ITV

Category: News Broadcasting

  • Digiserv announces suite of content delivery services

    Digiserv announces suite of content delivery services

    MUMBAI: Digital Entertainment Services (Digeserv) in the US has announced that it will provide the complete suite of services necessary for the motion picture industry to move cost effectively and expeditiously from analogue to digital film and advertising delivery.

    Unlike many previous companies in the industry, Digeserv says that its diversified management team has performed film and advertising delivery in the entertainment industry for over 30 years. The firm says that it is committed to all industry participants to offer integrated, modular and complete services that expedite delivery and optimize cost and quality in the transition to digital. The firm adds that it is industry and participant neutral and is able to provide interfaces so any industry participant can benefit from its capabilities:

    Digital Network Services – Digeserv says that itsnetwork services will be open to each participant in the motion picture industry so any digital delivery companies, exhibitors and studios can move their content securely to ensure the digital delivery of films, pre-show and alternative content on a more cost effective basis. The digital network services will offer 24×7 service delivery with standardised protocols, thereby making access uniform throughout the industry.

    Digital Equipment Services – These the company says will accommodate any manufacturer’s equipment with the objective of increasing throughput while lowering cost and facilitating standards that permit DCI compliance throughout the industry. Each equipment package will accommodate both advertising as well as other digital content delivery.

    Funding Platform – The company says that it will make available to the industry a financial platform that permits the cost effective funding of exhibitor equipment that meets its compliance standards. In addition, the platform will monitor and settle all commercial trade transactions electronically between all parties in the distribution chain, whether they be digital delivery companies, studios, exhibitors, manufacturers or other vendors. The financial platform will allow all parties to minimize their working capital requirements with certainty of payment in settling all trade transactions.

    Alternative Content – The company adds that it has been approached by numerous content providers that would like to utilise the Digiserv open network services for offering new venues not currently available to the motion picture industry.

    The firm will provide a demonstration of its digital entertainment services and capabilities early next year in the US. After its demonstration, the firm will consult with all parties in the industry to exhibit how each participant can benefit by implementing a lower cost solution using proven technology and delivery partners.

  • Genpact names Ricky Bindra as CEO of NGEN Media Services

    Genpact names Ricky Bindra as CEO of NGEN Media Services

    MUMBAI: Genpact, a global provider of business services and technology solutions, has announced the appointment of Ricky Bindra as the CEO of the recent Genpact- NDTV joint venture, NGEN Media Services, today. 

    In his new role, Bindra will be responsible for the growth along with revenue and EBIT targets for NGEN Media Services, according to an official release.

    The Genpact- NDTV joint venture will be offering outsourcing solutions to address the huge demand driven by changing customer behavior and the dynamism of the regulatory environment, impacting the media industry today.

    The partnership combines Genpact’s offshore experience, global delivery capabilities, sales and marketing infrastructure, reputation for operational excellence with NDTV’s brand image, domain knowledge and world class media skill sets, according to an official release.

    Prior to joining Genpact, he has worked with organizations such as Accenture, Phoenix Global and Wipro Spectramind in leadership roles across operations and business development.

  • Star signs first CAS agreement in Delhi

    Star signs first CAS agreement in Delhi

    NEW DELHI: Star India looks like being the first major broadcaster to sign on to the CAS bandwagon.

    In a clear statement of intent directed at its detractors who have been claiming that India’s leading broadcast network is only paying lip service to the government mandated rollout of addressability, Star has signed up with one of South Delhi’s biggest independent cable TV networks, Home Cable, for CAS-enabled services.

    This agreement between a broadcaster and a cable network also heralds that the “CAS dawn” is around the corner.

    Says Star India president – advertising sales and distribution Paritosh Joshi, “We have sent out CAS agreements to all the cable networks operating in the CAS notified areas of Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata. We expect to have signed contracts in place well within the government-stipulated deadlines.”

    “Other than Home Cable, we expect to sign up the other networks in Delhi like SitiCable (now called WWIL), INCablenet and Hathway (26 per cent owned by Star) by tomorrow evening. In Kolkata there are seven or eight networks while in south Mumbai the main ones are Hatway and INCablenet,” Joshi pointed out.

