ITV

Category: Television

  • ICTV demonstrates ActiveVideo Platform at Broadcast Asia

    ICTV demonstrates ActiveVideo Platform at Broadcast Asia

    SINGAPORE: VOD solutions provider ICTV has introduced its ActiveVideo platform at the 11th Annual Broadcast Asia Conference and Exhibition being held from 20-23 June 2006. 

    In its demonstration, ICTV has showed how the ActiveVideo platform combines the attributes of television and the web and enables operators, programmers and advertisers for the first time to successfully bring broadband video programming and advertising models from the internet to the television, informs an official release.

    The platform delivers web-driven programming and both live and VOD streams. ActiveVideo programming is delivered through the widely deployed VOD infrastructure through any VOD-capable set-top and navigated with standard remotes, adds the release.

    Capitalising on the ability to deliver web programming as MPEG video to any digital set-top box, the ICTV ActiveVideo platform is entirely standards- based, requiring no custom integration or proprietary development. Live and VOD programming can be blended with content that is created and modified quickly using standard web tools and talent, and distributed to the headend via standard web infrastructure. The ActiveVideo platform runs within the existing VOD infrastructure, delivering all programming from the headend as MPEG video, and integrates with and extends existing set-top based interactive approaches.

    “Viewers have been taking greater control of their video experiences, particularly on the PC and increasingly on mobile devices,” said ICTV president and CEO Jeff Miller. “The ActiveVideo platform enables the delivery of programming that most precisely meets the needs of the individual viewers, as well as high-CPM ads that are targeted, auditable and interactive.”

    The ICTV demonstration at Broadcast Asia also includes two applications of the ActiveVideo platform: An ActiveVideo Mosaic, the multichannel, customizable, personalized mosaic for video-rich navigation, and ActiveVideo Channels, which enable existing broadband networks to be delivered to the TV in real time, adds the release.

    The ICTV ActiveVideo Mosaic creates a simplified, personalised navigational experience by providing live video from, and navigation through, multiple channels simultaneously. The ActiveVideo Mosaic can be personalized based upon subscriber, operator, or programmer choice, or via system response to subscriber viewing habits- all on any digital set-top box. Interactive elements, including web-driven targeted advertising, can be incorporated within the mosaic screens.

    With ActiveVideo Channels, network operators and programmers can enhance the value of existing channels by allowing viewers to take active control of what they see and when they see it. With the use of their remote controls, television viewers can select an ActiveVideo Channel from the standard program guide and enter a broadband experience that includes video, navigational elements, channel branding, banner advertisements, and links to different video segments. Screens can be manipulated to reflect personal viewing interests and purchasing preferences.

  • Digital TV in focus as television hooks into the high definition era

    Digital TV in focus as television hooks into the high definition era

    SINGAPORE: With more than 150 million Digital TV homes across the world, the debate has fast moved on from ‘whether internet will do to TV, what TV did to radio years back!

    The morning session on the changing face of television at Broadcast Asia 2006, brought home the fact that from the first launches of MPEG -2DVB broadcast platforms, the industry is seeing a new wave in TV delivery, which is being driven by intense competition amongst platform operators across the world.

    Speaking on the occasion, Tandberg Television Asia Pacific president Graham Cradock said, “Research indicates that by 2010, more than 50 per cent of TV viewing is going to be on -demand basis. Consumers are already reacting favourably and adopting the new technological changes. There are 10 million High-definition (HDTV) subscribers in the US and The desire to watch the recent World Cup Fever has added on to the HDTV households across the globe including countries like Korea and Japan.”

    Quoting from a study conducted by Ernst and Young in the US, Cradock added that in this digital decade, it takes very little time for people to adopt to newer technologies. So, it took almost 16 years for mobile to catch on, nine years for the internet, DVDs took six years to bust the video business; but for digital TV, it will probably take just very little time. He added, “Across the world more than ten per cent of the digital TV homes have shifted to on-demand basis. By 2010, we predict more than 50 the per cent of TV viewing is going to be on demand basis.”

