ITV

Category: Television

  • TNS to launch online access panels in Malaysia and Thailand

    TNS to launch online access panels in Malaysia and Thailand

    MUMBAI: TNS is launching its 6th dimension online access panels in Malaysia and Thailand. The panels, which will be introduced in August and September this year, will cover the major cities in each country, where internet usage is now at significant levels and growing fast.

    TNS regional director for Asia Pacific access panels Mark Walton said, “Since we launched our 6th dimension initiative in Asia Pacific last year, we have seen rapid growth in the use of our online services, with over 500 projects conducted in the past 12 months. This not only allows us to offer research solutions faster and more cost-effectively, but ensures that the well-managed panels and questionnaires deliver consistently top-quality research. The adoption of online services in Malaysia and Thailand is a natural development for TNS and our clients – and more markets will follow in 2007 as we extend our services further in the emerging markets.”

    With the introduction of the new panels, TNS will offer 6th dimension services in nine markets across Asia Pacific to include: Australia, China, Hong Kong, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand, incorporating over 800,000 active panel members.

    TNS launched 6th dimension online panels in February 2005 across six countries in Europe: France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Spain and the UK and operates 6th dimension online panels in the US.

    Walton added, “As with all of our 6th dimension panels, the new panels in Malaysia and Thailand will be supported by an extensive programme of validations and research-on-research, demonstrating that the panels offer representative samples of the online population in each market, with high quality results and insights.”

  • Aventail Expands India Distribution with Select Technologies

    Aventail Expands India Distribution with Select Technologies

    Select Technologies to Support Aventail’s Growing SSL VPNs sales and support

    Bangalore, 30th May, 2006 – Leading SSL VPN product company Aventail Corporation (www.aventail.com) is expanding its distribution in India through a new agreement with Select Technologies, a leading solution provider in the country with more than 5,000 customers. Select Technologies will provide sales and support to Aventail’s growing clientele, which includes Wipro, Tesco, Marico, iGATE, ING Vyasa, and i-flex, both directly and through their large channel partner network across India. Together, Aventail, Select, and system integrators will offer a three-level support system.

    “With security being the top priority for enterprise and SMB customers, an affordable solution with top class security features and protection is the requirement today,” said Mr. Sunil Pillai; Business Head, Select Technologies. “Aventail’s leading technology coupled with Select’s expertise in providing innovative, cutting-edge solutions for Information Protection and Management domain make this relationship a strong one,” he added.

    “Select has a good history of making brands successful in India , and they have the required experience and expertise to carry Aventail in their portfolio,” said Mr. Ajay Kumar, Country Sales Manager for Aventail in India . “Aventail is leading the market in providing enterprises secure remote access, and Select’s strong channel network will help us increase our penetration and customer base across India.”

    Aventail’s SSL VPN is a scalable, enterprise class, clientless solution based on Aventail’s proven Smart SSL VPN platform. Aventail’s clustering and high availability support with load-balancing is an ideal solution for hundreds or thousands of users. The secure application platform is designed to provide practical, easy-to-use anywhere access to Web, client/server, and file shares from any device combined with simple manageability and usability. All of this makes it a clear alternative to IPSec-based VPNs. Many of Aventail’s customers worldwide are replacing legacy IPSec solutions with the Aventail SSL VPN in order to have one solution for all remote access scenarios.

    About Select Technologies

    Select Technologies is a 100% wholly owned subsidiary of WeP Peripherals Limited (WeP). Select Technologies provides innovative Information Protection & Management Solutions and Services to Large Enterprises, Corporates and SMEs and is a ‘One Stop Solution House’ for market leading Information Protection and Management solutions. Select specializes in providing innovative and effective world class solutions through a strong and dedicated team of qualified and trained professionals to provide support services and training to partners and end users. Select conducts business through more than 238 NSI, RSI, Solution Providers & channel partners across the country focused on Information Protection and Management business and sustains relationship with over 5000 customers. Headquartered in Bangalore, Select has offices across the metros and major cities of the country. For more information, please visit: www.select-technologies.net
    About Aventail
    Aventail is the best-of-breed remote-access company. Aventail delivered the first SSL VPN solution in 1997 and today is a market leader, delivering the easiest to use and control remote-access solution. Aventail Smart SSL VPN appliances provide users with transparent, clientless access to more applications from more devices via any network environment. For network managers, Aventail delivers a single secure access gateway for all users, internal and external, to all network resources with complete security. With more than two million end users around the globe, Aventail is the SSL VPN of choice among mid to large-sized organizations worldwide, Some of Aventail’s customers in India include Wipro, Tesco, Marico, iGATE, ING Vyasa, i-flex, Times of India and ITC. For more information, go to www.aventail.com.

