Category: Software

Digital TV homes to double in Eastern Europe

MUMBAI: Rapid conversion means that the number of digital homes in Eastern Europe will nearly double between 2012 and 2018, bringing the total to 121 million, according to a new report from Digital TV Research. In fact, the Digital TV Eastern Europe report estimates that 13 million digital TV homes will be added in 2013 alone.

Digital TV penetration crossed the halfway mark of TV households in 2012, up from only 20 per cent at end of 2008. Fast take-up (and analog terrestrial switch-off) will push digital TV penetration to 61.4 per cent by end of 2013 and onto 97.3 per cent by 2018. Ten of the 21 countries covered in this report will be completely digitised by 2018, with Estonia the first to full conversion – in 2012.

The number of analogue terrestrial TV households fell by 30 million between 2008 and 2012, leaving 37.2 million. However, only 13 million DTT homes were added, therefore the digital pay TV platforms benefitted from the analogue terrestrial homes converting to digital. With nearly all of the analogue terrestrial TV homes disappearing, there will be 43.3 million DTT homes (or about a third of the TV households) by 2018.

Digital TV Research principal analyst Simon Murray said, “Much of the emphasis has fallen on the remaining 21.7 million analogue cable subscribers. Many of these homes will upgrade to digital cable, but some will shift to IPTV and DTH. However, many of the remaining analogue cable subscribers are refuseniks, who don‘t want to pay more for TV services. Free-to-air DTT (or even pay DTT) is an attractive option for these homes.”

“Slow implementation of analogue terrestrial switchover favored the pay TV operators as it gave them more time to convert homes to their packages before FTA DTT became established. Poland and Romania are prime examples of this. However, we expect the impact of DTT in these two countries to result in (small) declines in their pay TV subscriber counts,” he added.

May 20, 2013
More than 3,000 on-demand services in Europe

MUMBAI: In May 2013, more than 3,000 on-demand audiovisual services were identified as being established in European countries or received in at least one country.

The European Audiovisual Observatory in a report said that 447 VoD services established in the European Union offer only or mainly cinema films. More than 130 film VoD services targeting one or more EU countries were established outside the EU, mainly in the US and Switzerland.

The database also lists 45 services offering compilations of trailers and 10 European archive services.

The European Audiovisual Observatory has just taken stock of on-demand audiovisual services on the occasion of the Cannes Film Market. The general use of cross-border strategies for VoD services

This month, the European Audiovisual Observatory identified 3,087 on-demand audiovisual services: catch-up TV services, newspapers‘ video services and various kinds of VoD services (general-interest, films, TV fiction, music, animation and children‘s or adult programmes) and various economic models (financed by advertising, pay per view, direct subscription, services included in a subscription to digital packages, services from public broadcasters). 2,733 services established in the European Union were identified, 447 of them film VoD services (or 18 per cent of the total available), 44 were trailer services (not including distributors‘ promotional websites) and 10 were film archive services.

It appears only natural that the big countries should have a large number of film VoD services: 48 are established in the UK, 34 in France and 33 in Germany. Four countries have a relatively large number of services compared to their size. Three of these, Luxembourg (86), Sweden (36) and the Czech Republic (31) are very clearly countries of establishment of services targeting other countries. Luxembourg hosts the iTunes Stores that are operated by iTunes S.?.r.l. and target not only other European countries (apart from Romania) but also many countries in Africa, the Middle East and Asia (with the exception of Japan). Netflix, which provides services for the United Kingdom and the Nordic countries and has announced the continuation of its European rollout, is also established in the Grand Duchy.

In addition, the following are established in Luxembourg: the Xbox Video platforms operated by Microsoft Luxembourg S.?.r.l., which are available in 15 countries and are not considered VoD services but as catalogue distribution platforms, most being American and each regarded as a separate service. Sweden hosts various services that target the Nordic countries (SF Anytime, Canal+ Digital, CDON, Headweb, Filmnet) and even a service targeting Spain.

