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  • BBC to offer live broadband streaming of Wimbledon to UK audiences

    BBC to offer live broadband streaming of Wimbledon to UK audiences

    MUMBAI: In a move that will offer UK tennis fans even greater access to Wimbledon, the BBC has announced that, for the first time UK broadband users will have access to five courts of live tennis action during the 2006 Wimbledon Championships.

    The service, available free from BBC Sport’s dedicated Wimbledon website – bbc.co.uk/wimbledon – will feature coverage from BBC’s live terrestrial coverage and its digital interactive feeds, enhancing the site’s news, latest scores and results service.

    In addition to the live streaming of the 2006 Wimbledon Championships, tennis fans will also have the opportunity to catch any action they miss with the short, three-minute highlight packages rounding up each day’s play.

    For Wimbledon fans across the globe, these highlights will also be available to an international audience.

    BBC head of general sports Barbara Slater said, “This is an exciting opportunity that will ensure Wimbledon reaches an even wider audience. The live streaming coverage will make one of the biggest sporting events in the world available to broadband users in the UK, wherever they are at home or in the office so they never have to miss a game.”

  • Reliance, Orbit target Middle East hospitality industry with RiTV

    Reliance, Orbit target Middle East hospitality industry with RiTV

    MUMBAI: Telecom service provider Reliance Communications in association with Orbit Communications Company (OCC) has launched RiTV, which is an interactive television, broadband and media solution.

    OCC and Reliance Communications have introduced a “Go to Market Strategy” that offers a variety of interactive TV services. RiTV was demonstrated at the three-day ‘The Hotel Show’ held at the World Trade Centre, Dubai.

    The new multi media solution delivers on-demand entertainment, internet access and information services through an intuitive interface. It is said to be compatible with a variety of television screens including Plasma and LCD screens and through a remote and keyboard multiple service offerings can be accessed.

    RiTV is believed to present opportunities to develop a new revenue stream for Hotels.

    RiTV CEO Gurjeet Sandhu has been quoted in media reports as saying, “The cutting edge guest room media solution offers new incremental revenue streams for hoteliers. We look forward to tap the tremendous potential of RiTV to all existing hotels as well as thousands of hotels scheduled for construction in the Middle East.”

    The latest Hotel Interactive system, is expected to enhance the customer value proposition for the hospitality industry in the Middle East. Through an interface with a hotel’s Property Management System, it also has the ability to extract data relating to customer behaviour and preferences.

    OCC business development manager Fadi Ghazzaoui added, “RiTV is a powerful interactive guest room solution offering high quality experience for guests. The system can be customised as per the need of hoteliers and has capabilities to be scaled up to meet the future needs of hotels and their guests. We will also offer integrated solutions encompassing a gamut of TV Channels, movies, Internet via Satellite and VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) solutions to the Hospitality market.”

  • GV Films to acquire majority stake in Singapore-based Tamil channel

    GV Films to acquire majority stake in Singapore-based Tamil channel

    MUMBAI: GV Films will be acquiring 70 per cent stake in Tamil Box Office, a Singapore based satellite movie channel that is currently owned by Pixei Box Office Pte Ltd. 

    “We are planning to acquire about 70 per cent in the channel. We already have the funds and the additional funding, if required, will be done through a second round of placements – via FCCB and preferential allotment of shares. The content for the channel will mainly come from the GV Films movie library,” says GV Films chairman Mahadevan Ganesh. 

    Ganesh said that the channel would be promoted globally after the acquisition. The acquisition of Tamil Box Office will mark the production house’s foray into the broadcast business.

  • Hathway launches interactive music channel ITV Digital

    Hathway launches interactive music channel ITV Digital

    MUMBAI: The Rajan Raheja promoted Hathway Cable & Datacom, in which Star India has a 26 per cent stake, has launched a dial-up interactive music channel I-TV through its digital services.

    The channel, which was launched yesterday and is currently available in Mumbai and Pune, will also be taken to other cities in due course, according to a statement issued by the MSO. Hathway is already running a movie and entertainment based channel CCC.

    “I-TV Digital will be a completely ‘ads-free’ channel and with its launch through our digital services Hathway ensures that its viewers receive great music that caters to all ages,” company spokesperson Haresh Gehaney was quoted in the release as saying.

    The I-TV Digital is packaged differently for its viewers who will be able to choose from a wider variety of songs categorised into various genres that include rock, pop, classical (English & Hindi), reggae and remixes.

    I-TV operates through the advanced hands-free technology for providing instant music on demand. Software the channel uses enables the operation of the service from a video server placed at each and every head-end in cities, which in turn are connected via the cable TV network, states the release. 

    Hathway’s digital cable TV services provides more than 150+ TV channels, radio channels and value added features like EPG as well as gaming (introduced last month).

  • MTV launches animated series ‘Wulffmorgenthaler’ on mobile TV

    MUMBAI: Created exclusively for MTV Mobile TV, MTV Networks International has launched its made-for-mobile animated series Wulffmorgenthaler inspired by the world famous comic strip of the same name.


