ITV

Category: TV Channels

  • Disney Channel rings in Teacher’s Day celebrations

    Disney Channel rings in Teacher’s Day celebrations

    MUMBAI: Disney Channel is paying tribute to teachers by dedicating a whole week in September to observe Teacher’s Day in a distinctive style. The channel is offering children across the country, a unique opportunity to acknowledge their teacher’s efforts and to make them feel very special.

    Children can write in to Disney Channel and have personalised greeting cards sent to their teachers. Disney Channel will also run a contest based on popular characters playing “teacher” from various Disney Channel shows with five kids getting a chance to take their teacher and entire class out for a Disney Channel treat. Teacher’s Week will be celebrated from 5 – 9 September on Disney Channel.

    Disney Channel is also running a contest to find “the coolest teacher of them all” based on the channel’s most popular characters playing “teacher” namely Miss Finster from Recess, Mr Keith and Mr Dig from Lizzie McGuire and Mr Petracelli and Mr Lawler from That’s So Raven. Kids writing in to Disney stating who they think is the coolest character teacher stand to win fabulous prizes. Five kids will bag a chance to take their teachers and the whole class out for a Disney Channel treat.

    Walt Disney Television International (India) director marketing and communications Tushar Shah said, “Teacher’s play an integral role in the overall growth and development of kids in their efforts to teach and impart knowledge. They are one of the main influencers in a child’s formative years that enable kids to nurture and chase their dreams wholeheartedly and make them a reality. Through the initiatives on Disney Channel we hope to create magic in the lives of kids and their teachers on this special occasion.”

    The celebrations are underway with promos running right up to 5 September on Disney Channel, on disneychannelindia.com and through school contact programmes in Delhi, Mumbai, Amritsar, Faridabad, Kanpur, Lucknow, Varanasi, Meerut and Rohtak. Kids can write into the channel or log on to the website or simply SMS us to participate.

    During “Teacher’s Week”, Disney Channel will also air teacher-student related episodes of various Disney Channel shows including That’s So Raven, Lizzie McGuire and Recess.

  • NGC US makes content available for download

    NGC US makes content available for download

    MUMBAI: National Geographic has signed a deal with Open Media Network (OMN) and FilmClix. This will bring a variety of programming to online audiences.

    Viewers can now rent National Geographic shows by downloading content online through the free OMN Viewer.

    National Geographic shows are downloadable via OMN without any compromises of video quality. OMN uses higher encoding fidelity to make sharp DVD-quality video possible and is unmatched by other services online. Its peer to peer grid network also enables speedy downloads regardless of file size, making the download experience easy and fast.

    Viewers can start watching National Geographic content now by going to www.omn.org. Each episode is $2.69 for four day rental with unlimited playbacks during that time. The downloads are made possible by a partnership between FilmClix, who is licensed by National Geographic to distribute titles and OMN. OMN delivers each National Geographic program using Microsoft Windows Media Player Digital Rights Management.

    Open Media Network is a non-profit organization that utilises advanced video and audio delivery technology available to bring ‘media that matters’ to the online public. It boasts of a library of educational programming — free and fee-based — including download to own content from the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and thought-provoking podcasts from leading National Public Radio (NPR) affiliates. With the addition of National Geographic’s downloadable pay-per-view content, OMN’s online collection gives viewers an even larger selection of high quality educational content in one location.

    Open Media Network founder Mike Homer said, “National Geographic brings the world to us with its full-fidelity photography and examination of fascinating topics. Distributing amazing National Geographic documentaries over the Internet and making them available for viewing anywhere at anytime is an exciting opportunity and we’re very pleased to work with FilmClix to make this possible.”

    FilmClix founder Julia O’Sullivan says, “FilmClix wants to go where the audience is located and the quality of content is high. Open Media Network is fulfilling our vision of meeting a variety of viewers. FilmClix is creating something new, aggregating a network programmed by the diversity of demand over a user generated medium. We are pleased to reach a new audience for our National Geographic content.

    Select episodes of made available through OMN and FilmClix include Inside the Pentagon, Air Force One and Inside the Secret Service.

