Category: Software

MUMBAI: Turner‘s truTV will launch in the Philippines and Vietnam next month.

The expansion of truTV in South East Asia closely follows its Asian debut on Singapore’s StarHub in April, where its programming is serving up a dose of unscripted real-life.
 
In the Philippines, Turner Entertainment has appointed Asian Cable Communications (Accion) as the truTV distributor to support nation-wide coverage of the channel, while in Vietnam truTV will premiere on VTC Multimedia Corporation’s brand new Direct to Home (DTH) service.

Turner Entertainment Networks Asia senior VP, GM Sunny Saha said, “truTV is gathering serious momentum in Asia and the response to the channel has been very encouraging. Operators are recognizing that there was a gap in TV entertainment, which truTV has been able to close with its un-staged and utterly compelling real-life programming. It’s a unique brand of entertainment with universal appeal across cities and provinces alike.” 
 
TruTV focusses on what it says is a new genre – actuality. It looks to offer content at its most personal where nothing is staged, re-enacted or contrived. The channel puts viewers in the centre of the action where they are transported to places they would never normally experience.

Celebrating its network premiere in July is Surf and Rescue: Dewey Beach. This takes an ‘actual‘ look at what it means to be a beach lifeguard when summer vacationers hit the sand and surf.

MUMBAI/NEW DELHI: ESPN Star Sports (ESS) has filed police complaints against cable operators in Ahmedabad, Surat and Jamnagar for pirating signals of the soccer World Cup.
 
 
The broadcaster has filed FIRs against Patel Cable Network, Anjali Video Hut and Gold Channel Cable Network of Ahmedabad, Surat and Jamnagar respectively.

ESPN has switched off signals, saying that these cable networks have not paid their dues. The broadcaster says that Gujarat multi-system operator Gujarat Telelink Private Ltd (GTPL), in which Hathway Cable & Datacom has a 50 per cent stake, has not paid service charges which amount to Rs 140 million. 
 
GTPL, which controls over 60 per cent of the total cable connections across the state, says ESS wants a 40 per cent hike in payout which is not acceptable.

GTPL managing director Anirudh Jadeja feels ESS is asking for an unreasonable increase. “We told them that due to market churn with DTH players coming in, a hike would not be possible for this year. There are no outstanding dues from our end. The service charge is not an issue. It is just that they want more fees. We refused to accede to their demands and so they switched off their signals. We currently have no issues with other sports broadcasters such as Ten Sports and Neo Cricket,” he says.

ESS argues that the local operators have not been able to face the consumer ire and have resorted to piracy. Taking cognisance of the same, ESPN Software India filed FIRs.

ESPN Software India associate VP affiliate sales TS Panesar said, “The FIR is a first step and we will leave no-stone unturned to ensure that the culprits are booked under the law of the land. We are evaluating all possible legal options to ensure that the culprits are arrested at the earliest.

“We have also set up a local team to detect piracy and act at the earliest. The cable operator in question has been charging subscription fee from the consumers and not passing the due to the broadcaster. This is unacceptable and I hope the FIR‘s will send the right signal.”

ESS and GTPL are in negotiations for a settlement, says Jadeja.

ESS spokesperson says, “Negotiations with GTPL have been going on since a long time, but on certain issues like outstandings their demands are still very unreasonable. Given the fact that football fans at Gujarat are missing out on quality World Cup action , we wish that an amicable solution works out soon.”

Meanwhile, in an interesting twist the Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF) has urged the government of Gujarat to act against operators stealing Fifa signals from ESPN Star Sports.

IBF has strongly condemned the rampant piracy of signals in Gujarat of ESPN Star Sports channels, the official broadcaster of Fifa World Cup.

The IBF urged the state government to take stern action against all the rogue operators who are defying Intellectual Property Rights and openly stealing the signals of ESPN Star Sports channels in the state.

Terming it as ‘unacceptable’, IBF President Jawahar Goel said, “We urge the government of Gujarat to take the sternest possible action against the rogue culprits. This is completely unethical. Not only have these operators refused to pay the due outstanding to the broadcaster, they are also resorting to unethical means by actually stealing the signals.”

