Category: Software

NEW DELHI: A new business plan was being formulated to improve the revenues from Doordarshan’s DTH service DD Direct but this would not mean any extra burden on the viewers as the platform will remain free-to-air and they will pay only for the initial installation of the dish antennae.

Prasar Bharati Chief Executive Officer B S Lalli told a news conference here that DD Direct – which he claimed was the world’s only FTA DTH Platform – was now carrying a bouquet of 33 channels including 26 of Doordarshan.

He said he had been approached in recent days by five or six private FTA channels wanting to uplink on the platform.
Mr Lalli said the platform which had been functioning successfully for the past two years was being revamped with new channels.

He said the platform had been established to reach uncovered areas of the country, particularly in the northeast.

NEW DELHI: Doordarshan will switch over to the recently-launched Indian satellite Insat-4B with effect from June One for its direct-to-home DD Direct service, and has been allocated all the five transponders it has asked for at present, Prasar Bharati CEO BS Lalli said today.

Addressing a press meet here, Lalli said he was in touch with the Department of Space which had expressed happiness that the public broadcaster had decided to switch from a foreign satellite to an Indian satellite.

Lalli said that Prasar Bharati had been paying around five million dollars to the NSS which meant a lot of foreign exchange. Using Insat would mean paying to the Indian Space Research Organization which would mean the money would remain within the country.

Furthermore, he said that this would mean better positioning since Insat was in a geostationary orbit closer to India and therefore parts like the northeast would receive clearer signals.

For the viewers, it would mean just a ‘wee bit tilting’ of the dish from the existing 95 degrees to 93.5 degrees, and a minor alteration in the set top box which would cost nothing.

Doordarshan and the Department of Space were jointly undertaking an awareness programme to make viewers aware about this change.

The satellite had been launched early this month from Kourou in French Guiana. The Insat-4B, the second satellite in the Insat-4 series, is carrying 12 Ku band and as many C band transponders for communication and broadcasting services. Earlier reports had indicated that the Sun Group owned by Kalanithi Maran may get six transponders for its Sun Direct DTH and one for digital satellite news gathering as it had failed to get any transponders earlier following the failure of Insat-4C last year.

MUMBAI: Vivodi Telecommunications and Disney‘s Buena Vista international Television (BVITV) have concluded a multi-year video-on-demand (VoD) movie rental agreement in Greece, marking the first Disney VoD agreement in Greece.

According to an official release, the pact provides Vivodi with the Greek VOD rights to a slate of Disney films distributed to the international television marketplace by BVITV, such as the global blockbuster Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man‘s Chest, the Jerry Bruckheimer produced action-thriller Déj? Vu and The Guardian starring Kevin Costner and Ashton Kutcher. The titles licensed by Vivodi under terms of the agreement will premiere in early spring 2007 on Vivodi‘s new VoD service, via cableTV.

The agreement was announced by BVITV EMEA executive vice president and managing director and Canada Tom Toumazis and Vivodi Telecommunications Chairman and CEO Sofia Kounenaki-Efraimoglou.

“We are pleased to be working with Vivodi to offer Greek consumers a broad range of hit Disney movies, to appeal to all members of the family. This agreement demonstrates our commitment to working with international partners to bring our content to viewers in a flexible and secure way,” says Toumazis.

NEW DELHI: Prasar Bharati CEO BS Lalli today formally announced that Doordarshan has been beaming four channels for mobile phones and these can be viewed with the appropriate equipment within a radius of 10 km, thus confirming an earlier report by indiantelevision.com.

Lali made a plethora of announcement, among which are the changes being brought in the DD Direct, DD‘s DTH service, revenue generation efforts, facing the challenge of content improvement even while sticking to the mandate of the public broadcaster, and also hi definition TV project.

On mobile TV, Lali said that the streaming is on, but clarified that there is no single manufacturing company that DD would work with, “unlike as suggested in sections of the media”.

He announced also that the necessary frequencies for the mobile TV programme have been allocated already.

