Category: Software

NEW DELHI: A day after the Information and Broadcasting Ministry announced that it is extending the digitisation deadline in the four metros by four months to 1 November, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) today issued a clarification that all its regulations and tariff orders have come into effect from the date of their publication in the official Gazette.

The broadcast sector regulator said that the date of coming into effect of any regulation or order issued by it could only be “as prescribed as Trai”. The Tariff order (Amendment) has come into effect on 30 April and the Quality of Service Regulations, Consumer Complaint Redressal Regulations and Interconnection Regulation (amendment) came into effect on 14 May.

Extending the deadline, the I&B Ministry had, on 20 June, said that “All the Trai regulations for DAS will come into effect from 1 November 2012.”

Trai also stated that the “Regulations and Tariff order has to come into effect prior to the timelines prescribed by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry for timely and effective implementation of DAS.”

In its order yesterday, the I&B Ministry said Regulations on Tariff & Interconnection were issued by Trai only on 30 April 2012, instead of being issued in January 2012, as expected. The Quality of Service Regulations and the Consumer Complaint Redressal Regulations were issued on 14 May 2012 by Trai.

According to these regulations, every Broadcaster and MSO is required to publish its Reference Interconnect Offers (RIOs) within 30 days of issue of the Regulation. Another 30 days are required for negotiations between Broadcasters and MSOs. Thereafter, the MSOs and LCOs arrive at agreements which enable the consumers to have a clear indication of the terms and conditions for installing set top boxes and the prices of channels on an a-la-carte as well as on a bouquet basis.

MUMBAI: TransGaming, a video game portability technology provider, has revealed that it has signed an agreement to deliver GameTree TV to an undisclosed IPTV service provider based in Asia.

The service provider claims that GameTree TV, a premier on-demand video games platform for Smart TV, dominates a market of some eight million households in the burgeoning Asia Pacific marketplace.

The details of this agreement will be announced within the next 90 days. GameTree TV is scheduled to tentatively launch with the IPTV service provider by the fall of 2012.

TransGaming now has a series of plays in the Indo-Pacific/Asia Pacific Regions in order to exploit this massive growth opportunity.

“TransGaming continues to sign new service provider deals across the world which is a demonstration of the world-class high quality and compelling games solution we have created with GameTree TV,” commented TransGaming CEO & President Vikas Gupta. “The Asia-Pacific marketplace is going to outpace the rest of the world in terms of IPTV adoption and TransGaming is at the forefront. We expect to bring this solution to market and then work with other industry leaders until we stand as the dominant content provider to operators throughout the region.”

The opportunity for future growth is tremendous as the Asia-Pacific region is expected to lead the world in IPTV subscriber growth. The market is expected to reach 550 million subscribers by 2017, according to an April 2012 research report by Global Industry Analysts.

MUMBAI: Digital Direct Broadcast (DDB) Foundation, a conglomerate of seven technology entities from across the world, has introduced a digital entertainment platform – ‘Direct Digital Broadcast’ (DDB).

The companies involved are semiconductor company STMicroelectronics, software and application maker Irdeto, cloud computing brand Nivio, audio-video technology company Faroudja, Sound technology company Strata, DTH service provider Videocon d2h and Phillips.

The DDB Research Foundation also announced that Bollywood actor Priyanka Chopra is the brand ambassador for the DDB technology platform across the Indian subcontinent.

The platform brings in features like ‘Cloud Computing’ which allows sharing of files, pictures or songs over the air, ‘2D to 3D Conversion’ which converts usual 2D images to life-like 3D images along with ‘Direct Satellite Reception’ which eliminates the need of a set-top box to the Indian television screens.

Enabling the televisions of today to compete against smartphones and tablets, the DDB platform will empower them to perform multiple functions on one single platform.

In today’s world where technology is on one’s fingertips, the DDB Technology brings in avant-garde features like ‘Internet Browsing’ featuring Facebook, Twitter, Google, Skype, Yahoo and other applications; ‘Over the Air Software Upgrades’ for updated technology; a ‘450 MHz Dual Core Processor’ integrated with 14 Bit Processor capable of creating a 4 Trillion Colour bandwidth along with ‘Motion Enhancement and Motion Correction (MEMC)’ capabilities; the HDMI-CEC
enabled DDB Platform devices will come loaded with a 10 Band Graphic Equalizer, Faroudja Audio-Video Optimised and Strata Certified Audio, for a better audio-video experience.