    Addressability is an issue that has been buffeted by various forces, including political ones wherein the underlying theme had been to stall it as long as possible.
    Home Cable is owned by Vikki Chowdhry and services a sizable number of households in the posh Maharani Bagh and New Friends Colony areas of South Delhi where CAS is scheduled to be rolled out from 1 January 2007.

    According to Chowdhry, “The court mandated CAS has to be rolled out and since my network was one of those that has registered with the government, it is better I finish signing up the various agreements with broadcasters as soon as possible.”

    Those cable networks and MSOs who have applied for government clearance for CAS rollout in Delhi include WWIL, the Hindujas-controlled INCablenet, Hathway and few other independent operators who have big networks servicing a large area.

    CAS is scheduled to be rolled out in south zones of Mumbai, Kolkata and Delhi from the midnight of 31 December 2006 wherein all pay channels would have to pass through a set-top box on a mandatory basis.

  • ABC to air ‘Ugly Betty’ full season

    ABC to air ‘Ugly Betty’ full season

    MUMBAI: The American version The Ugly Betty or the original Colombian show Yo Soy Betty La Fea or the Indianised version Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin has charmed audiences of all territories. 

    The US network ABC has given a full-season order to Ugly Betty, which has emerged as the most-watched new series of the 2006-07 season.

    Produced by Salma Hayek and stars America Ferrera as Betty Suarez, the show has already established itself a solid second to CBS’ Survivor at 8 pm. 

    Among the age bracket of 18-49 years, the show Ugly Betty has drawn an average rating/share of 4.7/13, while holding the top position on average with adults 18-34 year (4.0/12). The show has improved the time period for ABC by 96 per cent in total viewers (15.3 million against 7.8 million) and by 92 per cent in adults 18-49 (4.8/14 against 2.5/7) over the same nights last year, according to media reports.

    ABC Entertainment president Stephen McPherson noted, “In just two weeks Ugly Betty has given us an impressive foothold leading into the Grey’s Anatomy hour on Thursday night. The show has proven to be competitive in a very strong time period, and we’re thrilled with Ugly Betty’s performance.”

    In India, the version Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin aired on Sony and had won 3.6 average TVR for the first week of its launch in 2003. The show and the lead character Jassi had become the unofficial mascot for Sony. 

    SET CEO Kunal Dasgupta told to indiantelevision.com in 2004, that Jassi had fetched Sony four million new viewers in the general entertainment category, while the slot sampling too has grown by 300 per cent in the first one year. “The TVRs, naturally, have also shot up by over 300 per cent,” he says.

  • Zoom to launch ‘Levis Diva Quest’ on 21 October

    Zoom to launch ‘Levis Diva Quest’ on 21 October

    MUMBAI: In line with the reality show craze on television channels these days, the Times Group’s glamour and lifestyle channel Zoom is launching a reality show the Levi’s Diva Quest.

    The show has been introduced as part of the channel’s revamp strategy. Zoom is on the lookout for the most stylish anchor through the Diva Quest. It is also planning to launch a few more shows over the next one month.

    “We are now poised to get into the next stage of our life cycle and there are a host of new initiatives both in terms of content and marketing slated to launch in October-November this year. Diva Quest is a stepping stone in that direction that we have taken,” says Zoom business head MK Anand.

    The show has been introduced with an aim to hunt for the most stylish anchor for the channel. It would kick off on 21 October. It will be aired on Saturday and Sunday at 9 pm and will be hosted by ramp model Aparna Kumar. 

    This is not the first time Zoom is indulging in the area of glam and glitz. Earlier, it had launched in L’oreal Paris Elite Model Look India 2006, Pond’s Banungi Main Miss India and Red Hot Countdown.

    The 15 shortlisted contenders will be scrutinized by a panel of judges including ace photographer Subi Samuel, makeover specialist and choreographer Achla Sachdev, celebrity tarot-card reader Sunita Menon, ad-man Prahlad Kakar and acclaimed TV host Mini Mathur. 

    From this lot, the contestants would further be wittled down to 10. The grand finale will be held on 29 October at the Intercontinental, Mumbai.

    Talking about the unique selling point (USP) of the show photographer Subi Samuel claimed, “Like other shows, we are not overtaking their personalities and transforming them, we are just grooming them to be able to deal with the glitz and glamour”

  • FCC to allow new low power devices on vacant TV spectrum

    FCC to allow new low power devices on vacant TV spectrum

    MUMBAI: US media regulatory body the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has adopted a First Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.

