ITV

Tag: Discovery Science

  • Discovery Science to premiere ‘Impossible Engineering’ on 12 March

    Discovery Science to premiere ‘Impossible Engineering’ on 12 March

    MUMBAI: Behind every seemingly impossible marvel of modern engineering is a cast of historic trailblazers who designed new building techniques, took risks on untested materials and revolutionized their field.

    To premiere on 12 March 2016, every Saturday at 10 pm, Discovery Science’s new series Impossible Engineering discovers the cutting-edge engineering techniques and the history behind the world’s pioneering mega-structures.

    Witness some of the jaw-dropping triumphs of engineering. The spectacular Shanghai Tower is the world’s second tallest building and is designed to withstand earthquakes and typhoons. Take a look at the ambitious construction of Kansai International Airport in Japan, which can withstand destructive natural disasters. Marvel at the sheer brilliance of the Maglev Shanghai Train, the world’s fastest commercial train which can reach speeds of over 400km/h – even with leaves on the line.  Discover how improbable feats of engineering were accomplished. The building of 3km-long Rion Antirion Bridge in Greece faced may obstacles – not least seismic activity.  Find out how the Navy’s mammoth HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier was built. This illuminating series about breathtaking feats of construction concludes with a climb aboard the four-engine Airbus A380, the largest passenger plane in the world.

    Each episode details how giant structures, record-beating buildings and the world’s most cutting-edge ships, trains and planes are built and work using 3D graphics, archive and specially shot footage. As this series revels in these modern day creations, it leaps back in time to recount the stories of the exceptional engineers whose technological advances made it all possible.

  • Discovery Science to premiere ‘Impossible Engineering’ on 12 March

    Discovery Science to premiere ‘Impossible Engineering’ on 12 March

    MUMBAI: Behind every seemingly impossible marvel of modern engineering is a cast of historic trailblazers who designed new building techniques, took risks on untested materials and revolutionized their field.

    To premiere on 12 March 2016, every Saturday at 10 pm, Discovery Science’s new series Impossible Engineering discovers the cutting-edge engineering techniques and the history behind the world’s pioneering mega-structures.

    Witness some of the jaw-dropping triumphs of engineering. The spectacular Shanghai Tower is the world’s second tallest building and is designed to withstand earthquakes and typhoons. Take a look at the ambitious construction of Kansai International Airport in Japan, which can withstand destructive natural disasters. Marvel at the sheer brilliance of the Maglev Shanghai Train, the world’s fastest commercial train which can reach speeds of over 400km/h – even with leaves on the line.  Discover how improbable feats of engineering were accomplished. The building of 3km-long Rion Antirion Bridge in Greece faced may obstacles – not least seismic activity.  Find out how the Navy’s mammoth HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier was built. This illuminating series about breathtaking feats of construction concludes with a climb aboard the four-engine Airbus A380, the largest passenger plane in the world.

    Each episode details how giant structures, record-beating buildings and the world’s most cutting-edge ships, trains and planes are built and work using 3D graphics, archive and specially shot footage. As this series revels in these modern day creations, it leaps back in time to recount the stories of the exceptional engineers whose technological advances made it all possible.

  • Discovery Science to premiere ‘Strip the City’

    Discovery Science to premiere ‘Strip the City’

    MUMBAI: Discovery Science is gearing up to premiere Strip the City on 5 December at 9 pm. The show will showcase eight major cities and unveil the hidden technology that protect the people from the onslaught of nature’s most terrifying threats.

     

    The viewers will be taken deeper into the city, bringing to light an alien landscape of underground volcanoes, hidden rivers, subterranean cliffs, fragile fault lines, and ancient catacombs. The show will also hear from leading engineers and geologists as they will be seen examining the ingenious designs, innovative technologies and teams of forward thinking professionals who are instrumental in keeping each city alive and well.

     

    Strip the City will utilise the best of computer-generated imagery (CGI) to break down each city, layer-by-layer, to reveal a geological universe normally hidden under water, tarmacs and concrete. Each episode will peel the glass and walls off buildings, roll up the tarmac on roads, drains oceans and rivers, and slices through bedrock to look below some of the world’s major cities like Dubai, London, Rome, San Francisco, Sydney and Toronto and will also uncover what keeps them running smoothly.

     

    The show’s few episodes include Desert City: Dubai, Earthquake City: San Francisco, Harbour City: Sydney, Ice City: Toronto, Underground City: London and Ancient City: Rome.

