Category: Software

MUMBAI: International research and analysis firm Euroconsult, which specialises in the satellite and broadcasting sectors, has announced that the satellite pay-TV industry reached revenues close to $90 billion in 2011, up from $79 billion in 2010.

Global industry revenues are expected to reach close to $150 billion in 2021, with emerging markets (Latin America, Central Europe, Russia, the Middle East, Africa and Asia) representing a growing share of revenues that will nearly double over the next ten years to reach 44 per cent by 2021.

According to the fifth edition of ‘Satellite TV Platforms, World Survey and Prospects to 2021‘, the number of TV platforms in service increased to almost 140 in 2011, reaching 184 million subscribers. Close to 350 million households should subscribe to satellite pay-TV platforms worldwide by 2021, representing a 6.7 per cent CAGR over the 10-year period.

In the last decade, satellite pay-TV subscriptions grew by at least 10 per cent every year. The positive trend continued in 2011 when worldwide subscriptions increased by around 16 per cent.

Some of the fastest growing markets include India, Brazil, and Russia. Asia has become the leading region in terms of subscriptions thanks to the booming Indian market. In 2021, an expected 77 per cent of worldwide subscribers should be located in emerging regions versus 60 per cent in 2011.

Euroconsult CEO Pacôme Révillon said, “Emerging regions will take on the majority of subscriber growth going forward, as mature markets focus more on profitability. Many platforms were launched in the past five years, which means they must now start delivering results. To accomplish this, platforms are increasing fees and services offered in order to increase revenues and margins. For those relatively mature platforms that cannot reach profitability in the near future, the threat of consolidation is always around the corner.”

Platforms maintain investments in new services to remain attractive: Pay-TV platforms are investing in value-added services such as HD, 3D, and next-generation set-top boxes in order to develop competitive advantages. 90 platforms had in particular HD channels in their line-ups at the end of 2011, up from the 2009 total of 48 platforms distributing HD content. More than 2,800 HD channels were distributed by platforms worldwide in 2011, following the launch of close to 600 HD channels during the course of the year. HDTV and emerging formats (i.e. 3DTV and Ultra HD) should drive channel growth over the coming decade.

Next-generation set-top boxes have already been rolled out in some countries, but they remain limited in the satellite pay-TV industry. Satellite pay-TV platforms are seeking to address several key performance metrics with their next-generation set-top boxes, including subscriber numbers and market share, churn rates, average revenue per user (ARPU) and multi-play penetration.

Euroconsult consultant Dimitri Buchs said, “Next-generation set-top boxes which include OTT delivery provide satellite pay-TV platforms a means through which to deliver ‘true‘ VoD services. As a consequence, these boxes allow them to compete more directly with cable and IPTV service providers on that front. Terrestrial service providers have been able to provide ‘true‘ VoD services for several years now. Apart from the competitive advantage, the roll-out of next-generation set-top boxes is also likely to limit the move from linear pay-TV subscriptions (i.e., satellite pay-TV, IPTV,…) to TV and video services received via OTT.”

In 2011, there were 137 total platforms with 184 million subscribers. Total revenues stood at $90 billion with 19,650 channels that were distributed.

MUMBAI: Sameer Manchanda-promoted Den Networks‘ cable business has posted a whopping 42 per cent jump in its net profit for the three-month period ended 31 March compared to the year-ago period.

The multi-system operator (MSO) with a pan-India footprint has posted a net profit of Rs 40.9 million (before ESOP expenses) compared to Rs 49.9 million in the year-ago period from its cable business. However, after ESOP expenses, the net comes down to Rs 36.5 million.

In the trailing quarter, the net profit was at Rs 65 million.

Total revenue from the cable business during the quarter jumped 18 per cent to Rs 1.89 billion as against Rs 1.6 billion in the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal. In the three-month period ended 31 December, the revenue was at Rs 1.69 billion.

Den‘s profit from operations before other income, interests and exceptional items (Ebitda) jumped 49 per cent (before one-time expenses) at Rs 392.7 million compared to the earlier year (Rs 263.6 million), while in the trailing quarter Ebitda was at Rs 310.2 million.

Den said that it has fully geared for digitising its subscriber base in the three Phase 1 cities it is present in (Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata). Supplies for the estimated number of set top boxes have been secured to ensure timely seeding of these set top boxes so that consumers in DEN‘s service areas face no disruption in their television connections after the sunset date.

To further ramp up the digitisation effort, Den has built a sales team which is undertaking direct selling activities through DSAs (direct selling agents) along with the LCO to further augment digital growth in consumer homes.

