Category: Television

  • Robert Traub is Nick, Viacom Consumer Products senior VP, retail development













    MUMBAI: Nickelodeon and Viacom Consumer Products (NVCP) in the US has made Robert Traub the senior Vice President, retail development in the organisation.



    In his expanded role, Traub has been charged with building NVCP‘s international retail relationships and maximising world-wide product presence for Nick Jr., Nickelodeon, Nickelodeon Movies, Paramount Pictures, Comedy Central, MTVN International and Spike TV licensed properties — all of which are part of the Viacom family.


    Currently, NVCP products are sold in 23 countries worldwide, with an increasing number of retail partners operating
    globally. NVCP has recently expanded its licensing programmes to include recent hit properties including Go, Diego, Go!; The Backyardigans and Avatar: The Last Airbender.


    Traub will now develop US and international programmes, business models and strategies for the full NVCP portfolio, that increase distribution, sell-in and sell-through in all
    retail classes of trade.

  • Sony merges LCD TV with PC

    Sony merges LCD TV with PC

    MUMBAI: Consumer electronics major Sony has announced a new product named – Vaio LS1 TV/PC combo. The company says that the product combines the power of a PC with the LCD quality and stylish design.

    Featuring a framed display with a transparent border for a floating effect, the LS1 model packs the essentials for powerful computing into a slim chassis discreetly hidden behind the back of a flat-panel 19-inch WSXGA+ (1680 x 1050) LCD display.

    The new Vaio LS1 TV/PC model incorporates an Intel Core Duo processor, 2GB of RAM and a 250 GB hard drive for running multiple, demanding applications simultaneously. For instance, the customer can watch and/or record a TV show while downloading music in the background. The unit is a Windows Vista capable PC. It is also Windows Vista Premium ready.

    Sporting a 19-inch widescreen display powered by Sony’s XBRITE-HiColour technology, the unit doubles as a flat-panel TV.

    The LS1 model ships with Microsoft Windows XP MCE 2005 and a built-in NTSC TV tuner providing DVR-like recording capabilities. It also has a built-in DVD burner and Sony’s Click to DVD software so that the consumer can create a digital entertainment library for personal viewing at your convenience.

    The new Vaio TV/PC also features an audio/video quick resume switch that shuts down the display and the audio output without the PC having to enter sleep mode. This allows the user to return to full PC functionality without waiting for the computer to shut down or boot up.

  • Robert Traub is Nick, Viacom Consumer Products senior VP, retail development

    Robert Traub is Nick, Viacom Consumer Products senior VP, retail development

    MUMBAI: Nickelodeon and Viacom Consumer Products (NVCP) in the US has made Robert Traub the senior Vice President, retail development in the organisation.

    In his expanded role, Traub has been charged with building NVCP’s international retail relationships and maximising world-wide product presence for Nick Jr., Nickelodeon, Nickelodeon Movies, Paramount Pictures, Comedy Central, MTVN International and Spike TV licensed properties — all of which are part of the Viacom family.

    Currently, NVCP products are sold in 23 countries worldwide, with an increasing number of retail partners operating globally. NVCP has recently expanded its licensing programmes to include recent hit properties including Go, Diego, Go!; The Backyardigans and Avatar: The Last Airbender.

    Traub will now develop US and international programmes, business models and strategies for the full NVCP portfolio, that increase distribution, sell-in and sell-through in all
    retail classes of trade.

  • Asianet kicks off 14th anniversary celebrations with Onam programmes

    Asianet kicks off 14th anniversary celebrations with Onam programmes

    MUMBAI: Malayalam television network Asianet is completing 14 years during this Onam season. Understandably, the channel has an innovative game plan for the occasion and it goes like this: To mark its 14th anniversary, the channel has now kicked off a 14-day celebration, which kicked off on 27 August and will conclude on 9 September.

    During the period, the channel brings to its viewers a heavy doze of entertainment content, ranging from blockbuster movies to celebrity interviews to cultural specials.