    The key message here is that the consumer has fast changed in the last five years. The availability of increasingly sophisticated personal media services has created a new generation of digital savvy consumers. With devices such as digital camera and video phones, MP3 players, personal video players and gaming consoles the use of WiFi to connect to the internet, the consumer is becoming a more and more accustomed to living in a world where he or she can access content anywhere.

    So, what does this mean for the consumer and for broadcasters? Well, in the on-demand economy, obviously content remains king and consumer the real winner. Television will not offer more customized content supported by technology to go with the new multi media solutions like internet protocol television (IPTV) and high-definition technology. To add on it will be features like personal video recording, digital audio broadcasting (DAB) and conditional access control.

    Cradock stressed the fact that there was not much customised content for television, “Television content, will have to be repurposed to suit the delivery platforms. And there is a growing cohabitative relationship between television, the Internet and to some extent mobile too. The challenge in the future is to make them complimentary to each other,” he said.

    So, how are broadcasters gearing up to the challenges of Digital TV and the emergence of convergence?

    Said Cradock, “The changing face of television is giving sleepless nights to many broadcasters, as the order will question the fundamental parameters of TV viewing. From the commercial perspective, fragmented content will obviously reduce advertising revenue. Also, they have to make sure that consumers have the screens which support the newer technologies. The complex TV world will also bring about legislative issues in the wake of digital switchover, access rights, franchising fees, etc.”

    Graham listed out the survival strategy in the changing scenario:

    Don’t get anxious. Instead, get enthusiastic about the changes and adapt to them. Like, New Zealand is already talking about the digital switchover and opening up the bandwidth to cater to interactive television.

    In IPTV, see an opportunity for delivery for interactive TV

    Fragmentad and customized content will mean a drop in revenues but there is a positive side to it. Look at branded content, which will deliver more return on investment (RoI) for the advertisers.

    For advertisers, it will be a win-win situation; at least now they’ll get to know what works best for them.

    Remember, earlier it was content to the consumer, and now it is content for the consumer.

  • BVITV inks multi-genre agreements with Cypriot broadcasters

    MUMBAI: Buena Vista International Television (BVITV) has announced multi-genre, multi-year agreements with Cypriot pay TV broadcaster Lumiere TV (LTV) in collaboration with the public free TV broadcaster Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation (CyBC).


    As per the agreements a broad selection of blockbuster movies, Disney animated series and live action network series will be available to viewers across Cyprus, informs an official release.


    A host of Disney/Pixar animated movies such as Finding Nemo, Toy Story, A Bug‘s Life and Disney animated features including Dumbo, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Pooh‘s Heffalump Move and The Tigger Movie will be available to viewers.


    In CyBC‘s Disney branded slot, half-hour animated series such as Disney‘s Kim Possible and Disney‘s Aladdin, The Series will also be included.


    In addition, the Playhouse Disney preschool series Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Little Einsteins will premiere on TV in Cyprus, adds the release.


    In addition, both broadcasters have also selected blockbuster live action features including Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, National Treasure, Freaky Friday and The Pacifier.


    These agreements also cover international series Lost, Criminal Minds, Ghost Whisperer, According to Jim and season two of Desperate Housewives.


    BVITV EMEA executive VP and MD Tom Toumazis said, “Cyprus is a lively market with exciting growth potential, and we are committed to building our business there. We are pleased to be working with Lumiere TV and CyBC to launch this new selection of schedule-driving entertainment across their channels.”


    Lumiere TV executive chairman Joseph Avraamides said, “Strategic alliances of this magnitude and nature are very important for any operator in any market, but they are becoming even more important in a small territory like Cyprus. We are very happy and proud for this association with Buena Vista International Television.”


    Also commenting on the agreements, CyBC chairman Andreas Aloneftis said, “We are really thrilled to be working with both BVITV and Lumiere TV and we do hope that our viewers will appreciate and be able to enjoy the much loved Disney movies and hit network series for the years to come.”

