Category: Software

MUMBAI: Google is fast building up its fiber-based IPTV service. Close on the heels of adding Disney and ESPN network channels, it has included Turner Broadcasting System channels in Google Fiber.

The channels added now span across news, sports, kids and Spanish-language genre. The channels are Boomerang, Cartoon Network, CNN, CNN en Espa?ol, CNN International, HLN, hTV, infinito, MLB Network Strike Zone (as part of an add-on package),TBS, TCM: Turner Classic Movies, TNT and truTV.

Google Fiber aims to deliver 1 Gigabit per second broadband without any usage limits for customers in Kansas City, Kan. and central Kansas City, Mo.

Earlier, Google had announced a pact with Disney/ESPN Media Networks for 15 networks, including ESPN, Disney Channel and ABC Family, as well as Ovation, TBN and Discovery Communications‘ Velocity.

NEW DELHI: DD Direct Plus has rejected two television channels to hop on to its free-to-air direct-to-home (DTH) platform, while 15 broadcasters have opted out of it.

Care World and India News participated in the e-auction but could not qualify, according to Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting S Jagathrakshakan.

The 15 channels which did not participate in the recent e-auction conducted by Doordarshan are IBN Lokmat, News 24, E-24, Mahuaa, Kairali, Kalaignar, ABN Andhra Jyothi, S V Bhakti, Amrita, Total TV, Jai Hind, MH-One, News Live, Music India and Pragya.

Jagathrakshakan said the project of upgrading the DTH platform to 97 TV channels had been approved as part of the 11th Plan and action for augmentation of the channel capacity was under way. The minister provided this information in the written reply to a question during the just concluded Parliament session.

In response to another question, Minister of State for I&B C M Jatua said complaints received from DTH consumers were passed on to the respective DTH operators. The DTH operators were expected to take action in compliance with the �Direct to Home Broadcasting Services (Standards of Quality of Service and Redressal of Grievances) Regulations 2007, issued by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai).

New Delhi: Telecom Regulatory Authority of India on Friday asserted that the Tariff Order for Digital Addressable Systems (DAS) had not ‘mandated‘ that multi-system operators (MSOs) must carry 500 television channels, but merely suggested they ‘create the physical capacity‘ to be able to do so.

Meet Malhotra, senior counsel for TRAI, stated before the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (Tdsat) that it was also erroneous to say that there had been no application of mind or no study for fixing the ceilings or revenue sharing in the Tariff Order. ‘We do not need a detailed study to move from CAS to DAS‘, he added.

He reiterated during the hearing challenging the Tariff Order that no revenue share had been kept for broadcasters in the basic service tier of Rs 100 for 100 television channels as they were free to air and it was only the MSOs who had to download them and retransmit them to the local cable operators. The revenue share therefore was decided in the ratio of 55:45. In the case of the bouquet of a mix of pay and FTA channels, the maximum rate prescribed was Rs 150 with a revenue sharing of 65:35 between MSOs and LCOs. The MSO would work out his own terms with the broadcaster.

He also said that carriage and placement fee had a place in conditional access system because of bandwidth constraints and since channels sought placement in prime bands, but there is no such constraint in DAS as all channels will be arranged genre wise.

Since digitization uses compression, more channels can be carried, which he described as ‘optimal use of technology to bring a vast pool‘. Carriage fee is also been removed as it creates needless competition, he added.

When he sought to argue that the law did not say anywhere that carriage would not be payable if the MSO approached the broadcaster, Navin Chawla who had represented Delhi Distribution Company intervened to say that that the ‘must carry‘ made it mandatory for an MSO to get a channel that the subscriber asked for.

He added that the Statement of Objects and Reasons to the amendment of the Cable TV Networks (Regulation) Act 1995 itself had referred to creating a basic service tier and was not something that TRAI had thought of on its own.

Furthermore, he said that the law was clear that pay channels could be brought in by TRAI into its tiers if the Central Government was satisfied.

He also supported TRAI‘s stand in its defence of the 2010 Tariff Order, which TDSAT had struck down and against which TRAI‘s appeal was pending in the Supreme Court. He said that the wholesale price at which broadcasters and MSOs were now agreeing was in the range of Rs twenty.

Referring to constant comparisons to direct-to-home, he said the Cable Act did not cover DTH. There was therefore no logic in claims of similar revenue. Referring to the argument that there was no reference to broadcaster in the BST or the upper tier, he said even the licences given to DTH platforms did not have any mention to the broadcaster as the two worked out their own revenue sharing. In fact, he claimed that DTH was shaky in the face of DAS and the operators were therefore offering all kinds of incentives.