    Here is a look at what Asianet has in store for the occasion:
    De Maveli Kombathu by film star Dileep and Nadirsha:
    This is the picturisation of the most popular parody cassette, De Maveli Kombathu. This is an exclusive programme containing mimicry, parody songs, skits etc by around 50 artists including cine star Dileep. This parody cassette is the most popular one, which has been a hot stuff for sale for the last few years.
    Date of telecast: Thiruvonam ( 5 September)
    Duration: one hour

    Tharakodathy: This is a programme in which film artist Dilip is being cross-examined by actor Jagdeesh. This is comedy stuff. Dilip’s onam movie ” DON ” will also be highlighted in this programme.
    Date of telecast: Thiruvonam ( 5 September)
    Duration: 30 minutes

    Special interviews:
    It is decided to have 14 special interviews during celebration with four interviews during Onam days exclusively with popular film artists including Mammootty, Kamal Haasan, Nayan Thara, Rambha, Sheela, Bhagyaraj & family, Biju Menon & family, Surya, Vikram, Meera Jasmine, Navya Nair, Ks Chitra and Mohini.

    Short humorous skit for duration between 13 minutes. A few skits on lighter vein for telecast during main Onam days. Participants will be from Cinemala, Thattukada, Comedy Cousins and Snmanassullavarkku Samadhanan

    Programmes with television artists.
    Onam feast, special chatting, Onapattukal, Onakkalikal etc with artists of ongoing serials by Asianet.
    Date of telecast: Utharadam ( 4 September)
    Duration: 1 hour

    Serial Quiz. This will be a live quiz on serials telecast on Asianet.
    Date of telecast: (30 August)
    Duration: one hour

    Onam released films: Special programme in films released during Onam celebrations
    Date of telecast: Pooradam-Uthradam ( 4 September)
    Duration: 30 minutes

    Antakshari by G Venugopal & Ranjini Jose: This is a musical Anantakshari by playback singer Venugopal and Ranjini Jose
    Date of telecast: Thrikkatta and Uthrittathi (7 September and 9 September)
    Duration: 30 minutes

    Onavibhavangal presented by film and TV artists.( Special cookery show)
    Date of telecast: Utharadam ( 4 September)
    Duration: 30 minutes

    Kuttikalude Onam:
    Date of telecast: Pooruruthathi (8 September ).
    Duration: 30 minutes

    Ganamela
    This is a live Ganamela with request from viewers. Participants will be playback singers and serial artists.
    Date of telecast: 29 August
    Duration: one hour

    Kalabhavan Mani and his reputed characters in an innovative format.
    Date of telecast: Utharadam ( 6 September)
    Duration: 30 minutes

    Sreenivasan Vs Junior Sreenivasan: This is a humorous encounter between cine artist Sreenivasan and his son Vineeth Sreenivasan which is a first time they are coming together for a TV programme.
    Date of telecast: Thiruvonam ( 6 September)

    Onam Oru Kuttanadan Style: There is special customs and humorous way that the old and new generation celebrating Onam in Kuttanad. They have been following a special style of celebrations, ignoring age. Their Onam starts from the toddy shop, with different folk songs.
    This will be an innovative production
    Date of telecast: Pooruruthathy ( 6 September)

    Mammooty for Mammooty: This is also an unconventional way of presenting Mammooty on a TV channel. He has planned to visit a place, which we can never imagine.
    Date of telecast: Thiruvonam ( 6 September)

    Kamalum Kayalum: Superstar Kamalhassan is making a travel in a houseboat specially arranged for the shoot, which will be totally done in the lakes.
    Date of telecast: Utharadam ( 6 September)

    Hi Vikram: South Indian Superstar Vikram will appear on the channel in an innovative style for electrifying our youth and other audience in the Onam Day.
    Date of telecast: Thiruvonam ( 6 September)

    60 Mimicrykkarum Arayiram Navum: This is a humorous talk show including performance by 60 reputed mimicry artists of Kerala. The total programme will be in a humorous genre. All most all the leading mimicry artists of Kerala will participate in the programme in the backdrop of a good set.
    Date of telecast: Avittam( 6 September)
    Duration: 2 hours