  • The Cell, TV18’s Creative Unit, adds a punch to Channel 7’s “Khabar Har Keemat Par’

    The Cell, TV18’s Creative Unit, adds a punch to Channel 7’s “Khabar Har Keemat Par’

    New Delhi, June 10, 2006: The Cell, TV18’s creative unit, has been entrusted with the task of handling all the print & design work required by Channel 7. The action-packed and riveting promos have been conceptualized to capture the essence of Channel 7.

     

    Dilip Venkatraman, Director Marketing, CNN-IBN & Channel 7 said, “The promo-frames grab on screen action with an entirely authentic approach. They are brilliant and brings alive the concept behind which Channel 7 is built on”

     

    Zubin Driver, Creative Director, The Cell said “Each of the promos approaches the baseline in different ways, bringing alive the thought that the entire Channel 7 team lives by. For all of us it’s not a baseline, its a mission. A case in point being Ashutosh ‘making news promo’, where we actually capture the action, the spirit and the passion of Channel 7 at work, shot in a very ‘real’ and ‘hard news’ style, the promos explore the very essence of world-class TV journalism.”

     

    About The Cell

     

    The Cell was formulated in September 2002 as the creative unit for the TV 18 group; it has grown into a creative-strategic unit that services a huge number of TV 18 clients. In addition to all channel promos for CNN-IBN, Channel 7, CNBC TV 18, AWAAZ and moneycontrol.com, it makes over 50 commercials every month and produces a huge amount of print and design work for clients investing on the channel.

     

    The cell has been picking up awards at every Promo Award ceremony in the last two years like RAPA GOLD-2005, RAPA GOLD-2006, PROMAX INDIA SILVER-2005 & PROMAX ASIA, GOLD, 2006.

     

     

    For further information please contact:
    Parul Bhasin/ Namrata Bhalla, PR Pundit, New Delhi
    Tel: 2656 0415, 2651 3075

  • Star Ananda celebrates one year!

    Star Ananda celebrates one year!

    Mumbai, June 1, 2006: STAR Ananda, India’s First 24 hour National Bengali News Channel celebrates its first anniversary. And if impact, viewer response, marketshare and other news channel launches are anything to go by, STAR Ananda can justifiably claim to have introduced a paradigm shift in the broadcast of regional language news on the foundation of viewer relevance and trail-blazing leadership. Viewers have indeed provided a thumbs up to STAR Ananda’s positioning as the expression of the Bengali on the move, reflecting their urges, aspirations and their impatience with the rate of change. STAR Ananda thus mirrors the new vibrancy among the Bengali-speaking people.

    Says Uday Shankar, CEO & Editor – MCCS, “Last year with STAR Ananda we offered to the viewers of Bengal a news channel that does justice to their news needs & requirements. The response has been overwhelming by the people of Bengal. But more importantly the channel has gone to create a new benchmarks & standards in language news broadcasting.”

     

    Indeed, STAR Ananda has blazed an enviable trail with commendable milestones. While leading the Bengali television news space currently with close to 60% marketshare and a recent milestone reach of 3414000 with a whopping 138% growth in West Bengal since it’s Launch, the Channel has also pulled its weight with general entertainment channels. On Counting Day in the recently concluded legislative elections viewers ‘voted’ for STAR Ananda as the undisputed # 1 television channel in ‘any category’ in Kolkata with a 30% marketshare ahead of ETV Bangla and Aakaash Bangla (both GEC Channels) and far ahead of the rest of the news television world with Kolkata TV’s 7% and 24 Ghanta TV’s 5%. On the important parameter of Time Spent too, STAR Ananda scored at the top of the list at 54 minutes, here too ahead of ETV Bangla, thus consolidating a fast-building legacy.

    The successful trend for STAR Ananda began with the launch on June 1, 2005 and quickly consolidated with the Municipal Elections in Kolkata in TAM Week 26, notching an astounding 69 % market share on Polling Day (19th June) and 63% market share on Counting Day (21st June) in Kolkata (amongst all news channels) and in the process also achieved the unique distinction of the highest watched Channel during the Exit Polls leaving even the GEC channels far behind in its wake.

