Category: Software

MUMBAI: Telekom Malaysia (TM) and Manchester United Football Club (MUFC), the current English Premier League Champions, have announced a five-year agreement uniting the two brands in marketing campaigns and promotional activities.
 
TM, thus, becomes the Official Integrated Telecommunications partner of Manchester United in Malaysia.
 
The agreement, brokered by Total Sports Asia, will see TM being able to exercise various licensing rights, intellectual property (IP) and dealership rights to produce and distribute selected merchandises bearing the Manchester United crest and team images. 
 

MUMBAI: truTV, the latest channel from Turner‘s bouquet of entertainment brands, will make its Asian debut on StarHub in Singapore on 1 April.

truTV, positioned as actuality TV, aims to unleash television at its most personal where nothing is staged, re-enacted or contrived.
 
Said Turner Entertainment Networks Asia SVP and general manager Sunny Saha, “truTV offers an innovative and unique mix of programming unlike anything else on television. It features unscripted content that‘s so genuine we needed a whole new way to describe it, actuality.” 
 
The addition of truTV to Turner‘s entertainment bouquet in Asia follows closely on the company‘s recent acquisition of Hindi GEC Imagine and its brands – Imagine Showbiz and Lumiere Movies in India, bringing the number of channels under the Turner banner to 13. 
 

NEW DELHI: The government says all the nine telecom service providers who had applied for bidding in the third generation (3G) radio frequency have qualified for the process.

The telecom operators – Bharti Airtel, Reliance Telecom, Vodafone Essar, Aircel, Etisalat DB Telecom, Idea Cellular, S Tel, Tata Teleservices and Videocon Telecom – would participate in the auction slated for 9 April, according to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) on its website.
 
DoT said 11 telecom companies – Aircel Ltd, Augere (Mauritius), Bharti Airtel, Idea Cellular, Infotel Broadband Services, Qualcomm, Reliance WiMax, Spice Internet Service Provider, Tata Communications Internet Services, Tikona Digital Networks and Vodafone Essar – have qualified for the broadband and wireless access (BWA) auction which will be held after the conclusion of 3G auctioning.

Four private players would be allotted spectrum in five states – Punjab, Bihar, West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir – while the remaining telecom circles will have three private players. 
 
The government has set Rs 35 billion as the base price for pan-India 3G spectrum and Rs 17.50 billion for a BWA services. The government is expected to earn about Rs 200 billion from the process.

3G services, which would allow faster connectivity and enable customers to enjoy Internet TV, video-on-demand, audio-video calls and high-speed data exchange, would start from 1 September.
 

MUMBAI: Calsoftlab, the wholly-owned subsidiary of California Software Company Limited (Calsoft), has announced the availability of additional software services targeted towards the digital home market.

Digital home devices are a leading innovation in the consumer electronic area and a wide range of these are expected to provide browsing and multimedia capability.
 
Calsoft will be targeting services towards software platforms based on embedded Linux, Windows CE and Android. Among the new service offerings are browser porting and multimedia application development for digital home devices such as set-top box, IPTV, networked media and CE devices.

Calsoftlabs already provides Flash 10 and Flash Lite 4 based solutions for the digital home market as Adobe‘s distributor. It also has significant expertise in wired and wireless protocols such as 802.11n that enable networked devices to communicate with each other. 
 
Says Digital Home Technology VP Anand Joshi, “Calsoftlabs‘s combined expertise in embedded, networking and multimedia technology provides a very attractive value proposition to OEMs developing digital home devices. With over 100 delivered projects to date we are well positioned to build on our existing customer portfolio.” 

MUMBAI: In its effort to lead the 3D revolution by offering customers new dimensions in sports programming, DirectTV will offer three dedicated 3D channels by which millions of its HD customers will have access to ESPN‘s entire 3D programming lineup including the 2010 Fifa World Cup matches.
 
Said Disney & ESPN Networks Group executive vice president, affiliate sales and marketing David C. Preschlack, “Both ESPN and DirectTV recognise the groundswell effect 3D has already had on the television industry in the last few months. This agreement is the first step in providing sports fans access to exciting, dynamic content, as well as providing our affiliates new opportunities to provide cutting-edge product offerings to their subscribers.”

Beginning June 11 with the first 2010 Fifa World Cup match between host South Africa and Mexico, the 3D programming will feature at least 85 live sporting events during its first year. The service has been under test since the last two years. 
 
In addition, DirecTV will also offer a 24/7 3D pay-per-view channel and a 24/7 3D DirectTV on-demand channel.
Other sports events include the 2011 BCS National Championship Game, college basketball and football contests as well as the Summer X Games.

MUMBAI: Star India Holdings, the Indian subsidiary of News Corp, has withdrawn its proposal to up its stake in the joint venture direct-to-home (DTH) company, Tata Sky.