  • Discovery Science’s Space Month: to air shows on 50 years of space exploration

    Discovery Science’s Space Month: to air shows on 50 years of space exploration

    MUMBAI: Discovery Science has dedicated a whole month to tell viewers everything they would like know about the universe, space exploration and the search for intelligent life on other planets.  Airing Monday to Friday at 10 PM on Discovery Science, the show starts on November 20 onwards. Space Month promises an in-depth analysis chronicling 50 years of unique achievements in space and exciting developments for the future.

     

    Space Month will kick start with the episode In Space: 50 years of Space Exploration. The episode will feature the Rosetta Mission, the 2014 ISS Crew and the upcoming Mercury and planned Mars missions. This episode will define how space travel has enhanced human knowledge of the universe and the ground-breaking future ahead where the secrets of its origins will be revealed says Discovery Science.

     

    To air on 24th & 25th November, Unravelling the Cosmos will take an immersive tour of the vast scale and extreme distances in the universe.

     

    To air on November 27, One Giant Leap will highlight the story of the United States journey to the moon, the landmark mission that inspired Americans during a time when violence and turmoil dominated headlines. Interviews with the surviving astronauts, families, and other key players, along with high-definition NASA films and never-before-seen home movie collections will be aired during the episode.

  • Discovery Science to unravel universe’s mysteries with ‘Space Month’ in November

    Discovery Science to unravel universe’s mysteries with ‘Space Month’ in November

    MUMBAI: Discovery Science will be exploring the space and uncover the mysteries of the universe via a special programming block called Space Month.

    The show will premiere on 2 November and will be aired every Monday – Friday at 9 pm.

    Space Month will take viewers on a voyage to rediscover the universe and its attractions, the Earth’s orbit and will offer a deeper understanding of the cosmos.

    Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific EVP and GM-South Asia Rahul Johri voiced, “Discovery Science challenges viewers to look beyond the known and intrigues them to question everything. Space month will give viewers a dynamic and immersive tour of the most extreme forces the universe has to offer. The programming special is bound to leave the viewers mesmerised.”

    The journey will chart into the unknown with What on Earth? With explicit and enchanting photographs of our planet from million miles away, it will force the question, what on Earth is that? The series will use state of the art technology satellites to find structures and cities lost for thousands of years.

    The other programmes in this space month are In Space: 50 Years of Space Exploration,which will offer an in-depth analysis chronicling 50 years of unique achievements in space and exciting developments for the future.

    Next in the line is, Unraveling The Cosmos, which will take an immersive 3D tour of the vast scale and extreme distances in our universe.

    On the other hand, the show called Space Voyages will bring to light projects including Explorer, Ranger, Mariner and Surveyor that have been the unsung heroes in the story of space.

    The next show in line One Giant Leap will be based on interviews with the surviving astronauts, families, and other key players, along with stunning high-definition NASA films and never-before-seen home movie collections, transport viewers back in time to discover a fascinating, untold story of the man’s journey to the moon.

  • “India programming is the key growth pillar of our content strategy:” Rahul Johri

    “India programming is the key growth pillar of our content strategy:” Rahul Johri

    Completing twenty years of operations in India this year is Discovery Channel and it can be safely said that since its launch in 1995, the network has not only grown in terms of the number of channels but also in terms of producing original content.

     

    Helming it for the past 13 years is Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific South Asia senior vice president & general manager Rahul Johri. In his decade plus stint, Johri built a robust portfolio of 11 brands in the South Asia region including Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, TLC, ID-Investigation Discovery, Discovery Kids, Discovery Science, Discovery Turbo, Discovery HD World, TLC HD World, Animal Planet HD World and Discovery Tamil. Moreover, he is also credited with generating revenue, affiliate partnerships, viewership growth, content creation, government relations and talent management.

     

    In conversation with Indiantelevision.com’s Seema Singh, Johri throws light on the network’s journey in India so far and more.

     

    Excerpts:

     

    How has the network’s 20 years journey been in India? From setting up operations to getting in viewership, what were the challenges that the network faced?

     

    It’s been a fantastic journey for Discovery in India. We have presented and engaged the viewers with new brands and compelling content over the years. We expanded penetration in the country with our localisation strategy.

     

    We have brought in an eclectic programming mix across networks that have the right blend of Indian and international content. We have consistently presented India themes that can travel the world and international themes relevant to India.