    The coverage of the most important event in the Bengali calendar also proved another feather in the STAR Ananda cap last year, with an outstanding variety filled line-up of the Durgotsav celebration in the State of West Bengal, thus proving that STAR Ananda best represents the pulse of the Bengali people.

     

    STAR ANANDA features a mix of informative and thought-provoking programming. Almost all its programmes occupy an overwhelming top slot in the ratings for the week 23rd Apr – 20th May 2006 (Source: TAM; TG: All Adults; CS 15+; Market: Kolkata). Ananda Prabhat on STAR Ananda boasts a 48% marketshare against Kolkata TV’s 27%, 24 Ghanta TV’s 19% and Tara Newz’s 6% in the time band 6 am – 7.59 am. Shokaler Ek Dojon meanwhile ranks a 53% marketshare against 24 Ghanta TV’s 19%, Tara Newz’s 17% and Kolkata TV’s 11% in the time band 10 am – 10.59 am. Ekhon Kolkata ranks a 48% marketshare against Kolkata TV’s 27%, 24 Ghanta TV’s 19% and Tara Newz’s 6%in the time band 18 – 18.29 hours (Mon-Sun). 7Tar Duniya ranks a 49% marketshare against Kolkata TV’s 23%, 24 Ghanta TV’s 16% and Tara Newz’s 12% in the time band 19 – 19.29 hours (Mon-Sun). Abaar Kolkata meanwhile shares a 37% marketshare against 24 Ghanta’s 31%, Kolkata TV’s 20% and Tara Newz’s 12% in the time band 20 – 20.29 hours (Mon-Sun). Ak Dojon Golpo scores a 44% marketshare against 24 Ghanta’s 23%, Kolkata TV’s 22% and Tara Newz’s 12% in the time band 22 – 22.29 hours (Mon-Sun). Hou Ma Noy Bouma leads at 52% marketshare against 24 Ghanta TV’s 24%, Kolkata TV’s 16% and Tara Newz’s 9% in the time band 16.50 – 16.59 hours (All Days). Filmstar also leads at 51% marketshare against Tara Newz’s 18%, 24 Ghanta TV’s 15% and Kolkata TV’s 15% in the time band 23.20 – 23.29 hours (All Days). Meanwhile, STAR Ananda scores a winner with Berliner Ladai, the new World Cup football programme, at a whopping 53% marketshare (16th May – 20th May)!

    STAR Ananda has constantly scored with its programming, positioning and packaging, bravely showcasing the people’s point of view. The anniversary success is merely an endorsement of the STAR Ananda philosophy to keep the viewer first and for its stand of empowering viewers. In the manner of a pioneer and trailblazer, by keeping its programming initiatives fresh and addressing the aspiration of the Bengali all over the country, STAR Ananda renews its commitment to the people.

    ABOUT STAR Ananda
    STAR Ananda is India’s First National Bengali News Channel. Introducing a paradigm shift in the broadcast of regional language news, STAR Ananda reflects the heritage of an impressive parentage and provides in-depth and extensive coverage of local, national and global news. STAR Ananda is broadcast by Media Content & Communications Services India Pvt. Ltd. (MCCS), a 74:26 joint venture between ABP TV – a 100% subsidiary of ABP Pvt. Ltd., and STAR News Broadcasting Ltd., wholly-owned subsidiary of the STAR Group; two of the biggest brands in Indian media. Headquartered in Kolkata and housing state-of-the-art production facilities, STAR Ananda boasts an extensive bureau network, bringing to the Bengali viewer unparalleled, comprehensive and incisive news coverage. With an over 40 per cent majority marketshare in the Kolkata and West Bengal markets amongst all news channels in launch week, STAR Ananda continues to consolidate, adequately reflecting the aspirations of the Bengali people.

    For further info, please contact:
    Navin Tauro / Swati Sundareswaran / Daylon D’cruz
    Vaishnavi Corporate Communications;
    Tel: 022-66568787 / 9821154455

  • Music album on AIDS awareness released

    MUMBAI: BBC World Service Trust, National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) and national network Doordarshan have joined hands to spread awareness about AIDS through a music album Haath Se Haath Milaa (HSHM) or let’s join hands.

