ITV

Category: Software

  • AT&T rolls out AT&T Entertainment website

    MUMBAI:AT&T has rolled out AT&T Entertainment, a new website entertainment.att.net that supports streaming TV shows and movies on PC.


    The online content is provided by content providers including ABC, NBC Universal and CBS Interactive. The site is part of AT&T‘s strategy to make popular content available to consumers across the three screens – TV, PC and wireless phone. It plans to add more TV programmes and movies from other providers in the coming months.


    “AT&T Entertainment provides the one-stop destination to watch your favorite TV shows and movies on your PC, wherever you have a broadband connection. The site will grow and evolve to make more content available to consumers in new and better ways,” said AT&T EVP content and programming Dan York.

  • IBC 2009 kicks off on a sound note

    AMSTERDAM: It was opening party night on 11 September at IBC in Amsterdam. Even as Ekta Kapoor and her friends were grooving at a beach-themed party in Mumbai, in Amsterdam television, film technology executives and CEOs were dancing to a live band in the RAI Exhibition Centre.









    Just a handful of them, though, for most of them were either too bashful or thought that dancing was not their way of having a good time – munching shrimps, beef burgers, followed by many glasses of wine. But the party was extremely regimented: an army of security, reminding us of a congressional hearing, made sure you walked in a file, you deposited your bag in the cloakroom, and made sure you walked into a specific room.



    In the beginning it seemed to lack life but as the band broke into Burning, and Micahel Jackson tracks, the floor came alive as bodies gyrated and pumped themselves to the beats. Came 10 pm, it was time to head back.


     

    The morning tram rides clearly belong to the drivers: they tend to make passengers laugh through their quips. Catch this one: “Listen guys. We all know you are waiting to catch up and chat with your friends but if you don‘t move behind away from the entrance your friends will not be able to board. Then where will you have conversation.”


    Or this one: “Whenever the tram is this crowded, there is always a pickpocket on board. Keep a watch on your belongings, remember he is keeping a watch on yours. So don‘t cry later that I did not warn you,” the driver said to the amusement of the passengers. Äs passengers alighted, the driver made another comment: “To specially all the ladies, I look forward to seeing you once again later today.”



    Meanwhile, back to business. Sessions on UGC were well attended, where a senior advertising executive from Ogilvy stated that nobody understands today what consumers are going to buy. The consumer is evolving so fast, we are struggling to understand patterns.


    Then UK company Pace unveiled a hybrid set-top box with a fully integrated 3D user interface, The 3D interface is able to support a range of enhanced services such as video on demand, advanced IP based EPG information or graphic animation for screen and application transitions. The box is based on the DVB-T2 transmission standard.



    Motorola’s Home and Networks Mobility business introduced a new encoder that supports both MPEG-4 and MPEG-2 standard-definition and high-definition encoding and transcoding and looks ahead to provide early support for emerging formats – specifically 1080P/50 Hz and 1080P/60 Hz resolutions using the MPEG-4 format.


    Motorola said its compression engine supports all popular video formats, including 1080i and 720p, and is designed to keep pace with service providers’ future video requirements by providing additional processing crunch power to support emerging services such as 3-D television and multi-stream output. Called Motorola SE-6000, it accepts baseband SD and HD video, as well as pre-compressed MPEG-4 and MPEG-2 streams, to act as both a high-performance encoder and transcoder for satellite, cable and IPTV applications.


    Additionally, Tandberg Television introduced an MPEG-4 AVC HD 4:2:2 encoder and receiver with support for up to 1080p50/60 HD encoding. The new system offers 10-bit precision, which Tandberg said provides a noticeable improvement in colour gradation on plain backgrounds compared with 8-bit systems.



    Then Grass Valley, which is in talks to be acquired by allegedly a private equity firm, introduced two new products: the K2 Solo, a small two-channel playout server with 20 hours of HD storage; and Dyno Director, a new software platform for its K2 server product that works with its existing Dyno replay system and is designed to provide a touchscreen interface to directors for quickly turning around sports replays.