The Czech Republic hosts various language versions of HBO OD, which targets Central Europe. The Netherlands is characterised by a multiplicity of small online VoD services and a few cable or IPTV platform services.

417 or 45.3 per cent of the 920 VoD services in the database (all countries and types combined) are operated by American groups, either from the United States or via subsidiaries in Europe.

The Observatory estimates that in the European Union over 52 per cent of the VoD services available in one country are established in another. This development in the cross-border provision of on-demand audiovisual services, which is especially pronounced in the case of film VoD services, might make it difficult to implement measures laid down by the most stringent national regulations for the promotion of European works or for contributing to production funding.

There are an increasing number of multi-platform services (fixed or mobile internet, cable, IPTV, sometimes digital terrestrial). More and more film VoD services are also available in the form of applications for tablets or smart TVs.

Subscription VoD (SvoD) services have proliferated in the last few months, and 76 have been identified. This model, which was initially employed for some types of special-interest services (especially children‘s services), has been developed with the launch of film subscription services. Many pay film channels also offer catch-up services, which are included in the subscription price and are increasingly accessible on tablets or smartphones.

European Audiovisual Observatory head of the department for information on markets and financing André Lange said, “The establishment of a database on on-demand audiovisual services in Europe is in some way Utopian. The complexity of this field is growing and the lack of transparency is rather worrying, especially as far as the precise identification of the company providing the services and its country of establishment are concerned. At least a third of the identifications that we provide in the database are plausible but are in fact based on assumptions. This lack of transparency with regard to producing companies definitely does not conform to European or national transparency standards relating to publishing or media ownership. There is some risk involved in making these data available to the public, but we hope that service providers and distributors will be keen to help us correct any mistakes.”

May 20, 2013
TV news industry awaits 4G telco services

MUMBAI: Zip, zap, zoom – high speed! Don‘t most of us love it – especially when it concerns data transfer speeds? India‘s new TV broadcasters too eagerly await the rapid speed that comes with 4G LTE services. India‘s telecom landscape is going to undergo some drastic changes once 4G LTE starts spreading in more cities and starts gaining traction amongst users, courtesy licensees such as Reliance and Airtel and other telcos.

And amongst the customers who are just counting down the days to 4G‘s rapid uptake and spread are Indian news broadcasters. Reason: they are looking to use the data pipe to get the video footage to their studios and master control rooms, faster and cheaper, replacing clunky and very expensive outdoor broadcast (OB) vans.

In fact, what‘s heartening for the industry are reports that more than five news crews including the Beeb reported lived on the UEFA Championship using 4G LTE services on 15 May. In their case, they used Dutch based Mobile Viewpoint‘s 4G technology. Mobile Viewpoint is a subsidiary of Dutch company Triple IT focusing on the development of mobile video solutions for the security and broadcast industries. But there are others such as TVU Networks, SeekFit Technology, AVIWest, which are also offering solutions which entail a shift in live video acquisition away from the super expensive satellite transmission, delivering a cost effective cellular alternative that offers resilient broadcast quality video uplink while enhancing freedom of mobility in the field for TV news journalists.

Currently, most Indian news broadcasters are functioning on a combination of OB vans and 3G mobile technology. According to industry sources, 3G technology provides a bandwidth of around a maximum of 700 KBPS to one MBPS. Multiple sim data cards are clubbed together in a special 3G unit to stream live footage. It is estimated that compared to that 4G technology would enable a massive bandwidth of up to 2 MBPS.

Says leading Indian news broadcaster NDTV CTO Dinesh Singh: “4G technology would bring in better clarity as compared to OB vans and 3G technology. Currently, we at NDTV are functioning on a 50:50 ratio of OB vans and 3G mobile technology. 4G technology in India will be a welcome advancement.”

What gives mobile technology an edge over traditional OB vans, is the cost effectiveness and the convenience it offers. Think about the parking constraints that news broadcasters have to deal with while transmitting live events in a bustling and congested city area through an OB van! With mobile technology, it is a matter of a convenient ‘backpack.‘

In terms of costs, mobile technology or digital mobile news gathering systems are way less heavy on the pocket as compared to OB vans. Explains Singh: “An OB van would require an investment of around Rs 6 million to Rs 8 million. On the other hand, establishing an infrastructure for mobile technology involves an investment of roughly Rs one million. The difference in costs is quite substantial and hence very attractive.”