Envisioned as a platform to enhance available entertainment options for the masses, the DDB platform while setting global standards in Home Entertainment experiences will also eliminate the need of multiple devices across various platforms.

MUMBAI: Zee News Ltd has selected LiveU, the portable video-over-cellular solutions provider company, for implementation of LiveU’s flagship LU60 uplink technology to provide enhanced live news and entertainment content for its satellite channels, LiveU said.

Zee News, the flagship Hindi news channel of Zee News Ltd, has selected LiveU after conducting rigorous evaluation of bonded uplink systems around India.

LiveU’s superior video quality and constant reliability stood out, especially in areas with poor cellular coverage, the company said.

With the largest number of TV subscribers in India and a popular online entertainment portal, Zee also broadcasts internationally to other countries around Asia-Pacific, Emea and the Americas.

LiveU VP Sales Apac Manny Mukhtar said, “Zee is a household name in India and recognised as one of the most innovative entertainment channel in Asia. It’s exciting to see how LiveU is helping Zee to bring more live coverage of news, sports and entertainment events to millions of viewers inside and outside of India.”

Local 24/7 support and service is provided by LiveU’s Indian distributor, Lamhas Satellite Services, which has been working in India’s broadcast industry for many years.

“With satellite bandwidth constraints for SNG use, LiveU provides the missing link for broadcasters for their news gathering operations. Not only existing but emerging news channels now depend on LiveU for daily newsgathering,” added Lamhas Satellite Services CEO Ajay Jain.

MUMBAI: Airtel Digital TV, in association with UTV Motion Pictures, has launched a subscription video-on-demand (SVoD) channel Superhitz.

Disney UTV Studios will be the first studio in the country to partner with a DTH player to create an SVOD channel dedicated entirely to UTV content.

“Bollywood and cricket are two prized obsessions among Indians. Bollywood movies on a digital platform, is fast embracing the subscription based video on-demand (SVoD) mode. UTV has produced some of the best titles in the last decade. Airtel‘s association with UTV Motion Pictures is a testimony of our joint commitment to bringing world class innovation and services for our valued customers,” added Bharti Airtel CEO – DTH & Media Shashi Arora.

Airtel Digital TV subscribers can access the channel for Rs 31 per month.

The channel will showcase a selection of films produced by UTV Motion Pictures as well as titles acquired by UTV‘s broadcast network.

“It has been our continuous endeavor to create maximum access points for the consumer with our content. Our association with Airtel on this subscription channel is another step in the direction of providing quality entertainment to our viewers across platforms. Our popular catalogue of movies will be presented at an affordable price on one of the most popular DTH platforms in the country” said Disney UTV executive director, syndication, international distribution and Disney Media Distribution- Studios Amrita Pandey.

The bouquet includes films like Dev.D, Kaminey, Wake Up Sid, A Wednesday, Fashion, Jodhaa Akbar, Life in A Metro, Raaz, Murder, Ghulam, Zakhm and Dil Chahta Hai among others.

NEW DELHI: Bowing to pressure from the local cable operators, multi-system operators and some state governments, the Government today decide to defer the date of cable digital addressable systems (DAS) to 1 November in the first phase covering four metros.

The four-month delay from the earlier deadline of 1 July was announced today even as matters are pending before the Mumbai and Delhi High Courts and Tdsat. This will also satisfy the West Bengal government as chief minister Mamata Banerjee was pressing for digitisation in Kolkata after the Dusshera Pujas.

The official statement said: “The assessment of the ground realities compels the I&B Ministry to set a new deadline. It is, however, imperative that the modified target deadline is set with strict benchmarks to ensure that no complacency sets-in in the system and the new target date is achieved collectively by all the stakeholders.”

“Therefore, keeping in view public interest and after intensive and extensive consultations as well as written commitments from all the stakeholders for fully implementing the regulations of Trai”, the Ministry said it had decided to modify the deadline to 31 October in all four metro cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata.

Under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Amendment Act, 2011, it had been mandated that the switchover of the existing analogue Cable TV networks to DAS by December 2014, in a phased manner. In respect of four metros of Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai, the digital switchover was mandated to come into effect from 1 July 2012.

The Government admitted in its order that the orders of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India on Tariff & Interconnection, and on the Quality of Service Regulations and the Consumer Complaint Redressal Regulations had not yet been substantially implemented.

