ITV

Category: GECs

  • Jhoom Ke Aaja 2007 December, 31st, 10.00 p.m Only on Sony Entertainment Television

    Jhoom Ke Aaja 2007 December, 31st, 10.00 p.m Only on Sony Entertainment Television

    MUMBAI: It’s time to say goodbye to the year 2006, but not before we look back and introspect on the year which have been with its ups and downs, highs & lows, milestones & tragedies. Recapping the past year is like trying to put a storm in a tea cup! However, everyone looks forward to the new year with a lot of anticipation and hope.

    And to welcome the new year there is nothing better than a night of entertainment. Sony Entertainment Television brings to its viewers a star-studded night called Jhoom Ke Aaja, 2007, on December 31st, 10.00 p.m onwards, where there’s going to be lot of naach-gaana, music-masti and hungama to herald the new year.

    Jhoom Ke Aaja 2007 presents a galaxy of stars who will sing, dance & bring cheer in to your homes. The evening starts with the enigmatic performance by Ashley Lobo and his dancers to a song written by Javed Akthar and music by Aayaan & Aamaan, sons of Ustad Amjad Ali Khan.

    As the evening progresses Prabhudeva, the sensational dancer from south, takes the stage to give a solo performance. He is soon joined by Esha Deol and both dance to chal chaiya chaiya… Esha once again takes the stage by storm with her sizzling dhoom machya dedhoom…While the team of Prabhudeva & Esha will represent the south, Sachin & Supriya and Ritiesh Deshmukh will represent Maharashtra and this segment will see some enigmatic dancing from the trio.

    The Bhojpuri industry was represented by Manoj Tiwari .To add that extra dash of colour Bipasha Basu will perform to the very hot beedi jalile , leaving the viewers asking for more. For all the Bengali viewers Bappi Lahari in his typical style will regale the audiences with some popular Bengali songs.

    The glam quotient of the evening will come from the dazzling Amrita & Ria Sen who will have the stage lit up with their sizzling performances.

    There’s also a thundering performance by Harbajan Singh Mann singing some top favourite bhangara nos thus giving the audience the flavour of Punjab.

  • Zee to launch dubbed movie channel in Russia

    Zee to launch dubbed movie channel in Russia

    MUMBAI: One area where Zee Telefilms is clearly ahead of rivals Star and Sony is in channel initiatives internationally. Keeping that tradition alive, Zee is launching a 24-hour movie channel in September that will air Indian films dubbed in Russian.

    Zee group chairman Subhash Chandra revealed his channel plans to Hindu Business Line on the sidelines of an address he gave to the Madras Management Association in Chennai yesterday.

    Considering how well Hindi movies in particular have been received in Russia (the late Raj Kapoor’s films were a rage there), it would surprise no one if Zee has a winner here.It was on 13 March that the Network began beaming Zee in Indonesia. There too the channel was dubbed in the local language Bahasa. Zee is available on the multi-channel satellite pay-television platform Astro Nusantara as a package.

    In Indonesia, the channel’s content is sourced from the flagship channel Zee TV library and localised with Bahasa Indonesia dubbing and Bahasa Melayu subtitling, to reflect the different language, lifestyle and viewing habits of audiences in the three countries Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei.

  • Irdeto to help ETV make the transition to pay

    Irdeto to help ETV make the transition to pay

    SINGAPORE: Irdeto, which works in the area of providing content security for digital TV, IPTV and mobile networks, has announced that ETV has chosen its digital TV solution to help protect ETV and ETV2 as they get converted from free-to-air to pay TV services.

    ETV VP operations K. Bapineedu says, “ETV and ETV2 are known for providing the best of family entertainment and leading edge news, and thus, it was crucial that we protect this content with the most robust conditional access solution possible..

    “Irdeto’s reputation as the proven leader in the industry with an unparalleled record of three generations of uncompromised smart cards in the market was key in our decision to go with their content security solution.”

    Irdeto CEO Graham Kill said, “Leading broadcasters like ETV-Network realise that content security plays a key role in securing revenue. Irdeto offers a choice in proven content security solutions that support many different business models creating new business opportunities for content owners and network operators.”

    Irdeto’s India country manager Rahul Nehra says, “We are committed to curtailing piracy on local and national levels. In order for ETV-Network to achieve a successful conversion from free-to-air to pay TV services, a tried and tested content protection solution was crucial. We are pleased to be selected by ETV-Network to protect two of its key local-language channels.”

  • And now a interactive version of ‘Who wants to be a Millionaire’

    And now a interactive version of ‘Who wants to be a Millionaire’

    SINGAPORE: Looks like weaving in interactive elements to popular TV formats for the growing number of digitally savvy audiences is the next trend to keep a show going. The new interactive version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire (KBC in India), a popular format devised by David Briggs, is not just helping the show retain a prime time but even raking in moolah.

    At a packed auditorium on Wednesday morning, HTTV France Sales & Marketing director Jean Christopher Jubin said, “The show has had its run in countries like UK, France and Italy for a long time now. But the last three years, the ITV version of the show, with weaved in multi-media elements is what has helped retain the popularity of the show.”