    This marks the first step towards allowing new low power devices to operate in the broadcast television spectrum at locations where channels in that spectrum are not in use by television stations or other authourised services.

    This action will enable the development of new and innovative types of devices and services for businesses and consumers in the US.

    The FCC has concluded that fixed low power devices can be allowed to operate on TV channels in areas where those frequencies are not being used for TV or other incumbent licensed services.

    The marketing of such devices may commence on 18 February, 2009, after the digital television (DTV) transition is complete and all TV stations are in operation on their permanent DTV channels.

    The FCC has also invited further comment on a number of issues that were raised in response to the Notice of Proposed Rule Making. It has solicited additional information that is needed to determine whether personal/portable devices can operate in any of the TV channels without causing harmful interference. It also invited comment to explore whether low power devices should be permitted on TV channels 2-4, which are used by TV interface devices such as VCRs, and whether fixed low power devices can be permitted on TV channels 14-20.

    The FCC has made technical proposals to facilitate use of a dynamic frequency selection (DFS) mechanism to ensure that TV band devices operate only on vacant TV channels. In addition, it sought further comment on implementation details for the geo-location and control signal interference avoidance approaches.

    The FCC says that it has reaffirmed its commitment to developing a complete record to ensure that the final rules will protect TV broadcasting and other service against harmful interference. In particular, it has invited parties to submit test results showing that TV band devices will not cause harmful interference. In addition, the FCC plans to conduct extensive testing itself to assess the potential interference from low power devices operating in the TV bands before adopting final rules.

  • Microsoft, Cisco, Motorola announce next generation STB

    Microsoft, Cisco, Motorola announce next generation STB

    MUMBAI: Software major Microsoft and set-top box manufacturers Cisco Systems, Motorola, Philips and Tatung have announced that advanced system-on-a-chip (SoC) set-tops are available.

    This product will the companies state enhance the Internet Protocol television (IPTV) user experience and is now available to support Microsoft IPTV Edition software platform deployments with leading telecommunications carriers worldwide.

    An integral part of the IPTV ecosystem, SoC set-tops will enable service providers to begin delivering high-definition TV (HDTV), digital video recording (DVR) and picture-in-picture functionalities as well as other advanced features in the future, enhancing consumers’ television-viewing experience.

    This new generation of SoC-based, HD-capable, IPTV-ready receivers makes it easier for service providers to deploy IPTV Edition more broadly, quickly and cost-efficiently while supporting exciting new TV services. The availability of these devices illustrates the continued innovation of Microsoft and its IPTV Edition ecosystem partners in the telecommunications and digital television industries.

    Microsoft TV division GM marketing Christine Heckart says, “The advent of system-on-a-chip set-tops is a key milestone for the IPTV industry. As our service provider customers are beginning worldwide deployments of IPTV Edition, and set-top partners are unveiling these advanced devices, consumers will be able to experience television in a new, exciting way. This milestone is a testament to the remarkable progress our IPTV ecosystem has made in just a few years, and it will pave the way for service providers to deliver richer TV services at a lower cost.”

    Cisco says that its proven history of IP innovation gives it IP expertise and successful IPTV deployments, which it is able to share with its service provider partners. Cisco IP set-top models, which will be deployed by customers including AT&T, support experience-enhancing features such as high-definition TV, DVR, integrated home networking over coax and user-friendly displays. Models are available with appropriate connectors and features for markets around the globe. Cisco offers models that include silicon from both Sigma Designs Inc. and STMicroelectronics.

    Motorola says that its heritage of invention for the connected home has resulted in over 48 million video entertainment devices being shipped to service providers worldwide. The company’s VIP series of SoC-based set-tops are engineered to meet the needs of service providers deploying the Microsoft IPTV Edition system. These solutions seamlessly bring the advanced IP services into any room in the house, including on-demand services, DVR and support for HDTV codecs, as well as forthcoming IPTV Edition features such as multiroom streaming and home media networking. Motorola VIP series set-tops are currently shipping in volume to leading providers worldwide, and the company has announced that AT&T will be the first service provider to commercially deploy these products.

    Philips has introduced a hybrid IPTV-DTT set-top box supporting Microsoft IPTV Edition with HDTV and DVR functionality based on the Sigma Designs 8634 chipset. This product will be launched by British Telecom later this year. Tatung meanwhile will introduce its STB2000 series SoC-enabled set-top boxes based on the Sigma Designs 8634 chipset later this year.