    The music video and album released today is also being supported by multiplex major PVR Cinemas, which will screen it in all its 68 screens across India.

    Though the association of PVR Cinemas with BBC World Service Trust is only for three months, the multiplex company CEO (digital) Sunil Patil is optimistic to maintain the relationship for a longer period of time.

    The music track has been composed by Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy with lyrics by Javed Akhtar. Sonu Nigam and Shreya Ghoshal bring the words alive.

    The music video features over 50 film and 10 television stars and opens with veteran Bollywood actress Waheeda Rehman who is joined by the current favourites like Shilpa Shetty, Fardeen Khan, John Abraham, Tabu, Bipasha Basu and Naseerudin Shah and telly personalities like Smriti Irani, Saakshi Tanwar, Mona Singh, Pooja Bedi, Nikki Aneja, Mini Mathur, Simone Singh, Yash Tonk, Suchitra Pillai, Lilette Dubey and Nasir Khan.

    According to the director of the video Anu Malhotra, “All the stars have generously contributed to the cause by filming for this video completely pro bono.”

    The album, produced by Music Today consisting of eight soundtracks, will be available in music stores and sold commercially across the country.

    All profits from sales will be donated to non-governmental organization Salaam Baalak Trust and Committed Communities Development Trust (CCDT).

    In an official statement, BBC World Service Trust director general Andrew Whitehead, “The selections of songs were done from the Music Today catalogue.”

    The launch ceremony today was graced by Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty who said that the video would appeal to all and help combating AIDS and the stigma attached to it.

    BBC World Service Trust supports a reality television series on DD, titled Jasoos Vijay where the central theme revolves around spreading awareness about AIDS.

    The third series of Jasoos Vijay will finish its run by end September and HSHM will end by February 2007.

  • Channel [v] bags ‘2006 Rocket Award’ at the Promax & BDA World Gold Awards in NewYork

    Channel [v] bags ‘2006 Rocket Award’ at the Promax & BDA World Gold Awards in NewYork

    Mumbai, June 28, 2006… Channel [v], India’s No 1 music channel reaffirmed its leadership position with an awards haul at the prestigious PROMAX & BDA World Gold Awards in NewYork. Channel [v] was awarded the illustrious ‘2006 Rocket Award’ for the second time in a row. The Rocket Award recognises a producer, marketer or designer with four or less years of experience in promotion, marketing or design who is already creating outstanding work. The recipient of this year’s award is the pioneering Channel [v] producer, Siddharth Sikand.

    Speaking on the occasion, Amar K Deb, Head Honcho Channel [v], said, “It’s a fabulously mind-blowing experience to be recognised by our peers internationally. All of us at Channel [v] are ecstatic and overjoyed to have won in the face of stiff international competition. These awards are sure to power the team to continue to ‘re-design’ Indian television.”

    PROMAX & BDA Awards 2006 – Gold Awards for Channel [v]:-
    Art Direction & Design- Contest Bumper Wazzat Noise
    PSA (Public Service Announcement) – Wear a Helmet
    Best Direction- Ringtone TV promo

    PROMAX & BDA Awards 2006 – Silver Awards for Channel [v]:-
    Art Direction & Design- Interstitial Campaign V Gyaans
    Best Copywriting- Everyuth Skintillating Contest
    Bumper – Fathers Day Bumper
    PSA (Public Service Announcement) Stop Letching- Mona Lisa
    Consumer production- Happydent Smile for [v] Contest
    Best Editing- Hang 5
    Non-Promotional Animation Campaign- Sunday’s Open
    Promotional Item- Recycle bag

    PROMAX & BDA Awards 2006 – Bronze Awards for Channel [v]:-
    Art Direction & Design: Special Events Promo Happydent Smile for [v] Contest

    PROMAX & BDA are the world’s foremost organisations working on behalf of those involved in the promotion, marketing and design of electronic media. They represent more than 4,200 member companies and individuals in over 60 countries who work in television, radio and digital media. They include senior executives, producers, and designers involved in the creation of advertising, graphics, and marketing materials for their companies.