Malhotra said there appeared to be ‘too much transparency for the stakeholders to handle‘ in the Tariff Order. But he said that the Tariff should be allowed to work for some time and TRAI and the Government would themselves make changes if they are considered necessary.

When he claimed that some pan-Indian MSOs had already accepted the Tariff Order, counsel C S Vaidyanathan who had represented Digicable said these belonged to broadcasters.

Malhotra will conclude his arguments on 17 September.

Earlier, counsel Soumitra Ghose Chaudhuri on behalf of LCO Udaya Shankar Roy Chowdhury claimed that LCOs would also have to spend huge sums to upgrade their systems just as the MSOs had to do. This upgradation would work out to about Rs 1500 per subscriber, whereas the Tariff Order gave only Rs 45 in the BST.

In the higher tariff of Rs 150, the LCO and MSO stand to lose even more money if a subscriber chose to take only pay channels and no FTA channels.

MUMBAI: Jump Games, Reliance Entertainment Digital‘s mobile and web games developer and publisher, is launching the official mobile game of ICC T20 World Cup 2012.

Through the game, one can own his favorite team and experience the “thrill” and “excitement” of playing the ICC T20 World Cup 2012 right on his mobile handsets. In an attempt to create a close replica of the real world cup, the matches in the game are also scheduled according to the ICC schedule for the World Cup in Sri Lanka.

Jump Games business head India Chaitanya Prabhu said, “Cricket is a religion in India and it is also the most popular game for Indians on their mobiles. With this game we wanted to extend the experience of the ICC T20 World Cup 2012 to the mobile phone. We wanted to add to the enjoyment around the ICC T20 World Cup 2012 and hence decided to launch the contest. I am sure that casual gamers will enjoy playing the official mobile game of the ICC T20 World Cup 2012.”

The game is available on leading platforms like Android, iOS, Blackberry and Symbian. Java based version of the game is also available for feature phones. The game can be downloaded from the app stores of various platforms as well via various leading telecom operators like Airtel, Idea, Vodafone, Docomo and Reliance.

Additonally, Jump Games is also hosting a contest and cricket enthusiast can get a chance to win tickets to the ICC T20 World Cup 2012 via online contest.

NEW DELHI: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has directed that consumers will have to be given intimation prior to start of every “blackout” day with regard to concessional voice calls or SMS offered to them by telecom service providers.

Trai said the date/occasion of the “blackout” day will also have to be intimated, as part of a direction prescribing additional measures with a view to enhance transparency in the matter of charging on “blackout” days.

The term “blackout” days refers to the days on which the service providers do not allow free or concessional voice calls/ SMS offered by them under any plan/ package. Certain guidelines are already in place as per which the number of blackout days shall not exceed five in a calendar year and no alteration in any such date is allowed after the package is subscribed to by the consumer.

List of blackout days applicable for the calendar year will be displayed on the website of service providers, before start of every calendar year and shall be published, service area wise, along with the tariff plans of the service provider, every six months.

The charges for calls or SMSs on ‘blackout‘ days will not exceed the rate in the tariff plan in which the consumer is enrolled.

MUMBAI: Former Financial Times CTO and CIO Michael Fleshman has taken up a new role within BBC Worldwide’s Consumer Digital business, overseen by MD and EVP of Digital, Daniel Heaf.

Fleshman is tasked with developing the technology needed to drive a further step change in BBC Worldwide’s digital revenue. He’ll take responsibility for the technology delivering all BBC Worldwide’s commercial digital businesses including Global iPlayer, TopGear.com and BBCShop.com.

His appointment further indicates BBC Worldwide’s commitment to becoming a leader within the digital sphere and building its reputation and presence within international markets.

Fleshman is based in the UK and will work with teams in the UK, New York, Singapore and Oakland, who together will execute BBC Worldwide’s Consumer Digital strategy to delivery digital experiences to all consumers across multiple devices and across multiple brands

Heaf said, �Our digital business is growing fast and now represents 12.8 per cent of revenue to the business, up from 8.1 per cent during 2010/2011. While this is a fantastic achievement, we recognise there is much more to do. Michael is a highly respected and experienced technology professional with success in building global digital businesses at scale. I’m delighted to have him on board to support our
ambitions.�

Fleshman said, �I have always had a great respect for the BBC Worldwide brand and am a great believer in its potential in the digital space. I am extremely excited that they have allowed me to play a part in building the business at this pivotal time for digital and look forward to working with Daniel and the team to execute our strategy.�

Fleshman joins BBC Worldwide with over 20 years of experience in technology and product development across media, publishing and telecommunications. Prior to his appointment, Fleshman was CTO and CIO for the Financial Times, responsible for the technology strategy, architecture, development, and programme and portfolio management. He also oversaw technology operations and corporate IT systems for online, print and corporate technology functions, and had started work on unifying the historically separate �IT’ and �online’ functions at the FT. Fleshman also held similar roles at Nickelodeon Online/MTV Networks and AOL France.