This follows government‘s decision last month to defer Star‘s FIPB proposal to further invest Rs 3.24 billion in Tata Sky where it already holds a 20 per cent stake.

Indiantelevision.com had earlier reported that Star India had applied for clearance from the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) to buy a 49 per cent stake in Tata Group’s investment firm TS Investments.

TS Investments, in turn, was to buy a 20 per cent stake in Tata Sky for Rs 3.24 billion. This would have effectively given Star India an additional 9.8 per cent stake in Tata Sky, increasing News Corp’s total holding in the DTH company to 29.8 per cent from its present 20 per cent.

Tata group holds 70 per cent stake in Tata Sky, while Singapore-based PE firm Temasek holds the remaining 10 per cent.
 
Meanwhile, What’s On India Media got the FIPB approval to raise Rs 55.7 million by issuing and allotting preference shares to carry out the business of uplinking a non-news and current affairs TV channel. 
 
Broadband services provider Tikona Digital Network also got the nod to enhance the FDI to 74 per cent by issue of compulsorily convertible debentures (CCDs) and equity shares to existing foreign investors and new foreign investors. Tikona will be able to raise up to Rs 11.42 billion.

Meanwhile, FIPB asked Maa Television Network to access automatic route to regularise the 20 per cent existing shareholding (18.60 per cent direct and 1.31 per cent indirect NRI holding). This would not have involved any FDI inflow.

NEW DELHI: The Cable and Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia (CASBAA) has said that India needs to follow a road map that is pro-consumer and in favour of digitisation.

“Service providers can provide best services for everyone only when the environment for them is conducive and profitable,” according to Casbaa CEO Simon Twiston Davies. “A light handed approach to regulation is necessary for a robust growth of the sector.”
 
In the recent Casbaa meet here, the industry leadership highlighted that digital sports content will be one of the most effective tools for promoting advanced services such as broadband-based IPTV, HDTV and digital cable.

“The introduction of 3G and HDTV along with the staging of the Commonwealth Games in October will boost new media growth,” said Indian Broadcasting Foundation President Jawahar Goel who is also Dish TV MD. “Regional areas where billions of subscribers need broadband services are the silver lining for this industry.”

According to IPTV Forum India Chairman Shyamal Ghosh, the Fifa World Cup will certainly create new demand for IPTV. “Before the Commonwealth Games 2010 starts, IPTV and mobile TV should be pushed.”

Reliance Big Entertainment President Rajesh Sawhney said, “IPTV is a sexy technology and along with HDTV and 3G it will change the future of our industry. On the content side, conditions are just right. . . . If we digitise, we will see around 500 channels in India with more regional channels.”

Despite issues yet to be addressed for the India’s communications sector, regional satellite operators are still very optimistic with the local business opportunities.

“There is vast potential for satellite services in this market. But we also need a regulatory environment that enables more spectrum that can propel HD platforms,” Measat (Commercial Operations) VP Terry Bleakley.

“I see India as a most dynamic market. There is a huge demand for satellite services in military, DTH and many other services in India, and I believe that this productive demand will keep rising. However, easy access technology for Internet growth is still required,” said Srini Prasanna who is Vice President, Business Development & Regulatory Affairs, Asia Broadcast Satellite. 
 
During the meet on the theme of “On the Digital Edge – Where Broadband HITS the Streets”, the government expressed its commitment to the long-awaited harmonisation of the multiple taxes and tariffs affecting India ‘s satellite, DTH, cable TV and IPTV sectors. Broadcasters, operators and technology vendors believe this is essential if India is to achieve its goals of industry-wide digital networks.

During a keynote address, Information and Broadcasting Ministry Special Secretary Uday K Varma said the time frame for digitisation needs to be “staggered” in view of the number of TV homes and players in the market. Digitisation, he said, is essential if the need for greater transparency and accountability for investment is to be met.

Most recent data shows some 84 million (overwhelmingly) analogue cable TV homes, with 18 million DTH households. There are less than seven million digital cable and IPTV homes in India.

Andrea Appella, Director of Legal, Competition and Regulatory Affairs for News Corp in Asia & Europe, noted that rapid pay-TV market growth follows the implementation of light-touch regulatory policies. Governments should reserve intervention in wholesale TV markets for cases where market failure can be proven, he said.
 

MUMBAI: Bharti Airtel has introduced 50 Mbps broadband, the fastest wireline broadband for its consumer segment on Very High Speed Digital Subscriber Line (VDSL2) in the country.

Initially the service would be available in a few locations in Delhi and Gurgaon. It introduced its 16 Mbps plans last year.
 
Bharti Airtel joint president-telemedia services K Srinivas said, “Airtel, with this step, brings in a world class experience for its broadband customers. We are delighted to introduce 50 Mbps speed – the fastest, wired broadband service on next generation VDSL2 technology. This ultra-fast broadband connection will allow customers, the convenience to download songs in seconds and full length feature films in less than three minutes.”

