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  • Vodafone TV expands footprint in nine countries

    Vodafone TV expands footprint in nine countries

    Mumbai: Vodafone’s multi-tenant cloud TV service – Vodafone TV has expanded its footprint in as many as nine countries across the globe. The service’s latest launch in Germany has further bolstered its reach to two million subscribers worldwide.

    Kaltura, the video experience cloud that has strengthened Vodafone TV since its inception in 2014 has announced that its Kaltura TV Platform is set to expand Vodafone TV into new markets.

    The Kaltura-powered service is accessible to users in all of Vodafone’s networks and in Unitymedia’s cable network. The service was launched in Germany in February 2021 and is offered under the brand “GigaTV”. The German launch follows earlier Vodafone TV launches in Hungary and Czech Republic in 2020. The service is also LIVE in Romania, Portugal, Greece, New Zealand, Spain and Italy, bringing the total to nine active Vodafone TV markets today, all powered by Kaltura technology.

    “Seven years ago, we selected Kaltura as our Cloud TV partner because its vision of innovation fits perfectly with ours; together we’ve built a Cloud TV platform that combines the best of OTT and pay-TV into a single service,” said Vodafone group head of video Wolfgang Zeller. “The flexibility, agility and scalability of Kaltura’s future-ready TV Platform is enabling Vodafone TV to reap all the advantages of being a single, cloud-based service available in many markets around the world via a range of network architectures and across devices.”

    The Kaltura TV Platform enables Vodafone operating companies to efficiently and quickly launch Vodafone TV within their countries, said the company, highlighting its single, cloud-based system, upgrades and new features that can be introduced across the global Vodafone TV service in a unified way.

    “We are honored to support Vodafone TV’s expansion into new territories and congratulate Vodafone for most recently going live in Germany, a key Vodafone TV market,” said Kaltura co-founder CEO and chairman Ron Yekutiel. “Vodafone continues to lead the market in creating a multi-country, full-featured Cloud TV solution that we are proud to power with our technology.”

  • Travelxp 4K HDR expands availability in German-speaking markets

    Travelxp 4K HDR expands availability in German-speaking markets

    MUMBAI: M7 Deutschland, Germany’s leading provider of TV entertainment for cable and IP networks, has expanded its ultra HD (UHD) portfolio: International travel and lifestyle channel Travelxp 4K HDR. The channel is now available to network and platform operators in the German-speaking markets for distribution to their subscribers.

    The world's first travel channel in UHD/HDR resolution shows reports and features covering holiday destinations in more than 60 countries around the world 24 hours per day. The programmes are offered in German language on networks supplied by M7 in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

    "We are excited about this attractive new addition to our UHD line-up: Travelxp 4k brings foreign cultures and exotic locations directly into the living room and enables viewers to experience destinations far away, particularly now that travelling is difficult," said Christian Heinkele, managing director of Eviso Germany GmbH, business partner of M7 in Germany.

    "Travel reports and landscape images are the perfect examples of content where excellent TV/video resolution and powerful distribution infrastructures are essential. This is a great opportunity for public utility companies, network operators and fibre-optic providers to show what their networks are capable of."

    Sumant Bahl, managing director, Europe & Africa, Travelxp, said: "We are delighted to further strengthen both our relationship with M7 Group as well as our 4K distribution in Germany. Travelxp 4K HDR is among the best in 4K and travel shows in the world. Apart from the vivid and immersive picture quality our channel offers, we are also excited about showcasing the original and interesting travel content we produce in diverse genres. We are confident that M7 audiences will love our shows."

    With Travelxp 4K HDR, M7 offers its partners a total of three UHD channels for distribution on their networks. This agreement builds upon the cooperation M7 Group and Travelxp have already established in the Benelux and central Eastern European markets.

    Launched in 2011, Travelxp is currently distributed in 97+ million homes across 40+ countries with several global feeds localised in 15+

    languages. Travelxp 4K HDR, the world’s first 4K HDR linear channel, provides immersive experience with 10 bit colour depth, 50 frames and HLG HDR.