As a result of this, the installation of set-top boxes had not picked up necessary pace for the completion of the process of digitisation by 30 June 2012.

The Task Force comprising all stakeholders constituted by the Ministry in April 2011 had been monitoring the progress made by various stakeholders towards digitisation. The task force has also undertaken field visits and interacted with local stakeholders. Discussions have been regularly held with broadcasters, multi-system operators (MSOs) and local cable operators (LCOs), while the Information and Broadcasting Ministry had been in regular contact with the concerned State Governments on this issue.

Regulations on Tariff & Interconnection were issued by Trai only on 30 April 2012 instead of being issued in January 2012, ‘as expected’. The Quality of Service Regulations and the Consumer Complaint Redressal Regulations were issued on 14 May 2012 by Trai.

Under these, every Broadcaster and MSO was required to publish its Reference Interconnect Offers (RIOs) within 30 days of issue of the Regulation. Another 30 days are required for negotiations between broadcasters and MSOs. Thereafter, the MSOs and LCOs arrive at agreements which enable the consumers to have a clear indication of the terms and conditions for installing STBs and the prices of channels on an a-la-carte as well as on a bouquet basis.

The second order of Trai of 14 May 2012 has mandated that every MSO or its linked cable operator has to put in place a Consumer Complaint Redressal System consisting of a complaint centre with toll free consumer care number, web based complaint monitoring system as well as appoint or designate one or more nodal officers and publish consumer’s charter for DAS.

The Ministry will closely monitor the process of digitisation over the next four months, and will issue warning letters to those going slow on their written commitments. Needless to add, both the Ministry and Trai will take action under the provisions of the Cable Act wherever and whenever necessary, the statement said.

Court Hearings

The court hearings will now lack bite with the government pushing back the deadline date.

The Bombay High Court was supposed to hear a petition on delaying digitisation today which it postponed to tomorrow.

The Delhi HC also postponed its hearing in a similar matter to 25 June.

The Tdsat will also hear a matter filed by LCOs and IndusInd Media & Communications Ltd (IMCL) against Trai’s tariff order on 25 June.

Also Read:

Government‘s cat-and-mouse game on digitisation

MUMBAI: Satellite operator Eutelsat has concluded negotiations to acquire from GE Capital the GE-23 satellite, associated customer contracts and orbital rights.

The deal for $228 million is expected to close in the second half of the year, subject to regulatory approvals.

Built by Thales Alenia Space, GE-23 was launched in December 2005 and has an expected life of 15 years. From its location in geostationary orbit at 172°E, the satellite offers unique coverage over the Asia-Pacific region via a payload of 20 Ku-band transponders accessing five interconnecting beams and 18 C-band transponders connected to a trans-Pacific beam.

Leveraging its coverage and high-bandwidth capability, GE-23 offers a broad range of telecom services to a diverse base of blue chip customers.

GE-23 will be integrated into the Eutelsat‘s fleet, with a smooth transition for existing customers. It will be renamed Eutelsat 172A.

The opportunity was assessed consistently with the Group‘s disciplined approach to both organic and external growth opportunities. The transaction is expected to be accretive to EBITDA margin and to EPS in year 1.

It will be financed through Eutelsat‘s existing liquidity. From a leverage standpoint, it will lead to a moderate increase in the Net Debt / EBITDA ratio, and will, therefore, have no material impact on Eutelsat‘s financial flexibility.

Expanding Eutelsat‘s reach and commercial offering in Asia

The acquisition of GE-23 fits with Eutelsat‘s strategy to expand its presence in the most dynamic geographic regions. The satellite brings coverage of the Asia-Pacific markets where growth is driven by a broad range of applications. It will complement Eutelsat‘s organic initiatives, notably the Eutelsat 70B satellite, equipped with a dedicated Asian beam, which is scheduled to launch in the fourth quarter of 2012.

With GE-23, Eutelsat is also acquiring a quality customer portfolio with a strong track record of contract renewals. The extended coverage also opens the way for Eutelsat to broaden its offering to its existing clients and to develop new business.

MUMBAI: Inmarsat, which provides global mobile satellite communications services, has appointed Martin Turner as director of media business.

With many media organisations all over the world already relying on Inmarsat‘s market-leading mobile satellite services, Turner will spearhead further development of Inmarsat‘s customer-driven solutions and strengthen the company‘s relationship with broadcasters.

