Category: Software

MUMBAI/NEW DELHI: Just three days before the four metros move towards digital cable, a clutch of cable operators will have their petition heard in the Bombay High Court on 29 October seeking extension on the ground that they need more time to get their networks up and running.

They will argue that digital set-top boxes (STBs) have not reached a large number of consumer homes and they are yet to get the channels from broadcasters for carrying on their cable networks for their subscribers to watch.

“We will seek for more time as 1 November is too short a period to sort out a myriad of issues. The STB penetration is not what the government is stating. We haven’t got the decoders from broadcasters. How can we run our businesses? There should be an extension of the digitisation deadline,” said Kuldeep Puri, a promoter of Hathway Bhawani Cabletel & Datacom.

Among the petitioners are the Puri brothers and Paresh Thakkar, both associated with Hathway Cable & Datacom. The operators are from the eastern suburbs of Mumbai like Chembur, Ghatkopar and Govandi.

“We have signed with IndiaCast and have finalised terms with OneAlliance and Media Pro Enterprise India. But the decoders have not reached us,” said Kuldeep Puri.

The petitioners want time so that new entrants would be given a fair opportunity to set up their independent ventures.

The Puri brothers are planning to set up an independent operation outside their joint venture with Hathway Cable & Datacom. They will have Ericsson as their digital head-end while Sumavision Technologies will provide the encryption solution. They own 12 per cent stake in Hathway Bhawani Cabletel & Datacom, according to data available till 30 September 2012.

“Our joint venture arrangement continues. Hathway has also agreed that we can go ahead and independently run our operations to tap other subscribers,” said Kuldeep Puri.

The government has claimed that the average percentage in the four metros of Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai had touched 85 per cent and goes up to 90 per cent if direct-to-home (DTH) is taken into consideration. Mumbai, according to the government, has achieved nearly 100 per cent digitisation. These figures, however, have been hotly contested by the cable operators. Other stakeholders also find it difficult to believe the government figures, though they are not open about it.

Thakkar has said that television sets going blank from 1 November may result in a law and order problem and also create a hazard for the operators.

The petition also says that there is still no clear picture on the monthly subscription bill of cable TV subscribers after the switch over to digital reception of cable television.

The government has mandated compulsory switch over to digital delivery of cable television from 1 November in the four metros of Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Kolkata.

MUMBAI: With the era of analogue prints set to end by 2013, Fujifilm, which has been mainly providing negative films for shooting and positive films for projection in its motion picture film business operations, has decided to shift its business operations to provide products and services designed for digital workflow of motion picture production and projection.

Digital cinema camera shooting has been gaining momentum, and digital editing that heavily uses CG composition and VFX processing has now become common in motion picture production. There is also an increase in the number of theatres that are converting into digital projection, following the increase of 3D motion pictures, implying the dramatically advancing digitalisation in the motion picture industry.

In such a trend, Fujifilm had strived to reduce the costs of the production process for its existing negative films and positive films and continued to supply such films. However, the dramatic decrease of demand in the last few years, has become far too great a burden to be covered by corporate efforts. Therefore, it has been decided to discontinue the sales of negative films, positive films, and some other products of motion picture in a prospect of March 2013.
 
Fujifilm will continue to provide films suitable for long-term archiving, high-performance lens for motion pictures, and other products and services designed for digital workflow of motion picture production and exhibition.

MUMBAI: The analogue TV signal in Northern Ireland has been switched off, completing the UK‘s transition to digital broadcasting.

It was the last UK region to switch off its signal, bringing an end to the 80-year-old analogue transmission technology.

The process took five years. Ofcom welcomed the successful completion of the UK’s switchover from analogue to digital terrestrial television.

This has ensured that all UK households now have access to digital television channels and has also paved the way for the next generation of mobile broadband.

The switchover to digital has freed up much needed capacity that will be used to deliver the fourth generation (4G) of mobile services. At the end of this year Ofcom will start the process of auctioning the Digital Dividend, the airwaves previously occupied by analogue television.

Ofcom CEO Ed Richards said, “The UK’s switchover to digital has been a huge success. Not only has is created more TV choice for consumers, it has also freed up vital capacity that will be used to deliver mobile broadband services to 98% of cities, towns and villages across the UK. Now that switchover is complete, Ofcom is looking forward to delivering the 4G auction as the next step in delivering new higher speed mobile broadband services.”