    Ente Gramam ( My Village): This is a programme visualizing the nostalgic travel of a film artist to his village or native place.
    Date of telecast: Avittam( 6 September)
    Duration: 30 minutes

    A day with Meera Jasmine: We are telecasting an in-depth chatting with Meera Jasmine.
    Date of telecast: Avittam( 6 September)

    Vidhyasagar being interview by playback singers: In this programme, the hit making music director is being interviewed by playback singers like Vijay Yesudas, Mahathy,Tippu etc with many number of songs he has done in different languages of South India.
    Date of telecast: Pooradam( 3 September)

    Nadodikkattu: Special Cinemala (shot at Banglore)
    This is a humors depiction of the famous film, Nadodikkattu with Cinemala artists along with a few film artists also.
    Date of telecast: Pooradam( 3 September)
    Duration: 30 minutes

    Ottamthullal by Ginnus Manoj ( who is doing Achuthnandan on stage)

    This is a political ottanthullal with sufficient satiric stuff on contemporary politics.
    Duration: 30 minutes
    Date of telecast: Chathayam( 7 September)

    Special Nammal Thammil with all mimicry artists imitating V S Achuthanadan titled as ‘ Achuthanadansangamam)
    Date of telecast: Pooradam ( 3 September)

    Special close up with Nayanthara titled as Nammude Nayana Tharam. This is a very informal chat with South Indian star Nayanthara.
    Date of telecast:Thiruvonam ( 5 September)
    Duration: 30 minutes

    Greetings for the 14th year celebration of Asianet
    There will have greetings by VIP’s and film artists for duration of one minute in connection with anniversary celebration..

    Short pieces documenting programmes of Asianet over 14 years. We will put short duration fillers with excerpts from unique programmes, which we have telecast over the last 14 years. This will be done with an impressive graphics background, informs an official release.
    Date of telecast: Spreading over 14 days
    Duration: 1-2 minutes.

    Asianet News

    1) 27 August
    Athachamayam live from Thrippunithura from 7 am.
    2) 28 August 8:30 pm
    Onakkodi, a half our documentary
    3) 29 August 8:30 pm
    Regional flavours of Onam – South Kerala
    4) 30 Aug.ust 8:30 pm
    Regional flavours of Onam – Central Kerala
    5) 31 August 8:30 pm
    Regional flavours of Onam – Malabar
    6) 1 September 8:30
    Onachitrangal – On the new movies to be released during Onam.
    7) 4 September 8:30 to 9:30
    Grandmothers & Kids – the family interaction show
    8) 5 September 8:30 pm
    Maveli Vartha: News presenter appears masquerading Mahabali and presents various entertaining news on Onam.
    9) 6 September 8:30 pm
    Onakkalikal – On various games of yesteryears played during Onam festival
    10) 7 September 8:30 pm
    Onakkavithakal – A documentary on poems written by various poets for Onam.
    11) 8 September 8:30 pm
    Ona Ganangal – Top film songs on Onam.
    12) 9 September 2 pm to 6 pm
    Uthrattathi Vallamkali – live from Aranmula.

    Asianet Plus

    Some of big youth idols will be featured on the channel during this Onam. The highlight of the season would be an intimate interview with Harris Jayaraj, who had taken the music world with storm, through enchanting numbers of Minnale and Anniyan.

    Superstar Dileep would be taking a trip down memory lane to his formative years, where he would be talking bout his trials, turbulences and successes in life.

    K.S.Chitra, the melody queen of South India, chats up with the finalists of Idea Star Singer.

    Johnson, the most outspoken and the most melodious of our music directors in a freewheeling chat with G.Venugopal. Ouseppachan, who is most remembered for his lilting tunes opens his mind.

    The most lovable of the Malayalam heroines, Kavya Madhavan, chats up about her life and career. Other stars and celebrities being featured are: Jayaram, Jayasurya, Navya Nair and Padmapriya.

    Two game shows are being planned, one a five day long series with the finals of it being aired on Thiruvonam Day. There would be a reality travel show with the VJs of Asianet Plus. A feature on the movie Classmates with the artistes and director. A Telefilm with Onam as the central theme. Special shows with focus on Onam songs and a music video featuring the artistes and VJs of Asianet Plus.
    Besides these programmes, the whole look and feel of the channel would be made to highlight the Onam mood, as per an official communiqué.

  • ‘Truthiness’, ‘Wikiality’ are top TV buzzwords of 2006

    ‘Truthiness’, ‘Wikiality’ are top TV buzzwords of 2006

    MUMBAI: Does American television influences English language? A question which has an answer as yes, to a great extent. “Truthiness” from the US television show Colbert Report was named the Top Tele Word of 2006 in the Global Language Monitor’s annual survey of words. This survey zeroes in on the words from American television that influence English language.

    Another word, “Wikiality” from the same show followed “Truthiness”. And closely following these words were, “Katrina”, referring to the stories on television about the devastating destruction caused by the hurricane. “Katie” is another word in reference to US news anchor Katie Couric’s move into the top seat at CBS News, and Dr. McDreamy from ABC’s show Grey’s Anatomy.

    Rounding out the top ten were “Bush’s War’, heard often on the news, “Man of the Hours” from the television show 24’s lead Keifer Sutherland, “Tourette’s”, from I have Tourette’s but Tourette’s doesn’t have me, “Dysfunctional” from another television show The Office. This year’s Bonus Phrase is ‘You’re going to Hollywood!’ from Simon Cowell’s American Idol.

    Global Language Monitor president Paul JJ Payack says, “Television, once again, has helped to define our culture and its impact upon spoken English is profound. Some of these buzzwords will quickly pass, while others will be embedded in the language for years to come.

    “Though ‘truthiness’ in some form has existed in the language for centuries, it could not have been revived in more relevant times than the early 21st century; while ‘Wikiality’ can be observed even today, where Pluto has been voted out of the Solar System by a convention of Astronomers.”

    The Global Language Monitor analyses and catalogues the latest trends in word usage, their choices, and their impact on various aspects of culture, with a particular emphasis upon Global English.

  • Samsung develops 70 inch LCD panel

    Samsung develops 70 inch LCD panel

    MUMBAI: Samsung Electronics, which claims to be the world’s largest provider of thin-film transistor, liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) panels, has developed the first 70-inch LCD panel for use in the consumer TV market.

    Currently, the largest LCD TV screen size is 65 inches in diameter.

    Samsung Electronics executive VP Kim Sang-Soo said, “Our new 70-inch LCD is not only significantly larger, but also sets a new benchmark of excellence in terms of video image reproduction, viewing angle and image quality. We’ve designed it to dramatically enhance the large screen LCD TV user’s viewing experience. ”

    Samsung’s latest LCD panel boasts full high-definition resolution (1080p) and a conical viewing angle of 180 degrees for multi-viewing audiences. In addition, its video signal is reproduced at 120Hz, compared to a video signal of 60 Hz for a conventional Full HD LCD panel, enabling rapidly moving video images to be reproduced with crystal clarity.

    Samsung will begin producing the new 70-inch LCD during the first half of next year, bolstering its position in the ultra-large-screen TV segment. With the introduction of the 70 inch LCD TV, the company will be in a position to compete head-to-head with plasma display panel and projection TV makers.

  • Alfred Haber to distribute CBS show  ‘Ultimate Blackjack Tour’

    Alfred Haber to distribute CBS show ‘Ultimate Blackjack Tour’

    MUMBAI: Alfred Haber Distribution (AHD) has been appointed as the exclusive international distributor for US broadcaster CBS’ show Ultimate Blackjack Tour.

    The show will premiere on 16 September 2006. The second season will kick off in February 2007.