    Travelxp’s content strategy to showcase exclusive, well researched, in-depth depiction of destinations around the world has been inspiring viewers to explore the world like never before. Travelxp is the world’s leading travel influencer inspiring millions to choose their holiday destination based on content that they consume on Travelxp.

    As one of the largest platform operators for satellite and IP-based TV, M7 Group SA serves more than three million end customers in Europe. In Germany and Austria, M7 is also the landmark B2B provider for TV services. 

  • Tennis Channel launches OTT service

    Tennis Channel launches OTT service

    MUMBAI: Pay-TV platform Tennis Channel has launched a subscription-based streaming video service in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, where tennis has mass followers.

    The OTT service, launched on 28 April, offers on-demand and live content. It will be rolled in other markets later. The 24-hour OTT platform has been made available at www.tennischannel.com. It is also available in Android and iOs mobile devices, FireTV, tablets, and some smart TVs for a monthly fee of $2.70.

    The OTT platform has been launched prior to the Tennis Point Exhibition Series, a four-day men’s tennis competition between 1 and 4 May. The matches will be shown live and on-demand on Tennis Channel International.

    The series, the first live tennis event after the Covid2019 lockdown, will see 32 closed-doors matches in four days.

    Apart from archived content, the bouquet of programming includes tennis Channel series, features, documentaries, highlights and select matches on-demand.  

    “We’re especially excited to launch this groundbreaking service in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, where tennis has a storied past, strong levels of participation and fan interest, and is positioned for growth,” said Andy Reif, SVP, international, Tennis Channel.  

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  • ISRO sees rise in third party satellite launches

    ISRO sees rise in third party satellite launches

    MUMBAI: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is slowly but surely making its mark as far as its satellite launch services are concerned. Consider: in 2018-19 it pocketed Rs 324.19 crore courtesy its launch capabilities as against Rs 232.56 crore in the year before. That’s a decent 35 per cent plus growth in income from launches.

    This information was given out in a reply to a question raised in the Rajya Sabha to union minister for atomic energy and space Jitendra Singh late last week.

    Singh further disclosed that ISRO earned Rs 1,245.17 crore during the last five years by launching satellites from 26 countries. Additionally, it has signed contracts with 10 countries –  the US, the UK, Germany, Canada, Singapore, Netherlands, Japan, Malaysia, Algeria, and France  over the same period under commercial arrangements.

    India has till date put into orbit 319 foreign satellites.

  • SPN India renews UEFA Euro Championship rights for Indian subcontinent

    SPN India renews UEFA Euro Championship rights for Indian subcontinent

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Network (SPN) India has renewed the media rights deal for the UEFA Euro Championship to telecast in the Indian subcontinent according to Insidesports.co. On the flip side, the broadcaster has lost one of its precious football properties, La Liga, to Facebook. The social media giant bagged the rights for the next four-year cycle.

    The 2020 European Championship edition will be played across 12 European nations between 12 June and 12 July.

    Sony in the earlier UEFA media rights cycle was also the official broadcaster for the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League, which were not the part of the UEFA Euro Championship deal.

    The UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying draw will be held on 2 December 2018 at the Convention Centre Dublin in Dublin, Republic of Ireland.

    Recently, UEFA has also renewed its worldwide master licensing deal with global sports and talent management agency IMG. The extended terms of the agreement will see IMG continue to serve as the exclusive master licensee for UEFA Euro 2020 and other major national team tournaments through to the end of 2022.

    The deal provides Sony Pictures Network with the right to broadcast the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship matches and the Championship Finals. In the previous three-year deal SPN aired 546 UEFA international matches over three years in the run-up to the 2016 finals in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal and Maldives.

    The media right for La Liga was acquired by SPN for $32 million in 2014 till May 2018.