    STAR, a wholly-owned subsidiary of News Corporation, is Asia’s leading multi-platform content and service provider. STAR’s 40 distributed services in eight languages reach more than 300 million viewers across 53 Asian countries. STAR television channels include STAR Chinese Channel, Xing Kong Wei Shi, Phoenix Chinese Channel, STAR Plus, STAR World, Channel [V], ESPN, STAR Sports, STAR Movies, STAR Gold, Phoenix Movies Channel, VIVA Cinema, STAR News, Phoenix InfoNews Channel, in addition to distributed channels National Geographic Channel, Adventure One, Vijay, Fox News and Sky News. STAR has interests in cable systems in India and Taiwan. It also powers the launch of Total TV in Taiwan, Asia’s first interactive digital cable TV services, and Radio City, India’s leading commercial FM radio network.

    For more details contact: Shiraz / Poonam at Vaishnavi Corporate Communications Tel: 5656 8787 / 9821718954

     

  • Fame Raj Empire arrives in Surat

    Fame Raj Empire arrives in Surat

    Surat, June 21, 2006: Shringar Cinemas Limited, one of the country’s leading movie exhibition and distribution companies, has announced its foray into Gujarat with the launch of the unique six-screen FAME Raj Empire multiplex in Surat. Located at Raj Empire Mall (Near Akashwani Tower, Bhatar Road), the new multiplex will commence operations from 23rd June 2006. Designed superlatively, with state-of-the-art technology, FAME Raj Empire is all set to become the most happening movie destination in Surat.

     

    With a capacity of more than 1800 ergonomically designed seats spread across six screens, specially designed lighting, world-class projectors and fully digital sound with 3-way surround system; FAME Raj Empire brings an international movie-viewing experience to cinema-goers in Surat.

     

    Backed with 100% computerized operations, FAME Raj Empire offers the convenience of reserving movie tickets through Internet, SMS as also delivery of tickets at your doorstep. If that’s not enough, the multiplex will also provide the ‘M-ticket’ facility, which enables patrons to book movie tickets through a voice-recognition service from their mobile phone, by calling a hotline number 505 3263 and paying through their credit card. This mobile ticketing service will be available for Hutch, Airtel and Idea subscribers.

     

     

    At FAME Raj Empire, every screen has been designed on a different theme ranging from Roman, Chinese, European, Russian, Egyptian to Arabian, to add to the visual drama. In addition to its special Arabic theme, Screen 6 will offer patrons the luxurious ‘Gold Class’ (Recliner Seats) and a separate Lounge (comfortable sofas) to unwind. The other five screens will provide ‘Premium’ and ‘Silver’ seating arrangements.

     

    Speaking at the launch, Mr. Shravan Shroff, Managing Director, Shringar Cinemas Limited, said,
    “We believe that movie viewing experience at a multiplex should be no less than exhilarating. In our endeavour to take this experience to a whole new level in Surat, FAME Raj Empire promises its discerning patrons a plethora of exclusive offerings including thematic screens, luxurious seating options, exciting movies, delectable cuisine and great interactive contests.”

    The FAME foyer will offer patrons a wide variety of food and snacks to choose from…Continental snacks counters, Chinese food carts, Ice-creams, special batata wada along with the movie must-have’s such as popcorn, samosas and cola.

    As with Shringar Cinemas’ other properties in Mumbai, Kolkata, Nashik and Pimpri (Pune), which have become benchmarks in providing world-class movie viewing experience in India, FAME Raj Empire is all set to become synonymous with the ‘buzz chahiye aa jayiye’ mantra. Red carpet events, opportunities to meet with the biggest Bollywood & TV stars, exclusive ticketed movie previews, innovative & exciting contest and numerous food festivals, are just some of the elements that will keep the buzz going at FAME Raj Empire. On an average, the multiplex will provide a choice of over 6 to 8 movies per day; ranging from Bollywood Blockbusters, Hollywood Hits and best of Regional Movies.

