ITV

Category: TV Channels

  • China Video Industry Association to develop HDMI technology with Silicon Image

    China Video Industry Association to develop HDMI technology with Silicon Image

    MUMBAI: The California-headquartered Silicon Image, Inc., a global player in semiconductors for the secure storage, distribution and presentation of high-definition content, has announced a landmark agreement with the China Video Industry Association (CVIA) under which CVIA will promote and support the use of High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) by the consumer electronics industry in China.

    The agreement with CVIA positions China to play a major role developing next-generation digital consumer electronics technology.

    As part of the agreement, Silicon Image and CVIA have agreed to work together to promote HDMI adoption among domestic Chinese electronics manufacturers, co-develop new technology applicable to HDMI, and collaborate on establishing testing and interoperability certification labs that complement the capabilities of the HDMI Authorized Testing Centers established by Silicon Image, states an official release.

    In addition, Silicon Image will support the China Digital Interface Industry Alliance (CDIA), an industry alliance consisting of major Chinese electronics manufacturers that CVIA is establishing. CDIA will work to promote the use of HDMI in consumer electronic products, promote communications among manufacturers in China and abroad, and strengthen coordination between hardware manufacturers and content providers, the release adds.

    In a related announcement, HDMI Licensing, LLC, announced a global reduction in the annual administration fee charged to HDMI adopters. The fee reduction was made possible by HDMI’s growing success in the marketplace; more than 400 makers of consumer electronics and PC products worldwide have adopted HDMI, including 82 companies in China.Based in Beijing, the China Video Industry Association (CVIA) is China’s industry association for manufacturers of digital television, digital movie/broadcasting, high definition optical disc, set-top box and information technology equipment and components, and is focused on promoting China’s digital consumer electronics industry.

    In 2005, China manufactured 82 million televisions and 140 million DVD or VCD players, according to CVIA. Sales of plasma and LCD TVs are forecast to grow 105 percent this year to $5.5 billion, and are estimated to reach $10.5 billion in 2008, according to IDC.

    “Today China is taking a major step forward in promoting the development of its digital consumer electronics industry,” says Department of Broadcasting and Television, Ministry of Information Industry director Bai Weimin. “CVIA’s agreement to partner with Silicon Image to develop new digital interface technology will further the development of China’s electronics manufacturers as leaders in creating advanced digital technologies.”

    “Under this agreement, China’s companies will not only embrace the global HDMI standard but will partner with Silicon Image to participate in future technology development for HDMI,” says CVIA vice secretary-general Hao Yabin. “This agreement will help China develop its own intellectual property, protect the interests of China’s digital consumer electronics industry, and improve the cooperation and mutual benefit of the domestic and international high definition technology industries.”

    “Silicon Image will work closely with China’s digital consumer electronics industry to help create innovative, cutting edge products and technologies,” says Silicon Image president and CEO Steve Tirado. “This agreement represents an important expansion of the HDMI standard into the world’s largest consumer market, and strongly re-affirms HDMI as the worldwide standard for high-definition digital devices.”

    New Testing Labs

    As part of the agreement, Silicon Image and CVIA will cooperate in establishing testing and interoperability certification labs. Silicon Image will continue to operate HDMI Authorized Testing Centers (ATCs) and Simplay HD Testing Centers in China. In addition, Silicon Image, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Simplay Labs, LLC, and CVIA will work together to establish testing and interoperability certification labs that complement the capabilities of the HDMI ATCs.

    Silicon Image today also announced the opening of China’s second combined HDMI ATC / Simplay HD Testing Center in Shanghai, and with the support of CVIA plans to open a third such facility in China at a location to be determined.

    The Simplay HDTM Testing Program consists of branding, compatibility testing, and education for consumers to provide them with a consistent “plug and play” user experience and to maximize their access to premium high definition (HD)

  • Disney on a job cutting spree; starts with studio head Jacobson

    MUMBAI: US media conglomerate Disney is reorganising its film division. The movie studio is looking to axe 650 employees in an effort to trim $90 to $100 million from its annual bottom line.


    One of the first people to lose their jobs is Nina Jacobson who was the head of the Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group.


    Media reports indicate that Disney Studio chairman Dick Cook had a conversation with Jacobson. Jacobson‘s role will be taken up by Oren Aviv who was the marketing and chief creative officer.


