ITV

Category: News Broadcasting

  • 2,339 companies mark presence as overseas participation hits new highs

    2,339 companies mark presence as overseas participation hits new highs

    SINGAPORE: BroadcastAsia 2006, which kickstarted on 19 June, has attracted more than 847 exhibiting companies (88.5 per cent from overseas) from 46 countries. The conference saw 5,000 pre-registered visitors, out of which 48 per cent were from overseas. 

    All in all, BroadcastAsia 2006 and CommunicAsia/EnterpriseIT has attracted 2,339 companies from 67 countries this year as compared to last year’s 2,238 exhibiting companies from 55 countries.

    The opening ceremony of the conference was held this morning with Singapore’s information, communications and arts minister Dr Lee Boon Yang as guest of honour.

    While 33 Indian companies are participating in BroadcastAsia 2006, 47 are participating in CommunicAsia/ EnterpriseIT.

    The highest number of participating companies are, not surprisingly, from Singapore, with 276 companies participating in CommunicAsia/ EnterpriseIT and 97 in BroadcastAsia 2006. Countries like China, Korea, USA, Taiwan, Indonesia, Australia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand also saw a large number of participating companies.

    In addition, delegations from China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam are also expected at this year’s BroadcastAsia.

    Keeping in mind the new digital age and the boom in this sector, this year, BroadcastAsia and CommunicAsia will also launch a new event – DME – The International Digital Media and Entertainment Exhibition and conference.

    Exhibitors from India at BroadcastAsia2006 include: ADI-Media Pvt Ltd represented by Madhu Gupta, All India Radio (AIR) represented by RR Prasad, Cable Quest represented by KK Sharma, Essel Shyam Technologies Pvt Ltd represented by Pankaj Agrawal, IndiaSign represented by Anoop Bhatia, Monarch Computers Pvt Ltd represented by Bhushan Motiani, Satellite and Cable TV Magazine represented by Dinyar Contractor, Studio Systems represented by Manoj Madhavan and Indian Television Dot Com Pvt Ltd.

    BroadcastAsia 2007 will be held from 19 to 22 June 2007 at the Singapore Expo.

  • Changing media scenario a challenge for broadcast training institutes

    Changing media scenario a challenge for broadcast training institutes

    SINGAPORE: As the downpour continues in Singapore, Day 2 of Broadcast Asia 2006 kickstarts at the Expo City. The first session addressed the issue of capacity building of the broadcast sector.

    In the fast changing world of technology, broadcasters have to move twice as fast just to keep to where they are. The question then arises – How will they keep up with the explosion of new technologies and report on a world that is changing so fast? Engineers, programmers and managers in a broadcasting company are quite similar. The answer to this lies in training!

    Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) in Malaysia has been training broadcasters for the last 30 years. According to AIBD programme manager K P Madhu, there are five core components to training. These are:

    1) Need assessments – Current deficiencies, future requirements, assessment of training readiness, training objectives and training needs analysis.

    2) Design – Courses/programmes, media – methods/needs, planned activities, evaluation schemes, target group specific training.

    3) Preparation – Presentations, leading discussion, management of practical session, evaluation of feedback, logistics.

    4) Training Evaluation – Training appraisals by trainees, analysis of adequacy, results.

    5) Feedback to Management – Human resources, assessment of future training needs.

    “We need to look at the developmental needs of broadcasters and there has to be sustained action for capacity building of broadcasters in the region. These need to be revisited and revised every year. Summits, conferences, workshops, courses, dialogues to address different group of people like managers, programmers, executives, producers etc need to be held for capacity building of broadcasters,” said Madhu.

    However, one of the major challenges that AIBD faces in training is that there has been a huge boom in the media space and training needs have multiplied manifold. Hence, in spite of all the facilities and training requirements that AIBD has, it has been difficult to keep pace with the ever changing media scenario. “The needs are much more than we can meet,” said Madhu.

    He further added, “One of the biggest hindrance for us here is funds. While the government and the broadcasters are ready to pump in money in a whole lot of other things, they are not very keen on investing in training. To convince them to put in funds for training is our biggest challenge.”

  • Toonskool signs MOU with Karnataka State Open University for animation course

    Toonskool signs MOU with Karnataka State Open University for animation course

    MUMBAI: Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) signed an MOU with Toonskool Advanced Animation Academy Bangalore yesterday for a three year degree program in Animation. 