He added that the broadcaster had paid millions of dollars to acquire the rights of such a mega tournament and nobody should be allowed to dishonour that.

The IBF, he said, stood by the broadcaster in this hour of crisis and hoped that the local and state police will take action and arrest the culprits at the earliest.

Goel is also the managing director of Dish TV, the only DTH operator which has so far stitched a deal with ESPN for HD feed.

MUMBAI: Bollywood music channel 9XM has launched 9XM Live – the online free service, which allows viewers to watch 9XM live on their computer screens.

9XM Live is available on the Channel’s new website – www.9xm.in. With this, 9XM claims it is the first music channel to stream its content live, on its official website. So far, only news channels have life streaming on their respective websites.
 
9XM head of programming Amar Tidke says, “Our target audiences are extremely net savvy. Live streaming of 9XM content gives them the comfort to stay tuned to 9XM even without a television set. 9XM Live has basically created a second TV in single TV homes where there’s always a fight for supremacy over the remote control.”

The new website also has the feel of the channel, reflected through the use of vibrant colours and the animated characters Bade-Chote, Bheegi Billi, Betel Nuts and Badshah Bai.  
 
The other sections of the website include Bollywood news, club 9XM and funzone with wallpapers, ecards, contests and puzzles.

The website also offers a dedicated page for each 9XM character, with specific information on their likes and dislikes, their photographs and videos.

MUMBAI: Conax is targetting Southeast Asian markets where content providers experienced challenges with platform security in recent years.

The company says that its advanced security solution combining Chipset Pairing and Fingerprinting technologies have been proven as a successful tool for securing the content and revenue streams of TV operators in the region to keep their content secured and revenue streams protected.
  
Conax says that it has been in the forefront of Chipset Pairing technology. Combined with Fingerprinting technology, Conax Chipset Pairing provides the strongest security available.

Conax adds that its global security record and solutions has opened doors for the technology provider in a market keen to ramp-up content protection and prevent losses due to issues surrounding security.

The company says that DTH operators in Southeast Asia have experienced content security breaches. Conax is successfully helping operators with their security issues.

Conax executive VP products and markets Geir Bj?rndal says, “Conax is bringing a new level of security to Southeast Asia. A number of DTH operators have experienced serious security issues, creating the need to deploy more reliable protection for their operations. Conax is working with a number of operators in the region and is becoming the security partner of choice for creating stable operations.” 
 
In the Philippines, the company partnered with Global Broadcasting and Multimedia. Gsat president Philip Jean Chien says, “Gsat was looking for a long-term partner to provide platform security. The deployment of Conax Chipset Pairing and Fingerprinting in June 2009 has created a new climate for stability and reliability in Gsat’s operational security- giving us the utmost confidence in Conax as Gsat security partner. Additionally, the higher value, high-definition service (HD) will be secured by Conax technology.”

Conax is an exhibitor at the on-going television technology trade event Broadcast Asia. Among other things it is showcasing what it calls a Next generation, secure integrated hybrid DVB platform and interactive PushVoD services.
 

MUMBAI: DesiYou has entered into a strategic partnership with Touchdown Media, a South Asian advertising firm.

DesiYou will distribute specially-produced exclusive video content online from Touchdown Media‘s 2010 MetLife South Asian Spelling Bee across its global distribution network.. DesiYou and Touchdown Media will also source marketing and advertisement campaigns around this video content.
 
Says DesiYou CEO Ash Kumra, “Rahul and Touchdown Media are pioneers in marketing to the South Asian community. Aligning with the South Asian Spelling Bee full-fills our mission to provide the best Indian cultural content to the world.”

Organized by Touchdown Media, the 2010 MetLife South Asian Spelling Bee will be conducted in nine locations across the United States starting 19 June. Regional level events will be held in LA, Bay Area, Dallas, Houston, Chicago, New York, New Jersey, DC Metro and Boston. All events will be free to watch and open to the public. The event is open to children of South Asian descent up to 14 years of age. It will give South Asian children a chance to test their spelling skills in their core peer group. Interested spellers need their parent or guardian to register them online at www.southasianspellingbee.com. 
 