     

    About Shringar Cinemas Ltd.
    Shringar Cinemas Limited, listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange and National Stock Exchange, began with acquiring programming rights for theatres across the country and in a short span of 4 years the Company has set new standards in theater content, service and film viewing experience. April 2002 witnessed the launch of the first ever state-of-the-art five-screen multiplex of Mumbai – FAME Adlabs; followed by FAME Malad at the Inorbit Mall, FAME Nashik, FAME Raghuleela in Kandivali, FAME Hiland Park in Kolkata, and FAME Jai Ganesh in Pimpri (Pune). The latest addition is the new six-screen FAME Raj Empire multiplex in Surat, which will commence operations on 23rd June 2006. Shringar Cinemas Ltd is today growing at a rapid pace with 8 new FAME properties within the next 12 months. By the end of this year, FAME would extend its presence in Thane, Dadar and Ghatkopar (Mumbai), Chandigarh, Aurangabad, Hyderabad and Kolkata. FAME has redefined the movie-viewing experience for cinema patrons and has catalyzed the explosive growth of the multiplex industry across India

    For further information, please contact:
    Hemanshu Mistry/ Mervyn Christian
    Vaishnavi Corporate Communications
    Mobile No.: 98702 24273/ 09898064940

  • eBay India’s announces the launch of style diva

    eBay India’s announces the launch of style diva

    June 14th, 2006: eBay India, the pulse of stylish net-savvy Indian consumers, announced the launch of its maiden fashion & lifestyle contest ‘eBay India STYLE DIVA 2006’, today. The contest will see three leading Diva’s of Bollywood – the glamorous Kareena Kapoor, the sensuous Bipasha Basu and magnificent Priyanka Chopra compete for the coveted title of ‘eBay India STYLE DIVA’ to be decided by eBay India’s growing online community through an online poll.

     

    eBay India, which is fast emerging as the most popular online destination for fashion and lifestyle products, is also running a promotion giving five lucky winners a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet the diva of their dreams at the award function finale to be hosted in August in Mumbai.

     

    To participate, all one needs to do is to log onto www.eBay.in <http://www.eBay.in> and shop or sell any product from the various lifestyle categories using PaisaPay. After casting your vote for your favourite Diva, five lucky winners stand a chance to meet the eBay India Style Diva in person!

     

    Adding another dimension to this sizzling line-up of Bollywood beauties, eBay India buyers will also win special merchandise of the eBay India STYLE DIVA contest for each and every purchase made during the promotion.

     

    eBay reveals an increasing demand for lifestyle products bought online, as it currently averages the sale of a piece of jewellery every 6 minutes, a mobile handset every 7 minutes, a piece of fashion apparel every 13 minutes and a MP3 player every 17 minutes! If that’s not all eBay India, India’s largest online marketplace offers a wide range of products listed on its site spread across 2500 categories including, Apparel, Jewellery, fashion accessories, Health & Beauty, sunglasses, Bollywood, Books, & Magazines, Cars & Bikes, Computers, Electronics, Cameras & Optics, Art & Antiques Movies, Music, , Gifts, Home, Mobile Phones, Real Estate, Toys & Baby Products, Travel etc. On any given day, there are over 100,000 live listings on the site with over 3000 new listings being added daily.

    About eBay India
    eBay India (www.eBay.in), India’s leading online marketplace, is India’s biggest online trading community where anyone can sell or buy almost anything. eBay India is a trading platform offering auctions, fixed price and classifieds modes of person-to-person trading. There are a wide range of products listed on eBay India in an array of categories including Apparels & Accessories, Beauty & Health, Bollywood Memorabilia, Books & Magazines, Cameras & Optics, Cars & Bikes, Coins & Stamps, Computers & Peripherals, Consumer Electronics, Fitness & Sports, Home, Tools & Appliances, Jewellery & Watches, Mobiles & Accessories, Movies & Videos, Music & Instruments, Services & Real Estate, Toy, Games & Baby, Travel, Tickets & Vouchers, Video Games & Everything Else. eBay India is a 100% subsidiary of eBay Inc., The World’s Online Marketplace®.