DD is now streaming four of its channels (DD 1, DD News, DD Sports and DD Bharati), he said, adding that in the near future, this would climb to eight or even 10, and hoped that the commercial launch would be in May this year.

He said that already a small amount of Rs 10 crore has been spent on the project and a few more minor changes needed to be introduced to calibrate it to the mobile format, requiring another for to five crore.

He explained that the screen being small, the calibration would optimise viewing, the anchors for the programmes would be shot at a closer range so the face is more prominent and even the scrolls would be made larger for easy reading.

He said DD was also looking for new, “snappy, tech-savvy” content for the present generation, and mentioned that already in places like Italy, new content (like 25-minute films) for mobile TV is being developed and DD was looking into this.

Without clarifying much, he said DD would develop a “nice business model for the project, and said that the range (now 10 km radius) would first be increased to cover all Delhi, and then take the programme to the three remaining metros.

DD has discussed the issue of the equipment with LG, Samsung and other parties, especially the pricing, which is very high at the moment.

“The price of the equipment is now about Rs 32,000, and we have told them that India is a very price sensitive country and asked them to reduce some features keep the relevant and necessary ones and bring down the price, which they say could be around Rs 15,000,” Lali said.

He assured, also, that once the volume of sales goes up, the prices would come tumbling and could touch something like Rs 6,000 in the near future.

NEW DELHI: A heated meeting between the sector regulator, MSOs and broadcasters, which first saw the MSOs take a beating, ended with the regulator asking the broadcasters too, to get their act together and work out plans with MSOs regarding packages.

The MSOs in their turn have promised to settle the issue of billing on customer choice-basis by 30 March, and give daily feedbacks to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) in the established format.

One of the MSOs has reportedly informed Trai that the data available from the SMS systems and the customer choice forms have been handed over to the broadcasters yesterday, and they have urged the latter to study it.

The MSOs have said in the meeting that the data would worry the broadcasters, as they clearly show that the channels which were supposed to be popular were not so, as reflected in the forms filled up by the customers.

Less than 25 per cent of old customers who had a free run of the channels have requested for channels that the broadcasters once projected to advertisers as ‘most popular‘, as the picture seems to have emerged.

MSOs have assured Trai and the broadcasters present in the meeting that they would give full access to any kind of data on the SMS, for broadcasters to verify and satisfy themselves, and ask questions right down to individual customers and cross-check data, sources told indiantelevision.com.

On the issue of interconnection contracts, some MSOs have suggested that the arrangements should be worked out between them and the broadcasters, to which Trai had retorted that they have taken inordinate time, but nothing has happened.

MSOs have said that they would make an effort to sit down and if nothing happens, the regulator would be free to step in and take the needed decision.

MSOs held that, for instance, in the case of the recent series of cricket matches, various suggestions have been made to broadcasters to form meaningful packages, but the channels have stepped back on that.

Trai had asked for details of seeded boxes and customer choices from the MSOs in a consolidated form and most of these were handed over, with MSOs saying that they have no objection if broadcasters are given access to that.

The MSOs have admitted that some customers have not yet stated their choices in the forms, but the invoices for such customers can be worked out between the broadcasters and MSOs mutually, they have said.

On the issue of paybacks on per-customer basis, the broadcasters, sources say, had asked what the MSOs intended to do.

The MSOs have said that whatever data is there in the SMS and customer choice data handed over to the broadcasters, the latter would have the agreed share of their revenue.

What has been discussed is the issue of a modality for switch off for those customers who are stubborn about not putting in their choices formally on the forms. But nothing concrete has emerged out of this so far, sources said.

One of the MSOs have stated that they had in 2003, come to some agreement with broadcasters regarding this issue and Trai has asked the MSO to state clearly and in detail what such arrangements were.

The MSOs have reiterated their position, stating that Cas has thrown open a programming challenge in terms of packaging, and it seems, from reports emanating from yesterday‘s meeting, that the broadcasters would “per force, due to the recent SMS and customer choice revelations” be pulled into some kind of a meaningful engagement with MSOs.