    Aventail, Aventail ST, Aventail Smart Access, Aventail Smart Tunneling, Aventail EPC, Aventail OnDemand, Aventail Connect, Aventail Secure Collaboration, Aventail EX-2500, EX-1500, Aventail EX-750, and their respective logos are trademarks, registered trademarks, or service marks of Aventail Corporation. Other product and company names mentioned are the property of their respective owners and are mentioned for identification purposes only.

    Note: The information in Aventail press releases is accurate and current only as of the date posted. Aventail does not update the information once the release has been issued. To the extent any press release contains information that is not historical fact, that information is considered forward-looking. Aventail’s results may differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements.

     

     

  • ETC Music promotes Ravindra Acharya as VP programming

    ETC Music promotes Ravindra Acharya as VP programming

    MUMBAI: ETC Music has promoted its general manager programming and promos Ravindra Acharya to the position of creative head and VP programming with immediate affect.

    Acharya has been entrusted with the additional responsibility of production and post-production activities. He is now accountable for the look of the channel and the products that appear on it, according to an official release.

    A Bachelor of Fine Arts from Sir J.J. Institute Of Applied Art with specialization in photography, Acharya has worked with Sahara India, Sony Entertainment Television Max, Bombay Talkies and Nimbus at various positions in programming.

  • Pyramid Saimira in expansion mode, plans Hindi foray

    Pyramid Saimira in expansion mode, plans Hindi foray

    MUMBAI: The Chennai-based digital theatre chain company Pyramid Saimira Theatre Limited (PSTL) has unveiled its expansion plans.

    To start with, the company is planning to enter the Hindi speaking markets by the third quarter of 2006. Reportedly, the investment for the expansion is pegged at Rs 3.5 billion.

    PSTL, which is operating about 100 theatres, will increase the tally to 400 by the end of FY07 fiscal end through its Networked Mega Digital Theatre Chain project, according to an official release.

    “Pyramid Saimira is currently operating a theatre chain of more than 100 theatres, which we plan to increase to 400 by the financial year end 2007. From the third quarter of 2006, we plan to make a foray into Hindi speaking markets and add one screen a day also in North India. By the turn of this decade, the company plans to manage and operate on its own about 2000 screens and in addition have around 4000 screens as franchisee screens across India,” says PSTL MD Saminathan.

    The company has projected a top line growth of Rs 8 billion (USD 178 million) by 2010, which represents 6 per cent of the industry, adds the release.

    Pyramid has technical support tie-ups with Tata Net for communication technology, Prasad Labs for conversion of films into digital, Delta Electronics as well as Arasor Technology for projectors, and Real Image for software solution providers.

    Saminathan further adds that Pyramid is setting up an integrated Network Operating Center (NOC), which will convert films into Digital, transmit these films using satellite medium to various theatres across the country in a secured encryption mode.

    Using Digital Rights Management, the company will exhibit the films and other contents in digital mode without physical film prints. This will bring about a saving of Rs 60,000 to Rs 70,000 per movie per theatre and approximately save Rs 2 million per theatre per annum.

    PSTL chairman V Natarajan says, “Digital Cinema is not about replacing an ordinary projector with a digital projector. Through a change in technology we bring a major change in relationship and structure of the exhibition industry as a whole. Just like the hotel industry, exhibition industry will see the emergence of separation of ownership and management especially on a professional note.”

    By converting existing theatres into digital, PSTL expects to function as the delivery medium for entertainment and educational content, according to the release.