MUMBAI: Netflix, the Internet subscription service for enjoying TV shows and movies, now has more than 30 million streaming members globally, including over 25 million in the U.S.

Netflix hit the 10 million member milestone in 2009, a decade after it launched its DVD-by-mail service in the US. That number jumped to 20 million members by the end of 2010 with the widespread adoption of the Netflix streaming video service in the US and Canada.

The expansion over the last 22 months comes both from the continued growth of US and Canadian streaming subscribers as well as the introduction of the Netflix “watch instantly” service to new markets in Latin America and Europe.
 
Netflix is currently available in 51 countries, with Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland the most recent additions.

In a Facebook post Netflix co-founder and CEO Reed Hastings thanked subscribers. “Your choice to be a Netflix member helps us to get more content every year and helps us further improve the Netflix experience. You make it possible for us to create the most amazing Internet television experience ever.”

MUMBAI: Global multi-screen video software company SeaChange International is presenting its next generation multi-screen software for optimising and monetising video services on TVs, tablets, smartphones, PCs and other devices at the TelcoTV 2012 conference in Las Vegas.

Demonstrated from the cloud at the show, SeaChange is featuring its Nitro subscriber experience, running on the Adrenalin multi-screen video platform, and the Infusion advanced advertising solution.

SeaChange CTO Steve Davi said, “SeaChange‘s flexible cloud-based software enables video service providers of all sizes to reach their subscribers across multiple screens. We‘ll show at TelcoTV that our solutions provide a range of advantages, including a unified subscriber experience on TV, tablet and other devices, as well as the means to fully promote cross-platform services and seamlessly integrate advertising.”

SeaChange Adrenalin is a multi-screen video platform that enables video service providers to manage, monetize and deliver a seamless experience to subscribers across devices. Based on an open service-oriented architecture, this platform incorporates applications focused on business management, content management, recommendations, monitoring, and client publishers.

SeaChange Nitro is the next generation multi-screen user experience application that enables video service providers to provide a seamless presentation of linear and on-demand content across mobile, PC, tablet and TV screens. Nitro leverages HTML5 to give subscribers intuitive features and functionality to navigate and manage video content on any screen they choose, including catch-up TV, search, recommendations, bookmarking, TV listings and social media.

SeaChange Infusio is an advanced ad solution that represents the transformation of SeaChange‘s video ad technology into an enhanced monetisation platform that seamlessly unites television and internet ad operations. Infusion enables targeted, multi-screen ad insertion capabilities for pre-, mid- and post-rolls, overlays, banner ads, click-throughs, and companion ads.

Demonstrations will include ad insertion into linear and on-demand streams on multiple devices, as well as “second screen ad re-targeting” on tablets based on what‘s concurrently shown on TV.

MUMBAI: Bengaluru-based digital marketing technology company Vizury Interactive raised close to $9 million in its Series B round of funding.

The funding was led by Nokia Growth Partners (NGP) with participation from existing investors Ojas Ventures and Inventus Capital Partners. Existing angel investors who led the seed round of funding also continue to remain invested.

The funds will be used to strengthen the company‘s presence across Asia, Australia and South America, step up the research and development efforts and drive product innovations.

Vizury offers a retargeting solution called Visitor Relationship Management (VRM) that enables eCommerce and online travel companies to harness the full value of their digital data in a structured and multi-phase manner. VRM users include Webjet, Virgin Airlines, Expedia, Zuji, Netshoes, Viajanet, Zozo, Kokuken, Ctrip, Yintai, Jabong, Jet Airways and MakeMyTrip.

Vizury co-founder and CEO Chetan Kulkarni said, “We see this funding as an endorsement of our approach to strategically partner with our customers and help them drive revenue using a combination of cutting edge technology and enterprise class service. The capital infusion will allow us to accelerate our investments in R&D, bring new products to market and establish ourselves as clear leaders in the space. Having NGP, Inventus and Ojas in our corner will be invaluable as we make the next big leap.”