Apart from establishment costs, OB transmissions require access to satellite uplink bandwidth. This burns another hole in the broadcaster‘s pocket at an estimated Rs 5 million a year. Whereas, all one needs for 3G or 4G mobile technology is a couple of supportive mobile handsets and a good data packet plan which would cost a meager Rs 5,000- Rs10,000, says one of the broadcasters.

However, all is not hunky-dory as far as using 4G LTE services are concerned. â€?OB vans offer a success rate of 99.9 per cent as opposed to mobile technology which leaves scope for an error. In a competitive industry like news, there is no tolerance for an error,” points out a media observer. â€?Mobile technology is ideal for news gathering and live streaming, however not entirely dependable.”

Network18 CTO Piyush Gupta reasons: “We will all happily welcome 4G technology, if all the telecom providers sort out the loopholes. Many a times, the mobile towers get choked up because of congestion. While OB vans ensure us a dedicated bandwidth, that‘s not the case with mobile technology.”

Network18 is currently functioning on 80 per cent OB vans and 20 per cent 3G technology. It uses mobile technology for gathering and relaying footage to its studios.

Besides, compatibility issues may also arise. “3G had high hopes pinned on it. The industry invested in special units which act as receivers and transmitters. And advanced 4G technology would imply advanced transmission units,” Gupta adds.

Another area of concern is the need for pan India connectivity. TV Today Network general manager Amit Gemini points out: “Mobile technology is not consistent. The moment you go beyond the four metros, the connectivity gets bleak. It would be great only if we are assured pan India connectivity.”

But a couple of aspects aside, 4G is the way ahead. “4G as a technology is very good for news gathering and distributing content. Currently television consumption is linear. With 4G coming in, the streaming of an entire show could take just a few minutes.”

All in all, 4G may not entirely replace the good old OB van, but it will definitely revolutionise live broadcasting. Are TV news journos licking their chops?

May 18, 2013
Google+ Social sign in now live on Speakingtree.inpoppp

MUMBAI: Times Internet and Google have announced the implementation of Google+ Social sign on its spiritual network – Speakingtree.in

The integration not only simplifies the sign-in process but also maximises interactions and sharing of content among the spiritually inclined on the portal. Signing in through Google allows users to seamlessly share content including articles, tips on meditation, spiritual blogs, forums and conversations thus eliminating the need to create a new username and password. The implementation also enables a one click install of the Android application thus maximising consumption of articles on the move, the company said in a statement.

The integration has been demoed at the Google I/O this year and is the only representation from the social space in India.

Times Internet vice president Archana Vohra said, “Google Social Sign helps make sign in more convenient and allows our engaged users to easily access, discover and share exclusive content. The over the air Android install extends our brand engagement across devices.”

“We had an extremely fast turnaround on the integration of Google social sign in on Speakingtree.in. We look forward to connecting readers on Speakingtree.in and creating even more engaging experiences for them across both Speaking tree and Google,” Google strategic partner manager Matt Gaskell said.

May 18, 2013
TNT, TBS to offer live streaming 24/7

MUMBAI: US media conglomerate Time Warner has announced that its cable networks TBS and TNT are about to become the first entertainment networks in the US to stream on-air content live across multiple platforms 24/7, including through the networks‘ websites and a pair of newly created Watch TNT and Watch TBS apps. The announcement was made during TNT and TBS‘ annual Upfront presentation in New York.

Live streaming the company adds is the latest phase in the rollout of TV Everywhere, the industry-wide initiative that gives subscribers to cable, satellite and telco video services access to more of their favorite shows across a wide range of digital platforms.