    With the signing of this MOU, Toonskool becomes the first accredited institute in the country to train students for a B.Sc. Degree to be awarded by KSOU in the field of Animation.

    Announcing the program, KSOU vice chancellor Prof. K. Sudha Rao said, “India has tremendous opportunity to be an animation outsourced country. This Degree program in Animation has been thoughtfully and timely launched by KSOU to enable the students to be a part of the growing animation industry. Even if one student from each village becomes an accredited animator it will add to the pool of much needed reservoir and bring in financial support. Besides the advent of this programme adds to the avenues available to them and they can now look beyond the traditional B.A, B.Com degree courses.”

    Explaining the nature of animation, KSOU IT director Viswanatha Rao said,” Animation is both an art and science. While the end result achieved can be defined as art, the process of achieving it is science.” He added, ” From $250 million in 2005, the Indian animation industry is anticipated to soar upto $950 million by 2009. With the industry flourishing at such a rapid pace, by 2008, a minimum of 3,00,000 animation professionals will be required to fill the vacuum.” He also commended the efforts of Shri Govardhan CTO Toonskool in spreading animation awareness in the country.

    Speaking at the occasion, Toonskool MD Ashwin Ajila said, “In India, animation today is no longer merely a pursuit. Animation has globally evolved into a $70 billion industry, playing a vital role in all disciplines of life ranging from medicine, to sports, interactive media to defence. It entails systematic academic procedures and studies to attain a professional level as demanded by the industry. India has begun to attract high end, complex animation projects that can only be executed by highly qualified animators. It is therefore essential for aspiring animators to go through a long term industry-supported course in animation. With this MOU, aspirants can become graduates and attain the desired level of proficiency to face the competitive global market in animation.”

    This joint programme facilitating B.Sc. Degree in Animation will be made available through the KSOU approved study centres all over the country. To begin with the first degree program will be launched from August 2006 in three colleges; NITTE Education Trust-NITTE Institute of Technology-Bangalore, Thakur College- Kandivli Mumbai and H L Sonawane College- Kalyan Maharashtra who are already the approved Study Centres, states an official release.

    The content devised by Toonskool comprises script to screen processes. The course is holistic in nature and covers all the aspects ranging from identification of individual aptitude to specialization in the areas of interest. The program structure is academically and professionally streamlined to put the student on a definite growth path through the semesters. The course curriculum involves foundation art, classical animation, production process, digital techniques and creative ideation.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • Puma debuts in India – Leaping Cat Adds To The Soccer Fever

    New Delhi, 23rd June, 2006: Leading Sport Lifestyle Company PUMA today announced the launch of its mega store in Chennai. With the launch of this exclusive store, Puma leaps into the Indian Market and takes a step closer to achieve its aim of becoming the most desirable sports lifestyle brand in India.

    Puma promises to offer a wide range of apparel and accessories in a completely novel and unique environment through its exclusive branded store. Done in the official colors of Red and White and spread over a sprawling fifteen hundred square feet, the store houses the entire international collection of Puma apparels, shoes and accessories. Apart from the sports performance products, the store caters to a new product range. The new product range will be available through “Motorsport”, “Moto”, “Golf”, “Yoga/Lounge” and “Beach Wear” collections. Besides this, Puma will also offer new products and colorways to consumers over four seasons in a calendar year. Being the official licensees for Ferrari and B.M.W, this PUMA store will also host a range of these branded shoes, apparels, accessories and promises to provide customers more than what they could have asked for.

    Unveiling the details of this exciting brand Mr. Rajiv Mehta, Managing Director, Puma Sports India Pvt.Limited said “We believe that the sports apparel segment has a huge potential in the Indian market. Today customers look for a world-class, quality product. Puma is all this and more! Puma is a strong product coupled with a unique and fun experience, which will redefine the sports lifestyle market in the country.”

    There could not have been a better time to launch the Puma store when the entire country is going Ga-Ga over soccer and 12 of the 32 teams in this year’s finals will be wearing Puma–including all five qualifiers from Africa, especially as the 2010 World Cup will be held in South Africa . The expansion plans of Puma Sports India are ambitious, with the aim of establishing Puma in India at parity with the Global Brand position. The long term mission of the company in India is identical with the global Puma mission, namely to become the most desirable sports lifestyle company in India.