“We are excited about this tie-up as this brings a new media perspective for the event giving participants and sponsors unique exposure globally,” said Touchdown Media CEO and founder of the South Asian Spelling Bee Rahul Walia.
Under this partnership, DesiYou will be producing exclusive snippets from the various events around the South Asian Spelling for consumption by its users. Users will have an opportunity to see exclusive behind the scenes look, speller interviews, parent reactions and other anecdotal episodes shot at the nine centers.
 

MUMBAI: Direct-to-home (DTH) service provider Big TV has launched an in-shop campaign for its High- Definition cum advanced digital video recording box.
 
The campaign will target retail outlets across 100 cities and will be supported by Reliance Big TV‘s distribution infrastructure which it claims is the largest in India.

Big TV‘s Home Entertainment Service distribution network covers 6,500 towns with a network reach of 1,00,000 retail points that includes electronic showrooms, TV showrooms and multi- brand outlets.

This 360 degree launch campaign will work closely with the channel partners in order to ensure that there is a clear focus on the retail environment and delivering smart merchandising and providing product demonstration solutions.  
 
Reliance Big TV has worked towards customising various merchandising solutions to judiciously utilize its retail spaces. Demonstration units, array of merchandising aids and trained in-shop promoters have been deployed to communicate the features and benefits of India‘s first High- Definition Advanced Digital Video Recording Box.
Big TV senior VP Umesh Rao said, “In the DTH space, the last mile consumer engagement assumes critical importance as the category is still in a development stage. Cogent product demonstrations and channel assistance helps consumers take well informed purchase decisions.”

NEW DELHI: Realizing that increasing number of gizmos for home entertainment had led to greater complications in installation and use, Bose Corporation announced the introduction of the new Lifestyle V-Class and T-Class home theatre systems with easy-to-operate remote control gadgets.

However, these systems combining proprietary 5.1 surround sound with the new Bose Unify intelligent integration system, come for a heavy price – from Rs 1,57,388 to Rs 2,24,888.
 
Bose Corporation India Private Limited Country Manager Ratish Pandey said at a press meet here that consumers have players for music, movies and video games, but getting them to work with their TV has become so difficult that they may avoid adding a home theatre system. He also did not feel that price was a constraint as those who wanted the latest gizmos in their homes were prepared to pay for it.

The Lifestyle systems simplify the set up of multiple components, and transform everyday use: onscreen displays work seamlessly with just one remote, and selecting and switching between sources is done at the touch of a button. “Unify technology finally breaks down the barrier between the equipment and the experience,” he added. 
 
Unify technology integrates sophisticated software and hardware to deliver dramatic results. Connecting sources is effectively mistake-proof. With Unify technology, easy-to-follow steps are shown on the TV screen. They are written in plain language, even showing pictures of the right connector. The Lifestyle system console recommends the right cable to use, has smart inputs that sense when a connection is made, and confirms when the connection is successful. The new Lifestyle V-Class and T-Class systems were designed to evolve with an owner’s needs, accommodating up to six HD sources.

The Lifestyle remote can operate virtually any entertainment device, including Blu-ray players, cable boxes, digital media adapters, and new devices as they become available. Unlike conventional programming methods, there is no trial and error, no codes to enter. Devices are listed onscreen as “Blu-ray player” or “Cable Box,” rather than cryptic acronyms like “HDMI 1” or “COMPONENT 1.”

The new Lifestyle V35, V25 and T20 systems feature exclusive Bose audio technologies to deliver vivid, theatre-like surround sound from only five small speaker arrays and a hideaway Acoustimass Module. Bose ADAPTiQ audio calibration technology analyzes and adjusts the system’s sound to the size, shape and furnishings of any room, providing greater freedom for speaker placement.
 

MUMBAI: UK pay-TV broadcaster BSkyB has rejected its majority shareholder News Corp’s buyout offer. 
 
BSkyB board, headed by James Murdoch (son of News Corp chairman Rupert Murdoch), has said that News Corp’s offer for 60.9 per cent of the company, at 700 pence per share or ?7.8 billion ($11.5 billion), undervalued the company.

