ITV

Tag: Mobile

  • Visiware releases IPTV game channel

    Visiware releases IPTV game channel

    MUMBAI: Visiware has announced the release of its IPTV game channel, a turnkey solution with portals, back office and the Playin’TV catalog of casual games, available on Flash and HTML.

    This channel is fully compatible with Playin’TV triple play game offering, allowing players to continue to play and compete on TV, mobile and Internet.

    More than 25 games are already available, all of them specially made for the big screen experience and remote navigation. Visiware has already provided IPTV networks such as UCC in Kuwait and T-Online in Germany, asserts an official release.

    Visiware chairman Laurant Weill said, “This is a great opportunity for networks to generate new revenues and for Visiware to reach new markets. We will not only provide technology and content but also a 10 years expertise in successfully marketing iTV games.”

    “Agreements with major IPTV partners raises the bar for compelling IPTV games which are missing from most current IPTV offers usually ported from the net, but on the web this is a very different experience and human interface. We are looking forward to deploying on many more markets within the next months,” he added.

    The triple play offer includes specific advantages: cross-platform contests and leaderboards, ranking and offering a game to a friend, adds the release.

  • Casbaa Convention 2007: It’s all about content

    Casbaa Convention 2007: It’s all about content

    MUMBAI: The Casbaa Convention 2007 will be staged from 30 October to 2 November at Hong Kong’s Academy for Performing Arts. The theme this year has been set to ‘It’s all about content’.

    Casbaa chairman Marcel Fenez said, “Focusing on the most vital market driver for pay-TV services, video content, the Convention 2007 will highlight how the relationship between content, carriage, customers and revenue is indivisible.”

    “There is now a deeper industry-wide recognition that whether the platform is cable, satellite, broadband, mobile or any other delivery mode consumers ultimately pay for the images on screen,” he added.

    According to Casbaa, with the need to maximise viewership and revenues in a world of proliferating channels, the delineation of quality niche products is gaining ever greater relevance. Meanwhile, a more sophisticated understanding of consumer behaviour and the development of related marketing campaigns all flow back to the core product: compelling content.

    The ever-changing technology landscape will also feature strongly during the Casbaa Convention 2007, as will the mega-markets of China and India and the still green-field markets of Indonesia and Vietnam, asserts an official release.

    The annual Casbaa Convention brings together broadcast executives and technology specialists from Asia and around the world to exchange views and information during high-powered interactive debates.

    Casbaa CEO Simon Twiston Davies said, “This is where Asia’s pay-TV decision-makers meet market dynamics head on. First comes carriage, but then you need content.”

  • Verizon looks to take convergence between TV, mobile, net to the next level

    Verizon looks to take convergence between TV, mobile, net to the next level

    MUMBAI: “We are the Broadband company.”

    That is the message that US telecom major Verizon wants to send out to consumers and the industry.

     
    At the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas Verizon’s new president and COO Denny Strigl said that the company is leading the way in the next revolution of television. “With the strength of our powerful wireless and fiber networks, we have transformed our business into one of the world’s greatest content-delivery systems”.

    To prove the point, Strigl, accompanied by two of Verizon’s most senior executives, introduced new products that marry the phone, the Internet and television for consumers in ways not available from any other company.

    Verizon has introduced FiOS digital media new interactive programme guide and a platform that offers the company’s base of FiOS TV customers a myriad of multimedia applications linking television, the Internet, personal computers and phones. Both will be available in the first half of the year.

    At the same time, Verizon Wireless raised the curtain on V Cast Mobile TV which is expected to be available in the first quarter of 2007.

    Strigl detailed the two-fold strategy behind these products, which crystallises the changing nature of Verizon’s consumer business. “At Verizon, we build great networks and we offer great content. We have built the nation’s most comprehensive all-digital broadband fiber network that reaches all the way into individual homes, while we offer the most reliable
    wireless voice and data network, period.”

    Verizon FiOS provides homes and businesses in 16 states in the US with up to 50 megabits of Internet speed, and FiOS TV is already available in more than 200 cities in 10 states. Verizon Wireless’ broadband network covers more than 200 million people, offering V Cast Video, V Cast Music and BroadbandAccess for high-speed laptop and PDA connectivity.

    Strigl adds, “Our parallel networks of fiber and wireless create a delivery system for the high-bandwidth content of today, and will meet consumers’ needs for years to come”.

    Verizon says that its fiber and wireless broadband networks, and their reach, quality and speeds, provide the basis for advancing existing partnerships with technology companies such as Qualcomm. In addition, relationships with leading content providers, appearing on FiOS TV, on Verizon Online and in a variety of mobile platforms to package, format and program TV content, will combine to deliver a suprior overall TV experience says the firm.

  • Sky, Google unveil broadband alliance

    Sky, Google unveil broadband alliance

     MUMBAI: UK pay TV service provider BSkyB and the world’s most valuable media firm Google have announced plans to work together in bringing ground-breaking web-based services to Sky’s community of broadband internet customers.

    The set of multi-year agreements sees two of innovators in technology and entertainment join forces to create a customised experience for Sky Broadband customers.