However, for the full fiscal, Den‘s cable business net profit dropped 60.62 per cent. Den said that it maintained its profitability despite higher cost. Net profit stood at Rs 103.2 million, compared to Rs 262.1 million in the year ago period.
The revenue jumped to 6.78 billion, compared to Rs 5.7 billion in the previous fiscal.

On a consolidated basis, Den has posted a net profit of Rs 47.5 million, down from Rs 78.2 million in the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal. In the trailing quarter, the net profit was at Rs 35.3 million.

Total revenue was up at Rs 3.25 billion, compared to Rs 2.84 billion in the year -ago period and Rs 2.82 billion in the trailing quarter. Expenses surged to Rs 2.84 billion, from Rs 2.53 billion in the year ago quarter and Rs 2.50 billion in the trailing quarter.

For the full fiscal, Den‘s consolidated net profit stood at Rs 145.7 million, down from Rs 375.3 million in the previous fiscal. Income went up to Rs 11.54 billion (from Rs 10.58 billion), while expenses stood at Rs 10.20 billion, compared to Rs 9.22 billion in the year ago period.

MUMBAI: Online retail major Amazon continues to invest in Prime Instant Video and add to selection of movies and TV episodes available to customers as part of their Prime membership.

It has announced a licensing agreement with Paramount Pictures that brings hundreds of movies to Prime Instant Video in the US over the next three years. Prime Instant Video now offers customers more than 17,000 movies and TV episodes. Additionally, customers who are not Prime members can enjoy a free one month trial of Prime.

Amazon director of digital video content acquisition Brad Beale said, “We are continuing to invest in building a vast selection for Prime Instant Video and are excited to bring Prime customers some of the most renowned and popular films in cinema history under this new agreement with Paramount. This deal will bring Prime Instant Video customers hundreds of new movies to enjoy on their Kindle Fire or any device connected to Amazon Instant Video, including titles such as Star Trek, Breakfast at Tiffany‘s, Top Gun, The Italian Job and The Truman Show, and we will remain committed to adding even more great movies and TV shows to Prime Instant Video in the future.”

Prime customers can enjoy Prime Instant Video on Kindle Fire or any of the hundreds of compatible Amazon Instant Video devices, including PlayStation 3.

Amazon Instant Video is a digital video streaming and download service that offers Amazon customers the ability to rent, purchase or subscribe to a huge catalogue of videos. Customers can choose from more than 120,000 titles to purchase or rent and content ranges from new release movies to classic favourites, major television shows, entire seasons, or even day after air TV.

Amazon Prime is an annual membership program for $79 a year that offers customers unlimited free two-day shipping on items including books, home and garden products, electronics, video games, clothing, etc.

MUMBAI: Ben Silverman‘s multimedia entertainment studio Electus, an operating business of IAC, has announced a show ‘K-Town‘ — the first show from its new pop-culture channel, Loud, slated to launch on YouTube on 2 July .

Created and executive produced by Tyrese Gibson‘s HQ Productions, ‘K-Town‘ is a reality show that explores Asian Americans who reside in the heart of Koreatown, Los Angeles – the Korean culture center that is sandwiched between downtown Los Angeles and the business district of the Miracle Mile. From karaoke bars to night clubs, the series follows the cast as they discover themselves and what it means to be Asian American growing up in the 21st century.

HQ Productions founder Tyrese Gibson said, “We are excited to partner with such visionaries as Ben Silverman, Tony DiSanto and Liz Gateley to launch K-Town into the pop-culture stratosphere. Loud is the perfect platform for chronicling the social rituals of this unique Asian American subculture. While nothing about this series is commonplace, the show is highly-relatable as the cast‘s personal stories, struggles and triumphs are universal.”

Executive Producer Mike Le added, “Asians have always been viewed through the media as either exaggerated stereotypes or the one-dimensional model minority. ‘K-Town‘ is a celebration of what it‘s like to be a young Asian in America today. It‘s not just about playing the piano and being great at math. We‘re also sexy, stylish, have swagger, and can party with the best of them.”

Conceptualised by Electus founder Ben Silverman with consultation from DiGa, co-founded by Tony DiSanto and Liz Gateley – the former MTV executives responsible for the creation and development of shows like ‘Jersey Shore‘, ‘Teen Mom‘, ‘Laguna Beach‘ the Loud channel will have series featuring celebrities as well as YouTube talent, creating the perfect blend of unique characters and buzz-worthy content that will launch into the collective cultural consciousness.