    About PUMA

    PUMA® is the global athletic brand that successfully fuses influences from sport, lifestyle and fashion. PUMA’s unique industry perspective delivers the unexpected in sportlifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories, through technical innovation and revolutionary design. Established in Herzogenaurach, Germany in 1948, PUMA distributes products in over 80 countries. For further information please visit www.puma.com <http://www.puma.com> and www.pumafootball.com

    For further information, please contact :
    Teena Sukheja @ 9871597718
    Himani Ghildiyal@ 9891374069
    hghildiyal@perfectrelations.com <mailto:hghildiyal@perfectrelations.com>
    Perfect Relations
     
  • Filmy Short Film festival receives 150 entries as of 19 June

    Filmy Short Film festival receives 150 entries as of 19 June

    MUMBAI: Sahara One Network’s Hindi movie channel Filmy has got over 150 entries from across India for its recently-announced Short Film Festival. The last date of submitting entries is 15 July.

    Filmy’s Short Films on Filmy is a platform for India’s best & brightest short-film makers to showcase their talent.

    Filmy has invited entries from writers, producers, directors, cinematographers and animators, among others. All genres including dramas, documentaries, live action and animated stories, with themes ranging from humour and horror to science fiction and reality are invited, says an official release. 

    Shortlisted films would then be aired on the channel and viewers will be called upon to vote for their favourite film. Also, the ‘Audience Favourite’ film and filmmaker will be profiled on Filmy, the release adds.The channel has roped in prominent Bollywood filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar as the jury head for the initiative. 

    “I am glad to be associated with Short Films on Filmy — sometimes I look back and wish that such a platform was available in my early years! Through this contest, Filmy has given a great opportunity to independent and amateur filmmakers to exhibit their talent to a nationwide audience. I hope that this Festival throws up fresh talent for Bollywood,” says Madhur Bhandarkar.

    Sahara One Media And Entertainment Limited CEO Shantonu Aditya says, “We are very excited with Madhur’s involvement! His inputs will be very critical in identifying talent and finally deciding the best short films to be telecast on Filmy.” 

    “Short Films on Filmy has had a very encouraging response in its first year. We’ll continue to bring such pioneering platforms for developing and showcasing emerging filmmaking talent and providing them with a stepping-stone to success,” says Filmy business head Ashutosh..

  • NDTV Profit goes for complete makeover

    NDTV Profit goes for complete makeover

    MUMBAI: Starting today, business channel NDTV Profit is sporting a new look. The aim is to give it a contemporary look after 18 months of launch.

    Elements such as silver grey background with text in vibrant contrasting colours to draw viewer attention, sleeker super bands which take less space on the screen have gone in to making the channel more contemporary and visually enriching, according to an official release.

    The makeover signifies the need of useful information for viewers as they trade, invest and look at alternative options. It combines the pulse of world markets along with the news flow from India to present the complete picture.

    Commenting on the launch of the new look, NDTV Profit executive editor Shivnath Thukral said, “The frenzy of yesteryears has now been replaced with a more balanced perspective in presenting and digesting information. Profit’s new look will ensure that this need for balance is met. The new look is also linked to the feedback of our millions of viewers whose information requirement is constantly evolving.”

  • Adlabs bids for 3 studios in Film City

    Adlabs bids for 3 studios in Film City

    MUMBAI: Anil Ambani-controlled Adlabs Films has submitted a bid for setting up three film studios at Film City in Mumbai’s Goregaon suburb.

    “Film City had come out with a tender. We have submitted our bid and are confident of bagging it,” says Adlbas Films chairman and managing director Manmohan Shetty.

    The plan is to make studios which would match the quality of Hollywood with shooting floors, editing and processing facilities.

    Adlabs runs a chain of multiplexes and is engaged in the business of film production, processing and editing. After Ambani took a controlling stake, the company has also ventured into film distribution to spread its presence across the entire value chain.Film City has received nine bids for the Rs 300 million project, according to a report which quoted managing director Bhushan Gagrani.

    In the 90s, Film City harboured the dream of setting up three studios but had to shelve the project due to lack of financial resources. Pressed by a fast-growing film and television industry, the decision to revive the project was taken recently under the build-operate-own-transfer model. The bidder who offers to transfer the assets in the shortest period will be awarded the contract.