    Science and Technology

    — Destination Space

    Arts and Culture

    — Afghanistan Revealed

    — China’s Lost Girls

    — Tibet’s Hidden Kingdom

    — Inside the Vatican

    — Beyond the Movie: Lord of the Rings

    Sports and Recreation

    — Inside the NFL

    — Basketball Diplomacy

    Education and Learning

    — Rainforest

    — Through the Lens

    — Secret Weapons

  • Hindustan Motors unveils the new Mitsubishi Montero

    Hindustan Motors unveils the new Mitsubishi Montero

    Hindustan Motors and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation announced the launch of their Premium Sports Utility Vehicle the Mitsubishi Montero at an elegant function held at capital’s Maurya Sheraton Hotel. The Managing Director of Hindustan Motors, Mr. Ravi Santhanam, unveiled the Montero.

    The Mitsubishi Montero being introduced in India by Hindustan Motors is the contemporary and fully featured version of the international model Mitsubishi Montero and it is one of the most respected and desired vehicles in its class.

    Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ravi Santhanam, Managing Director, Hindustan Motors said, “The Montero is a bona-fide off-road legend. The rally versions have won the gruelling Dakar Rally for the last six years running. Success like that doesn’t come easy. It comes from pure capability. Montero derives this capability from the latest technology to master any terrain. It offers these capabilities paired with all of the luxury flourishes that SUV buyers expect and then some more.”

    He further added, “We are delighted to bring the new Mitsubishi Montero in the Indian market because we deeply believe it will appeal to our discerning customers with its versatile capabilities and latest technology.”

    The Montero comes as a CBU (Completely Built Unit) from MMC (Mitsubishi Motors Corporation), Japan and would be distributed through the existing network of dealers in India.

    The Montero comes from a long lineage of Rally winners. Year after year, it has performed with credit and emerged at the top in the Paris-Dakar Rally, which is the toughest test of man-made mass-produced machines in the world. Montero – which means ‘Mountain Tamer’ – lives up to its name even in the toughest terrains of the world.

    Mitsubishi Montero – Highlights

    -3.2 litre Turbocharged Inter cooled Direct Injection Diesel Engine
    -Torque 402 Nm
    -M-ASTC Systems
    -Super Select 4WD (SS4-II)
    -Dual Front and Side Air Bags
    -Multi-mode ABS with EBD
    -4 Way Power Seats
    -Headlamp Washers
    -Dual Tone Electronic Display of
    – Compass
    – Date
    – Time
    – Barometer
    – Altimeter
    – A/c Settings
    Temperature

    Key SUV Performance features:

    -Montero is powered by a 3.2 litre 16 valve DOHC Intercooled Turbocharged Diesel engine that produces a maximum power of 167.2 PS at the rate 3800 rpm and a remarkable maximum torque of 405 Nm at the rate 2000 rpm. Equipped with an electronic direct injection Diesel system the engine is designed to deliver high-torque performance in low and mid ranges offering superior off-road drivability.
    -Mated with this engine is a 5-Speed manual gearbox and Super Select 4WD (SSW-II) system, which offers the choice of efficient highway power or sure footed off road traction.
    -The Montero is equipped with M-ASTC (Mitsubishi Active Stability traction Control) which uses a comprehensive network of intelligent sensors that monitors various vehicle parameters and manages engine output, power distribution and braking force to deliver improved vehicle control, traction and tracing on any surface. Using an array of real time sensors the Montero automatically engages M-ASTC that actively corrects understeer and oversteer in corners, adjusts braking force to each tyre independently via the ABS system and manages the engine output accordingly via the electronic throttle control.
    -Its Monocoque body, rally tested over the most gruelling mountains and deserts is designed to stay rigid in the most testing driving conditions.

    Safety

    -M-ASTC (Mitsubishi Active Stability traction Control) actively corrects understeer and oversteer in corners, adjusts braking force to each tire independently via the ABS system and manages the engine output accordingly via the throttle-by-wire control.
    -HBB (Hydraulic Brake Booster) helps in maintaining high-pressure reservoir in braking system to ensure superior braking.
    -The Montero comes with dual front SRS airbags, front side airbags, and 3-point ELR seat belts.
    -Montero comes with collapsible propeller shaft, which collapses during case of any accident, ensuring that it does not enter the passenger cabin even in worst of accidents.
    -Its rigid safety designed monocoque body shell offers superior occupant safety.

    Luxury and Convenience

    -The Montero is fitted with plush leather covered seats. Once seated, ample wood detailing that offers true sense of comfort surrounds you. The seats are fully adjustable, with electrical controls at the fingertips.
    -As one sits down and switches the power on – multi functional display comes on – giving a wide range of vital information to the driver – like altitude, atmospheric pressure, direction, internal and external temperatures etc.
    -Versatility is the second nature of Montero. Depending on the requirement the 3rd row or both the 2nd and 3rd row of seats can be removed and stowed away to provide huge space for carrying anything required by the user. The innovative design makes it possible for single person – or a lady – to do all this, in a couple of minutes – without using any special tools or spanners.
    -Fully automatic air conditioning makes driving the Montero a pleasure even under the hottest sun.