     

    Throughout the last 20 years in India, Discovery Channel has demonstrated its commitment to satiate the curiosity of viewers by showcasing them some of the most fascinating stories from the past, current and future; breathtaking locations across geographies, continents and universe; and astonishing and most passionate personalities from across the world.

     

    What have been the high points of this 20 year journey?

     

    The last 20 years have been quite a fascinating journey for us. Discovery pioneered factual entertainment in India with the launch of Discovery Channel in 1995 and introduced a refreshing new wave of programming and completely changed the viewer’s expectations from television. 

     

    One of the high points has been the encouraging feedback from the viewers on our content. The success of our languaging strategy was immensely satisfying as it brought the viewer in every corner of the country closer to the Discovery world.

     

    Having unmatched access to produce shows of remarkable stature like Rashtrapati Bhavan, National Defence Academy in India and present them to Indian audience and around the world is extremely gratifying.

     

    And of course the expansion of our portfolio into 11 unique content channels catering to distinct viewer segments is a testimony of the value our brand offers and the trust it enjoys among its core audience.

     

    What was the thought behind launching these 11 different channels? Are there any new channel launches in the pipeline?

     

    We have expanded our portfolio three times over the last five years. Each channel launch was aimed to offer new and distinct entertainment experience to the Indian viewers. We expanded the definition of factual entertainment by launching Animal Planet in 1998, which presented wildlife programming.

     

    When we launched India’s first international lifestyle channel – TLC, viewers announced their liking for it almost overnight. It was a strong inflection point for the burgeoning Indian television market. The entire industry, including the advertisers and affiliate, took note of the refreshing content and what it meant to viewers.

     

    The aspirational, well-travelled and globally active Indian viewer demanded more unique content, 24-hours 365 days a year. Therefore, we launched two successful media brands from our global portfolio– Discovery Turbo and Discovery Science in 2010.

     

    We brought in premium viewing experience with the finest HD portfolio in the country with the launch of three HD channels – Discovery HD World, Animal Planet HD World and TLC HD World.

     

    We entered the Hindi entertainment genre with the launch of India’s first Hindi entertainment channel dedicated to true stories of mystery, investigation and suspense – ID.

     

    Filling in the gap for meaningful entertainment we launched Discovery Kids delivering smart fun programming to millions of kids in India.

     

    We are committed to the Indian market and will continue to present the best brands, content and finest viewing experience to India.

     

    What is the current viewership of the network in general and Discovery Channel in particular? What are the steps being taken to improve these numbers?

     

    The network has grown to a total of 11 channels, reaching 267 million cumulative households. We will continue to invest in content, communication and availability across all our networks. 

     

    The JV with MSM to distribute its channels has now ended. What is the plan now? Has the distribution team started working on the deals?

     

    Discovery has the finest team and with the addition of the affiliate team, we are a formidable strength and fully geared to capitalise existing opportunities and create new growth avenues.

     

    Our success depends on the power of our brands and we continue to offer maximum value to our partners.

     

    What is the content strategy for the network going forward? How many hours of content would we see getting added to the network by this year end and how many of these would be Indian productions? Can you elaborate on the content strategy for each of the channel in the network?

     

    The content strategy of the network is to deliver high-quality and differentiated programming that satiates the curiosity of the viewers. We will continue to make a difference, ignite minds and entertain viewers.

     

    Discovery globally spends over a billion dollars on content every year and Indian audience, similar to other markets around the world, get access to this content through the various networks present in the country.

     

    In India, Discovery Networks launches the maximum variety of programmes in the industry. India programming is the key growth pillar of our content strategy. We started with Indian Rendezvous as the first India series back in 2002. We went on to present path-breaking India shows ranging from exclusive accesses such as Revealed: World’s Biggest Elections, Line of Control, Humayun’s Tomb, Living with KKRand many more.

     

    Continuing to offer the widest repertoire of programmes, we launch more than 300 high-quality programmes every quarter catering to the interests, passions and demands of children, youth, women, men and families. We strengthened our India content slate with an unprecedented 100 original hours in the last two years bringing unique stories, pristine subjects, and exclusive accesses.

     

    How has advertisers’ interest grown towards the network’s properties?

     

    We are fortunate that advertisers find value on our platforms. We continue to enjoy advertisers’ confidence and respect. We have strived very hard to offer distinct audience segments for different product categories. We have one of the largest client portfolios on our network. As the leader of factual entertainment in India, we believe we are in a good space.

     

    From when the network entered the market to this day, what’s your take on subscription revenues in the country for a network like DNAP? With digitisation in Phase I and II cities, has the condition improved? Do you see the subscription revenues going up with phase III and IV getting digitised by 2016?