  • PBS Kids selects first-ever live host of new preschool block

    MUMBAI: PBS Kids has its first-ever live host — Chicago-based performer, teacher and mom Lori Holton Nash — for its new preschool destination, which will launch on 4 September.


    As the new host, Nash and an animated sidekick will guide kids through a two-hour programming block for preschoolers. The new block will feature four PBS Kids programs age- appropriately grouped including PBS Kids‘ two new series — Curious George, emphasising science, math and engineering and narrated by Emmy-winning actor William H. Macy, and It‘s a Big Big World, highlighting science and geography — alongside existing shows like Clifford The Big Dog and Dragon Tales.


    “Based on research PBS conducted with parents we identified valuable content that parents feel is missing from children‘s media today, including positive real adult role models and opportunities to connect lessons learned from programming to kids‘ lives. PBS Kids new preschool destination will meet parents‘ needs by introducing Lori, a host who has a passion for children and a unique and engaging teaching style that incorporates humor, music, movement and storytelling,” said PBS Kids Next Generation Media senior vice president Lesli Rotenberg.


    After an extensive nationwide talent search, PBS Kids named Nash as the host of its new preschool block to inspire and entertain kids in a playful setting designed to spark kids‘ imaginations, give them a greater sense of discovery and build their excitement for learning about the world around them. In addition to her on-air and online presence, she will make appearances at various events across the country, visiting local PBS member stations and participating in children‘s events.


    “I‘m extremely excited to be named PBS Kids‘ first-ever host. Performing and educating is not just what I do, it‘s who I am and I look forward to reaching out to children across the country through the most trusted kids content source, PBS Kids. I grew up watching PBS‘ children‘s programs and today, I am raising my own kids as PBS Kids,” said Nash.


    In addition to Nash‘s broadcast debut, the new block will feature the premiere of Curious George. Produced by Imagine Entertainment, WGBH Boston and Universal Studios Family Productions, and based on the best-selling Curious George books. The series encourages inquiry and curiosity, promotes hands-on exploration, and shows parents and caregivers how to support children‘s science and math-related play.


    PBS Kids new hosted preschool destination is one part of PBS Kids Next Generation Media, a broad-based initiative to define public television‘s role in the changing digital children‘s media landscape.


    In addition to the launch of the new preschool environment, PBS recently announced a new 24/7 early elementary school digital broadcast service, PBS Kdis Go! Channel, scheduled to launch in October 2006 and delivered to the community through local PBS stations, which will meet the educational and developmental needs of this underserved audience.

  • Doordarshan unveils mobile, digital initiatives

    Doordarshan unveils mobile, digital initiatives

    MUMBAI: Doordarshan will launch its Digital Video Broadcasting to Handhelds (DVB-H) service in the second half of 2006. The technology will help the consumer to access video clips on mobile phones.

    “With this technology, we will be able to make available the content of our four national channels on mobiles. Earlier, we had made available DD News in moving vehicles in Delhi through the Digital Video Broadcasting to terrestrials (DVB-T) earlier. Now with the DVB-H technology, we are entering the mobile space,” says Doordarshan director general Navin Kumar.

    In another initiative to explore advanced technology, DD will digitize its archive and make it available to the public as streaming videos. The content will be available to consumers on a per view basis.

    “Our effort is to share this content with people through CDs and streaming videos. In streaming mode, people will be able to watch the programmes in real time basis,” says Kumar, adding that discussions are presently on with various telecom service providers in this direction.

  • Microsoft, PBS create global web resource to enhance AIDS understanding

    Microsoft, PBS create global web resource to enhance AIDS understanding

    MUMBAI: A quarter-century after the first diagnosed cases surfaced, HIV/AIDS continues to spread rapidly throughout the world. To help shed more light on the history of this pandemic and educate people about what can be done to stop it, Microsoft Corp. principal researcher Curtis Wong has teamed up with producers of the PBS television series Frontline to develop an enhanced broadband television web site for a new documentary titled The Age of AIDS.