The broadcasters have to work out what is best for them in the context of a situation in which Cas is a reality, extension of mandatory Cas is on the anvil and customers have shown that they have a mind that neither MSOs nor broadcasters have read in a manner that would have them do business in a liberalised, consumer-based economy.

NEW DELHI: Two new software items were launched by an Indian entrepreneur, ‘One 97’, Mobicast (Mobile Broad Cast) and Video SMS, for the first time in India while Motorola announced that it was about to launch a new handset called, ‘Rocker‘ which will act as web cam on the second day of the 15th Convergence India 2007.

One 97 said Mobicast would help people to tune from their mobile phones into any radio channel that was streamed over the internet. The application will allow the users to access numerous feeds from across the world, including audio feeds of various Indian languages such as Bhojpuri, Tamil, Punjabi, Malayalam etc. The other software, Video SMS, will allow users to personalize self-expressions with built over voice to create a talking video message.

Addressing a special seminar on ‘Mobile Handset and New Innovations‘, Motorola Director (Marketing) Lloyd Mathias said, “Handsets are an integral part of people‘s daily life, and are extensions of their personality. People now use phones for purposes beyond talking and messaging – they look for cameras, Radio etc. There are at present a total of 32 million camera users/150 million mobile users, but there will be more camera-enabled phones than cameras, and more people will listen to songs on their phones than through CDs by the end of this calendar year.

He added that Motorola was about to launch a new handset – ‘Rocker‘ – which will act as a web cam. It can be used as a web cam while chatting through the phone. Soon, there will be many new technologies being launched including as music ID, Vastushastra etc.

Indian Cellular Association (ICA) National President Pankaj Mohindroo and Mr Suneel Dutt of Nokia also addressed the meet.

One of the leading Telecom equipment makers, UTStarcom, said it had signed a contract with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd to deploy 1.3 million broadband lines across 900 cities in the country.

A Philippine-based software company is also showcasing an amazing new software, Nemo, which can turn a mobile into a GPRS based navigation system.

Prem Behl, Managing Director of Exhibitions India which has organized the three-day Convergence India, said, “The year 2007 is touted to be the year of ICT – rural connectivity, Broadband, 3G, enterprise and entertainment bulge, mobile content, e-governance, increase in PC penetration, Information Security and telemedicine, On-line education, telemedicine, IT applications in financial services, and e-commerce and the meet reflects a surge in industry confidence. Techno-enthusiasts will get to see the latest products and services that are expected to change the way consumers and businesses will use and interact with new age gadgets, he added.

MUMBAI: BroadcastAsia, digital multimedia and entertainment technology event is set to kick off one again at the Singapore Expo from 19-22 June showcasing the latest digital technology, professional equipment and services.

This year‘s BroadcastAsia will feature a HD (high definition) studio demonstrating a full suite of high definition production workflow – from production to final content output. Industry professionals will be on hand to explain the features and processes of the studio as well as highlight the differences in quality between standard definition and HD transmissions to visitors.

In partnership with various industry organisations, the BroadcastAsia International Conference will feature a series of sessions focusing on critical industry issues and will bring greater clarity to the new technological and business opportunities within the industry. It will also cover areas in file-based production, media production and development, digital multimedia, IPTV, content delivery to creating new opportunities, informs an official release.

Over 800 exhibiting companies including Harris, Sennheiser, Miranda, Vizrt, Magna, Innoxius, Conax and Qualcomm will demonstrate a spectrum of products and applications from media content creation to delivery including new technologies birthed as a result of digital convergence. Group participation is also expected at BroadcastAsia2007 with pavilions from Singapore, China, France, Germany, Italy, Korea, USA and UK.

BroadcastAsia2007 expected to attract over 10,000 industry professionals, decision makers, vendors and buyers from 50 countries.