     

    Digitisation is a change agent in this country. We are absolutely delighted that it is bringing positive results for the viewer and for other stakeholders including the broadcasters.  

     

    We believe that the networks that are investing in their content and differentiating their brands will continue to reap benefits.

     

    After 20 years… how do you now plan to take the journey forward? What are the future plans?

     

    Our vision moving forward is based on a few key principles. They are:

    – Maintaining leadership across genres

    – Maximising viewership

    – Building on the strength of Discovery kids and establish ID as a “must watch” channel

    – Continue to produce path-breaking India content

    – Continue to innovate and deliver value to advertisers

    – Relentlessly explore new opportunities of growth

     

    How do you plan to stay ahead of competition in the genre?

     

    Our network of channels enjoys strong brand equity and viewership across the country amongst viewers, affiliate and advertisers alike. What differentiates Discovery is its ability to respond to change and innovate in line with the current and emerging viewer trends. From early adoption of new technologies, creating viewer-delighting content and building winning partnerships; we have set multiple industry benchmarks.

     

    If you reflect on Discovery’s track record of last 20 years, we have been ahead of the curve in anticipating trends that match the needs of the viewer. Be it launching the lifestyle channel TLC to being the first high-definition channel available in the country with Discovery HD World. We have offered viewers remarkable and never-seen-before content in innovative formats, delightful themes and finest personalities.

  • Discovery Science to air ‘Through the Wormhole with Morgan Freeman’

    Discovery Science to air ‘Through the Wormhole with Morgan Freeman’

    MUMBAI: Discovery Science’s triple Emmy nominated hit series Through the Wormhole with Morgan Freeman is back for its sixth and most provocative season. Starting 4 July, the show will be aired every Saturday at 10 pm.

     

    With a whole new look, an inspired set design and interactive features, the season 6 of the series will tackle tough topics such as race, religion and human future as a species, thus challenging viewers as never before.

     

    From the topics of bigotry to whether our reality is virtual to the human proclivity for lying, the new season will challenge everything one knows about space, time and morality.

     

    “I am thrilled to be announcing the premiere of the sixth season of Through the Wormhole.  When we first began this journey, I never imagined how many questions could be examined and how far mankind could push the boundaries of what was possible,” said executive producer and host of the series Morgan Freeman.

     

    “This season, we’ve given the series a bold new look and the questions are more provocative than ever.  I know fans both old and new to the show will not be disappointed,” he added.

     

    Each episode will feature leading experts, thinkers and scientists presenting groundbreaking theories. Every week viewers will be challenged to consider new perspectives and confronted with ideas that push the envelope of conventional television. 

  • Discovery science to air true stories of air crashes in ‘Why Planes Crash’

    Discovery science to air true stories of air crashes in ‘Why Planes Crash’

    MUMBAI: In this world of real time connectivity and technology, Discovery Science presents a captivating new series on the distressing and terrifying true accounts of airborne disasters in Why Planes Crash. Pilots, crew and passengers will relive their near-death experiences in which routine flights turned into nightmares.

     

    Why Planes Crash will bring alive some of the hair-raising true stories of air crashes imaginable with the aid of shocking archive footage and dramatic animated reconstructions. The series will feature planes colliding mid-air, a corporate jet running into a 737 over the Amazon River, cargo door explosion in a 747 amongst many other air crashes.

     

    Why Planes Crash will premiere on 9 March, and will air every Monday to Friday at 10 pm, only on Discovery Science.

     

    Commenting on the series, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific Executive Vice President and General Manager – South Asia & South East Asia Rahul Johri said, “Discovery Science is home to the most cutting edge, captivating and exclusive content based on everyday science that goes beyond imagination to find answers. Why Planes Crash is an investigative series that brings to light mysterious causes of severe air-borne disasters.”

    The series will investigate different kinds of aviation disasters with high quality animations to help tell the story. Each one-hour episode will focus on a theme, like flying in severe weather, communication problems that turn deadly and pilots that rely too much on automation. Why Planes Crash will also include small planes and helicopters, which have their own set of dangers.

    Some of the episodes in the series feature:

     

    Brace For Impact

     

    The series kicks off with a look at what causes some pilots to risk ditching their planes in the water, and how they and their passengers can survive the experience.

     

    Collision Course

     

    Eyewitnesses and survivors share their accounts of planes colliding in mid-air, and there is a look at when a corporate jet ran into a 737 over the Amazon River.