Powered by Airtel’s Carrier Ethernet Network, the service will be initially available in select few locations in Delhi and Gurgaon, with phased roll-out in cities of Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore. Customers can avail the following plans for ultra high-speed broadband:

A. 50 MBPS for Rs 8999 per month, experience 50 Mbps broadband speed with free data transfer upto 200 GB and additional free value added services (VAS) like Parallel Ringing, Website Builder (Basic), PC Secure (Anti-Virus software), Online Storage, Unlimited Gaming on Games on Demand.
 
B. 30 MBPS – @ Rs. 7999 per month, experience 30 Mbps broadband speed with free data transfer upto 200GB and additional free VAS like Parallel Ringing, Website Builder (Basic), PC Secure (Anti-Virus software), Online Storage, Unlimited Gaming on Games on Demand.

VDSL2 is the newest and most advanced standard of DSL broadband wire line communications. It is designed to support the wide deployment of Triple Play services such as voice, video, data, IPTV, high definition television (HDTV) and interactive gaming. VDSL2 also enables customers to stream HD Content anywhere from the internet world as well.

Airtel provides broadband (DSL) and telephone services (fixed line) in 94 cities and had 29,88,545 customers as on December 31, 2009, of which 41.5 per cent were subscribing to broadband/ internet services.

MUMBAI: Fireworks International, the television and digital distribution arm of ContentFilm, has announced a two-year multi-platform deal for its new drama series Valemont, with MTV Networks International (MTVNI).

The series will run across MTV and Viva channels in more than 150 countries online and linear.
 
The deal incorporates rights to all content for Valemont, which is produced by Electric Farm Entertainment, including 35 short form episodes, the Alternate Reality Game, the prequel episodes and extra videos for online, plus five half-hour episodes and the 100-minute TV movie.

At Valemont University, the students are young, beautiful and the future of the world – but nothing is quite as it seems. The university is not just a school for humans but a breeding community for vampires too. The professors are the elders and the students are the next generation, training to become the monsters of legend in order to fulfill their blood legacy. And Valemont’s residents will go to any lengths to stop their dark secrets from being revealed.

MTV Brands International content and programming VP David Booth says, “Creating a deeper interaction and experience for our viewers through our content is core to what we do. Valemont’s dynamic storytelling and ability to maintain a strong and compelling narrative across linear, online and mobile perfectly delivers for our audience.”
 
Fireworks International executive VP, digital acquisitions and distribution Jonathan Ford commented, “Valemont is a stunning series, perfectly capturing the vampire teen zeitgeist with high quality, adaptable content that works across all platforms, and this deal will see the drama available to an audience of millions of digital users throughout the world.”

NEW DELHI: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has asked all stakeholders to respond by 25 April and counter-comments by 5 May to a consultation paper on-“Tariff Issues related to Cable TV Services in Non-CAS Areas”.

This is part of a de novo tariff exercise for cable TV services in non-Cas areas in pursuance to the Supreme Court order dated 13 May 2009. The consultation paper has been prepared based on inputs on financial and operational information given by the stakeholders (broadcasters, MSOs, cable operators, DTH operators and consumer advocacy groups); information obtained during meetings with the stakeholders and their associations; published secondary sources of information including annual reports and financial statements; and interaction with international regulators.

The paper raises 38 questions relating to wholesale tariff of channels from broadcasters to MSOs; retail tariff for cable TV services from cable operators to consumers; a-la-carte provision of channels from broadcaster to MSO; carriage & placement fee paid by broadcasters to MSOs/cable operators; tariff for commercial subscribers, and digitisation with addressability.

At the outset, Trai says the cable and satellite television market in India has experienced rapid growth, with the number of subscribers increasing from just 410,000 in 1992 to more than 83 million by the end of 2008 – a growth rate of nearly 40 per cent every year for the last 16 years. This expansion of subscriber base is mirrored by commensurate growth on the supply side. India today has a large broadcasting and distribution sector, comprising 485 television channels, 3,000-4,000 multi system operators, up to 60,000 LCOs, seven DTH operators, and several IPTV service providers.
 
In 2009, the revenue size of the Indian television industry was estimated at Rs 257 billion. Of this, Rs 169 billion (66 per cent) is attributed to subscription revenue generated from consumers and the balance Rs 88 billion (34 per cent) comes from the advertising market.

The last five years have changed the dynamics of the market significantly. Introduction of viewing platforms like DTH and IPTV, and digitisation of the last mile (both voluntary and mandatory) have led to a more diverse, rapidly evolving multi-platform market. From a scenario where 100 per cent of the cable & satellite (C&S) population was dependent on analog cable services, DTH commanded around 20 per cent market share in 2009. Uptake of digital services is increasing and choice is becoming possible at the consumer end. The figure below provides an estimate of the subscriber base of various platforms: