ITV

Category: Television

  • Saregama to open online music store

    Saregama to open online music store

    MUMBAI: Move over Apple. Music label Saregama India is set to enter the online music market aimed entirely at the “generation on the go”.

    The company is expected to launch the beta version of its online service by the end of June, while the official launch is likely to happen in August, barring any glitches. However, the company is yet to zero in on the name of the service.

    The new venture will be part of the listed entity Saregama India Ltd.

    Confirming the news to indiantelevision.com, Saregama India VP publishing and new media Atul Churamani says, “Indeed we are marching towards the digital music revolution. We have already singed in 43 South Indian music labels.”

    Through Saregama online music service, songs can be downloaded to PC, copied to CD, mobile, played on a portable iPod or another digital instrument. The company will also make services and features available, including streaming videos, movies, television software, games and e-radio for purchase.

    As music-buffs are hungry to get music from new convenient and flexible sources, Churamani further adds, “We are committed to make a huge music catalogue available online and are in talks with the bigges of the Bollywood industry also to share their music library.”

    Churamani, however, was not forthcoming on the revenue sharing model the company has established with its associates. For the initial period, Saregama will be deriving its revenues through the pay-per-song model (Rs 12/song), according to Churamani. As of now, Saragama has an online bank of 70,000 songs. The software for the new servive has been developed and powered by mobile2win.

    Saregama India already runs a service HamaraCD.com, which provides an option of creating your own audio CDs of your favourite songs. The music company has a vast catalogue cutting across all genres and languages, includes film music, devotional, ghazals and classical music, Indi pop, remixes and regional songs.

    Internationally, the service is already being provided most famously through Apple’s iTunes. Napster and the recently launched Urge (a tie-up between MTV networks and Microsoft) are also in the online music game.

    For India too, the digital music era is now close at hand.

  • Tangerine Global inks HDTV entertainment deal with Pennisula Hotels

    Tangerine Global inks HDTV entertainment deal with Pennisula Hotels

    MUMBAI: Tangerine Global, a global player in high-definition television (HDTV) programming for the five-star hospitality marketplace, has been selected by luxury group The Peninsula Hotels to provide the media company’s premier HDTV entertainment services to its hotels.

    The contract makes Tangerine Global’s service available as early as this summer to Peninsula’s deluxe properties worldwide, including its flagship hotel, The Peninsula Hong Kong and The Peninsula Chicago. Tangerine Global will present its offering of programming-spanning travel, fashion, lifestyle, adventure and sports-to The Peninsula Hotels’ discerning guests.

    “Our goal is to deliver a compelling entertainment experience to our guests,” says The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels Ltd GM R&D Fraser Hickox, “In addition to its high-definition entertainment on demand, Tangerine Global also offers a blend of satellite, off-air and server delivered content that creates a highly individual mix of programming tailored to each hotel’s specific needs.”

    “Today’s well traveled and sophisticated consumer demands more in the way of entertainment experiences,” adds Tangerine Global CEO Stuart Levin. “We pride ourselves on offering the widest selection of high-quality entertainment programming appealing to the tastes of savvy travelers the world over. We are very pleased to work with The Peninsula Hotels as we define a new level of entertainment experience for their guests who demand the very best.”

  • Saregama to open online music store

    Saregama to open online music store

    MUMBAI: Move over Apple. Music label Saregama India is set to enter the online music market aimed entirely at the “generation on the go”.

    The company is expected to launch the beta version of its online service by the end of June, while the official launch is likely to happen in August, barring any glitches. However, the company is yet to zero in on the name of the service.

    The new venture will be part of the listed entity Saregama India Ltd. 

    Confirming the news to indiantelevision.com, Saregama India VP publishing and new media Atul Churamani says, “Indeed we are marching towards the digital music revolution. We have already singed in 43 South Indian music labels.”

    Through Saregama online music service, songs can be downloaded to PC, copied to CD, mobile, played on a portable iPod or another digital instrument. The company will also make services and features available, including streaming videos, movies, television software, games and e-radio for purchase.

    As music-buffs are hungry to get music from new convenient and flexible sources, Churamani further adds, “We are committed to make a huge music catalogue available online and are in talks with the bigges of the Bollywood industry also to share their music library.”

    Churamani, however, was not forthcoming on the revenue sharing model the company has established with its associates. For the initial period, Saregama will be deriving its revenues through the pay-per-song model (Rs 12/song), according to Churamani. As of now, Saragama has an online bank of 70,000 songs. The software for the new servive has been developed and powered by mobile2win.

    Saregama India already runs a service HamaraCD.com, which provides an option of creating your own audio CDs of your favourite songs. The music company has a vast catalogue cutting across all genres and languages, includes film music, devotional, ghazals and classical music, Indi pop, remixes and regional songs.

    Internationally, the service is already being provided most famously through Apple’s iTunes. Napster and the recently launched Urge (a tie-up between MTV networks and Microsoft) are also in the online music game.

    For India too, the digital music era is now close at hand.

  • TVHead inks deal with Hit Entertainment to create games for preschoolers

    TVHead inks deal with Hit Entertainment to create games for preschoolers

    MUMBAI: Interactive games-on-demand TV network, TVHead has inked a deal with Hit Entertainment, a provider of preschool entertainment to create games targeting the preschoolers.

    The deal calls for the premier games-on-demand television network to develop the first-ever, specially designed iTV games based on the popular characters Barney, Thomas & Friends, Bob the Builder and Angelina Ballerina.

    Aiming to launch in the last quarter of 2006, the California-based TVHead is developing new interactive games specifically for the preschool audience and unique to each of the London based Hit’s world-class properties, according to an official release.

    Each game will offers children a range of activities; Barney will focus on music and imagination; Thomas will focus on navigation and problem solving; Bob the Builder will focus on teamwork, problem solving and spatial relationships; and Angelina Ballerina will focus on dancing, friendships and determination to make your dreams come true.

    “Children the world over adore Barney, Thomas and Friends, Bob the Builder and Angelina Ballerina,” said TVHead founder and CEO Sangita Verma. “We are delighted at the opportunity of giving kids a new way to interact with these amazing properties that entertain, captivate and educate the growing preschool segment of our audience.”

    “Hit Entertainment is excited to be working with TVHead to deliver age-appropriate, innovative content for their new gaming platform,” said Hit Entertainment senior VP Jamie Cygielman. “As the Barney & Friends, Thomas & Friends, Bob the Builder and Angelina Ballerina TV series all provide educational entertainment that kids love and parents trust, this new gaming platform will allow children to deepen their relationship with these characters, creating an even more engaging learning experience.”

    Families will be able to play these games using the standard remote controls for their television sets, as TVHead’s proprietary technology simply plugs into existing VOD infrastructures and requires no special set-top boxes. The Hit offerings will join TVHead’s current games-on-demand lineup, which includes titles for casual and enthusiast gamers of all ages.

  • Digital lifestyle, the latest buzz word

    Digital lifestyle, the latest buzz word

    SINGAPORE: There’s a rather feel-good atmosphere here at Broadcast Asia 2006. The rain gods have stopped their onslaught on Singapore, leaving a slight chill in the air. Though the conference is nearing its fag end, professionals from across the world continue their discussions while sipping endless cups of black coffee with steamed momos.

    Apart from the other sessions on the digital space, Day Four saw a special seminar on Digital Living 2006: Trends in digital Homes & Lifestyle.

    Chalking out the company’s plans to fuel the growth of digital homes across the world, a Microsoft executive said, “Microsoft’s Media Center PCs (a digital lifestyle device) have been fuelling the digital lifestyle in the US. Almost every second PC in the US is a Media Center PC and we predict more than 19 million digital homes by 2008 across Europe. In effect we expect an exponential growth rate of more than 1,200 per cent.”

    Well, so what are digital homes? The term connotes huge plasma screens, a remote to orchestrate all the devices and automatic functioning of one’s home. It is definitely this, but in the present scenario with the proliferation of technology, consumers lapping up devices and digital content, digital home lifestyle concept has also moved much further.

    Today, hardware, software, content and service companies across the world are working hand-in-hand to complete this ecosystem with high-end connectivity and supporting technologies.

    Shedding further light on the concept, Philips MD Emmaneul Dieppedalle said, “The concept has definitely moved away from just entertainment. It is about offering a device which can integrate and personalize all the information that is there. So, along with high-speed Net connections, exchange music, video, and other content and of course video-on-demand,

    He further added, “A lot of the developments are taking place in Japan, Korea and S Asia on the consumer products side; whereas all the innovations on the PC front are happening in the US. Now, the real digital home experience phenomenon will emerge, when we try to combine the best of both the worlds.”

    From the seminar which also comprised of Awox, director and GM, Alexis Martial, Orca Interactive, Alon Laor, VP, Sales and Professional Services, what came across was the digital home is currently receiving a lot of impetus behind it with a lot of people pulling in the same direction.

    What’s the real value proposition of a digital lifestyle home? Colin Png said, “Currently there are three main hubs of connectivity – the PC, mobile and the consumer items like DVDs, MP3 players, etc. The big challenge is to interconnect all these and bring in a simplified and personalized service which can comprise Digital music, Gaming, Educational tools, Photos with slide shows, MP3 players. Live TV, video on demand record. So, here you can record your favourite TV programme and watch it whenever want. Walk from your bedroom to your living room or take that official call and you will still not miss the last bit of your favourite TV programme.”

    To take their content paradigm further, Microsoft has also tied up with Reuters for content. Here, consumers get very personalised content, which they can browse and choose from the news items along with videos, being delivered on broadband.

    Alon Laor added, “Simply put its all about time shifting and space shifting.” According to Laor, the single biggest challenge is lack of education amongst consumers and lack of connectivity between the different hardware components. Also, we are still not able to offer that one important value proposition to the consumer.

    But then, as Parks Associates USA director of research John Barrett, aptly said, “Consumers too crave for hi-tech technology, but it should be no-fuss technology. Digital homes should be able to make life easier for consumers.”

  • TVHead inks deal with Hit Entertainment to create games for preschoolers

    MUMBAI: Interactive games-on-demand TV network, TVHead has inked a deal with Hit Entertainment, a provider of preschool entertainment to create games targeting the preschoolers.


    The deal calls for the premier games-on-demand television network to develop the first-ever, specially designed iTV games based on the popular characters Barney, Thomas & Friends, Bob the Builder and Angelina Ballerina.


    Aiming to launch in the last quarter of 2006, the California-based TVHead is developing new interactive games specifically for the preschool audience and unique to each of the London based Hit’s world-class properties, according to an official release.


    Each game will offers children a range of activities; Barney will focus on music and imagination; Thomas will focus on navigation and problem solving; Bob the Builder will focus on teamwork, problem solving and spatial relationships; and Angelina Ballerina will focus on dancing, friendships and determination to make your dreams come true.


    “Children the world over adore Barney, Thomas and Friends, Bob the Builder and Angelina Ballerina,” said TVHead founder and CEO Sangita Verma. “We are delighted at the opportunity of giving kids a new way to interact with these amazing properties that entertain, captivate and educate the growing preschool segment of our audience.”


    “Hit Entertainment is excited to be working with TVHead to deliver age-appropriate, innovative content for their new gaming platform,” said Hit Entertainment senior VP Jamie Cygielman. “As the Barney & Friends, Thomas & Friends, Bob the Builder and Angelina Ballerina TV series all provide educational entertainment that kids love and parents trust, this new gaming platform will allow children to deepen their relationship with these characters, creating an even more engaging learning experience.”


    Families will be able to play these games using the standard remote controls for their television sets, as TVHead’s proprietary technology simply plugs into existing VOD infrastructures and requires no special set-top boxes. The Hit offerings will join TVHead’s current games-on-demand lineup, which includes titles for casual and enthusiast gamers of all ages.

  • Disney in merchandising overdrive for new preschooler shows

    Disney in merchandising overdrive for new preschooler shows

    MUMBAI: With the trend in licensing moving toward younger ages, The little big Mouse is not one to be left behind. The Walt Disney Company through its merchandise division Disney Consumer Products is gearing up for a marketing blitz to strengthen its preschool portfolio.

    Disney Consumer Products (DCP) merchandise will feature elements of the interactive learning specific to the shows. Little Einsteins and My Friends Tigger and Pooh will kick off in spring 2007, focusing on different aspects of early child development and combine to address the needs of the “whole” child. Disney Consumer Products (DCP) merchandise will feature elements of the interactive learning specific to each show.

    “Parents have enjoyed Mickey and Pooh for years, and now a new generation of preschoolers are being introduced to these characters with a fresh CG-animated look. Little Einsteins rounds out a very strong preschool block that blends entertainment with education,” said DCP chairman Andy Mooney. “Retailers are also seeing potential in these shows and clearing shelf space based on the strength of Playhouse Disney as a preschool platform.”

    Mickey Mouse Clubhouse (MMCH), which premiered in May on Playhouse Disney channels and Disney Channels around the world — the first-ever same-day global launch of Disney Channel programming. The show focuses on problem solving and early math curriculum. 

    MMCH toys will launch this Fall with all other product categories launching in spring 2007. The toy line from licensee, Character Direct, will feature interactivity and gadgets direct from the television series, as well as new technology and innovation. Name That Song Mickey is a key item in the line – the product features a wireless piano combined with a soft Mickey plush that interactively teaches kids music through numbers.

    Little Einsteins which premiered in October 2005. The show, which fosters creativity through music and art, began debuting around the world, most recently in Australia and New Zealand and will next launch in France, India and Taiwan. DCP will launch a broad cross-category assortment of product in spring 2007.

    My Friends Tigger and Pooh will premiere in spring 2007, wherein the show teaches life lessons, such as friendship, as well as early earth science. Tigger and Pooh are “Super Sleuths” and the audience helps them solve mysteries in the Hundred Acre Wood. A licensing program is currently in development for mass and mid-tier retail distribution for spring 2008.

  • Disney in merchandising overdrive for new preschooler shows

    MUMBAI: With the trend in licensing moving toward younger ages, The little big Mouse is not one to be left behind. The Walt Disney Company through its merchandise division Disney Consumer Products is gearing up for a marketing blitz to strengthen its preschool portfolio.