    The Euro Championship games will be played at London, Munich, Rome, Baku, Saint Petersburg, Bucharest, Amsterdam, Dublin, Bilbao, Budapest, Glasgow and Copenhagen. Each city will host three group stage matches and one match in the round of 16 or quarter-finals. London will host the Group Stage matches, a round of 16 game, semi-finals, and final. Munich (Germany), Baku (Azerbaijan), Saint Petersburg (Russia) and Rome (Italy) Group Stage games and the quarter-finals. Copenhagen (Denmark), Bucharest (Romania), Amsterdam (Netherlands), Dublin (Republic of Ireland), Bilbao (Spain), Budapest (Hungary) and Glasgow (Scotland) will host Group stage and the round-of-16 matches.

  • For FIFA coverage, ESPN’s perfect assist to Sony

    For FIFA coverage, ESPN’s perfect assist to Sony

    MUMBAI: The 2018 FIFA World Cup has been quite a show already. For fans, the tournament’s been nothing short of a thrill-a-minute ride with sheer drama and constant surprises on offer. The steady state of suspense during key matches has enabled Sony Pictures Networks (SPN) India, the event’s official broadcaster in India, rake up its viewership numbers. What’s also helped is SPN’s partnership with ESPN India that has brought fans as close to the action as possible.

    Apart from telecasting the Malayalam regional feed of the showpiece event, ESPN is also leveraging its digital platforms to increase the viewers’ engagement through wrap around shows for the tournament. 

    Despite it being a non-rights player, ESPN has more than 150 people covering the event in Russia. 

    ESPN India’s head of television initiatives Jasdeep Pannu says, “With the studio facility in Moscow, all of that is coming back to help our partners in various parts of the world including Sony in their coverage.” 

    ESPN has rolled out a holistic set of content programming which includes a unique country-wide sports-travel show ‘The Last Train to Russia’ on Sony TEN (HD/SD), a daily match day analysis show called ‘Free Kick’ which is presented by ESPN anchors.

    ESPN’s Moscow is providing content for 17 hours a day via four feeds that can transmit simultaneously. The feeds are also helping fuel ESPN’s partners’ coverage across the globe, including Africa (Kwese), China (Tencent), India (Sony) and the Philippines (TV 5).

    ESPN has also launched the ESPN FC Match Predictor – the first truly global game, created in three languages (English, Spanish and Portuguese) across 13 global editions of ESPN.com – it gives fans a chance to pick the winners for each World Cup round.

    On the deal with Sony, Pannu said, “It’s a fantastic collaboration with a lot of synergy between the two brands. Sony has been very intelligent with their rights management and acquisition. They have got the biggest ongoing show in the world.”

    The challenge ESPN faces pertains to delivering the relevant content to keep the fans engaged as the mass audience gravitates towards all the sports right owners.

    However, Pannu believes that event rights are not the only way forward.

    “The rights guys are too busy focusing on the rights to look at non-rights content like we do,” he says.

    ESPN has also seen strong growth on the digital front across the sub-continent. 

    In terms of unique visitors between January to September 2017, ESPN’s digital platform witnessed a 24 per cent growth y-o-y. In India, 78 per cent of the traffic to ESPN digital (sites+app) comes from mobile devices which has growth at 150 per cent y-o-y.

    ESPN’s digital platform is also planning to target a larger group going forward by increasing its reach to the Hindi speaking audience, along with some regional languages like Tamil and Bengali.

  • Indians want free education, healthcare and basic income: Ipsos global Socialism Survey

    Indians want free education, healthcare and basic income: Ipsos global Socialism Survey

    New Delhi, May 18, 2018:According to a global survey by Ipsos on Socialism, majority of the Indians polled want access to free education, free healthcare and a basic income.
    72% Indians believe socialist ideals are of considerable value for societal progress.
    Ergo, there are various aspects of socialism that are truly endorsed by Indians: 85% Indians believe that Education should be free of charge; at the same time, 9 in 10 Indians (91%) believe that free healthcare is a human right; and further, 8 in 10 Indians (83%) espouse provision of unconditional basic income for all residents.
    On the flip side, there are various aspects of Socialism that do not appeal to the sensibilities of Indians – 72% Indians choose personal freedom over social justice which truly boils down to being responsible for one’s own economic wellbeing; 66% Indians find Socialism a system for political oppression, mass surveillance and state terror; and 84% Indians prefer free market competition over protectionism – another key aspect of Socialism.
    “Cost of education and healthcare is very high and due to lack of social security the middle class does not have it easy. Most of the government schemes are for the poor and the marginalized.” says Parijat Chakraborty, executive director, Public Affairs, Ipsos India.