Diga co-founder Liz Gateley said, “When Tony and I first met with Tyrese and his producing partners, we quickly realized that the concept behind K-Town was a very unique, untapped subculture in American media. We instantly saw it as a fertile ground for a highly entertaining, unscripted show that would play incredibly well to the Loud audience. In the same way the culture of Jersey Shore has their own lingo and philosophies, the K-Town cast has theirs and audiences will become enthralled with the individual personalities and fascinating lifestyles depicted in the show.”

Electus COO, head of digital Drew Buckley said, “We are proud to make true on the promise of programming a YouTube™ channel where we can find a home for a show like K-Town that challenges what is traditionally shown on television in so many ways. We‘re looking forward to creating even more TV-quality programming by and for the YouTube audience.”

Launching on 2 July Electus will announce The Loud Channel‘s full talent and programming slate in the coming weeks. Viewers can subscribe to The Loud Channel for trailers and show updates.

MUMBAI: Sun18 North, the distribution alliance between Network18 and Sun TV Network, has appointed Amit Arora as national head – affiliate sales.

Prior to Sun18, Arora was with Media Pro Enterprises as Sr VP – Business Development & Strategy.

In his new role, he will be heading the affiliate sales business (driving subscription revenues) across DTH, Cable (analogue and digital) and IPTV for India (domestic) market. He will be reporting into Sun18 North COO Gaurav Gandhi.

Sun18 COO and Viacom18 head – international business Gaurav Gandhi said, “We are delighted to have Amit on board. Given his extensive experience and understanding of the domestic distribution market, both across DTH and Cable, we are confident that Amit will drive our affiliate sales business to the next level.”

Arora comes with 14 years of experience in the distribution, sales, strategy and business development.

Prior to Media Pro, he has also served at Star DEN, MSM Discovery, and ESPN Star Sports.

MUMBAI: Spuul, an ad supported subscription service that legally provides Indian content online, has launched a new application for Apple devices that will enable users to stream Bollywood movies wherever and whenever they want them.

Spuul is the premium video streaming service for Indian content, providing instant access to Indian movies and TV shows to users worldwide.

With this new app, iPad and iPhone users can now instantly watch Bollywood blockbusters such as Rockstar, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and Sholay on spuul.com.

Spuul co-founder S Mohan said, “Smartphones and tablets are revolutionising video consumption habits today. We believe that the Spuul app addresses a critical need for easy access to Indian content.

“The initial response has been tremendous. Since the App‘s launch a few days ago, 70 per cent of our current users are now watching Spuul on mobile and the number of movies watched has gone up by 500 per cent.”

The Spuul app features some unique functionality, including the ability to save and recall users‘ playback position between different devices. The easy-to-use search function simplifies the discovery of content and helps deliver a premium entertainment experience for movie watchers. The app supports any iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch device running iOS version 4.3 or later.

In addition to access to over 100 free movies, Spuul offers: specials, which are pay-per-view movies available at $0.99 per movie for 72-hours of unlimited viewing and premium subscription which gives access to the very best of Bollywood movies online at an introductory price of just $4.99 month.

Upcoming titles on Spuul include movies like Vicky Donor, and Devdas to name a few.

New titles are being added every week.

MUMBAI: The paint brand Dulux has announced a mobile application -Dulux Colour Schemer.

The app is an attempt to provide innovative colour solutions to the consumers.

Available on all smartphones, this colour application offers the user with the ease of choosing from a wide range colours and products offered by Dulux. It gives the consumers the option of creating their choice of combinations that can be used for home decor and wall paints, within one‘s budget – anytime and from anywhere. The application is available for free download on both iOS and Android Smartphone.

Dulux is produced by AkzoNobel (formerly Imperial Chemical Industries). The brand name Dulux has been used by both ICI and DuPont since 1931 and was one of the first alkyd-based paints.

The company said that unlike most technical mobile apps, Dulux Colour Schemer is a rather simple and user-friendly app that allows consumers to browse through a wide variety of 2016 colours available from a selection of warm, vibrant, fresh or calm, or simply click on a photograph and pick colour(s) that appeal them the most. The application further assists the consumers in searching for the right Dulux products, product information, application method, and the store from where the paint can be bought.

Akzo Nobel India marketing manager Pushkar Jain said, “We, at Akzo Nobel India have always endeavoured to provide innovative colour solutions to our customers. The way of the future is to use the power of digitization. Mobile phones are no longer just means to make calls and send messages but are also used to follow news, watch TV, listen to music, check e-mail and access internet. With the launch of Dulux‘s first ever mobile app, we have tried to provide an open access to innumerable colour shades available under the Dulux banner, so that customers can start a paint project from anywhere and at anytime. Dulux Colour Schemer is a valuable mobile app for selecting the ideal colours for any home decoration project.”

