Category: Software

MUMBAI: NDS has unveiled its line-up of advanced solutions and applications for Anga Cable, which kicks off in Germany next week.

Present on the show will be technologies that enable platform operators to secure and broaden their business with new, revenue-boosting hybrid services.
 
NDS will also showcase a range of solutions deployed by local European service providers including: Kabel BW, Tele Columbus and Sky Deutschland.

NDS demonstrations at ANGA Cable will include:

-Next generation User Interfaces for an improved user experience

Pay-TV operators around the world are deploying what NDS claims is the industry’s most advanced Electronic Programme Guides (EPGs) and UIs with the assistance of NDS’ design and consulting services. NDS will be demonstrating Oona, an intuitive conceptual UI that incorporates contextualised widgets, social interaction and search and recommendations which addresses the complexities of the connected environment.

3DTV : NDS is addressing the issues surrounding 3DTV, such as the display of the EPG and subtitling on stereoscopic 3D content and the requirements such features place on the chipset. To demonstrate, a proposed solution that addresses the real challenges of having a 3DTV in the home will be on display.
 
-NDS DynamicAdvanced Advertising suite: This enables TV operators to manage, deliver and execute advanced, addressable advertising applications to improve their existing advertising sales and develop new advertising revenue streams.
Infinite TV: Through InfiniteTV, connected TV viewers have access to complementary over the top (OTT) Internet video services and applications such as catch up-TV and on-demand content through a single, intuitive user experience with a rich electronic programme guide (EPG).

Using both broadcast channels and the Internet, InfiniteTV adds rich metadata to broadcast programmes and integrates advanced search and recommendations engines to provide a seamless ‘over the top’ television experience.

-NDS Video On Demand (VoD) with Progressive Download : NDS’ VOD service, based on Progressive Download (PDL) technology, enables the delivery of both SD and HD content over IP whilst managing the problems associated with low bandwidth connections to deliver uninterrupted viewing – ensuring a quality of service matching that of traditional VOD. Using the internet to download content to the DVR hard drive; once enough content is cached, the viewer can start playback and any remaining content is downloaded in background mode.

-Unified Gateway: NDS is working in partnership with Jungo, an NDS group company, to address the potential of a truly connected home environment. At ANGA, NDS and Jungo will be showcasing a proof of concept demonstration of an end-to-end system that takes a unified approach to distributing video, data and voice services in and around the home from a single point.

NDS GM Yves Padrines says, “As the pay-TV market embraces a hybrid future and competition intensifies in markets such as Germany, choosing the right technology partner becomes more critical than ever. NDS is ideally placed to partner pay-TV operators of all sizes as they seek to increase their subscriber base, improve customer loyalty and grow revenues through the deployment of differentiated hybrid services.”

MUMBAI: Hungama Digital Media has partnered with Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment to launch a digital promotion campaign for Housefull.

The campaign for Housefull includes the launch of a 16-episode video blog that captures behind-the-scenes action from the shoot.
 
 
The promotion also includes a social networking application and a film-related online game on iPhone and mobile.

The online game and application of Housefull is based on a scene where Boman Irani, Riteish Deshmukh and Akshay Kumar characters are entangled in a three- way slapping episode. The objective of the game will be to complete slapping all three characters within a stipulated time frame. 
 
The mobile and iPhone games are based on a scene between Akshay and a monkey in the movie. The users can either opt to play the character of Akshay or the monkey. The objective of the game will be to slap the monkey or Akshay as hard as possible and knock them across the park. Users will be able to select the power and the angle and then slap.

Commenting on the initiatives, Nadiadwala averred, “Digital promotions of Housefull are based on some of the funniest episodes from the film. Be it Sajid‘s narrative on the video blog or the game based on the scene between Akshay and the monkey, the audience will be on a laughter ride while playing these games or watching the videos.”
 

MUMBAI:The launch of Astra’s 3D channel will take place on 4 May at the Anga Cable trade show in Cologne, Germany.

The transmission details for the channel will be communicated shortly. Astra has tied up with Samsung for the same.
 
SES Astra president and CEO Ferdinand Kayser says, “The new Astra 3D demo channel demonstrates the huge advantages of satellite for the transmission of high quality 3D TV signals, and the leading role of SES Astra in driving innovations in broadcasting technology. We are proud to partner with Samsung, and we are confident that 3D television will become the next driver for the home entertainment market”. 
 
Samsung Electronics Europe president and CEO LSH Shin says, “As the first manufacturer to bring 3D television to the consumer market, Samsung is at the forefront of 3D innovation. By partnering with SES Astra, Samsung will be the first manufacturer to demonstrate live streamed 3D content through this free promotional channel, and can showcase the full capability of its innovation in 3D technology.”

MUMBAI: International Cricket 2010, the latest game to join Codemasters’ g cricket portfolio, will be released in India on 18 June by online gaming portal Zapak.

The game will be published for the Playstation 3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. 
 