    Disney Consumer Products (DCP) merchandise will feature elements of the interactive learning specific to the shows.
    Little Einsteins and My Friends Tigger and Pooh will kick off in spring 2007, focusing on different aspects of early child development and combine to address the needs of the “whole” child. Disney Consumer Products (DCP) merchandise will feature elements of the interactive learning specific to each show.


    “Parents have enjoyed Mickey and Pooh for years, and now a new generation of preschoolers are being introduced to these characters with a fresh CG-animated look. Little Einsteins rounds out a very strong preschool block that blends entertainment with education,” said DCP chairman Andy Mooney. “Retailers are also seeing potential in these shows and clearing shelf space based on the strength of Playhouse Disney as a preschool platform.”


    Mickey Mouse Clubhouse (MMCH), which premiered in May on Playhouse Disney channels and Disney Channels around the world — the first-ever same-day global launch of Disney Channel programming. The show focuses on problem solving and early math curriculum.


    MMCH toys will launch this Fall with all other product categories launching in spring 2007. The toy line from licensee, Character Direct, will feature interactivity and gadgets direct from the television series, as well as new technology and innovation. Name That Song Mickey is a key item in the line – the product features a wireless piano combined with a soft Mickey plush that interactively teaches kids music through numbers.


    Little Einsteins which premiered in October 2005. The show, which fosters creativity through music and art, began debuting around the world, most recently in Australia and New Zealand and will next launch in France, India and Taiwan. DCP will launch a broad cross-category assortment of product in spring 2007.


    My Friends Tigger and Pooh will premiere in spring 2007, wherein the show teaches life lessons, such as friendship, as well as early earth science. Tigger and Pooh are “Super Sleuths” and the audience helps them solve mysteries in the Hundred Acre Wood. A licensing program is currently in development for mass and mid-tier retail distribution for spring 2008.

  • Animax Asia signs output deal with Japanese anime studio Gonzo

    Animax Asia signs output deal with Japanese anime studio Gonzo

    MUMBAI: Animax has sealed a new long term output deal with Japan’s leading animation studio Gonzo to bring the latest edgy animation to Asia.

    With this, Asian viewers will now get the chance to watch anime programmes from Gonzo soon after viewers in Japan. The deal commences immediately for Animax.

    Animax vice-president Programming and Production Betty Tsui says, “We are delighted to have a strong partner like Gonzo as the studio’s original creative direction is in sync with Animax’s overall strategy to provide world-class anime entertainment for the youth of today. With the recent launch of the Animax refresh campaign, the timing of this output deal is a fantastic opportunity for both Animax and Gonzo to showcase more unique anime that wows and inspires viewers.”

    Responsible for some of the most innovative and stylish animation using 2D and 3D computer graphic techniques, Gonzo has brought to viewers around the world extremely popular titles like Samurai 7, The Count of Monte Cristo, and Hellsing. The synergy of Gonzo and Animax is apparent as both partners strive to provide the youth and young adult market with varied and quality programme offerings that wow audiences.

    With a reach of over 25 million households across Asia 24 hours a days, the new partnership represents enormous potential for Gonzo to showcase its new titles and become a household name in the Asian region.

    Rolling out the output deal is the spectacular animation creation, Trinity Blood. Having premiered first and exclusively in Hong Kong on 1 June 2006, Trinity Blood is broadcast on Animax every Thursday at 10 pm.

  • Animax Asia signs output deal with Japanese anime studio Gonzo

    MUMBAI: Animax has sealed a new long term output deal with Japan‘s leading animation studio Gonzo to bring the latest edgy animation to Asia.


    With this, Asian viewers will now get the chance to watch anime programmes from Gonzo soon after viewers in Japan. The deal commences immediately for Animax.


    Animax vice-president Programming and Production Betty Tsui says, “We are delighted to have a strong partner like Gonzo as the studio‘s original creative direction is in sync with Animax‘s overall strategy to provide world-class anime entertainment for the youth of today. With the recent launch of the Animax refresh campaign, the timing of this output deal is a fantastic opportunity for both Animax and Gonzo to showcase more unique anime that wows and inspires viewers.”


    Responsible for some of the most innovative and stylish animation using 2D and 3D computer graphic techniques, Gonzo has brought to viewers around the world extremely popular titles like Samurai 7, The Count of Monte Cristo, and Hellsing. The synergy of Gonzo and Animax is apparent as both partners strive to provide the youth and young adult market with varied and quality programme offerings that wow audiences.


    With a reach of over 25 million households across Asia 24 hours a days, the new partnership represents enormous potential for Gonzo to showcase its new titles and become a household name in the Asian region.


    Rolling out the output deal is the spectacular animation creation, Trinity Blood. Having premiered first and exclusively in Hong Kong on 1 June 2006, Trinity Blood is broadcast on Animax every Thursday at 10 pm.