    In a statement Cook says, “Disney is the number one name in filmed entertainment around the world. It‘s the name on the door, it‘s what we do best, and when we do it right, not only do moviegoers of all ages benefit from the finest in quality entertainment, but it lifts the entire company as well. The depth and breadth of great Disney movies range from Pirates of the Caribbean to Cars to The Chronicles of Narnia and we look to expand our global reach even more. Cutbacks such as these are difficult on so many levels, and we will do everything in our power to make the transition as smooth as possible.”


    As had been reported earlier by indiantelevision.com that Disney is set to cut the number of films made each year from 18 to eight. What is interesting is that Jacobson had argued with M Night Shyamalan about the script for his new film Lady in the Water. The tepid reviews that the film is getting indicate that her concerns were not misplaced. The relationship between Shyamalan and Disney came to an end as a result of the dispute.


    Also Read


    Disney set to cut down on costs with fewer films

  • CNN US develops state of the art weather centre

    CNN US develops state of the art weather centre

    MUMBAI: US broadcaster CNN has launched a new CNN Weather Center, which it claims is the most state-of-the-art weather forecasting and reporting center in the broadcast industry.

    CNN US senior VP domestic news operations and administration Jack Womack, says, “CNN brings to bear one of the most experienced team of meteorologists in the news business, as evidenced by their accurate and urgent forecasting one severe weather event after another. Arming that incredible team with the state-of-the-art facility at the CNN Weather Center is an exciting move; there simply isn’t another weather center in television with the capabilities and technologies we have assembled here.”

    Throughout the network’s history, CNN has deployed the latest technologies and relied on experienced weather experts to report on severe weather systems and events. In particular, CNN distinguished itself during last year’s record-setting hurricane season, not only for its unrivaled breaking news coverage but also for its up-to-the-minute weather forecasts and reports before, during and after each storm.

    With the new center, CNN’s weather team boosts its forecasting and reporting with the computing power of more than 30 dedicated machines, including eight on-air computers; GPS technology designed to track CNN crews in the field and provide them with real-time weather data; and software designed to more closely track weather patterns, commercial airline traffic and related information.

    On-air, viewers will see a more dynamic and complete weather presentation as the new set allows CNN meteorologists to work alone or in tandem, and utilize point-and-click technology to display multiple sources of weather data.

    The network built the new set in the CNN/US newsroom in Atlanta to allow better integration of weather reporting into general newscasts. The CNN Weather Center will also contribute to non-weather-related news stories through the use of detailed maps and satellite photography. Reports from the CNN Weather Center can be seen across CNN Worldwide’s multiple networks and platforms, including Headline News and CNN Pipeline.

  • Columbia Pictures & MGM schedule next James Bond film release for 2 May 2008

    Columbia Pictures & MGM schedule next James Bond film release for 2 May 2008

    MUMBAI: It was announced today by producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.and Sony Pictures Entertainment, that the 22nd James Bond adventure will be released by Columbia Pictures on 2 May 2008 with Daniel Craig reprising the role of the legendary British secret agent.

    The story for the latest James Bond film produced by the franchise holders, EON Productions has yet to be announced.

    EON Productions’ most recent Bond adventure, Die Another Day (2002), was also the highest grossing film in the franchise bringing in almost $430 million in worldwide box office receipts. The World is Not Enough (1999) grossed $353 million, Tomorrow Never Dies released in 1997, grossed more than $340 million around the world and Golden Eye, took in $345 million.

  • Disney on a job cutting spree; starts with studio head Jacobson

    Disney on a job cutting spree; starts with studio head Jacobson

    MUMBAI: US media conglomerate Disney is reorganising its film division. The movie studio is looking to axe 650 employees in an effort to trim $90 to $100 million from its annual bottom line.

    One of the first people to lose their jobs is Nina Jacobson who was the head of the Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group.

    Media reports indicate that Disney Studio chairman Dick Cook had a conversation with Jacobson. Jacobson’s role will be taken up by Oren Aviv who was the marketing and chief creative officer.

    In a statement Cook says, “Disney is the number one name in filmed entertainment around the world. It’s the name on the door, it’s what we do best, and when we do it right, not only do moviegoers of all ages benefit from the finest in quality entertainment, but it lifts the entire company as well. The depth and breadth of great Disney movies range from Pirates of the Caribbean to Cars to The Chronicles of Narnia and we look to expand our global reach even more. Cutbacks such as these are difficult on so many levels, and we will do everything in our power to make the transition as smooth as possible.”