    To mark Karl Marx’s bicentenary this year (he is regarded as the father of Socialism), Ipsos Global Advisor carried out a survey in 28 countries around the world and explored the perceptions of socialist ideas in the 21st Century. The poll was carried out online among adults aged under 65 in April this year. The findings highlight interesting differences across markets – we see shades of skepticism, approval and disapproval.
    Duality of Indian society is further underscored in the survey. On the one hand, 77% Indians believe that the talented should be better compensated than those who are less gifted; at the same time, they believe that the rich should be taxed higher to compensate the poor with that money. 
    No wonder that three out of four Indians believe that they are different and their wavelength does not match with their counterparts in other countrieswith respect to Outlook-on-life and Opinions-on-important-issues.

    Global Findings

    Half of the people globally (50%) agree that at present, socialist ideals are of great value for societal progress. Chinese people are most likely to agree (84%) followed by people from India (72%) and Malaysia (68%). This contrasts with the USA (39%), France (31%), and Hungary (28%). Respondents in Japan are least likely to agree, only two in ten of the Japanese (21%) believe that socialist ideals are of great value for societal progress. In Germany, almost every second respondent believes that socialist ideas continue to have value (45%).

    Nearly half of the people (48%) worldwide agree that socialism is a system of political oppression, mass surveillance and state terror. In India (66%), United States (61%) and South Korea (60%) almost two thirds agree with this negative evaluation. In contrast, only about one out of three agree in Sweden (34%), China (31%), Spain (30%) and Russia (29%). Nearly half of the German respondents (49%) perceive socialism as oppressive.
    Almost seven in ten people globally agree (66%) that free market competition brings out the best in people. People in India (86%) were most likely to agree followed by people from Malaysia (84%), Peru and South Africa (both 83%). In contrast, only about half of respondents in Sweden (52%), Belgium (51%), Germany (49%) and France (43%) agree. 

    Overall, half of the people who responded to the survey (52%) think that individual freedom is more important than social justice. People in India (72%), the US (66%) and South Africa (64%) are most likely to believe that individual freedom caries greater importance than social justice. Whereas people in Germany (38%), China (37%) and France (36%) are least likely to agree.
    Nearly seven in ten agree (69%) that it is right for people who are talented to earn more than those who are less gifted. Romanians, Russians (82% each), South Koreans and the Chinese (both 81%) are most likely to agree while only about half of the respondents in Belgium (56%), France (51%) and Germany (47%) think the same. 

    Across all 28 countries nearly eight in ten people (78%) think that the rich should be taxed more to support the poor. Agreement is highest in Spain (87%), Serbia, China (both 86%) and Russia (85%), whereas it is lowest in the USA (67%), Brazil (66%) and South Africa (58%). In Germany, 81% believe rich people should be taxed more to support the poor. 
    89 percent of all respondents think that education should be free of charge. Russians are most likely to agree (98%) followed by Serbs and Romanians (97% each). Respondents in Japan are least likely to believe that education should be free of charge (64%). The idea has considerable less (but still substantial) support in the USA and the South Africa (77% each).

    Most respondents believe that healthcare is a human right (87% each). Russians, Serbs and Mexicans are with 96% most likely to think this way. South Koreans (74%), people in the USA (72%) and respondents in Japan (47%) are least likely to agree. In Germany, well above eighty percent of agree that healthcare is a human right. 
    Asked whether every resident should have the right to unconditional basic income, 69% of all respondents agree. In Russia 95%, in Turkey 87% and in India 83% agree. Swedes (56%), Argentinians (53%) and people from Japan (38%) are least likely to agree.  In Germany, 70 percent of respondents believe that every resident should have the right to unconditional basic income.
    Only one third (33%) of all respondents think that the working class is well represented in the political system in their country. The statement finds most support in Saudi Arabia (64%), India (63%) and China (60%). The French (19%), Mexicans (19%) and people from Serbia (14%) are the least likely to agree. In Germany, only 35 percent agree that the working classes are well represented. 
    More than half of the people worldwide (62%) believe that their opinions are different from the opinions of others. In Russia (81%), Romania (77%) and Turkey (74%) most people think that their opinions are different from others. In Chile (51%), Great Britain (50%) and Australia (47%) around of half of the respondents regard their opinions as distinct. In Germany, 63 percent of respondents think that their opinions are different from others.
    Methodology