MUMBAI: Telecom major Bharti Airtel has agreed to acquire 49 per cent stake in Qualcomm Asia Pacific‘s interest in Indian BWA entities for $165 million, giving it a pan-India presence for rolling out 4G services.

Bharti will buyout 26 per cent of Qualcomm‘s India interest held equally by Global Holding Corporation and Tulip Telecom Limited. The balance 23 per cent will come by way of subscription of fresh equity in Qualcomm‘s India entities.

Qualcomm AP‘s India entities hold BWA licenses in Delhi, Mumbai, Haryana and Kerala. Bharti already has BWA licenses in four circles – Kolkata, Karnataka, Punjab and Maharashtra – and 3G licenses in 13 circles in India.

The agreement contemplates that once commercial operations are launched, subject to certain terms and conditions, Bharti would assume complete ownership and financial responsibility for the BWA entities by the end of 2014.

Bharti has, thus, secured a nationwide broadband leadership through a combination of 4G and 3G, with its own networks in 18 circles. Bharti has already taken the lead in LTE TDD space by launching 4G services in Kolkata and Karnataka Circles.

Commenting on the partnership, Bharti Airtel chairman and MD Sunil Bharti Mittal said, “This partnership will combine the strength of Bharti‘s national telecom footprint and Qualcomm‘s technological leadership in the LTE TDD space. With a broadband ready network across India, Bharti is well positioned to lead the next phase of Indian‘s telecom revolution.”

Qualcomm expects to provide technical assistance to Bharti in connection with network architecture and optimisation, infrastructure and device testing, as well as continuing to develop and support the underlying technology and the LTE TDD ecosystem.

“One of our key objectives has been to include a strong partner in the Indian venture with the scale, experience and resources to deploy LTE TDD networks. We are pleased to have Bharti‘s participation and support in this effort,” said Qualcomm chairman and CEO Dr Paul E Jacobs. “GHC and Tulip have been great partners in facilitating this transaction. Qualcomm remains dedicated to the continued progress and success of the BWA venture and to fulfilling our commitment as a key equity stakeholder.”

MUMBAI: With the association of Bharti Airtel and Hungama Mobile, the music of Anurag Kashyap’s Gangs of Wasseypur became the first soundtrack in India to premiere on the mobile platform prior to the album’s physical music release.

With this, music from the film is now exclusively available for Airtel mobile customers till 26 May via Hello Tunes and Airtel Radio.

The crime film, presented by Tipping Points Films, a division of Viacom18 Motion Pictures, releases across theatres on 22 June.

Bharti Airtel CMO-consumer business N. Rajaram said, “The music premiere of Gangs of Wasseypur first on the mobile platform speaks volumes of the changing consumption pattern among customers today. Be it music, movies, gaming, social networking or emailing – the discerning Indian customer is increasingly relying on the mobile phone for accessing content.

As more and more customers prefer listening to music on their mobile phones, we expect to see mobile music launches as a fast emerging trend towards catering to the preferences of India’s expanding base of mobile music listeners. We are delighted to join hands with Hungama to announce this industry first and exclusive for Airtel mobile customers”.

On this Bollywood music premiere on mobile, Hungama Mobile COO Albert Almeida said, “The mobile ecosystem is evolving and with a staggering number of consumers wanting to consume music and movies directly on their phones, we are happy to satiate their appetite. Airtel has been at the forefront of marketing and distributing entertainment and music content via mobile devices and through this initiative together we will make a compelling offer to music lovers yet again.”

What makes this tie-up special is that the film has been selected for the prestigious Directors’ Fortnight at the 65th Festival De Cannes, having already garnered unprecedented buzz from international media and critics.

MUMBAI: Digital media company, ValueFirst, has acquired Hyderabad-based IT company that runs person to person (P2P) messaging portal Way2Online Interactive.

The acquisition is made in an all-cash deal reportedly worth Rs 2 billion.

Way2Online owns and operates two websites- Way2sms.com and 160by2.com. Both Way2sms and 160by2 will continue to function as independent properties as products, although the infrastructure will be consolidated.

Post -acquisition, ValueFirst has become the only digital media company that can operate across multiple platforms – Internet, voice, sms and email.

With this acquisition, ValueFirst claims to cross 50 million profiled registered users and add 40,000 fresh registrations daily.

With this acquisition, ValueFirst will cross 50 million profiled registered users, add 40,000 fresh registrations daily and get to Rs 2.50 billion in revenues this financial year, ValueFirst said in a statement.

ValueFirst CEO Kumar Apoorv said, “The potential to build further onway2sms.com and 160by2.com is immense as ValueFirst can now leverage the huge inventories that these sites have through their large sales infra and 4,000-strong client base.”