“It is the unanimous view of the Independent Directors that there is a significant gap between the proposal from News Corporation and the value of the company,” it said in a statement 
 
News Corp‘s proposal of 700 pence per share is valuing BSkyB at $17.7 billion (12 billion pounds), while BSkyB is open for a higher offer of over 800 pence per share, which will value the company at around $20.2 billion (13.7 billion).

News Corp holds 39.1 per cent in BSkyB.

  
MUMBAI: UTV Ignition has announced that it will be bringing its fantasy adventure game ‘El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron‘ to Xbox 360 and PS3. It is due to hit shelves in 2011.
 
The game is inspired by the events of the Old Testament, telling the tale of Enoch and his role in the battle between Heaven and the fallen angels.

Its development was headed by former Capcom and Clover execs Sawaki Takeyasu as director and character designer and Masato Kimura as producer.
 
Said UTV Ignition Entertainment chairman Hassan Sadiq “When developing this title, it was imperative that we give these immensely talented game designers total artistic freedom.”

Previously released in Japan, El Shaddai will shortly be released in North American and Europe. 
 

MUMBAI: Harris has announced that a range of its 3DTV-compliant broadcast equipment is being used by Nine Network and SBS to support Australia’s first 3DTV trials.

The trials will include coverage of this year’s Harvey Norman State of Origin Series rugby showdown — the world’s first sporting event to be broadcast live in 3D on free-to-air TV — and the 3D screening by SBS of selected football matches from South Africa.
 
Nine Network and SBS jointly applied for a test broadcast license for the 3DTV trial, which commenced on 19 May and concludes on 19 July.

The sporting events will be broadcast in 3D in Australia’s five major metropolitan centers — Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth — as well as in Wollongong and Newcastle. Viewers with access to 3DTV digital receivers will be able to watch history in the making.

During the trials, Harris X50™ frame synchronizer/converters are being used to ensure synchronous transport of the 3DTV signals in a side-by-side HD frame-compatible format from the stadium to Nine Network’s 3D master control facility. There, the content is processed through the Harris IconMaster™ master control switcher, where bugs and watermarks are laid down and presented live to air.

Demonstration and replay content is also being recorded onto a Harris Nexio sever for playout at times when live events are not scheduled. The X50 signal processors will also be used by SBS for side-by-side signal generation before on-passing to their playout facility.

Harris provided additional support by fast-tracking two DVB-T digital transmitters into Australia in conjunction with Broadcast ONE, who also supplied their engineering services for the transmission installation and commissioning process.

The Harris transmitters included in these 3DTV trials are the Maxiva 5.5 kW ULX solid-state liquid-cooled and the Maxiva 1kW UAX air-cooled transmitters — both incorporating the Harris PowerSmart® technology for best-in-class power density and efficiency. 
 
Nine Network Australia network manager, broadcast technology Charles Sevior says, “We are very excited about these trials and what they mean for the future development of 3DTV in the coverage of live sporting events not only in Australia, but also the rest of the world.

“Our collaboration with Harris shows the pioneering spirit of both companies to drive forward the implementation of new technologies that will, over time, revolutionize our business and keep consumers engaged with the broadcast television platform”

Given the limited availability of 3DTV receivers across Australia, it is expected that the audiences for the initial 3DTV trials will be largely found in key retail venues. Additionally, material captured during these live sporting events will be recorded and replayed on the 3D trial broadcast to assist retail outlets in demonstrating 3DTV displays to interested consumers.

Harris president Harris Morris says, “Studies indicate that more than 20 million TV homes globally will be watching 3DTV within five years, with 4.6 million of those expected to be in Asia Pacific. We are proud that our technology is playing an integral part in these trials by Nine Network and SBS, which should help improve the consumer experience and drive global acceptance of 3DTV.”

Whether a broadcaster is building a facility from the ground up or adding 3DTV capabilities to an existing operation, Harris delivers a complete 3DTV workflow — from content contribution to processing to distribution. Harris is also an active participant in industry-wide 3DTV standardization efforts.

Harris offers products, systems and services that provide interoperable workflow solutions for broadcast, cable, satellite and out-of-home networks.