    In total 20,793were interviewed between 23.03 – 06.04, 2018. The survey was conducted in 28 countries around the world via the Ipsos Online Panel system (Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, France, Great Britain, Germany, Hungary, India, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Poland, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Turkey and the USA). 
    Approximately 1000 individuals aged 18-65 were surveyed in Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Romania, Spain, Great Britain, and the USA. Approximately 500 individuals aged 16-64 were surveyed in Argentina, Belgium, Chile, Hungary, India, Mexico, Peru, Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Turkey. 
    The precision of Ipsos online polls are calculated using a credibility interval with a poll of 1,000 accurate to +/- 3.5 percentage points and of 500 accurate to +/- 5.0 percentage points. For more information on the Ipsos use of credibility intervals, please visit the Ipsos website.

    Data are weighted to match the profile of the population. 17 of the 28 countries surveyed generate nationally representative samples in their countries (Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Poland, Rumania, Serbia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, and United States). Brazil, Chile, China, India, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and Turkey produce a national sample that is considered to represent a more affluent, connected population.  These are still a vital social group to understand in these countries, representing an important and emerging middle class.
     

  • India, US lead in VoD subs as global viewing increased 34 per cent

    India, US lead in VoD subs as global viewing increased 34 per cent

    MUMBAI: Millennial consumers worldwide lead the growth of online video consumption, according to a research report from Limelight Networks, a leader in digital content delivery.

    Taking a close look at consumers’ changing viewing habits, the annual report shows that the average global viewer watches online video five hours, 45 minutes each week and subscribes to one or more video on-demand (VoD) services.

    The report is based on a survey of 4,000 consumers ranging in age, gender, and education in France, Germany, India, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, the UK, and the US.

    The increasing shift to online viewing video is a global trend with viewers in India, Singapore, and the US spending the most time watching online videos, averaging seven hours, seven minutes; six hours, 37 minutes; and six hours, 35 minutes per week, respectively. Germany had the lowest rate of online video viewership at four hours, 14 minutes, and nearly half of respondents watching only one to two hours per week.

    “With the proliferation of online video content, viewers are moving away from traditional broadcast television viewing and have increasing expectations for broadcast-quality experiences,” said Limelight Networks senior director Michael Milligan.

    “Our research over time has shown a clear increase in expectations and decreasing patience with poor quality experiences.”

    Additional insight from the report includes:

    Millennials watch the most online video: Younger people watch the most online video, with viewers 18-25 averaging seven hours, 18 minutes per week and people 26-35 watching six hours, 53 minutes per week. Viewers 60 and older only watch three hours, 46 minutes per week.

    Growth of eSports: Although traditional sports programming was the third most watched type of online video content by men, males 18-25 watch more eSports and online video gaming than traditional sports programming.

    Consumers won’t waste time on a poor experience: Rebuffering (when a video pauses during playback to load more content) is the top frustration when viewing videos online – surpassing poor video quality and limited device access. If a video rebuffers twice, more than 61 per cent of viewers will stop watching. Only 15 per cent will continue watching after rebuffering happens for a third time.

    Smartphones gain popularity for viewing: Although computers and laptops are the primary online video viewing device globally, smartphones are the preferred device in India and South Korea. Smartphones are also the preferred device for millennials.

    Cable subs keep the cord, go further over-the-top: Despite cord-cutting concerns, the report uncovered that people subscribing to cable have twice as many over-the-top subscription services than those without cable.