    As had been reported earlier by indiantelevision.com that Disney is set to cut the number of films made each year from 18 to eight. What is interesting is that Jacobson had argued with M Night Shyamalan about the script for his new film Lady in the Water. The tepid reviews that the film is getting indicate that her concerns were not misplaced. The relationship between Shyamalan and Disney came to an end as a result of the dispute.

  • Ceva & Astri in alliance to develop new generation multimedia for Hong Kong & China

    Ceva & Astri in alliance to develop new generation multimedia for Hong Kong & China

    MUMBAI: Ceva, Inc., the California-headquartered licensor of digital signal processor (DSP) cores, multimedia and storage platforms to the semiconductor industry, and Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute Company Ltd (Astri) have announced the Ceva-TeakLite DSP and associated multimedia software. The software will be developed into a fully integrated, low power audio SoC platform solution.

    This is one of the projects driven by Astri IC Design Group’s Multimedia Platform (MMP) initiative. The mission of MMP is to enable a platform-based solution with comprehensive video/audio codec Intellectual Properties (IP) for semiconductor companies in Hong Kong and Greater China. This solution is for developing a cost-effective SoC for a wide range of multimedia applications, including portable multimedia players and IPTV, informs an official release.

    The Ceva-TeakLite’s unique feature, which combines optimal performance and complete audio and imaging codec software, is the key factor for Astri’s decision to licence the DSP. Using a single source for both the DSP and the software, the platform offers Astri the benefit of a highly optimized system that delivers power and performance advantages, and ease-of-integration — all crucial factors in the successful development of a product for the highly competitive portable multimedia markets, the release further informs.

    “By collaborating with a world-class IP company like Ceva, we are able to provide state-of-the-art technologies for manufacturers that compete at the highest level within the semiconductor industry,” says Astri IC Designs Group VP and R&D director Raymond Chiu.

    “Partnering with Astri is of significant importance to our expansion strategy into the growing semiconductor industry in Greater China,” says Ceva CEO Gideon Wertheizer. “Astri’s relationship with local China-based fabless companies and proven track record in IP deployment provide an excellent platform from which we can deliver our Ceva-TeakLite DSP and multimedia software in highly optimized and affordable solutions to the portable multimedia markets.”

  • Star News introduces two lifestyle shows

    Star News introduces two lifestyle shows

    MUMBAI: Star News is creating space for lifestyle shows, by introducing two new programmes, Apna Khayal Rakhiyega, a health-based show and Top Speed, a handbook for automobile fans. With Apna Khayal Rakhiyega, Star News will address a holistic view on health with a unique programming mix, updating viewers with the latest in the world of medicine and health-breakthroughs, food and fitness trends.

    Starting on 22 July, Apna Khayal Rakhiyega will sport a flexible magazine format and promises refreshing outdoor anchoring from scenic locations, and will have different segments that will feature breakthroughs in the world of medicine, guidelines to leading a healthy life, tips and trends in fitness and advice on food and diet programmes, according to an official release.

    The programme, laced in the 12:30 pm slot, will showcase various segments featuring interviews of renowned medical/health experts and celebrities from various walks of life who will provide their opinions and share their secrets on fitness. Dr. R K Bharadwaj, an ENT specialist, will be the channel’s in-house expert for this programme.

    As the Indian automobile sector is clearly on a boom right now with vehicle sales growing at a rate of 8-10 per cent a year and many international players setting shop in India. The current scenario is exciting, yet equally vexing for the potential buyer. This forms the second weekend offering from Star News, a racy auto show Top Speed, adds the release.

    The show, which will kick off on 23 July in the 5:30 pm time slot, will be anchored by the consulting editor of Auto Magazine Rajiv Mitra along with Manpreet Waraich. The half-an-hour show will focus on test drives, vehicle reviews, expert advice on vehicle maintenance, the latest must-haves in accessories and reporting on auto shows.

    Each episode of Top Speed will comprise of two to three main modules which could be any of the segments mentioned in the box.