“This year‘s conference saw over 60 representatives who responded to its call for contribution. The overwhelming response was an indication of the industry‘s enthusiasm to use the conference to share and update fellow professionals,” commented Singapore Exhibition Services project manager for communications events Calvin Koh.

Interactive, digital media and entertainment in the spotlight:

Spread over a total of eight halls, BroadcastAsia, alongside with CommunicAsia, EnterpriseIT, InteractiveDME and ComputerGraphics Overdrive — will see the gathering of over 2,400 companies as they come together to demonstrate the transforming powers of digital technologies that are redefining the boundaries of traditionally-segmented telecommunications, networks, enterprise solutions and entertainment arenas.

Reflecting the growing importance of the interactive digital media industry in Singapore, which had been identified as a key growth sector for the local economy, interactive and digitised media and entertainment content will be a highlight on the show floor, adds the release.

According to industry observers, the estimated size of the global media and entertainment industry in 2009 is expected to hit US$1.78 trillion, while the Asia-Pacific market is predicted to reach US$431 billion in the same period. Some ‘hot‘ converged applications include digital cinema, IPTV, connected digital home devices and online gaming, amongst others.
Some ‘hot‘ converged applications that visitors can expect to see include mobile entertainment, IPTV, connected digital home devices, as well as mobile and online gaming, amongst others.

Some of the key enabling technologies that will occupy prominence on the show floor this year are:
– Wireless — covering 3G, HSDPA, WiMax/ WiBro, Fixed-Mobile Convergence (FMC), as well as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and Embedded technologies
” Broadcasting — covering Satellite, Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB) and Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB)
– Digital Networks — covering Next Generation Networks (NGN), Voice over IP (VoIP) and Information Security

CG Overdrive will also be held alongside BroadcastAsia for the first time, to answer the growing interest in animation and demand for Asian animated content.

One of the main highlights of CG Overdrive is a knowledge-centric conference that will address topics such as character animation techniques, character modelling and production of CG cinematics for gamers. Fringe activities like digital film screenings, digital art gallery and networking parties will also be staged.

NEW DELHI: Kangaroo TV has announced the first commercial launch of the system in all the F1 races, allowing viewers to “see everything” and even ride with their favourite drivers and pit crew in their cars during the races.

This is the mother of all sports devices, feels the company, which has set up its IVT-200, an interactive multimedia transceiver based on Linux and Qtopia. It is most suited for F1 races, where now the fans sitting at any given place can see only their segment of the race.

Not any longer, for this will be a 360 degree coverage, according to an expert. You can actually see the entire track sitting in one place, he says.

The equipment can be bought or rented for a day at various price ranges.

Spectators at other live sporting events may also become Linux users, given that Kangaroo TV says its device can support football, professional golfing, baseball, and other sports.

Regardless of the event, Kangaroo TV puts fans “in the middle of the sporting action”, the company says, by displaying live video, audio, and “real-time data”.

The IVT-200 can receive audio and video feeds in several copy-protected formats, and allows the user to switch between feeds at will, tailoring their own broadcast coverage experience. It appears to use cellular radio networking technology, given that it is offered by Nextel, a mobile phone operator.

The IVT-200 can support up to 10 live MPEG4 feeds, along with AAC3 and MP3 audio streams. The device also has a simple radio that can receive live audio on user-set frequencies.

NEW DELHI: The Government has denied any shortage of set top boxes (STBs) for the conditional access system (Cas) but admitted complaints are received from time to time against non-compliance of orders/regulations relating to the Cas scheme.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Priyaranjan Dasmunsi also denied in the Rajya Sabha today that the government had prescribed any agency from whom the STBs can be procured, or given any list of suppliers.

He also the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) had not received any reports of instances of exploitation by broadcasters/multi-system operators (MSOs).

He said complaints against non-compliance of orders/regulations relating to CAS are attended to according to established procedures.

Trai had been interacting with MSOs and concerned nodal officers to ensure that bottlenecks, if any, are removed expeditiously in order to protect consumers interests.