    The new STB2300 model is an entry-level IP set-top box that not only supports two high-definition decoding engines for MPEG2, H.264 and VC-1, providing decoding flexibility, but also supports advanced features including HDTV, video on demand (VOD) and high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI).

  • Skycom to develop HDTV STB in Singapore

    Skycom to develop HDTV STB in Singapore

    MUMBAI: Skycom Satellite Systems is being selected by MediaCorp to develop a High Definition TV set top box in Singapore for the HDTV trial starting June 2007 for a period of six months.

    Skycom Satellite Systems has manufactured different models of Satellite and Terrestrial set top boxes being sold directly to end users, TV Operators as well as OEM manufacturing for various established brands.

    In this HDTV STB project, which is considered the first in the world, Skycom Satellite Systems is the main development center using technologies from Singapore, India and HK/China, according to an official release.

    With less than six months to start from concept development, to product and software development, comprehensive testing in laboratory and with Mediacorp and ST engineers, plus the boxes to be manufactured and delivered in June, the official launch date of Singapore HDTV service,the mission is critical with huge time pressure.

    And it is foreseen that there is requirement to integrate IPTV function with DTT box or vice versa. For example, Skycom box, with further R&D development, can receive the IPTV service(s) that may be launched in Singapore.

  • Jim Perry promoted to Nickelodeon, MTVN Kids & Family Group EVP

    Jim Perry promoted to Nickelodeon, MTVN Kids & Family Group EVP

    MUMBAI: Jim Perry has been named executive vice president, 360 Brand Sales, Nickelodeon and MTVN Kids and Family Group. This announcement was made by Nickelodeon and MTVN Kids and Family Group president Cyma Zarghami and MTV Networks U.S. ad sales president Hank Close.

    In this role, Perry will oversee ad sales for multiple brands across a wide variety of platforms, including Nickelodeon, Noggin, The N, Nicktoons Network, Nick Online, Neopets, the Nickelodeon Magazine Group, and emerging media. Based in New York, Perry will report to Zarghami and Close, informs an official release.

    “In his 15 years at Nickelodeon and MTV Networks, Jim has done an amazing job not only generating new partnerships with clients, but also cultivating a unique relationship between Marketing, Programming and other departments at Nickelodeon Networks to provide our partners with the best 360 degree opportunities to reach kids and families,” Zarghami said.

    “Jim has shown the strategic vision to grow the Nickelodeon services in the kids’ market, and has also unlocked the Nickelodeon value proposition for adult advertisers,” said Close.

    A 15-year veteran at MTV Networks, Perry joined in 1991 as a sales planner in the advertising sales department. In this capacity, he was exposed to all of MTV Networks cable properties — MTV, VH1 and Nickelodeon. In 1992, he was promoted to account executive at Nickelodeon. In 1999, he was promoted to vice president of Nick New Business and in 2002; he was promoted to Senior Vice President, of Nickelodeon Advertising Sales.

  • Reliance Communications selects Aicent MMS gateway

    Reliance Communications selects Aicent MMS gateway

    MUMBAI: Reliance Communications has selected Aicent MMS Gateway, developed by Aicent Inc. – the California-headquartered provider of mobile data network services and solutions – to offer domestic and international Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) to its mobile subscribers.

    Reliance has launched its MMS service which offers a vibrant and personalised messaging experience to its subscribers. By utilising the Aicent MMS gateway service, Reliance mobile subscribers can stay in touch by sharing photos, audio and video messages with their friends and family across India and around the world, informs an official release.

    “Reliance has been at the forefront to introduce innovative applications that have redefined the scope of mobile telephony for our many million customers. We are glad to offer domestic and international MMS services to cater to the fast growing popularity of data and video applications among Reliance Mobile customers. With the launch of this interconnectivity we invite all other operators to integrate and to connect with Reliance’s subscriber base,” says Reliance Communications Application Services president Mahesh Prasad.

    “We are excited to partner with Reliance to add value to their subscribers’ messaging experience in India,” says Aicent president-CEO Lynn Liu. Aicent’s global footprint and flexible, innovative service features enhance user’s experience and operator’s revenue streams. We continue to demonstrate our world-class mobile data expertise established by our data roaming, messaging and other next generation mobile data services.”