Turner Entertainment Networks president Steve Koonin said, “Starting this summer, subscribers will be able to watch TBS and TNT live – anytime, anywhere, on multiple devices. Tablets and smartphones become television sets, bringing new opportunities for us and for advertisers”

TNT and TBS will begin their live streaming just as both networks are in the midst of the their summer programming, which for TNT includes returning series ‘Rizzoli and Isles‘, ‘Falling Skies‘, ‘Major Crimes‘. TBS‘ summer lineup includes the second season of the sitcom ‘Sullivan and Son‘ and the new series ‘Deon Cole‘s Black Box‘ and ‘Deal With It‘. Also available through live streaming will be TNT‘s coverage of the NBA; TBS‘s regular-season and playoff coverage of Major League Baseball; and both network‘s coverage of the NCAA Division I Men‘s Basketball Championship.

May 18, 2013
PlayStation launches Move Street Cricket II for PS3

MUMBAI: Sony PlayStation has announced the release of the second edition of the Street Cricket game as Move Street Cricket II. This PS3 game was developed in India in partnership with development studio, Trine. This is coming in as a sequel to the previous version of Move Street Cricket, launched last summer.

The game costs Rs 1,499. One can either opt for the Move Street Cricket II stand-alone game or MSCII Move Starter Pack to be available in June this year at a price of Rs 3,650.

The latest version of Move Street Cricket has new features, including a responsive AI that enhances the user experience when equipped with the Sony PlayStation Move functionality. The pace of the game has been heightened in order to keep the player on their toes. The mini-games have also been tuned to perfection to give the ardent gamer a seamless gaming experience.

Positioned as ‘Play, the way you play!‘ Indian game developer – Trine has tweaked around with the environments to include eight unique playing fields to choose from. One can now choose their playing field to suit their mood which varies from ‘a school ground‘, ‘the chawl‘ or even ‘a society roof top‘. An added bonus would be the choice to play with any one of eight international teams. The key idea in play here is that the player gets so immersed in their game that they overlook the fact that they are playing it on a digital interface.

Sony PlayStation India country manager Atindriya Bose said, “After the tremendous success from Move Street Cricket, we are confident consumers are going to enjoy the sequel of Move Street Cricket II. This is another one in the series of successful local development with Trine. In this version, the gameplay has been hugely improved for both the bowling and batting levels through motion sensitivity.”

May 18, 2013
TRAI initiates action against LCOs for failure to get forms filled by consumers

NEW DELHI: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has initiated action against cable operators who are violating the new laws relating to digitisation.

It is learnt from LCOs that around fourteen operators have so far been issued notices.

When questioned about this, a TRAI official confirmed to indiantelevision.com that the regulatory body had been contemplating action for some time against offending cable operators.

However, he said a press release would be issued in due course as and when such action is taken.

Complaints have been raised against LCOs for not filling the forms with details about the consumers.

However, several cable operators contacted by this website said the form had to be filled by the consumer, who was refusing to comply because his charges were going up manifold.

May 18, 2013
YouTube announces direct live-streaming

MUMBAI: Forever now users who have desired to live broadcast to YouTube had to go the extra mile and stumble through many hurdles. There is some respite now from YouTube as they announced that channels with over 1,000 subscribers can now apply for live-streaming from their webcam or network connected video camera.

Earlier, users had to rely on Google+ and create a “Hangouts on Air” session while at the same time ensuring their respective YouTube account was synced, to add to other hurdles.

If an account qualifies, it will have an “enable” button to sign-up. According to the YouTube Creators page, the account will be ready for live-streaming in the following weeks after sign-up. Then YouTube will transcode and broadcast the supplied signal in real-time to the user‘s YouTube channel.

Other features available include inserting ads & closed-captioning, multiple camera-switching, and the ability for viewers to pause, fast-forward and rewind, depending on when they start watching.

YouTube will automatically adjust the quality to make sure the user content is available live from any device. This puts YouTube right in the game with names like Ustream and Livestream, provided the channel has “the juice”.

May 17, 2013
Amazon.com expands content licensing deal with NBCUniversal

MUMBAI: Online retail major Amazon.com has announced an expanded content licensing agreement with NBCUniversal Cable and New Media Distribution that will bring programmes to Prime Instant Video.