    Mitsubhishi brand in India signifies rally proven toughness, excellent drivability, great ride comfort, premium features and latest technological advancements for all its products. However the new Montero is expected to take this to new heights and captivate discerning Indian customers to a great extent.

    With this launch the Mitsubishi product range- Lancer, Cedia, Pajero and Montero in price range between Rs.6.97 lakhs to 29.7 lakhs offers Indian customers a wide range of products with unique characteristics and competitive price.

    Hindustan Motors Ltd. was established in 1942 and is a part of the G.P. C.K.Birla group of companies. Its registered office is in Kolkata, with the car manufacturing plant being at Chennai. Mr. C.K.Birla is the Chairman of Hindustan Motors. Lancer, Cedia and Pajero are the other models that are rolled out of the plant in Chennai.

  • Website marketing firm Intralink launches Search Engine TV

    Website marketing firm Intralink launches Search Engine TV

    MUMBAI: The US-based website marketing and internet market research firm Intralink has launched Search Engine Television, a weekly video stream of the latest on search engine news and website marketing tips, suggestions and processes.

    The first episode is an overview of the current state of the search engine market with a focus on Google, Yahoo and MSN. The first episode also offers interim results of Intralink’s next search engine relevance report due to be released on 2 October, as per an official release.

    The next episode will be released on 18 August at 6 pm (Eastern time) and discusses the latest trends in new media marketing, website marketing and the integration of traditional marketing methods and website marketing, the release adds.

  • Minister embroiled in job scam CNN-IBN Exposes The Fake Job Scam in Ambala

    Minister embroiled in job scam CNN-IBN Exposes The Fake Job Scam in Ambala

    New Delhi, August 18, 2006: Minister of State for Urban Employment and Poverty Alleviation Kumari Selja is embroiled in an ironical controversy. A special investigation by CNN-IBN has found fake job scamsters in Haryana may have used her. CNN-IBN team has documentary evidence and has met victims who paid up to Rs. 2 lakh each for jobs they claim that Selja Kumari urged them into taking up.

    Involved in the scam are a local scamster P.S. Sandhu and D.K. Bansal, the Congress MLA from Ambala Cantonment, which incidentally is Selja Kumari’s Lok Sabha constituency. They set up a fake Public Sector Undertaking called Agrofed and duped hundreds of youth across seven states. The duo are under the scanner for setting up a fake Public Sector Undertaking called Agrofed and duping hundreds of youth across seven states.

    “I feel very sad that such a thing has happened. Lot of innocent people have been taken for a ride … that I should have may even be indirectly have recommended them. It was wrong on my part.,” said Kumari Selja, Minister of Urban Employment

    Sandhu’s political connections with the Congress Party leadership in Haryana ensured that nobody doubted his fake employment letters. In 2003, he was jailed for posing as a Director of the Sports Authority of Haryana and issuing fake appointment letters to job seekers. Today, Sandhu is back in prison, accused of floating a bogus public sector unit – Agro-Fed.

    CNN – IBN IMPACT

    Trilochan Singh, an Independent MP has raised the issue of the scam in The Rajya Sabha based on the CNN-IBN Investigation. In Ambala, shops have shut down and traders are protesting against MLA D.K Bansal and The Congress Party.

  • NGC deduces the science of Hollywood

    NGC deduces the science of Hollywood

    MUMBAI: What is fact and what is fiction? In Hollywood it is often difficult to tell the diference.

    Now the National Geographic Channel (NGC) is set to unveil the realism behind stunts and special effects in Hollywood films with a new show Science of Hollywood. Can what is shown on the silver screen actually happen in real life?

    The show kicks off on 27 November at 9 pm.
    Appropriately enough the first episode looks at car chases. How realistic were the car chases in flicks such as The Bourne Identity, Bullit and The French Connection? Can the vehicles in the films really burn rubber and do hairpin turns?

    In the episode Disasters At Sea the show examines whether the oceanic disasters depicted in the big gorssing film of al time Titanic, The Perfect Storm and The Poseidon Adventure true to life or was there a tidal wave of Hollywood fiction at play?

    Fans of 007 should check out Spy Gadgets. From Bond to Bourne, the world of espionage has fascinated cinemagoers for decades. But how many of the gadgets are actually used in real life?