Produced by Codemasters and developed by Trickstar Games, International Cricket 2010 steps up to the crease with a range of innovations and improvements including ‘Action Cam’, the new camera that takes players right onto the pitch, and ‘Power Stick’ which gives 360° degree batting control to ensure International Cricket 2010 will deliver the most authentic interactive cricket experience ever.

Officially licensed by the England and Wales Cricket Board and Cricket Australia to feature official players, stadia and kits, International Cricket 2010 can be enjoyed in a range of game modes including new instant tournaments, full test series and quick-fire Twenty20 matches. 
 
Gamers can compete as any of the expanded roster of 16 nations at an improved selection of 21 stadia around the world, including Lord’s, the Home of Cricket.

Zapak CEO Rohit Sharma said, “Codemasters are a global leader in producing the best cricket games. International Cricket 2010 promises the most immersive and engaging gameplay with action like never before to all cricket enthusiasts. India is a cricket loving nation and I am sure that they will enjoy every bit of this game.”

NEW DELHI: The value of 3G auction picked up slightly on day 17 and has gone up to over Rs 93.30 billion at the end of 100 rounds, even as it was announced that ‘the Activity Requirement will be set to 90 per cent in Clock Round 104.’

The bid for Mumbai continues to top with Rs 14.91 billion, ahead of Delhi‘s Rs 14.17 billion.
 
The rest of Maharashtra closed at Rs 9.51 billion, while Andhra Pradesh was at Rs 8.43 billion. Tamil Nadu clocked Rs 8.25 million while Karnataka closed at Rs 7.56 billion. Gujarat closed at Rs 7.40 billion, while Kolkata clocked Rs 2.72 billion.

The bids for most states are expected to rise very little. These include Delhi, Mumbai, Kerala, Punjab, West and East Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Orissa, Assam, Jammu & Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh.
 
While West Uttar Pradesh clocked Rs 3.19 billion, Haryana rose marginally to Rs 2.22 billion, and the North-East to Rs 312 million. Rajasthan rose to Rs 2.63 billion and Bihar to Rs 354.4 million.

The bids for some states remained unchanged: Kerala at Rs 2.72 billion, Punjab at Rs 1.49 billion, East Uttar Pradesh at Rs 2.60 billion, Assam and Orissa at Rs 309 million, Madhya Pradesh at Rs 2.36 billion, West Bengal at Rs 1.24 billion, and Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh service areas at Rs 300 million each.

The telecom operators in the race are Aircel, Bharti Airtel, Etisalat DB Telecom, Idea Cellular, Reliance, S Tel, Tata Teleservices, Videocon Telecommunications and Vodafone Essar.

NEW DELHI: The government today confirmed that it had agreed to disinvest 10 per cent of its stake in Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL).

Minister of state for communications & information technology Gurudas Kamat told Parliament that the department of disinvestment has written to department of telecommunications seeking to know the listing plan for BSNL and is keen to see at least 10 per cent disinvestment of the government stake in the company in the coming fiscal year.
 
The BSNL board has also agreed to the proposal of 10 per cent disinvestment.

Kamat said the government constituted an expert Committee under the chairmanship of Sam Pitroda in January 2010 to review the performance of BSNL and suggest measures for improving overall performance of the company.
 
The committee has submitted its report to the government which includes recommendation for disinvestments of 30 per cent of equity shareholding of BSNL in stages at the appropriate time – after fundamental changes have been made to enhance enterprise value. The recommendations of Pitroda Committee were deliberated in the 126th Meeting of BSNL board on 10 March and BSNL reiterated the disinvestment of 10 per cent stake.

NEW DELHI: Communications and Information Technology Minister A Raja today staunchly denied the allegations against him with regard to the allocation of the 2G spectrum and said there was complete transparency.
 
When the issue was raised in Parliament following a report in a Delhi newspaper, Raja said: “I have nothing to hide. There was complete transparency in the way 2G spectrum was allocated by the Telecom Ministry.”

The Rajya Sabha witnessed uproar after members demanded the resignation of Raja with immediate effect. 
 
Raja also said that everything related to the spectrum allocations and auctions were put on the Ministry’s website.

In fact, the issue had also been raised in October last year when Raja had declined to step down following charges that his spectrum allocation policies have caused a revenue loss of Rs 600 billion.

NEW DELHI: The bid for 3G spectrum is entering the final stages with the price at the pan-India level touching Rs 89.14 billion.

The bid for Mumbai stands at Rs 13.83 million, ahead of Delhi‘s Rs 13.49 billion stretch at the end of 94 rounds on day 16.
 
The rest of Maharashtra closed at Rs 8.74 billion, with Tamil Nadu at Rs 8.09 billion. Karnataka closed at Rs 7.49 billion, while Andhra Pradesh had a bid of Rs 7.72 billion, and Gujarat closed at Rs 6.91 billion. Kerala rose marginally to Rs 2.72 billion, while Kolkata clocked Rs 2.64 billion.

