sky Go platforms this month will extend the reach of our content to enable even more viewers to enjoy our wide range of programmes. And through the recent arrival of More4 HD and much anticipated launch of Film4 HD in September, we‘re delighted to complete the roll out of our HD portfolio”.

  • I&B sets up monitoring system to keep tab on digitisation by MSOs

    I&B sets up monitoring system to keep tab on digitisation by MSOs

    NEW DELHI: The Information and Broadcasting Ministry has set up a Centralised Monitoring System to monitor the progress of digitisation and to ensure the mandatory adherence of transmitting digital encrypted signals by multi-system operators (MSOs).

    The Centralised Monitoring System will be able to detect those MSOs who do not carry the mandated encrypted signals. MSOs are required to carry encrypted signals of TV channels in areas where digitisation has been implemented as mandated by Section 4A of Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995. Transmission / Re-transmission of unencrypted signals would amount to violation of terms and conditions of MSOs.

    A web based pilot project for the Digital Addressable System (DAS) monitoring system installed at Bangalore is undergoing field trials for this purpose. Once implemented, it will enable the Ministry to keep a watch on the implementation of DAS by all the MSO licensees through this system. To start with, this system will help the users to centrally acquire, log, analyse and prepare report on the status of DAS parameters like total number/name of channels, encryption status etc of cable TV signals of head end of each registered MSO across the country in real time.

    This system can be augmented in future for content monitoring of the cable TV channels at local levels. It is expected that the system will also evolve as an alternative indicator of television viewing by consumers.

  • Zee News to boost presence in Singapore via StarHub

    Zee News to boost presence in Singapore via StarHub

    MUMBAI: Zee News will be expanding its distribution in Singapore. The Hindi-language news channel will be carried on pay TV operator StarHub from 2 April.

    With this launch, Zee News will be the first Hindi-language news channel to be made available in Singapore. Customers who currently subscribe to Zee TV will be able to catch Zee News at no additional charge.

    The addition of Zee News will augment the existing line-up of nine Hindi channels on StarHub TV which comprises Zee Cinema (Channel 130), Zee TV (Channel 125), Channel V India (Channel 132), Colors (Channel 128), Eros Bollywood On Demand (Channel 142), Sony Entertainment TV (Channel 127), Sony Max (Channel 131), Star Gold (Channel 129) and Star Plus (Channel 126).

    Programmes on Zee News include ‘Badi Khabar‘ which brings the biggest story of the day to viewers with moving pictures, analysis and in-depth coverage, the flagship bulletin ‘News @ 9‘ that contains all the main news items of the day, and The Inside Story that brings to light sensitive national issues that affect the ordinary man on the street.

    In addition to bringing the news coverage that matters to the Hindi-speaking community, StarHub TV will also be bringing the A-listers of Zee TV to the Singapore fans. StarHub will be presenting Zee Nite on 6 April at Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay. Zee Nite is a one-night only concert that showcases the best of India‘s television stars.

    StarHub VP of media business unit Lee Soo Hui said, “The addition of Zee News on StarHub TV helps to anchor our Hindi line-up with a strong news offering. Customers who are concerned about news affecting the Hindi-speaking community in India can now be kept up-to-date through Zee News.”

    “As Zee News is offered to Zee TV subscribers at no extra charge, customers can now enjoy two channels for the price of one. It is a testament of our commitment to continually offer the best programming with the greatest value to our subscribers.

    “We are also pleased to bring Zee Nite back to Singapore since its successful inauguration here in 2006. The stellar line-up of India‘s favourite TV stars at Zee Nite promises to be a treat for all fans of Hindi entertainment.”

    To allow StarHub TV customers to get a taste of both Zee News (channel 158) and Zee TV (channel 125), a two-week free preview will be held from 2 April to 16 April. StarHub TV customers can subscribe to Zee TV Pack which includes Zee TV and Zee News at a monthly subscription of $8.56 (including GST). Existing Zee TV customers will be able to enjoy Zee News at no additional cost.