    CGI and interviews with top scientists and filmmakers combine to separate fact and fiction within Hollywood’s most famous depictions of scientific phenomena and historical fact.Bond’s Aston Martin and Knight Rider’s KITT were high-tech for their time, but Minority Report gave us a very different look at the future of cars. Was the director of that film Steven Spielberg realistic about his vision of the future?

    Next month the channel takes a look inside special events with what it calls Inside Series. This kicks of on 18 December 2006 at 10 pm. Speaking to indiantelevision.com on this NGC VP marketing Rajesh Sheshadri says, “This takes viewers inside special events and the logistics that go into making them possible. The first episode is called Inside – Rolling Stones In Rio.

    ” This is is one of the biggest concerts in history with an iconic band. 1.5 million people attended the free concert. Viewers will see what takes place behind the scenes to transform salt and sand into a high-tech light and sound extravaganza. 200 tons of equipment were used to build a seven story stage, and keep over a million screaming fans safe.”

    The show will also go inside the Fifa Club Championship Toyota Cup. For clubs around the globe the crowning of the Fifa Club World Champions is the ultimate event. Teams from six continents battle for the title in the great soccer cathedrals of Japan. 1,500 media will be accredited and over 45,000 fans will cram into each stadium.

    The show goes behind the scenes to see what it takes to put on such an international spectacle. A spidercam will give soccer viewers at home a new perspective on the game. Viewers will follow the story of a team of referees as they encounter their moment of truth, the announcement of the selected referees for the final match.

    Another episode is called Inside – Hong Kong’s Big Bang. Seven million revelers take to the streets of Hong Kong to join one of the biggest parties in the world.

    How do you throw the party of the century? At the close of each lunar year, the streets of Hong Kong fill with tourists hungry to be entertained by some of the best party-planners in the world. But this is no ordinary year.. Over a half million tourists are expected to join the seven million Hong Kong residents to celebrate the Year of the Dog. Entertainers come from all over the world, 1,000 boats crowd Victoria Harbor and hundreds of highly-trained police officers will oversee the masses to make sure the celebration goes off without a hitch.

    Viewers will find out what goes on in the control rooms, on the floating powder kegs, and beyond the stage doors of Hong Kong’s most anticipated day. As tourists, organisers, and partygoers converge upon Hong Kong, Inside captures the technology and toil of the Chinese New Year celebrations.

  • Zee Muzic brings Abhisekh Bachchan on ‘Bollywood Tonight’

    Zee Muzic brings Abhisekh Bachchan on ‘Bollywood Tonight’

    First part of the interview will witness Abhisekh talk about his latest movie Kabhi Alvida Na kehna with Komal Nahata on Friday 18 August at 8 pm.
    Few excerpts from the interview –
    Abhishek in his true humble style says ” I agreed to do the film despite such great actors cos I knew nobody would be watching me and so I wouldn’t be shouldering the responsibility.” A fine actor who has been appreciated for his brilliant performance in KANK says ” I am not a modest person at all infact im very realsitic”. According to him, two great performances in KANK were those of Amitabh Bachchan and Shahrukh Khan and he explained why – “Amitabh Bachchan and Shahrukh Khan totally deserve the No1 status that they enjoy because they work vere very hard at it..”
    Catch Abhishek Bachchan speak about his role in the biggest film of the year, only on Bollywood Tonight at 8 pm, on Zee Muzic.
    The second part of the interview on Monday 21 August on Bollywood Tonight at 8 pm where Abhishek talks on personal issues.
    Abhishek admits to being a Mamas boy but his Dad is his best friend. When asked about his journey from Refugee to KANK, he says “The most humiliating part of my line of failures early in my career was to see the crestfallen faces of my parents at the end of every trial show. Two such great actors and their son was failing film after film.” When asked which role of Amitabh Bachchan would he like to see himself doing, he says “Don’t ask me which role of my dads film I would like to repeat. Ask me which role I wouldn’t like to play and that is BLACK” . To know why, tune in to Bollywood Tonight @ 8PM.

  • SPTI’s ‘The Gong Show’ talent competition format making strides in Asia

    SPTI’s ‘The Gong Show’ talent competition format making strides in Asia

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Television International’s (SPTI) has announced that after 10 episodes, Indonesia’s terrestrial channel Trans TV, has ordered additional episodes of quintessential game show format The Gong Show.