    The Wulffmorgenthaler shorts, a coproduction between MTVNI and Mikael Wulff and Anders Morgenthaler.


    Comprising 20 short animations featuring the comical twists of different characters and storylines, it is available on MTVNI‘s mobile TV channels and mobile video on demand across Europe, Australia and the US for eight weeks.


    It will be distributed on MTVNI‘s broadband services, according to media reports.


    MTVNI has 20 mobile TV channels in 19 countries.


    “Wulffmorgenthaler delivers on our promise to provide audiences with the most original, compelling content on multiple platforms around the world. These edgy animations will offer audiences a new, bite-sized burst of humour and creativity that only MTV can offer,” said MTVNI senior VP digital media Gideon Bierer.


    The Wulffmorgenthaler shorts join MTVNI’s other made-for-mobile productions including Head and Body, produced in partnership with Motorola.

  • Comcast launches HD ESPN 2 on 9 June

    MUMBAI: Just in time with the Fifa World Cup, Comcast, the country‘s leading provider of cable, entertainment and communications products and services launches ESPN2 HD, the high-definition simulcast of ESPN2.


    ESPN HD, ABC HD and ESPN2 HD will combine to present live coverage of all 64 matches of the 2006 Fifa World Cup in high definition from 9 June. In addition, the high- definition services will feature the 2006 World Cup studio programmes including the pre-match, halftime and post-match segments, states an official release.


    “We‘re thrilled to expand our leading HDTV lineup with the addition of ESPN2 HD,” said Comcast executive VP content acquisitions Matt Bond. “Watching events like the World Cup and the NCAA College World Series in crystal-clear HD is the next best thing to being in the stadium for all of the action.”


    “We look forward to ESPN2 HD joining ESPN HD on Comcast‘s lineup to enhance viewing for high-definition subscribers and sports fans across the country,” said Disney and ESPN Networks affiliate sales and marketing president Ben Pyne. “Comcast has a proven focus on high-definition television with its robust package of compelling high-definition content.”


    Comcast now offers an average of 15-17 HD channels per market, including ESPN HD and ESPN2 HD, Discovery HD, TNT HD, HBO HD, Cinemax HD, Showtime HD, Starz HD, INHD, INHD2, regional sports networks and local affiliates of ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, WB, UPN and PBS.

  • Comcast launches HD ESPN 2 on 9 June

    Comcast launches HD ESPN 2 on 9 June

    MUMBAI: Just in time with the Fifa World Cup, Comcast, the country’s leading provider of cable, entertainment and communications products and services launches ESPN2 HD, the high-definition simulcast of ESPN2.

    ESPN HD, ABC HD and ESPN2 HD will combine to present live coverage of all 64 matches of the 2006 Fifa World Cup in high definition from 9 June. In addition, the high- definition services will feature the 2006 World Cup studio programmes including the pre-match, halftime and post-match segments, states an official release.

    “We’re thrilled to expand our leading HDTV lineup with the addition of ESPN2 HD,” said Comcast executive VP content acquisitions Matt Bond. “Watching events like the World Cup and the NCAA College World Series in crystal-clear HD is the next best thing to being in the stadium for all of the action.”

    “We look forward to ESPN2 HD joining ESPN HD on Comcast’s lineup to enhance viewing for high-definition subscribers and sports fans across the country,” said Disney and ESPN Networks affiliate sales and marketing president Ben Pyne. “Comcast has a proven focus on high-definition television with its robust package of compelling high-definition content.”

    Comcast now offers an average of 15-17 HD channels per market, including ESPN HD and ESPN2 HD, Discovery HD, TNT HD, HBO HD, Cinemax HD, Showtime HD, Starz HD, INHD, INHD2, regional sports networks and local affiliates of ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, WB, UPN and PBS.

  • BBC to relay four World Cup matches live on AIR

    BBC to relay four World Cup matches live on AIR

    MUMBAI: Fifa World Cup 2006 seems to be generating considerable buzz in India. More than just the scores, the All India Radio (AIR) service promises live commentary for the opening match, semi-finals, and the final.

    For this AIR has entered into an agreement with the BBC World Service. The play-by-play commentary will be given by iconic commentators of BBC Radio Five Live Allen Green and John Murray.          

    BBC World service will unfold all the events that will take place at the opening match between Germany and Costa Rica. BBC also brings former England manager Graham Taylor who will provide the summary of the match. This is for the first time that BBC World will be executing live commentary for AIR around the World Cup.

    Speaking to indiantelevision.com, BBC World Service senior commissioning editor Neil Curry says, “I am delighted with the opportunity to showcase BBC sport journalism to our listeners in India. As per the deal we will do live commentary for All India Radio listeners for the opening ceremony, the two semi-finals and the finals.”

    Curry is hopefull that the arrangement for live commentary will be extended to the other matches as well, saying: “AIR is endeavoring to acquire the rights on other important matches (as well); nevertheless, we are waiting for a word on that.”