NGP (US) managing partner John Gardner said, “Vizury‘s industry-leading behavioural ad targeting products and intense customer focus position the company well for expansion across a number of regions. With this investment, we reinforce NGP‘s commitment to investing in the growth of the global advertising technology space.”

NGP Advisors India principal Anupam Rastogi has joined Vizury‘s Board post this development. He said, “We are pleased with the strong product, technology and analytic capabilities that Vizury has built. We believe Vizury‘s technology has the potential to optimize customer acquisition and digital marketing for a range of clients. We look forward to working with Vizury and supporting the team in its global growth.”

MUMBAI: Microsoft has announced the availability of Windows 8 for its customers in India and around the world.

This will be available to Indian customers from 26 October.

Windows 8 is offering new user interface (UI), a wide range of applications with the “grand opening” of the Windows Store, available on a variety of Windows 8 certified PCs and tablets.

Windows 8 PCs and tablets will be available in India from 14 OEM partners – Acer, Asus, Dell, Fujitsu, HCL, Hewlett Packard, Lenovo, RP Infosystems, Sai Info System, Samsung, Sony, Toshiba, Wipro and Zenith Computers on a variety of form factors – from tablets and hybrids to laptops and ultrabooks, on both touch and non-touch devices.

In India, over 250 Windows 8 enabled devices, including 23 completely new SKUs (Stock-keeping unit) of Windows 8 PCs are available across 100 cities and more than 2500 retail stores.

Microsoft Corporation chairman Bhaskar Pramanik said, “With the launch of Windows 8, Microsoft is unveiling a reimagined Windows to the world. Whether you want a tablet or a PC, whether you want to consume or create, whether you want to work or play – Windows 8 delivers a personalised experience that fits your unique style and needs.”

Windows 8 is natively cloud-connected and users just need to sign in once with their Microsoft account, to ensure that all the things including mails, calendars, contact, and pictures are synced across multiple devices.

In Windows 8, Internet Explorer 10 is touch-ready and delivers a full screen browsing experience.

Windows 8 will be available in two versions at retail, Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro. And for business customers who have signed up for software assurance, Windows 8 Enterprise offers new possibilities in mobile productivity with features like Windows To Go, DirectAccess, and BranchCache, as well as enhanced end-to-end security with features including BitLocker and AppLocker.

Launching at the same time is Windows RT, which is designed for ARM-based tablets. It will be available pre-installed on new devices.

In India a range of free and paid apps can be downloaded including Bharat Matrimony, BigFlix, BookMyShow, Bookyourtable, Burrp, Dhingana, Fastrack Tees, Flyte MP3, Gaana, Goibibo, Hindustan Times, ICICI Bank iMobile, ICICIDirect, JustEat, MakeMyTrip Explore, MapmyIndia, my airtel, NDTV Play, PVR Cinemas, Tarla Dalal, The Times of India, Yahoo Cricket, and Zovi.

Additionally, consumers can also upgrade their existing PCs. From 2 June 2012 until 31 January 2013, consumers currently running PCs with Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7, are qualified to download Windows 8 Pro for an estimated retail price of Rs 1,999.

For Windows 7 PCs purchased between 2 June, 2012 and 31 January 2013, consumers can download Windows 8 Pro for an estimated retail price of Rs 699 with the Windows Upgrade Offer.

A few days back, Microsoft had launched surface tablet. Microsoft‘s new launches gather significance as the company is positioning itself as a hardware and software player to take on competitors like Google and Apple.

MUMBAI: With the holiday season in the US right around the corner, consumers are eagerly awaiting the latest video-game releases—a list that varies considerably by console, according to the Nielsen Game Rank for Q4 2012.

Halo 4 continues to rank highest for Xbox 360 gamers, while Call of Duty: Black Ops II is an extremely close second for Xbox 360 (0.25 per cent behind), and also tops the PS3 list.

Just Dance 4 still provides the greatest degree of allure for Wii gamers.

NBA 2K13 and WWE ’13 rank in the top six and top eight respectively, for all three current-generation consoles (Xbox 360, PS3, Wii). And while not releasing on Wii, Assassin’s Creed III and Resident Evil 6 rank between 96 to 98 per cent for both Xbox 360 and PS3. The new reboot of Need For Speed: Most Wanted also lands in the top six titles for both of those consoles as well.
 