    The Ultimate Blackjack Tour combines the casino game, blackjack, with the high-stakes competition of poker. By introducing ‘forced eliminations,’ ‘secret bets’ and a ‘reveal’ of the dealer’s hole card to the audience, the show’s format creates a sense of drama as contestants play both against the dealer and against each other.

    Double downs and insurance against a dealer’s showing ace also allow for creative play as the contestants try to out-sense of drama throughout the matches as contestants play both against the dealer and each other. Double downs and insurance against a dealer’s showing ace also allows for creative play as the contestants try to out-beat each other and survive the elimination rounds.

    AHD says that Blackjack is by far the most popular table game in casinos throughout the world. With the special elimination format created for this series that forces players to start strategising from the beginning, coupled with a top-notch production team, AHD says that it is confident that the show will be a winner around the world.

  • Tata Sky, ESS introduce interactivity in sport with Actve Sports

    Tata Sky, ESS introduce interactivity in sport with Actve Sports

    MUMBAI: Interactive sports content for the Indian audiences! That is what DTH platform Tata Sky has up its sleeve. The service has tied up with ESPN Star Sports (ESS) to launch its Actve Sports service. The first event is the ongoing Natwest tri series between England and Pakistan.

    Basically at any time in the match a viewer if he/she has missed what happened earlier can get highlights at the click of a button. They can also get statistics of the teams, players as well as ball trajectory courtesy a virtual screen. Viewers can also switch the language commentary and get expert analysis. This also applies to channels that have dubbed feeds like Discovery.

    Tata Sky CEO Vikram Kaushik noted that this initiative transforms the viewer from a couch potato to an active participant. This he says is just the start of new interactive services that will be introduced soon.

    Tata Sky is also looking for other sports broadcasters to jump on the bandwagon. While it has started with cricket Kaushik says that the likes of soccer, tennis give a lot of scope. In the future one could see a service where the viewer can see a four or a six being hit from different angles. Of course this requires work on the part of the broadcaster to put up extra cameras in certain locations. Also for the Natwest series Kaushik noted that there is a dedicated team of professionals doing the necessary updates as a match progresses.

    Tata Sky is looking to introduce a pay per view service for films in the coming weeks. For this purpose it is talking to both Indian and Hollywood film producers. This he says is a way for producers to get additional revenue and fight piracy. As far as getting in more channels in addition to the over 50 channels already present Kaushik expressed optimism that Zee would come onboard. He is also looking to rope in Sun TV. As far as bringing in niche channels are concerned he noted that at the moment exclusivity in DTH is not allowed. He hopes that partial exclusivity will allowed in the future so that someone who is interested in niche content like gardening or cooking can watch that kind of content on DTH even if it is not present on cable.

    When asked about targets he said that he would be disappointed if Tata Sky did not reach the one million subscriber mark in the first year of operation. In terms of breakeven the company is looking at a four to five year time frame. Right now the introductory price is Rs. 200 a month in addition to the Rs. 3999 for the dish and installation. In a few months time subscribers can choose from packages.

  • Lachlan Murdoch buys stake in online DVD rental firm QuickFlix

    Lachlan Murdoch buys stake in online DVD rental firm QuickFlix

    MUMBAI: Media scion, Lachlan Murdoch who surprised many industry observers last year by leaving News Corporation has bought close to 10 per cent stake in Australian DVD rental company Quickflix.

    Lachlan, who is the eldest son of News Corp chairman and chief executive Rupert Murdoch, quit his executive role at News Corp last year, saying he wanted to move his family back to Australia.

    Lachlan had set up a new company, Illyria Pty Ltd, in August last year after moving to Australia. Media reports indicate that the firm has bought 4.04 million shares in Quickflix.

    Quickflix hopes to build a community of film fans who will submit their online reviews. Reports add that its ultimate aim is to compete with the likes of MySpace, which is owned by News Corp.

    Quickflix owns online DVD rental company HomeScreen Entertainment, which was founded by Tony Faure, the recently appointed chief executive of Yahoo! Australia and NZ.