The bids for most states are expected to rise very little. These include Delhi, Mumbai, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Punjab, Haryana, West and East Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Orissa, Assam, Bihar, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and the North-East.

While West Uttar Pradesh clocked Rs 3.58 billion, Haryana rose marginally to Rs 2.2 billion. 
 
The bids for some states remained unchanged: the North-East at Rs 309 million, Rajasthan at Rs 2.59 billion, Punjab at Rs 1.49 billion, Bihar at Rs 3.51 billion, East Uttar Pradesh at Rs 2.60 billion, Assam and Orissa at Rs 309 million, Madhya Pradesh at Rs 2.36 billion, West Bengal at Rs 1.24 million, and Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh service areas at Rs 300 million each.
The telecom operators in the race are Aircel, Bharti Airtel, Etisalat DB Telecom, Idea Cellular, Reliance, S Tel, Tata Teleservices, Videocon Telecommunications and Vodafone Essar.

The successful bidders would be allowed to start commercial 3G operations from 1 September.
 

MUMBAI: Flytxt, which offers technology in mobile marketing, has announced the launch of the next major version of its mobile marketing platform, Neon.
 
The company says that this delivers a change in marketing agility and effectiveness, compared to existing marketing systems. With Neon, mobile operators can run closed loop marketing campaigns within minutes, from a single web desktop, without the help of IT specialists.

The entire marketing loop, comprising behavioural analytics, segmentation, campaign execution, ROI tracking, reward fulfilment and reward confirmation, is automated in real time in a single integrated platform.

Flytxt Group CEO Dr. Vinod Vasudevan says, “We are pleased to bring this set of unparalleled capabilities to our customers to increase subscriber value through innovative marketing techniques”. 
 
A major part of the new release is the centralised inventory management, a new method that gives mobile operators complete control and visibility over its marketing inventory across channels. Neon automatically manages and intelligently maximises the return of all marketing impressions, and at the same time increases customer satisfaction, as communication frequency limits are automatically and centrally enforced.

MUMBAI: Telecom operator Verizon has added YouTube to its Fios TV Internet Video capabilities.

Qualified customers can now simply use their remote controls to search for and enjoy any YouTube video — right on their TV screens.

Verizon is also introducing Internet Radio for Fios TV subscribers, providing access to hundreds of stations across the US and the ability to stream music from the PC to the TV. 
 
Verizon‘s Internet Radio and Internet Videos services are both accessible via Media Manager, which already allows subscribers to search and view on their TVs user-generated content from online video-sharing sites blip.tv, Dailymotion and Veoh.

In addition, Verizon has expanded the Media Manager service, making it available to all FiOS TV HD customers. Previously, it was available only to DVR customers. The availability of YouTube, the world‘s most popular online video community, will add more daily videos to the service.

Verizon VP consumer strategy Shawn Strickland says, “Adding YouTube and Internet Radio to Fios TV further expands our customers‘ digital home-entertainment world by giving them access to an unprecedented amount of online content on the biggest screen in their home – their TV.

“When customers connect their homes to our all-fiber network, their TV and Internet worlds seamlessly come together to create experiences cable can‘t deliver. We are working with some of the most popular companies on the Web to create a high-quality, engaging Internet-to-TV experience that will only grow richer with time.”  
 
Internet Radio, Internet Videos and all other Fios TV features can be controlled via Mobile Remote, which Verizon introduced in February. Customers who have a Droid by Motorola or HTC Imagio mobile phone can use those devices as a television remote control. The mobile remote has virtually the same functionality as the standard FiOS remote, plus additional features including instantly transferring photos from the handset to the TV screen.
According to Steven Hawley, principal analyst and consultant of the industry research firm tvstrategies, these latest additions will markedly increase the value of FiOS TV to its customers and move FiOS TV further ahead of competing cable TV products.

“While other providers see the Internet as something of a threat, Verizon has embraced it in order to deliver the kind of socially-enabled personal media experience that so many of today‘s consumers want to see, and have been asking to have on their TV. Rather than blurring the line between TV and the Internet, Verizon has moved the line to embrace them both, and has raised the bar against its competition” he says.

Users can search YouTube and other available video-sharing sites individually, or all sites at once, using key words or by selecting “Most Watched” and “Top Rated” categories; view thumbnail screen grabs of videos that appear in search results and bookmark favourite videos – among other features.

Consumers also have the option to watch videos in full-screen mode. Using the Fios TV remote control, customers can log onto their YouTube account and view their favourite or self-uploaded videos stored with their online account.

In addition to the video-sharing features, Media Manager for PC includes Photo Manager and Music Manager features that help customers organise, manage and enjoy multimedia both on the PC and on TV. The service also includes a library of all personal videos, Internet videos from select websites, photos and music stored on a PC.

Fios provides next-generation interactive services including an advanced interactive media guide; social-networking, news and entertainment widgets; remote DVR management via broadband or cell phone; multi-room DVR; Internet videos on TV; streaming of personal videos, photos and music from home computers to the TV.