    US and India lead subscriptions to online video streaming services: Consumers globally are signing on to streaming with 30 per cent of viewers noting they subscribe to two or more services. Subscription rates are highest in the U.S. and India, where 50.8 per cent and 46.8 per cent, respectively, subscribe to two or more services. In comparison, only 16.7 per cent of respondents in France subscribe to two or more services.

    Movies and TV shows lead online viewing: Globally, viewers spend more time online watching movies than any other type of content. However, viewers in South Korea and the U.K. watch TV shows most often. When viewed by gender, men prefer movies, while women prefer TV shows.

  • DSport acquires exclusive broadcast rights of European ‘Audi Cup’ football tournament

    MUMBAI: DSport, a sports TV channel by Discovery Communications India, has announced the acquisition of the broadcast rights of the fifth edition of the Audi Cup 2017, a biennial two-day football tournament featuring four top club teams of the world. 

    Held in odd years since the first edition in 2009, The Audi Cup is staged at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, before the start of the Bundesliga season. The fifth edition this year will see English legends Liverpool, Spain’s La Liga giants Atletico Madrid and Italian Serie A team Napoli take on hosts Bayern Munich over a two-day four match knockout for the coveted international title. 

    Hosts Bayern have won three out of the four editions held so far with Barcelona being the only other team to win in the second edition in 2011.

    The live and exclusive broadcast is scheduled from 1–3 August, 2017, at the following times:

    Telecast Timings:
    August 01: Match 1- Atletico Madrid vs Napoli @ 9 PM
    August 01: Match 2- Bayern Munich vs Liverpool @ 11.45 PM
    August 02: Match 3- Third-place playoff @ 9 PM
    August 02: Match 4- FINAL @ 11:45 PM

    Following the Audi Cup 2017 Final, DSport will also broadcast live & exclusive the game between Real Madrid and MLS All-Stars scheduled to begin in Soldier Field, Chicago, on 3 August at 6.30 AM IST.

    Also Read:

    DSport partners with Nodwin for eSports league’s maiden broadcast in India

    DSport bags rights of Chinese League, IPL on cards

    DSport acquires broadcast rights of ‘Ring of Honor’ & MMA ‘Cage Warriors’, first fight on 2 June

    DSPORT acquires long-term telecast rights for US Open Championship 

  • Virtual screens to start replacing TVs & theaters in a year, consumers expect: Ericsson

    MUMBAI: Ericsson ConsumerLab has reported that seven out of 10 consumers believe that virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) will become mainstream in media, education, work, social interaction, tourism and retail. Consumers expect virtual screens to start replacing televisions and theaters in less than a year.

    For VR and AR to merge with physical reality and become mainstream, 5G is crucial to provide mobility, improve social experiences and address nausea concerns.

    Ericsson has published its latest ConsumerLab report – Merged Reality – revealing insights into how consumers expect virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) to merge with physical reality, and that 5G will be a key technology for such experiences to become mainstream. The report reveals that when boundaries between people’s perception of physical and virtual reality start to blur, this could result in a drastic impact on lives and society. The way we live, work, and consume information and media will fundamentally change.

    Realities will not merge if the user is tethered to a computer or cut off from physical reality. Early adopters of VR/AR expect next-generation networks like 5G to play a central role. Thirty-six per cent have expectations on 5G to provide VR/AR mobility through a stable, fast and high-bandwidth network. Thirty per cent of early adopters also expect 5G to enable tethered headsets to become wireless.

    Key findings of the latest report include that seven out of 10 early adopters expect VR/AR to change everyday life fundamentally in six domains: media, education, work, social interaction, travel and retail. Media is already being transformed and consumers expect virtual screens to start replacing televisions and theaters in less than a year.

    The qualitative research in the report included an innovative focus group discussion series completely in VR with participants from North America and Europe, as well as traditional focus groups with current users of VR from Japan and South Korea. A series of qualitative VR tests with 20 Ericsson employees were also done to understand how lag in VR can trigger nausea.

    In the quantitative part of the study, the report presents insights from a survey of 9,200 consumers in France, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Spain, the UK and the US, aged between 15-69 with awareness of the concept of VR.