    BBC World Service has already been carrying out the World Cup programming for AIR. The BBC Hindi reporter Manak Gupta has been bringing special reports on all 32 teams.

    The various aspects covered so far include country profiles, What is the World Cup?, World Cup History , History of the Trophy , Profile of Brazil – the favourite team, that has won the World Cup the most number of times. What is it about this nation that makes them World Cup specialists?

    Besides the above package, BBC World has also created other packages that have been relayed on AIR. These include: Most successful, The greatest players, The Indian perspective and a detailed interview with veteran football expert Novi Kapadia.

    BBC Hindi World Cup reports will be heard for six weeks on India’s main national broadcaster All India Radio’s Gold 106.4 FM and Rajdhani 666 MW. These reports will also be relayed by All India Radio’s 65 other major stations at 07.05 local time every day until 10 July. These special World Cup reports will also be available in text and audio online at bbchindi.com and bbcnews.com.

  • JumpTV to offer SET Asia shows via internet

    MUMBAI: JumpTV has entered into an exclusive agreement to begin offering Sony Entertainment Television Asia (SET Asia) in North America via the Internet.


    The global internet-television network JumpTV streams live, high-quality international television signals via its website from stations in more than 60 countries. The subscribers can access their favorite channels from any Internet- enabled device including home computers, laptops, internet-enabled televisions, mobile phones and video game consoles, informs an official release.


    Through JumpTV, SET Asia is now available for US$14.95 a month for a high- speed connection, with an upgrade option for an ultra bandwidth version, which runs at 1 Mbps and produces one of the highest resolution streams available on the internet.


    SET Asia features some shows as: the love story Kaisa Ye Pyar Hai and Ek Ladki Anjaani Si, the Hindi adaptation of Juana La Virgen.


    Additionally, the channel is bringing in a whole host of new programs including Aisa Des Hai Mera, Thodi Kushi Thode Gham and Rishton Ki Dorr, states an official release.


    “Sony Entertainment Television Asia has been exploring new technology platforms to deliver our content over the Internet. We knew that with millions of South Asians living abroad, there was a tremendous opportunity and untapped market of more tech savvy South Asians in the US and Canada,” said SET Asia executive VP international business Rajan Singh.


    “JumpTV will be the first Internet broadcast platform where SET Asia will be available after much success on cable and satellite platforms in North America.”


    “We are incredibly excited to announce the launch of Sony Entertainment Television Asia on JumpTV. South Asian communities are avid followers of dramas and serials. The quality of these shows will attract a huge audience who are not able to access the channel through a regular television medium. There is no better way to stay in tune to Indian entertainment, music and events than through television, and SET Asia is a lead broadcaster from the sub-continent,” said JumpTV chairman and chief executive officer G. Scott Paterson.


    “The addition of SET Asia to our channel lineup is an important step forward in bringing innovative, original television to one of the largest diaspora communities in the world.”

  • JumpTV to offer SET Asia shows via internet

    JumpTV to offer SET Asia shows via internet

    MUMBAI: JumpTV has entered into an exclusive agreement to begin offering Sony Entertainment Television Asia (SET Asia) in North America via the Internet. 

    The global internet-television network JumpTV streams live, high-quality international television signals via its website from stations in more than 60 countries. The subscribers can access their favorite channels from any Internet- enabled device including home computers, laptops, internet-enabled televisions, mobile phones and video game consoles, informs an official release.

    Through JumpTV, SET Asia is now available for US$14.95 a month for a high- speed connection, with an upgrade option for an ultra bandwidth version, which runs at 1 Mbps and produces one of the highest resolution streams available on the internet.

    SET Asia features some shows as: the love story Kaisa Ye Pyar Hai and Ek Ladki Anjaani Si, the Hindi adaptation of Juana La Virgen. 

    Additionally, the channel is bringing in a whole host of new programs including Aisa Des Hai Mera, Thodi Kushi Thode Gham and Rishton Ki Dorr, states an official release.

    “Sony Entertainment Television Asia has been exploring new technology platforms to deliver our content over the Internet. We knew that with millions of South Asians living abroad, there was a tremendous opportunity and untapped market of more tech savvy South Asians in the US and Canada,” said SET Asia executive VP international business Rajan Singh.

    “JumpTV will be the first Internet broadcast platform where SET Asia will be available after much success on cable and satellite platforms in North America.”

    “We are incredibly excited to announce the launch of Sony Entertainment Television Asia on JumpTV. South Asian communities are avid followers of dramas and serials. The quality of these shows will attract a huge audience who are not able to access the channel through a regular television medium. There is no better way to stay in tune to Indian entertainment, music and events than through television, and SET Asia is a lead broadcaster from the sub-continent,” said JumpTV chairman and chief executive officer G. Scott Paterson.

    “The addition of SET Asia to our channel lineup is an important step forward in bringing innovative, original television to one of the largest diaspora communities in the world.”