MUMBAI: Harris Broadcast Communications has launched the Versio solution that it says alters the course of channel-in-a-box design for broadcasters, delivering an all-in-one solution to help customers rapidly launch, expand and sustain their on-air channels and services – while strengthening revenue growth and protection.

The Harris Versio solution combines baseband video, channel branding and automated workflow capabilities in an easy-to-deploy, software-based, single-rack-unit (RU) solution.

Versio significantly reduces the cost and time to launch broadcast, cable and other TV channels and services while offering simple integration with production, traffic and billing, scheduling, asset management, content playout and master control functions – taking full advantage of existing facility workflows for maximum return on investment.

The initial release compresses multiple single-channel workflows into the 1RU platform, incorporating Harris video server, channel branding and graphics, and optional on-board automation components. Flexible software-based configurations range from single-channel launches – independently or within an existing system – to multi-channel distribution, expansion and disaster recovery systems. Broadcasters will quickly accelerate channel launch times – reducing months of preparation to weeks or days by slashing resources required for traditional channel launches.

Harris Broadcast Communications president Harris Morris said, “Channel-in-a-box solutions to date are built around the comfort zones of each vendor. This is also true of Harris, but the difference is that Harris has the broadest industry experience when it comes to workflows and operational scenarios. We understand the core costs and investment it takes to deliver channels with reliability and at premium quality. This knowledge and expertise allows us to evolve the channel-in-a-box concept beyond current offerings and bring a more relevant solution to market.”

Versio customers can leverage Harris’ considerable experience in digital asset management, traffic and billing to help manage overall channel costs – and increase revenue — when adding the solution to an existing workflow. This includes the ability to sell and schedule new commercial spots in close proximity to “air time” for maximum flexibility.

Versio users also have the ability to use which features they need – with the flexibility to change their minds and turn options on and off as needed. Existing Harris automation and/or storage customers can use their native systems, for example, rather than being forced to use these features as integrated within the Harris Versio platform.

In addition, Harris’ rich experience in channel branding and production graphics maximises visual quality while addressing the operational complexities of delivering a unique on-air look. Meanwhile, Harris’ extensive codec support and networking expertise drastically improves on-air reliability though increased uptime and fewer operational errors.

MUMBAI: The government and the broadcasters have got together to launch a major campaign pushing digitisation in the four metros, making television viewers realise that they will have to make the switch from analogue cable to digital before the 1 November deadline.

Television sets across the country will go blank for two minutes thrice every evening for three days beginning Friday.

All TV channels under the Indian Broadcasting Foundation’s (IBF) umbrella will beam Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry’s 30 second ad at the beginning of the two-minute period when broadcast of all programming will be suspended. The ads will be broadcast at 7:58 pm, 8:58 pm and 9:58 pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 
 
The move comes in the wake of a sluggish demand for digital set-top boxes (STBs) even as the deadline is just 45 days away. Cable television services from 1 November will mandatorily shift to digital technology through STBs in the four metros of Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Kolkata.
According to Discovery South Asia senior VP, GM Rahul Johri, the aim of the ad is to spread the message that television viewers have to buy a STB or else their television will go blank from 1 November.

Even though shift to digitisation is happening in the four metros, the message is being broadcast across the country as it is not possible for broadcasters to restrict such a message to just the four metros.
 
The initiative is that of the I&B ministry in association with the IBF and News Broadcasters Association (NBA). This suggests shows that the digitisation deadline has been taken seriously this time and the government is pushing for it.

The government had recently cancelled registration of two multi-system operators (MSOs) from Delhi for not providing information on their preparedness for switching to digital delivery.

The shift to digital delivery was to happen from 1 July 2012 but had to be postponed to 1 November due to lack of preparedness of cable TV networks.
 

MUMBAI: eBay, an e-commerce marketplace, has announced a new look for the brand. The announcement was made by eBay president Devin Wenig.

According to the company, the refreshed logo reflects the global online marketplace eBay is today and symbolises a dynamic future.

Wenig said, “Our refreshed logo is rooted in our proud history and reflects a dynamic future. Its eBay today: a global online marketplace that offers a cleaner, more contemporary and consistent experience, with innovation that makes buying and selling easier and more enjoyable.” 
 
The brand will retain core elements of its logo, including the color palette. “Our vibrant eBay colors and touching letters represent our connected and diverse eBay community,” he added.