A long perspective of the television industry means Turner will bring strong customer insight into the heart of Inmarsat‘s approach to this fast-growing sector, helping to ensure that both new and existing solutions continue to deliver real value and the highest possible performance to media customers.

Previously BBC head of newsgathering operations, Turner was responsible for crewing, bureaux, technical innovation and satellite-based activities. An award-winning journalist, Turner was previously the BBC‘s Bureau Chief in Johannesburg and Washington.

Inmarsat VP of the industry business unit Drew Brandy said, “Martin is well known throughout the broadcasting industry and we‘re delighted to welcome him to Inmarsat. Broadcasters are highly innovative by nature, and are always looking to push our technology to its limits, often in some of the most extreme environments. Martin‘s wide media experience will be a key part of ensuring that our solutions, such as BGAN™, and our forthcoming Global Xpress™ offering will continue to keep pace with and anticipate the needs of the industry.”

Turner said, “Journalists today need to do more, share more and be more connected when on location. There is a constant drive for solutions that are lighter and easier to use, that offer more bandwidth and lower cost. Inmarsat has an unparalleled record in supporting newsgathering in the field. I‘m looking forward to leveraging my experience to help news journalists the world over benefit even more from the services and global satellite network they trust.”

Mumbai: Tata Docomo has started the Facebook mobile ads and Facebook News Feed Ads.

The company‘s brand page is managed by an independent full service digital agency-Interface Business Solutions.

According to the official communiqué, the newsfeed ads were undertaken with the objective of reaching a wider audience and increasing campaign performance. News feed can provide a “high engagement” channel for advertising as the ads sit right inside the users news feed and cannot be missed. With the number of Facebook users who access it through a mobile device rising; it is now possible to expose advertising communication to Facebook users on mobile as well.

Interface Business Solutions MD Sabyasachi Mitter said, “We have started the mobile and news feed ads as soon as it was made available and the initial response has been fascinating. CTR‘s are 10 times better than Marketplace (Stamp) ads while the CPC‘s and CPF‘s are about the same.

It may be noted that, post the IPO of Facebook recently, there has been wide spread concern of its (lack of) a mobile monetisation model. With almost 40 per cent of users accessing Facebook from mobile it was critical that Facebook opened up for mobile ads.

“There have been concerns at the agency on how to maximise advertising reach on Facebook especially on mobile, the new ad formats are a great initiative from Facebook and will renew interest among many advertisers. Following Tata Docomo we have already started mobile campaigns for our other clients like Panasonic, Viacom 18, SBI Cards, Bingo!, Minto Gol, NDTV Goodtimes, Kingfisher and Heineken among others,” Mitter added.

Tata Docomo head internet marketing and e-commerce Praveen Gupta said, “Tata Docomo believes in finding new and more efficient ways to connect with the Facebook audience. The newly launched Mobile and news feed ads have given us just the right platform to plan more innovative engagement and content marketing strategies on the Facebook platform. We also believe that with Facebook capping the number of ads that will be shown to users in their news feed it would not cause much dissonance with the community. We are continuously monitoring the performance and as of now are very happy with what is being delivered.”

MUMBAI: Global satellite operator SES has announced at CommunicAsia2012 in Singapore a new multi-year agreement with Philippines‘ MediaScape to provide additional capacity on the SES-7 satellite at the prime orbital location of 108.2 degrees East.

With this capacity expansion MediaScape will utilise transponders on both SES-7 and NSS-11, satellites that are co-located at the same orbital location.

The additional satellite capacity will initially enable MediaScape to ramp up Cignal TV’s Direct-to-Home (DTH) offering to 15 High Definition (HD) channels and 51 Standard Definition (SD) channels, up from 9 HD channels and 37 SD channels in 2011. Cignal, the largest and fastest growing satellite TV provider in the Philippines, currently serves over 250,000 subscribers across the country.

SES senior VP commercial, Asia-Pacific, Middle East Deepak Mathur said, “SES’ decision to build up the DTH neighbourhood at 108.2 degrees East with SES-7 and NSS-11 underscores our commitment to the Asia-Pacific region, and further strengthens our partnership with MediaScape.”

Cignal COO, MD Annie Naval said, “The new deal will allow us to grow new TV audiences throughout the Philippines, enabling millions of TV households to access high quality satellite TV. We are also benefitting from SES’ global expertise in carrying High Definition TV programmes as we expand Cignal HD’s lineup, which now offers a wide variety of premium programmes covering sports, lifestyle, kids, history and movies.”