    ARRI intorduced three new digital cameras that should start shipping June 2010. All three cameras will use a new CMOS sensor with a 3.5K pixel count and variable frame rates ranging from one to 60 frames per second. The top camera, the A-OV Plus, will have a 4:3 picture area on the sensor and an optical viewfinder, while the A-EV and A-EV Plus will use a 16:9 picture area (on the same sensor) and a digital viewfinder. A big difference is that, while all three models will offer on-board HD recording, the A-EV Plus and A-OV Plus will have the option of recording uncompressed HD. The two “Plus” models will also feature an integrated radio modem for wireless control.

  • Big TV premieres Kaminey on PPV channel

    MUMBAI: Big TV, the direct-to-home (DTH) arm of Reliance ADAG, is all set to premiere Kaminey this festive season.









    The movie will be available for Rs 75 and will be screened on the DTH platform from 12 September onwards for a period of one month on its pay-per-view (PPV) channels.

     

    Said Reliance Big TV SVP Umesh Rao, “We are excited about the prospect of showcasing Kaminey on our DTH platform. It‘s a perfect opportunity for our viewers to enjoy latest blockbusters and wholesome entertainment through our PPV offerings.”

    Directed by Vishal Bharadwaj, Kaminey is a dark comedy showcasing the cunning side of humans to achieve happiness.


    Produced by UTV Motion Pictures, Kaminey had grossed Rs 630 million worldwide within the first 10 days of its release.


    Meanwhile, other DTH players such as Tata Sky and Airtel Digital TV had earlier announced the availability of the movie on their respective PPV platforms for the same amount.

  • NetGear launches net connected STB









    MUMBAI: NetGear, which provides networking solutions in the US, has launched the newest Internet-connected set-top box in its Digital Entertainer product family.


    The new Digital Entertainer Live (EVA2000) is a net set-top box that enables viewers to play their digital media collections, YouTube videos and a range of other Internet content on big-screen TVs.

     

    In addition to personal media collections and YouTube, consumers can now easily browse, download and play newly released pay-per-view movies from Roxio CinemaNow. They can also view videos on their TV from a variety of Internet sources, such as Hulu, Netflix and CBS, through free software trials and optional subscriptions. The Digital Entertainer Live incorporates all of these functions into a single compact player, an advantage for cluttered home entertainment cabinets.



    NetGear director of product marketing Phillip Pyo says, “People are amassing a huge amount of their own downloaded and personal digital music, photos, and videos, as well as consuming more and more Internet video.”


    According to comScore’s Video Metrix service, between January 2007 and July 2009, there was a 331 per cent jump in the number of minutes of video watched per average viewer per month. It went from 2 hours, 31 minutes to 8 hours, 20 minutes.


    Pyo says, “The vast majority of people are still watching these videos on small computer screens, so it’s logical to assume that the amount of time spent will continue to increase as devices such as the Digital Entertainer Live make it even easier to watch online video on HDTVs.


    “NetGear is thrilled to offer an affordable, content-rich, and easy-to-set-up and -use solution that bridges this gap and enables people to fully enjoy their home media collections and online video from popular Internet sites on the best screen in their home – their big-screen TVs.”

  • Adobe highlights video advances at IBC

    MUMBAI: At the 2009 IBC tradeshow in Amsterdam, Adobe is showcasing advances in next-generation video and dynamic media software technologies that provide integrated, end-to-end workflows for broadcasters and media companies.









    Highlights of the show include the public beta of Adobe Story software, a new online and offline collaborative script development tool that begins the planning and pre-production phase of video workflows, as well as the introduction to Adobe Flash Access 2.0 software, a content protection solution that enables the distribution and monetisation of premium content, which can create new sources of revenue for media publishers.

     

    Adobe VP, GM Dynamic Media Jim Guerard says, “Adobe continues to innovate and streamline video workflows from script to screen. We are committed to helping customers succeed by making their workflows more efficient, their audience experiences more compelling and their business models more profitable.”