    About eBay.com
    Founded in September 1995, eBay (Nasdaq: EBAY) is The World’s Online Marketplace® for the sale of goods and services by a diverse community of individuals and small businesses. Today, the eBay community includes more than a hundred million registered members from around the world. People spend more time on eBay than any other online site, making it the most popular shopping destination on the Internet.

     

    People from all over the world buy and sell on eBay. Currently, eBay has local sites that serve Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand Poland, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In addition, eBay has a presence in Latin America through its investment MercadoLibre.com.

    ***
    For further information, please contact:

    Deepa Thomas/Sneha Deshpande
    Gaurav Bhaskar /Mythili Rao
    eBay India
    Vaishnavi Corporate Communication
    91-22-6669000
    91-22-5658787
    dthomas@ebay.com/sndeshpande@ebay.com
    gbhaskar@vccpl.com/mrao@vccpl.com
    www.ebay.in/mediacentre

  • ‘Meet The Fockers’ on Star Movies

    ‘Meet The Fockers’ on Star Movies

    Don’t miss the exclusive premiere of the Robert DeNiro and Ben Stiller starrer
    ‘Meet the Fockers’ this Friday, June 9th at 9 p.m. only on Star Movies

     

    Mumbai, June 07, 2006: Robert DeNiro and Ben Stiller are back for a new session of disastrously funny family bonding in the hilarious sequel to Meet the Parents. Tune-in to the exclusive premiere of the rib-tickling comedy ‘Meet the Fockers’ this Friday, June 9th at 9 p.m. only on Star Movies.

     

    Following the knee-slapping hit MEET THE PARENTS, director Jay Roach once again keeps audiences roaring with laughter as he presents MEET THE FOCKERS. This time, young engaged couple Pam (Teri Polo) and Greg (Ben Stiller) are getting their parents together a few months before the wedding. Greg nervously plans out every detail of the trip, only to be usurped by Pam’s domineering ex-CIA-man father (Robert DeNiro).

     

    Not only has he purchased an RV, insisting they’ll be driving from New York City to the Fockers’ home in Miami, but he’s bringing along his perfect baby grandson. When they finally arrive at the Fockers’ house, Greg’s parents, Bernie and Roz (Dustin Hoffman and Barbra Streisand), turn out to be sex-addicted hippies and not at all what the Byrnes (DeNiro and Blythe Danner) had expected. With one pitfall after the next, the film takes the concept of awkward in-law experiences to new heights, leaving no stone unturned from stories about past sexual experiences to detailed discussion of current ones. Every conversation is totally inappropriate and downright embarrassing, keeping audiences braced for the next disaster. Along the way, all six cast members turn in topnotch performances, with Hoffman, Streisand, and Stiller leading the charge in true Focker spirit.

    So, make sure you tune in to this fun film ‘Meet the Fockers’ this Friday, June 9th at 9 p.m. only on Star Movies.

     

    About Star
    STAR is a leading media and entertainment company in Asia. STAR broadcasts over 50 television services in nine languages to more than 300 million viewers across 53 Asian countries. STAR channels cover all genres including general entertainment (Star Plus, Xing Kong, Star Chinese Channel, Star One, Star Utsav, Star World, Vijay, Phoenix Chinese), sports (ESPN, Star Sports), movies (Star Chinese Movies, Star Gold, Star Movies), music (Channel [V]), and news and current affairs (Star News, Star Ananda, Phoenix InfoNews Channel). STAR controls over 20,000 hours of Indian and Chinese programming and also owns the world’s largest contemporary Chinese film library, with more than 600 titles, featuring superstars including Jackie Chan, Chow Yun Fat and Bruce Lee. In partnership with leading companies in Asia, STAR businesses extend to filmed entertainment, television production, cable systems, direct-to-home services, terrestrial TV broadcasting, wireless and digital services. STAR is a wholly owned subsidiary of News Corporation. www.startv.com

    For further information please contact:
    In Mumbai
    Zeenat Khan
    Asst. Vice President – Publicity
    STAR (India) Ltd.
    Tel No. 91-22-56305555