NEW DELHI: Much in keeping with the demands of both MSOs and DTH operators, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has taken the first step towards rolling out mandatory Cas in the entire area of the three main metros, issuing a letter seeking various inputs from MSOs.

Trai has asked them to fill up a proforma with detailed responses to various issues that need to be looked into before deciding whether Cas should be extended at one go or in phases in the remaining parts of the three metros.

Trai has written a letter to the MSOs (a copy of which is with Indiantelevision.com) calling for a meeting on 5 April in New Delhi, for “assessing (MSOs‘) state of preparedness in the case of extension of Conditional Access System to other parts of Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata.”

The MSOs, to say the least, are delighted, saying that rolling out Cas would infuse the much needed spirit in their business and would address the issue of residents of the same city getting discriminatory pricing for viewing cable television.

The two major issue that Trai has urged MSOs to work on are:

* Whether Cas may be extended to the remaining areas of the three metros at one go or in phases; and

* What should be the time frame for the various activities that need to be undertaken.

Trai has raised specific issues in its letter.

Among them is the issue of time required by MSOs to apply to the I&B Ministry for permission under Rule 11 (2) of amended Cable Rules (presently, a time period of 30 days is permitted under the Rules).

Trai has also asked about the time required by MSOs for setting up physical infrastructure such as digital head-end (if digital transmission is preferred), encryption system (Cas), subscriber management system (SMS), laying cables wherever required, etc;

The MSOs have so far seeded 500,000 STBs in the Cas areas of the three metros and say they have in hand another 185,000 ready to be seeded.

If Cas is extended, this would be nowhere near sufficient, hence Trai has asked them about the time required for procurement of set top boxes in sufficient numbers; as well as time needed for conclusion of interconnection agreements with broadcasters on one hand and with local cable operators on the other.

Some MSOs have argued that the broadcasters and MSOs should be allowed to come to negotiated terms between themselves, failing which Trai could step in to do what is needed.

Trai also wants to know for how long a public awareness campaign would be conducted by the MSOs.

MSOs have been also asked to respond on the issue of how much time should be allowed for inviting applications for STBs from subscribers and how much time would be required for installation of boxes?

“Should these two activities be simultaneous or one after the other?” Trai has queried.

It has added: “How long should the “trial period” (a period of transition) be prior to complete roll out of Cas?”

The letter reminds the MSOs that in the present Cas rollout exercise, a transition period of 15 days had been allowed when pay channels had to be compulsorily transmitted both in encrypted and unencrypted manner.

Expectedly, MSOs and cable operators are delighted. They see this as a concrete move towards extension of Cas to other parts of the city, and point out to one aspect of the letter: Trai has not asked if Cas should be extended, but whether it should be done at one go or in phases.

Arvind Mohan, MSO Alliance secretary told Indiantelevision.com: “This is a positive step forward after Trai had just recently taken us into confidence regarding the extension of Cas. We had all stressed voluntary Cas would not work. Even the DTH players support this.”

The letter to the MSOs, which has been signed by Deputy Advisor PK Ravi, says, “You are requested to make it convenient to attend the meeting. The meeting will be held in Kautilya Hall, Samrat Hotel, New Delhi at 3 pm on 5th April 2007.”

The annexure to the letter, which gives the format for response, says that of the inputs from the MSOs, the following would be kept confidential with Trai:

* Number of Cable operators affiliated to the MSO in the notified areas (separately for each of the metros);

* Number of households served: a) directly by the MSO b) through the cable operators; and

* Expected level of demand for STBs.

Incidentally, Kotak in its latest report on the DTH sector, had predicted that mandatory Cas extension would hasten the growth of the sector, as people would be forced to choose between one of the other addressable systems, Cas or DTH.

Mohan also said that this is a laudable effort on the part of the government to extend addressability and give the consumers genuine choice, and this will also ensure greater transparency, ensuring higher revenue for the government.