     

    Human Error

     

    Mistakes, oversights and distractions can have consequences. This show features the jet which ran out of fuel and smashed into a hillside just miles from a runway.

     

    Breaking Point

     

    Nine passengers are sucked out of a 747 flying over the Pacific when a cargo door explodes. This is just one of the sudden structural failures in this episode, which also sees a DC-10 lose an engine on take-off!

     

    Fire In The Sky

     

    The Federal Aviation Administration has found that up to three flights out of 100,000 are diverted due to smoke or fire in flight, but the situation is no less dangerous for being commonplace. Witness some of the disastrous consequences in this episode.

  • Discovery Science to launch ‘Manufactured’

    Discovery Science to launch ‘Manufactured’

    MUMBAI: From the inventors to the workers on the factory floor, Discovery Science’s new series ‘Manufactured’ tells the real story behind the creation of the products people use every day.

     

    ‘Manufactured’ will premiere on January 12 and will air every Monday to Friday at 10 PM, only on Discovery Science.

     

    Each episode of ‘Manufactured’ will tell the stories of the making of three great products. The opening of the series leads to an interview with the inventor and the history behind the product. From there, the story moves on to designs and prototypes, and finally to the factory floor where the workers narrate the tale of the making, while the viewers watch the product being made.

     

    From a toilet, to a Rimowa suitcase, a Stetson Skyline cowboy hat and a Zodiac Pro Open boat, there are numerous products with interesting stories to tell. ‘Manufactured’ talks to the people behind the scenes and brings viewers a step-by-step account of their making.

     

    Why it’s made, how it’s made, and who makes it. The series will tell the story of great products that we use or wish we could use. ‘Manufactured’ is a biography series where the product is the hero – be it a tool, a tire, or a toilet. The series takes viewers into the factories, and to the workers who make these great products a reality from scratch.

  • Discovery Science unfolds ‘How The Universe Works’

    Discovery Science unfolds ‘How The Universe Works’

    NEW DELHI: Discovery Science unveils the untold secrets of the universe with a new season of ‘How The Universe Works’. The series will explore the inner workings of our world with unseen videos and images. With a dynamic cast of experts, the series will look under the celestial hood to reveal the secrets of our universe: the story of how it’s made and how it runs.

    ‘How The Universe Works’ will premiere on 3 November, Monday to Friday at 10 pm.

     

    ‘How The Universe Works’ will answer questions that have eluded mankind for years such as, how did an apocalyptic planetary collision and a supernova create our world? How do orbits drive the dynamics of the universe? Could cosmic firestorms threaten life on Earth? The fascinating series uses modern astronomy to reveal the inner workings of outer space. From volcanoes and galactic mega storms to mineral rich asteroids and comets, discover how these titanic forces and extraordinary phenomenon have shaped our world and could reveal clues about the origins of life on earth and elsewhere in the universe.

    Rahul Johri, Executive Vice President and General Manager – South Asia & South East Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific said, “Discovery Science continues to present the most comprehensive and cutting edge content that examines the impact of science on our everyday lives. With the help of a dynamic cast of experts and computer generated imagery, this series will educate viewers on how our universe is designed and built.”

    Journey deep into space and examine the moons, planets and stars that make up the cosmos in ‘How The Universe Works’ only on Discovery Science.

     

     Some of the questions captured in ‘How the Universe Works’ are:

     

    Sun – How does light escape from the sun? The Sun, our star, generates heat and light, and is essential for all life on earth. But how does this light escape from the sun and get to us? We take a million year journey from the center of the sun, following the path of photons of light.  We witness their fiery birth from nuclear fusion deep inside the core, their 430,000 mile odyssey up through the superheated dense hydrogen gas of the interior of the sun, fighting against gravity and magnetism. Finally we watch as they escape the solar surface, and leap into space at the speed of light.

     

     End of the Universe – The Universe was born to die, but how and when will it end?  Astronomers have sought the answer for 100 years and in the process revealed a Universe far weirder than we imagined. Invisible dark matter threatens to pull galaxies together in a catastrophic big crunch, a big bang in reverse. Dark energy is poised to act in the opposite direction, ripping apart all matter and perhaps even space and time. And now scientists suggest that a sudden phase transition could kill us all tomorrow in a cosmic death bubble. How will the Universe end? We finally know the answer.

     

    To know more on the show stay tuned to ‘How The Universe Works’, only on Discovery Science.