    Guerard adds, “From content creation to delivery and playback, Adobe and its broadcast and media customers are leading the industry and revolutionizing how the digital video industry creates and consumes rich media.”


    Charting the future of streamlined video workflows, the company states that it is providing new ways for customers to create more engaging customer experiences and build business around media assets. Beginning at the planning and pre-production phase of the video workflow, Adobe Story – now available on Adobe Labs – streamlines video production workflows by automatically turning content in scripts into relevant metadata that can be used throughout the Adobe digital video workflow.


    Once the content is created and ready for delivery, Flash Access 2.0 – previously Flash Media Rights Management Server – offers a new scalable, flexible content protection solution that enables the expansion, distribution and monetisation of premium content.


    In addition to offering new software technologies, Adobe is highlighting how some of the world’s top media companies continue to stretch and reinvent dynamic media workflows utilising Adobe’s end-to-end video workflows to expand their audiences, help build their businesses and showcase content in new ways.

  • Brad Garlinghouse to head email group at AOL

    MUMBAI: AOL, the Internet unit of Time Warner, has named Brad Garlinghouse as president – Internet and mobile communications.









    As part of his new mandate, Garlinghouse will report directly to company CEO Tim Armstrong and will spearhead AOL‘s global efforts to expand the reach of its e-mail and instant messaging.


    Garlinghouse will also take on an expanded leadership position as head of AOL‘s Silicon Valley operations in Mountain View c and serve as the West Coast lead for AOL Ventures, the company‘s venture capital arm.

     

    Says Armstrong, “In addition to leading our efforts to grow our communications products, Brad will be bringing his global leadership and business experience as a key member of our company‘s executive leadership team. He will also be a major force for AOL in Silicon Valley, working to expand our presence there and in the tech community in general.”


    Garlinghouse was most recently an advisor at venture capital firm Silver Lake Partners. before which he swas with Yahoo where he oversaw the Internet company‘s communications and community products.


    Garlinghouse says, “It‘s a tremendous opportunity to join AOL at this pivotal moment in its history. Tim has set out a clear strategy and vision for where he is taking this company as it becomes independent again. I‘m looking forward to working with him and the rest of the team to realise that vision.”

  • Brad Garlinghouse to head email group at AOL

    MUMBAI: AOL, the Internet unit of Time Warner, has named Brad Garlinghouse as president – Internet and mobile communications.









    As part of his new mandate, Garlinghouse will report directly to company CEO Tim Armstrong and will spearhead AOL‘s global efforts to expand the reach of its e-mail and instant messaging.


    Garlinghouse will also take on an expanded leadership position as head of AOL‘s Silicon Valley operations in Mountain View c and serve as the West Coast lead for AOL Ventures, the company‘s venture capital arm.

     

    Says Armstrong, “In addition to leading our efforts to grow our communications products, Brad will be bringing his global leadership and business experience as a key member of our company‘s executive leadership team. He will also be a major force for AOL in Silicon Valley, working to expand our presence there and in the tech community in general.”


    Garlinghouse was most recently an advisor at venture capital firm Silver Lake Partners. before which he swas with Yahoo where he oversaw the Internet company‘s communications and community products.


    Garlinghouse says, “It‘s a tremendous opportunity to join AOL at this pivotal moment in its history. Tim has set out a clear strategy and vision for where he is taking this company as it becomes independent again. I‘m looking forward to working with him and the rest of the team to realise that vision.”

  • Mega TV rolls out HD services on Comcast System in South Florida









    MUMBAI: Spanish Broadcasting System (SBS) has announced that Mega TV is broadcasting its entire primetime programming lineup in high definition (HD) on Comcast cable systems in South Florida.


    Mega TV primetime programmes including Maria Elvira Live, Esta Noche Tu Night, Paparazzi TV Sensacional, Mega News and Los Implicados will be telecast in HD. Mega TV HD can be seen on channel 438 on Comcast‘s limited basic HD service, in addition to its existing standard definition (SD) broadcast on channel 22.