  • ‘Miami Vice: The Original Picture Soundtrack’ set to release on 25 July

    ‘Miami Vice: The Original Picture Soundtrack’ set to release on 25 July

    MUMBAI: Atlantic Records has announced the release of Miami Vice: The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. The album arrives in stores on 25 July, followed on 28 July by the nationwide release of the Universal Pictures crime drama.

    The first single from Miami Vice: The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack will be Lava/Atlantic recording group Nonpoint’s cover of the Phil Collins classic, In The Air Tonight.

    The original version of the song, which was featured in the first episode of the original Miami Vice TV series, appeared on Collins’ breakthrough 1981 Atlantic solo debut, Face Value. Nonpoint, which is based in Florida, will perform the song at the film’s Miami premiere on 25 July.

    In addition, Miami Vice: The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack includes a wide variety of sonic styles, from electronica and soul to salsa and post-rock. Among the artists featured are India Arie, Goldfrapp, Mogwai, Nina Simone, Emilio Estefan, King Britt, and Moby, who is joined on one track by the legendary Patti LaBelle (track listing below), informs an official release.

    The album also includes selections from the film’s original score, composed by John Murphy (28 Days Later, Snatch) and Klaus Badelt (Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Ultraviolet).

    Ricardo Tubbs (Academy Award winner Jamie Foxx of Ray, Jarhead) is urbane and dead smart. He lives with Bronx-born intel analyst Trudy, played by British actress Naomie Harris (28 Days Later, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest), as they work undercover transporting drug loads into South Florida to identify a group responsible for three murders.

    Sonny Crockett (Colin Farrell of S.W.A.T., The New World) is charismatic and flirtatious until — while undercover working with the supplier of the South Florida group — he gets romantically entangled with Isabella, the Chinese-Cuban girlfriend of an arms and drugs trafficker. Isabella is played by the Chinese actress Gong Li (Raise the Red Lantern, Memoirs of a Geisha).

    The best undercover identity is oneself with the volume turned up and restraint unplugged. The intensity of this case pushes Crockett and Tubbs out onto the edge where identity and fabrication become blurred, where cop and player become one — especially for Crockett in his romance with Isabella and for Tubbs in the provocation of an assault on those he loves.

    Miami Vice stars Colin Farrell, Jamie Foxx, Gong Li, Naomie Harris, Ciarán Hinds, Justin Theroux, Barry Shabaka Henley and Luis Tosar, and is written and directed by Michael Mann, who also produces along with Pieter Jan Brugge; Anthony Yerkovich serves as executive producer.

  • BBC reorganises to focus on digital future

    BBC reorganises to focus on digital future

    MUMBAI: The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has announced organisational changes to meet the challenges and opportunities of its Creative Future vision, placing future media & technology at the heart of its strategy. Launched in April 2006, the changes have been made following consultation with senior managers across the BBC.

    Creative Future is designed to deliver more value to audiences. These reforms are built on the vision that the best content should be made available on every platform at the audience’s convenience and they will simplify how programme ideas – both from in-house and independent producers – move from original concept to audiences.

    The changes, due to be fully operational by April 2007, will enable 360 degree commissioning and production and ensure creative coherence and editorial leadership across all platforms and media.

    They will also streamline the way funding flows across the organisation, bringing in-house production together under a single head, while reinforcing commitments made to the independent production sector through the Window of Creative Competition, informs an official release.

    BBC director general Mark Thompson told staff across the organisation: “Today is about making Creative Future a reality. It’s about how we can make the BBC the most creative organisation in the world, delivering content that our audiences will simply love.

    “We need a BBC ready for digital and for 360 degree multi-platform content creation, which brings different kinds of creativity together – in technology as well as content – to deliver what we need in this converging world. And we need a simpler, more open BBC with the licence-fee flowing down simple, direct lines to the right people, a simpler structure, clearer responsibilities and fewer layers.”

    Thompson stressed it was not about more large scale efficiencies and redundancies, but about making the BBC more creative and efficient. A three year value for money efficiency programme is already underway to deliver savings of £355m a year by 2008 to reinvest in to content.

    The new organisation chart places marketing communications and audiences at its centre, which will be led by Tim Davie, is designated as a creative division, putting audiences at the heart of the BBC and working ever closer with content areas and future Media & Technology to bring audience insights to the creative process.