Apart from Halo 4, the other first-party exclusive title from Microsoft cracking the top ten for Xbox 360 is Fable: The Journey, while Sony’s exclusive LittleBigPlanet Karting rounds out the top ten for PS3. Transformers Prime: The Game hits the top ten for Wii, and though it is not exclusive to Wii, it is offered only on Nintendo platforms.

Narrowly missing a top ten ranking was the recently released and industry-acclaimed Dishonored. A new property in a sea of sequels and powerhouse franchises, it stands to reason that apart from the avid gamers the general gaming public may not have been as acutely aware of this title when the data was collected over the past month.

MUMBAI: Online video service iStream.com will be showing Brazilian National Football Championship, Brasileirao Serie A, in India.

iStream.com has entered into a three-year deal with Total Sports Asia for live streaming Brasileirao Serie A. All the matches and highlights will also be available on demand.

iStream.com founder, CEO Radhakrishnan Ramachandran said, “In terms of the quality of football, this is among the best football leagues in the world today. BRASILEIR?O Serie A has been the breeding ground for football superstars over the last few decades including Pele, Romario, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Kaka, Cafu, Zico, Roberto Carlos, Rivaldo, etc and we are extremely proud to bring this to our Indian audience”.

Total Sports Asia director sales, business development Vishal Jaison said,”With increasing broadband penetration in the country, it was important for us to extend our distribution of the Brazilian Football League over the internet. With iStream, we have found the right partner who will stream the exciting league to the increasing number of internet subscribers in India”.
The current sensation Neymar, who is tipped to be the next global superstar, plays for the Brazilian club Santos and scored the goal that was voted the best goal in 2011 by Fifa. Brasileirao Serie A will have 38 rounds and will be aired till 2 December 2012.

Apart from the Brazilian National League, iStream will also be showing the S?o Paulo State Championship (Paulista), which is the most competitive and organised Regional Championship of Brazil, gathering Brazilian top Clubs like Corinthians, S?o Paulo, Santos and Palmeiras.

Paulista League will start in January 2013 and will last till the second week of May.

iStream.com will also be showing the magazine shows ‘FootBrazil Highlight’ and ‘FootBrazil Magazine Show’. The ‘FootBrazil Highlight’ is a highlight show with the best moments and goals of the main Matches of the round. The “FootBrazil Magazine Show” is a 26 minutes Electronic Magazine show with a review of the round, interviews with personalities of the Brazilian Football and a Preview of the next round.

MUMBAI: The worldwide pay-TV market is growing on all major TV platforms worldwide, including cable, satellite, and IPTV. Pay-TV service revenue is expected to reach $236 billion by the end of 2012, up from $223 billion in 2011, according to ABI Research’s pay-TV Market Data, which looks at average revenue per user (Arpu) and revenues worldwide.

ABI Research expects the pay-TV market to continue to grow 19 per cent over the next five years, generating $281 billion in 2017. Pay terrestrial TV services, however, are losing steam with a small drop in revenue; the French pay-TV platform TV Numeric is in receivership and likely to close at the end of the year.

DirecTV experienced Arpu growth in the United States as a result of higher penetration in premium packages; it saw significant subscriber and revenue growth in Latin America, although Arpu fell slightly as more customers chose less expensive packages.

Cable-TV maintains the largest share of the market through 2017, although it is losing market share to both satellite and IPTV. North American cable operators have experienced drops in their subscriber base over the past few quarters.

Growth in satellite and IPTV services in North America comes at the expense of cable. This competitive shift, coupled with a small drop in pay-tv penetration, lead cable-TV revenues to fall about one per cent in 2012 despite a small increase in ARPU.Global Cable-TV service revenue market-share is expected to drop to 47 per cent in 2012 from 48 per cent in 2011.

DirecTV tops ABI Research’s global satellite TV market share ranking, both in terms of subscriber base and service revenue at the end of 2Q-2012.

Research analyst Khin Sandi Lynn said, “DirecTV experienced ARPU growth in the United States as a result of higher penetration in premium packages; it saw significant subscriber and revenue growth in Latin America, although ARPU fell slightly as more customers chose less expensive packages”.