Prime Instant Video offers more than 40,000 movies and TV episodes for Prime members to stream on Kindle Fire, Kindle Fire HD, iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, Roku, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii and Wii U, among other connected TVs and devices – all at no additional cost.

Prime members will have exclusive unlimited subscription streaming access to prior seasons of the following NBCUniversal shows:

NBC‘s dark fantasy drama ‘Grimm‘, based on the collection of Grimm Fairy Tales
USA Network‘s legal drama ‘Suits‘ and serialised spy thriller ‘Covert Affairs‘
NBC‘s new psychological thriller ‘Hannibal‘, based on the novels by Thomas Harris and produced by Gaumont International Television, available later this year
Syfy‘s new futuristic sci-fi and drama series ‘Defiance‘ will be available early next year
In addition, the announcement will add several shows to Prime Instant Video including ‘Smash‘, as well as Syfy drama series ‘Alphas‘, ‘Eureka‘ and ‘Warehouse 13‘. Also available are children‘s programmes including ‘Curious George‘ and ‘Land Before Time‘, which will both be available in Kindle FreeTime Unlimited, the content service that brings together books, games, apps, movies and TV shows.

Amazon director of digital video content acquisition Brad Beale said, “We listen carefully to our customers to find out which TV shows and movies they find the most entertaining. Our expanded agreement with NBCUniversal gives Prime members access to even more exclusive content that they can stream instantly, at no additional cost. Compelling shows like ‘Covert Affairs‘, ‘Defiance‘, ‘Grimm‘, ‘Hannibal‘ and ‘Suits‘ are big wins for our customers and we look forward to adding more titles soon.”

NBCUniversal Cable and New Media Distribution president Frances Manfredi said, “We‘re excited to expand our relationship with Amazon by adding great NBCUniversal content to Prime Instant Video. With Amazon, we‘re giving our established viewers a chance to catch-up on what they missed while simultaneously reaching and engaging new audiences who may not have seen these great series on their premiering networks.”

May 17, 2013
Avid celebrates ‘The Great Gatsby’ at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival

MUMBAI: Editors Jason Ballantine and Matt Villa used Avid Media Composer to cut Cannes Film Festival opener ‘The Great Gatsby‘ in 3D.

The 2013 Cannes Film Festival, which runs till 26 May, opened with the latest adaptation of the F. Scott Fitzgerald novel, The Great Gatsby directed by Baz Luhrmann and starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Amitabh Bachchan. With careers spanning over 20 years, Ballantine and Villa are long-time Media Composer users and have worked on major projects including Bax Luhrmann‘s previous films ‘Moulin Rouge‘ and ‘Australia‘. Ballantine is currently using Media Composer on his next project, ‘Mad Max: Fury Road‘ and Villa is using it to cut ‘Predestination‘.

Ballantine said, “Every film throws a new set of creative and technical challenges for post-production that must be overcome. With so many variations in workflows to navigate, it‘s incredibly reassuring that there is no decision to be made with the offline cutting system – it‘s always Media Composer, that‘s a given. The reliability and functionality of the entire Avid product range is second to none.”

Media Composer empowers professionals to edit movies with 64-bit performance and provides easy-to-use video editing tools, and streamlined HD, file-based, and stereo 3D workflows.

Villa said, “During the shoot we had an editing station permanently on location and during post we had two fully operational cutting rooms running concurrently and in perfect sync; one in Sydney and one in LA. We called upon many tools from the Avid family to deal with the 3D material and they never faltered. Productions of this scale can be unrestrained and unpredictable, but Avid never fails in being stable yet flexible enough to get these jobs done.”

Avid VP worldwide marketing W. Sean Ford said, “Jason and Matt have done outstanding work on The Great Gatsby. Their achievement is a great example of why we are so committed to providing editors with the technology that lets them push the limits of what is technically possible– from syncing workflows across many locations, to working with 3D material. The Great Gatsby is a perfect example of what can result when professionals have the tools they need to turn their creative visions into reality.”

May 17, 2013