    What really is the ITV version of the show? On the digital sets, viewers can participate in the show. Though they can’t really win a million by answering multiple-choice questions but can make at least 1000 Euros per week just sitting at home. The UK ITV version of the show has a multimedia theme version, synchronized version where viewers can respond and interact with the host at the same without disturbing the ongoing game.

    When queried on the business proposition and the heavy cost incurred for weaving in the interactive elements, Jubin said, “Audiences either pay for the model or then pay per time (i.e the time they play the game for). The revenue streams are also being generated as a result of a tie-up between broadcasters, producers and operators where you can charge for pay per play.

    Currently the ITV version of the popular format has generated more than 2.5 million SMSs on an average per session and can earn up to 3 to 4 euros per person. So, with the digital homes in Europe the revenue will continue to see a upward trend.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Sony takes Dish TV basic tier pricing up by Rs 38

    Sony takes Dish TV basic tier pricing up by Rs 38

    NEW DELHI: Subhash Chandra’s Dish TV has increased the price of its basic tier of DTH service by Rs 38 after Sony-Discovery One Alliance came on board earlier this month.

    The basic tier would now cost a consumer Rs 180, plus taxes. Earlier it was priced at Rs 142, exclusive of taxes.

    The new pricing is a fair indicator as to the money that Dish TV is paying One Alliance for its channels per subscriber.

    However, AXN has been kept out of the basic tier, which includes all the other One Alliance fare and the likes of Zee TV, HBO and three sports channels (ESPN, Star Sports and Ten Sports).

    Dish TV’s other packages include Dish Plus package, which comes packed with a wide selection of national and international channels at Rs 125 per month and offers channels like Zee Studio, HBO, TCM, MCM, Reality TV; Dish Bioscope, which features Zee Premier, Zee Action, Zee Classic and Pakistani film channel Filmazia and costs Rs 55 per month. News is packaged in Dish News with Zee Business, Euro News, Euro Sports News, NDTV 24×7, CNBC TV18, Awaaz and CNN Headlines News. The cost: Rs 60 per month.

    Dish Pick is an a-la-carte package that allows subscribers to pick and choose extra regional channels. Two channels come for Rs 30 per month, five channels for Rs 50 per month and all regional channels come for Rs 100 per month. (All the prices listed here are exclusive of taxes.) Channels included in this package include Zee TV, Sahara One Zee Punjabi, ETV – Rajastan, ETV – UP, ETV – Bihar, Geo TV, Zee Telugu, Jaya TV, Jeevan TV, Akash Bangla, Zee Bangla, Zee Gujarati and Marathi, India TV and NDTV India.

  • 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

  • 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

  • Indian IT software and services grow by 31.4% in FY 05-06

    Exports grow by 33% to clock revenues of USD 23.6 billion
    Domestic market revenues grow by 24%
    Indian IT software and services industry forecast to register strong growth of around 25-28% in FY 06-07

    Bangalore, June 01, 2006: NASSCOM, the chamber of commerce and “voice” of the IT software and services industry in India, today announced the findings of its annual survey on the performance of the Indian software and services industry (excluding hardware) and the outlook for FY 2006-07.

    As per the NASSCOM survey, the Indian IT-ITES industry has recorded 33% growth in exports, clocking revenues of USD 23.6 billion in FY 2005-06, as compared with export revenues of USD 17.7 billion in FY 2004-05. FY 2005-06 also saw the overall Indian IT-ITES industry (including domestic market) growing by 31% registering revenues of USD 29.6 billion, up from USD 22.5 billion in 2004-05.

     

    Of the total IT-ITES exports in FY 2005-06, IT software and services grew by 33%, registering revenues of USD 13.3 billion; while ITES-BPO segment clocked revenues of USD 6.2 billion, recording a growth of 37%. Engineering services and product exports grew from USD 3.14 billion in FY 04-05 to USD 4 billion in FY 05-06. Domestic market clocked revenues of USD 6 billion in FY 04-05 from USD 4.8 billion in FY 05-06.

     

    NASSCOM has projected overall software and services will grow by 25-28% clocking revenues of USD 36-38 billion in FY07. IT-ITES exports are likely to grow by 27-30% in FY 06-07, posting revenues between USD 29-31 billion.

     

    Mr. Kiran Karnik, President, NASSCOM, said, “The excellent performance of the Indian software and services industry once again reinforces our confidence that the industry is on course to meet the projected target of USD 60 billion exports by FY 10, as projected in the NASSCOM McKinsey Report. This growth is also reflected in the employment trends, both direct and indirect which according to our estimates is to the tune of 4.3 million.

     

    “With less than 10% of the market currently addressed, a large market opportunity exists for the sector which will ensure sustained demand led growth. Factors like evolution of global delivery model, unbundling of large IT outsourcing deals with larger India based delivery shares, and the large contract values due for renewal over next two years are some of the positive indicators for the sector. In the last year India’s strength has emerged through large client wins, cross-border mergers and acquisitions, movement of the industry towards stable pricing model and a gradual positive shift in the outsourcing debate”.

    “However, along with the opportunity, there are a challenges that call for focused efforts. These include concerns about the quality and skill sets of graduates, infrastructure, maintaining the attractiveness of India for IT investments and steps to boost the domestic market”, he added.