     

    “This is a significant milestone in growing Mega TV‘s distribution footprint and our continued efforts to showcase our originally produced Mega TV programmes. The addition of Mega TV HD on Comcast will help meet the needs of the growing South Florida Hispanic audience for quality Spanish-language content in the latest HD format,” said Mega TV MD and SBS chief creative officer Cynthia Hudson Fernandez.Added Comcast VP marketing Thomas Zemaitis, “Mega TV is a natural fit for Comcast South Florida and having its programming in HD is an added bonus for our viewers.”

  • IBC 2009 to take a peep into the future

    AMSTERDAM: There‘s a chill that gets into your bones at night. You want to be tucked into your bed with the covers on you and snooze away, not walk outside. The smell of marijuana permeates the very air in the city centre as visitors of all types puff away at the weed on the street. It gets into your coat, into your hair, until all you can smell is the weed. Amsterdam, the marijuana capital of Europe, is also the broadcast technology capital and IBC 2009 is on at the RAI Exhibition Centre.









    Morning is always a rush with you trying to get into Tram No 4 from close to Dam Square to get to the convention centre. The sudden influx of visitors for IBC means trams wait longer at their stops until all get in. But there‘s no doubt this modern city with a touch of the old world, in the shape of horse drawn carriages (and mind you the horses are grand), cops on horseback, tulips all over, is a delightful place to be in.


     

    The buzz at IBC 2009 conferences was about Hybrid Broadcast Broadband, 3D and 1080p technology on day one. And one got a peep at the future. The Indians are in attendance: Wipro Consulting Services president of communication and media TK Kurien, telling conference attendees how complicated the Indian consumer is and how they can market more effectively to her. Hindustan Times editorial advisor Vir Sanghvi is slated to deliver a keynote on whether the broadcasting journalist is a threatened species.


    Organisers are expecting a good turnout. Reason: IBC 2009 is happening at a time when the economy is beginning to show an uptick. NAB happened when things were looking bleak so visitors stayed away. Though Sony is a prominent absentee, show organisers have created a “production village” consisting of a mock TV set with cameras from several major vendors, including JVC’s new 4K camera, and free training in HD production.


    The $5 billion turnover Harris announced a slew of initiatives for IBC, apart from taking up the biggest floorspace. Among these: Harris Virtual World which allows customers to get a virtual feel of the Harris product range, a new range of transmitters, energy efficiency and green products.


    Many other companies are slated to use the platform to unveil a host of products. Grass Valley executives said the traffic for the show seemed to be a little slower than last year, but added the weekend is likely to see things speed up a bit. Last year, around 50,000 visitors turned up from all over the world. Expect the number to be crossed this year.

  • Movi, Corpus partner to offer VoD for 3G

    MUMBAI: Mumbai-based mobile content developer Movi, a Third Generation Mobile (TGMPL) company, has joined forces with US-based telecom convergent solutions provider, Corpus.

    The association will launch a bouquet of video-on-demand unicast for the broadband 3G mobile user.


    Initially, the content will be made available across seven Asian mobile markets. Along with Corpus’s expertise in Vas (value-added-services) and support solutions, the joint offering will be scaled up globally, says the company.




    The content will be made available in the form of original five-minute duration mobisodes, custom-produced for consumption by customers over an icon-based interactive application enabling them to pull content of their liking.


    “The proposed Movi-Corpus joint portfolio for the 3G media platform is a premium mix of video-on-demand and Vas that stands to benefit all of the creators, operators and consumers in the digital value chain of convergence,” says Third Generation Mobile (the holding company of Movi) co-founder Amit Dev.



    “This joint package truly leverages all the essential skillsets and learning by our experts for tailor-made solution strategy to match mobile media advertisers with specific client needs,” added Corpus Media Labs co-founder Sachin Tummala.