    The show has been adapted for Indonesian audiences by Trans TV and was launched in June. The Gong Show’s audience has grown quickly, reaching 3.8 rating points (13.5 share) by its eighth episode opposite tough competition from local dramas The Gong Show is hosted by Indonesian TV personality Ari Untung and features Komeng – one of the highest paid comedians in Indonesia – as head judge of a panel which evaluates variety acts performed by members of the public.

    The Gong Show is based on the original talent show competition hosted by the legendary Chuck Barris. Named the 16th best game show by TV Guide, the bizarre format features three celebrity judges who view variety acts performed by amateurs. Any act that is deemed too awful can be ‘gonged’ at any time and stopped.

    All contestants will be awarded cash prizes according to the duration of their performance before being gonged. SPTI adds that The Gong Show has inspired countless talent competition-based television shows over the years, many of which have been tremendously successful. Its unique content – a showcase of unusual and often compelling talent – as well as its universal appeal, however, keeps it timeless, relevant and innovative.

  • China.com forms strategic partnership with Google

    China.com forms strategic partnership with Google

    MUMBAI: China.com Inc., an online game, mobile value added services and internet services provider operating principally in China, and a 77 percent-owned subsidiary of CDC Corporation, has formed a strategic partnership with Google.

    Under the agreement, Google will provide search engine technology for China.com to support searches of its English and traditional Chinese content by its users in China.

    Leveraging on its unique and valuable URL and the attractive demographics of its core user base, China.com has launched a group of websites focused on various countries and regions to help global businesses access the increasing affluent consumers in China, one of the fastest growing consumer markets in the world. The proposed partnership will be one of the most comprehensive partnerships between Google and a China internet portal since Google entered the China market, states an official release.

    The partnership with Google is expected to further enhance the user experience for China.com’s expanding base of domestic and international users, and is another demonstration of the company’s strategy to grow its user base by continuously upgrading its services and introducing new and compelling products. To maximize the benefits of the partnership, China.com and Google will cooperate across several areas including branding, content and advertising operations, adds the release.

    “China.com firmly believes that this partnership between the world’s premier search company and one of China’s leading portals with over 5 million daily users is a perfect fit. By harnessing Google’s innovative technology to China.com’s deep understanding of the China market, we can rapidly expand the user base and generate new revenue opportunities for both companies,” says China.com executive director & CFO Dr. Xiaowei Chen.

    “China is a key area of focus for Google and we are rapidly expanding our presence and operations in this important market. We are excited about our partnership with China.com and we expect our current partnership to bring significant strategic benefits. We are also looking forward to exploring with China.com further areas where our companies cooperate,” states Google president of Sales and Business Development for Greater China Johnny Chou.

  • ETC share buyback programme: SEBI exempts Zee from making open offer

    ETC share buyback programme: SEBI exempts Zee from making open offer

    MUMBAI: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has paved the way for repurchase of shares by ETC Networks Ltd. The market regulator has granted exemption to Zee Telefilms Ltd. (ZTL) and Asian Satellite Broadcast Pvt. Ltd. from making an open offer regarding increase in their voting rights from 54.42 per cent to 58.73 per cent.

    “Pursuant to the said increase in voting rights, there would not be any change in control of the target company (ETC Networks). The application seeking exemption was forwarded by SEBI to the takeover panel. The panel recommended for exemption to the acquirers from making an open offer,” SEBI says in a release.

    ZTL and Asian Satellite Broadcast (referred to as ‘the acquirers’) are the promoters and collectively hold 54.42 per cent in ETC.

    “The repurchase of shares by ETC is aimed at increasing shareholder value. We plan to exercise the buyback programme after getting the necessary approvals,” says Essel Group CEO of corporate strategy and finance Rajiv Garg.

    ZTL and Asian Satellite Broadcast (holding company of the Group) had, on 13 June 2006, filed an application with the SEBI. “ETC Networks has announced to buy back up to 10 per cent of its total paid up equity capital and free reserves at a price not exceeding Rs 62 per share in compliance with the provisions of sections 77A and 77AA of the Companies Act 1956 and provisions of SEBI (Buy-Back of Securities) Regulations, 1998. In view of the said buy back, the holding of the acquirers would increase from 54.42 per cent to 58.73 per cent of the total paid up capital of the target company. As the shareholding of the acquirers would increase beyond 55 per cent of the issued capital of the target company, the acquirers have sought exemption from the provisions of Chapter III of the Takeover Regulations,” the letter said.

    The aim of the share repurchase programme is reduce the paid up share capital and improve earnings per share (EPS). This will be beneficial to the shareholders in the form of higher dividend pay out and increased EPS.