    Wong, who manages the Next Media Research group within Microsoft Research, worked closely with WGBH Interactive and the producers of Frontline to design the technology for the web site. Beginning on 2 June, the web site at http://www.pbs.org/frontline/aids will allow visitors to view The Age of AIDS video on demand, in its entirety or chapter by chapter, along with related, interactive online content that is tightly integrated with the video footage.

    “What’s unique about this approach is that it seamlessly combines a compelling television program with rich web resources to significantly enhance people’s understanding of a complex topic like AIDS. It highlights the tremendous potential of Internet television with rich interactivity to deliver in-depth content to a global audience,” said Wong.

    As people watch The Age of AIDS documentary online, contextual links appear beside the video to inform viewers about topics directly related to that portion of the program. Clicking on any link automatically pauses the video, allowing viewers to explore related resources at their leisure and then return to the documentary without missing a moment.

    Other links will take the viewer to a detailed explanation of the science of HIV/AIDS or an interactive timeline cross-referenced to the video and other resources in the site. The site also hosts an oral history archive of extended interviews with the top scientists, physicians, public-health officials and activists who have been fighting this battle for 25 years.

    Wong’s group at Microsoft Research explores how advances in connectivity, data storage, computing devices, network bandwidth and other technologies influence traditional as well as emerging forms of media. “The HIV/AIDS epidemic has so many facets — from the science to the politics to the social ramifications to the human stories — that cry out to be examined in greater depth and dimension than a four-hour television program can deliver,” Wong said.

    “It’s an honor to work with WGBH Interactive and the Frontline producers to provide innovative ideas and technology as a tool for enhancing public understanding and hopefully shaping public policy on HIV/AIDS. And this has been a great opportunity to support public television and build on Microsoft’s insights into the future of media,” Wong added.

    Filmed in 19 countries, The Age of AIDS features interviews with dozens of scientists, political figures, activists and HIV patients. The documentary is a co-production of WGBH/Frontline and Paladin InVision Ltd. with Silverbridge Productions Ltd. and Channel 4.

    PBS stations will air the two-part Frontline documentary.

    “Curtis has brought crucial expertise to this production in terms of combining interactive web technology tools and deep stores of online information with the rich storytelling power of television. The Age of AIDS companion web site will enable us to convey far more in-depth information about this pandemic to a much larger global audience than would otherwise be possible with this documentary alone,” said Frontline creator and executive producer David Fanning.

  • BSG to manage mobile call volume during Fifa World Cup

    BSG to manage mobile call volume during Fifa World Cup

    MUMBAI: BSG Clearing Solutions GmbH, the communications service industry’s clearing and settlement provider, today announced that its systems are well prepared to deal with the heavy increase in capacity for roaming clearing that will result from the growth in mobile call volume during the weeks of the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

    “This will be the biggest sporting event in the world and mobile communications will have an unprecedented role in spectator enjoyment this year. As the exclusive roaming partner for virtually all wireless operators in Germany, BSG will be on hand to ensure there are no ‘own goals’ behind the scenes,” said BSG CEO Roland J. Bopp.

    An estimated five million fans from all continents around the globe, supporting the 32 nationalities taking part, are expected to visit Germany during the four-week World Cup competition. Mobile phones will be used to relay messages, download content, send pictures and texts to friends and family, as well as to record goals and highlights. Companies are already promoting World Cup-related content, such as player photos, historic video clips, ring tones and games, and operators are expecting intense traffic volumes in largely unpredictable spikes.

    All German wireless operators, including T-Mobile and O2, are BSG clients and will be relying on the company to process and clear all roaming transactions.

    “Our system ordinarily handles large volumes of traffic and is designed to scale accordingly so that it can easily handle the additional anticipated traffic. Nonetheless, we’ve taken the cautionary validation steps to ensure our system will continue to operate smoothly throughout this period of expected transaction spike so our customers are provided with the same high-quality level of service to which they’re accustomed,” said BSG chief technology officer Abie Reifer.

    “We’re proud to be part of this important, global event and are confident in BSG’s ability to fully support us. Knowing they’ll be handling the increase in mobile call volume allows us to focus on giving our customers the best experience possible,” said O2 Germany vice president carrier and international services Dirk Schmelzer.