    A new future media and technology division (FM&T) will be led by Ashley Highfield and will concentrate on emerging technologies, playing a leading role in finding and developing new ways for audiences to find and use content. Technology resources will be centralised and prioritised in FM&T and three new FM&T controllers will be based in the three main content areas – Journalism, BBC Vision and Audio and Music.

    FM&T will manage all new media platforms and gateways like bbc.co.uk, the emerging i-player and web 2.0, as well as metadata, search and navigation and BBC Information & Archives which is vital to opening up the BBC’s archives.

    The multi-media journalism group, led by Deputy Director-General Mark Byford, will now also include BBC Sport along with BBC News, Global News and Nations & Regions.

    The creation of an Audio & Music group, led by Jenny Abramsky, will deliver not just network radio but audio content for all platforms from on-demand in the home to podcasts and mobile phones. This group will also lead on music across all media, including TV, for the whole BBC, informs the release.

    BBC Television, Factual & Learning and Drama, Entertainment & Children’s come together in a new group, BBC Vision, led by Jana Bennett.

    This group will be responsible for in-house multimedia production, commissioning and audio visual services, including the TV channel portfolio, and digital services like High Definition and Interactive.

    Multimedia, 360 degree production, under a single Production Head, will be more closely aligned to – while still physically separate from – the 360 degree commissioning teams. Commissioning will be grouped under four controllers of: Fiction (drama, comedy, BBC Film and programme acquisitions), Entertainment, Knowledge (including all factual and Learning) and Children’s.

    Funding for multimedia content provision will move to the new vision and audio & music groups, allowing 360 degree commissioning and a one stop shop for all producers, including independents.

    The Production Head for BBC Vision, reporting directly to Jana Bennett, will also have an overview of network production outside London through the controller of network production Anne Morrison.

    BBC creative director Alan Yentob will ensure that the Creative Future recommendations are implemented across all content and services. He will chair both the Creative Training Board and Creative Network as well as chairing the board of BBC Films and a new Arts Network which will pull together arts programme-makers from across the BBC. He also continues to lead BBC Talent and to present Imagine.

    The Window of Creative Competition (WOCC). Clear safeguards are in place to build confidence in commissioning and the WOCC now that production and commissioning are in the same BBC Vision group.

    There will be a new commissioning compliance role in BBC Operations with a direct line to the director general and the new BBC Trust will also keep the changes under review to ensure they do not prejudice the WOCC.

    BBC Worldwide CEO John Smith will concentrate on his ambitious development strategy for Worldwide, on course to treble profits, and to lead the sale BBC Resources Ltd in 2007. Over the next six months he will relinquish all responsibilities to the public service side of the BBC.

    Caroline Thomson, currently BBC director of strategy, becomes COO for the BBC, with overall responsibility for strategy, policy, distribution, property, legal and business continuity, in a new BBC Operations division.

    The reorganisation does not affect BBC Finance, led by Zarin Patel, which is already undergoing transformational change. Procurement will however, move into Finance.

    BBC People already has a major change programme underway and is largely unaffected by the reorganisation. The new director of BBC People, Steve Kelly, joins the BBC from BT in the near future.

  • Sun TV FY06 net profit up by 70%, declares 20% dividend

    Sun TV FY06 net profit up by 70%, declares 20% dividend

    MUMBAI: Sun TV Limited has announced the financial result for the fiscal ended 31 March 2006. For the 2005-2006 fiscal, the company has reported 69.65 per cent increase in profit after tax at Rs 1302.3 million and revenues for the year are up at Rs 3219.1 million.

    According to an official release, the program licence income has registered a growth of 101 per cent. The Earnings per share (EPS) is up 70 per cent at Rs 21 from Rs. 12.38 for the same period last year. The Board of Directors have recommended a dividend of 20 per cent for the year.

    Inspired by the good FY06 performance, the Sun TV scrip closed at 1,083.60, recording a jump of Rs 38.10 at the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) today. At the National Stock EXchange (NSE), it ended the day’s trade at 1,085.50 with a gain of Rs 35.30.

    Sun TV had entered the capital market on 3 April 2006 with an IPO. Sun TV Ltd. offers four Tamil language channels, including the flagship channel, Sun TV and two Malayalam channels, including Surya TV. It also operates leading Tamil radio stations under the name Suryan FM.