He said that today, most items sold on eBay are new, listed at a fixed “Buy It Now!” price. Their most successful sellers ship most items free, offer returns and deliver consistently great customer service. “Shop eBay today and you‘ll discover more visual search, making browsing for what you want simpler and more enjoyable. It‘s easier than ever to compare new and previously owned items, helping you decide the best value for you. This is the new eBay,” he said. 
 
The company is also creating new ways to sell and buy. eBay will become more personalised, tailored to the way consumer wants to shop. It will be local and global, giving buyers and sellers “incredible” choice and opportunity.

The new look will begin to appear across eBay sites and channels next quarter.

NEW DELHI: The government has liberalised the broadcast sector ahead of India‘s shift to digital carriage of television channels, raising foreign direct investment (FDI) ceiling to 74 per cent from 49 per cent in direct-to home (DTH) and multi-system operators (MSOs).

The government has also lifted the cap on FDI limit to 74 per cent in teleports and hubs set up for uplinking of television channels. It has, however, left untouched FM radio and TV news channels where the cap is at 26 per cent. The FDI limit in case of Headend-In-The Sky (HITS) is 74 per cent.

These decisions were taken at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), just ahead of the 31 October 2012 deadline for change over to digital delivery of television channels in Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Kolkata.
 
 
Multi-system cable network operators and the DTH sector will find the capital raising climate improve drastically at a time when they require huge doses of capital to fund their digital growth. Cable and DTH companies will require an investment of aound Rs 250 billion to fund digitisation in the country.

“The recent decision on FDI will help fund the digitisation process in India. It will also fuel broadband investments and cable companies can look at it as a good growth engine,” says Den Networks chief operating officer M G Azhar.

In the DTH sector, News Corp can look at upping its stake in Tata Sky, the joint venture company where Tata Sons is the majority partner.

Broadcasting sector to be treated at par with Telecom

The CCEA also decided to rationalise the methodology of calculation of foreign direct investment and the methodology, as applicable to the telecom sector, would also be made applicable across the lnformation and Broadcasting sector. For companies operating in the broadcasting sector, however, the foreign investment (FI) limits for different activities include different components.

Accordingly, as in the case of the telecommunications sector, the foreign investment limit in companies engaged in various activities of the I&B sector shall include, in addition to FDI, investment by Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs), Non Resident Indians (NRIs), Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds (FCCBs), American Depository Receipts (ADRs), Global Depository Receipts (GDRs) and convertible preference shares held by foreign entities.
 
 
Uniformity in carriage services for Broadcasting, Telecom

Since it is possible to provide broadcasting `carriage services” using either telecommunication networks or broadcasting networks, uniformity has been proposed in respect of companies providing carriage services (except cable services). For the same reason, uniformity is necessary in the method of calculation of direct foreign investment, in
companies operating in the telecom and broadcasting sectors.

No changes in other sectors of broadcasting

However, the government decided not to change the present limit for head-end-in-the sky broadcasting service of 74 per cent foreign investment.

It also said the limit of 49 per cent under the automatic route will continue for cable networks or MSOs not undertaking up-gradation of networks towards digitisation and addressability.

Similarly, there will be no change in the existing limit for uplinking ‘News & Current Affairs’ TV channels / FM Radio or Non-‘News & Current Affairs’ TV Channels / Down-linking of TV Channels. The existing limit is 26 per cent foreign investment under the government approval route.

FDI fixed for Mobile TV

Similarly, it was decided that FDI in mobile television, for which there was no specific dispensation, will be permitted up to 74 per cent.

FDI up to 49 per cent in all these services will be under the automatic route and for stakes beyond that, approval of Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) will be required.

Enhanced access to foreign investment is expected to expand the reach of broadcasting services, thereby improving accessibility of these services, and bring in international best practices. The proposal will make the foreign investment policy for the broadcasting sector consistent with that of the telecom sector, because of the convergence of technologies involved in these two sectors, and thereby bring in greater investments into quality infrastructure for the broadcasting carriage services.

The changes are in keeping with recommendations made by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India.

Acceptance of long-standing demand

This is in acceptance of a long-standing demand by stakeholders and even the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) and Parliamentary Committees which saw no reason for discrimination between broadcasting and telecom sectors in the age of convergence.

Foreign investment in companies engaged in these services will be subject to sectoral and security conditionalities and guidelines, as may be specified from time to time, by the concerned Ministries.

Trai had earlier recommended different foreign investment limits for companies engaged in providing `carriage` and `content` services. It had also stressed the need for a holistic review of the extant Foreign Investment limits for companies operating in different segments of the broadcasting sector, in order to bring about consistency in the policy, as also to promote a level playing field between competing technologies, in view of the convergence of technologies across the telecommunication and broadcasting sectors.