  • Xinhua China acquires HDTV editing technology

    Xinhua China acquires HDTV editing technology

    MUMBAI: Xinhua China Ltd. has acquired leading Chinese high definition television text-editing software company Bear Technology. The acquisition expands Xinhua’s presence in the rapidly expanding digital media industry in China.

    Founded in 2002, Bear Technology offers multiple proprietary solutions for rendering and editing text in high definition (HD). Bear text-editing software is an essential component in the production of HDTV content, which require on-screen text to be rendered in HD for enhanced visual fidelity, according to Xinhua China.

    Some applications for Bear’s software include personal and commercial HD cameras, televised language translation, closed-captioning, and news and entertainment programming. Currently, Bear Technology customers include leading HDTV and camera manufacturers such as Sony and Panasonic, Xinhua China said.

    The company stated that although China’s digital television market is relatively small by North American standards, the annual compounded growth rate of digital television subscribers is estimated to grow at 165 per cent per year from 2005 to 2008. With 5.3 million home subscribers in 2005, up from one million in 2004, digital TV in China is enjoying exponential growth.

    “HDTV software is a complementary technology to our initiatives to expand our business base through the sale of digital media online in China. We are fortunate to have had this opportunity at a time when HDTV is rapidly overtaking older television technology. We believe HDTV has the potential to further enhance the online experience for enjoyment of all types of online media in China,” said Xinhua China CEO Xianping Wang.

    “The acquisition of Bear Technology will position Xinhua China as a leading provider of HD content text editing. We see significant revenue opportunities over the long-term as the convergence of the personal computer and High Definition Digital Television gathers momentum,” he added.

    In addition, upon completion of the purchase of all the issued capital in Bear Technology, the company agrees to grant in aggregate six million stock options to employees, officers and directors of Bear Technology. The options will be priced at the time of issue.

  • Nat Geo Kids appoints Vermeulen as head of sales













    MUMBAI: National Geographic Television International (NGTI) has appointed Karen Vermeulen as its first dedicated kids sales person. Vermeulen will be based in London in the new role of head of kids’ sales but will also work closely with National Geographic Kids‘ programming and production president Donna Friedman Meir – along with her US-based team – to drive the development of this growing area of National Geographic’s business.



    Vermeulen joins from Entertainment Rights where she was territory manager UK, Ireland and German-speaking Europe, responsible for maximising TV, new media and DVD sales for a range of properties including Postman Pat, Basil Brush, Little Red Tractor and Barbie. In addition, she managed the strategic rollout of licensing and merchandising for core brands in Germany.


    At National Geographic, Vermeulen will build on this experience, undertaking the key sales role for National Geographic Kids’ programming, but she will also have responsibility for managing the growing stable of brand franchises and developing properties for maximum benefit.


    Current programmes in production from National Geographic Kids include Mama Mirabelle‘s Home Movies, a mix of animation and live-action wildlife footage for preschoolers, produced in partnership with King Rollo Films; Iggy Aruckle, an animated comedy adventure for kids 6 – 11, produced with Blueprint Entertainment; Toot & Puddle: I‘ll Be Home For Christmas based on the award-winning book by Holly Hobbie and being animated by Grand Slamm Children’s Films; and the first global reality adventure series for little kids, Are We There Yet?, produced in partnership with Cellar Door and Sinking Ship Productions.


    Friedman Meir said, “We are thrilled to welcome Karen to the team and to have someone in London who can work more closely with our European partners on a regular basis. She brings a wealth of very valuable experience to our developing business and has a real feel for integrated property management. She joins National Geographic at a pivotal time; in addition to those shows already in production we have a large number of unique and outstanding properties in development, targeting pre-schoolers, school-age kids and tweens with our hallmark approach – entertaining programmes that excite kids to explore their world.”


    NGTI president Ian Jones added, “The addition of Karen to our team, along with the kids programming to the NGTI catalogue, marks a new era for our business and a natural extension for our brand. Donna and her team in the US have already done a fantastic job in establishing National Geographic as a player in the kids market, particularly in Europe, and I have every confidence that Karen is the ideal person to consolidate and build on that activity going forward.”