    Sky will be Google’s first partner globally to deploy Google’s suite of search, advertising, communications and video services, all of which will be tailored and branded for Sky’s fast-growing broadband platform. Sky aims to ensure that its broadband customers enjoy the best possible online user experience with customised access to the full benefits of Google’s evolving suite of innovative products for PC, TV and mobile.

    Sky and Google will collaborate in three areas:

    Video: Sky will launch a multi-platform User Generated Video (UGV) portal powered by the first global deployment of Google’s syndicated video content tools. The site will allow users to edit, upload and share their own video content, including the facility to upload and download from a mobile phone. The UGV portal will form part of a content-rich experience for Sky Broadband customers that will enhance the appeal of Sky’s broadband services, build community and promote Sky content to online audiences.

    Communications: Sky Broadband customers will enjoy access to an online communications platform. This will include a fully customised version of Google’s email product, ‘Google Mail’, which will use the popular ‘@sky.com’ email address. Powered by Google with a user interface and functionality customised to Sky’s unique specifications, the platform will also offer access to key communications applications that attract and deepen relationships with internet users, such as contacts, calendar and instant messaging.

    In addition, Sky will explore opportunities to provide further services such as Google’s VoIP (voice over internet protocol) telephony services, enhanced storage and future product developments.

    Search and advertising Google will provide its search tools and targetted search advertising across Sky’s portfolio of online sites. The two companies will also explore future forms of web, TV and mobile advertising. Revenue generated by click-throughs on sponsored links will be shared between Sky and Google, increasing Sky’s exposure to the fastest growing segment of the UK’s advertising market.

    Sky CEO James Murdoch said, “These agreements will bring Sky customers a valuable set of services from the world’s leading search company, including cutting edge tools for video sharing and communications. Google has pioneered many of the web’s most loved and used features, so I’m delighted that Sky Broadband customers will be the very first

    online community to enjoy such unrivalled range and quality as well as a commitment to further innovation.

    In a short time, Sky says that it has emerged as an effective challenger by offering high-quality broadband that offers greater value than traditional cable and telcos. Sky says that it is on track to build a large and successful broadband business and is increasingly well positioned to participate in the rapid growth of online search and advertising.’

    Google chairman and CEO Eric Schmidt said, “Google is committed to giving people the power to explore, create and communicate. This alliance with Sky brings together two of the most innovative media and technology companies for the benefit of users. We will be delivering exciting new services for Sky Broadband customers all over the UK. We’re delighted to team up with Sky in one of the world’s most dynamic markets and we look forward to working together in the years to come.”
     

  • Sony Pictures to distribute Peace Arch’s TV show ‘The Tudors’ globally

    Sony Pictures to distribute Peace Arch’s TV show ‘The Tudors’ globally

    MUMBAI: Canadian firm Peace Arch Entertainment has announced that Sony Pictures Entertainment has acquired the distribution rights outside the US for DVD, television, mobile and new media for the 10-part television series The Tudors.

    Showtime Networks holds the US distribution rights to The Tudors scheduled to premiere in the US next year.

    The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation will broadcast the show in Canada, where Peace Arch Home Entertainment will distribute on DVD.

    The show tells the tale of the young, powerful, seductive King Henry VIII, focusing on the tumultuous early years of the ambitious King’s nearly 40-year reign of England. Bold and passionate about his country and his women, Henry’s obsession with ensuring his legacy led to beheadings of friend and foe, waging war, and challenging the almighty Catholic Church of England, forever changing the soul of the British Empire.

    The Tudors stars Golden Globewinning actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers Match Point, Bend It Like Beckham as the young, sexy and ruthless King Henry VIII; Sam Neill Jurassic Park plays Cardinal Thomas Wolsey – a minister who possessed great power until he failed his King; Henry Czerny Mission Impossible plays The Duke of Norfolk who learned that the only thing that mattered was winning and keeping the favor of the King.

    Jeremy Northam Gosford Park plays Sir Thomas More – a man whose principles sent him to the chopping block; Gabrielle Anwar Things To Do In Denver When You’re Dead plays Princess Margaret, Henry’s spoiled sister who was married off to become Queen of Scotland.

  • Warner creates digital production venture to make content for broadband, mobile

    Warner creates digital production venture to make content for broadband, mobile

    MUMBAI: The Warner Bros. Television Group (WBTG) is establishing a new digital production venture Studio 2.0.

    This will work with creative talent and advertisers to create original live-action and animated short-form programming for broadband and wireless devices.

    WBTVG has tapped producer and senior advertising executive Rich Rosenthal to head Studio 2.0. These announcements were made by WBTG president Bruce Rosenblum. The venture will be overseen by WBTG executive VP Craig Hunegs.

    Studio 2.0 will provide a creative platform for the Television Group’s established as well as up-and-coming talent to produce content of varying lengths – from multiple-episode series to one-offs. Rosenthal will actively align Studio 2.0 with advertisers seeking early identification and involvement with original programming. They will develop projects through independent creative resources as well as through the various in-place Warner Bros. Television Group production arms.

    Studio 2.0 will look to license the programming to online sites, portals and wireless providers in collaboration with the recently formed Warner Bros. Digital Distribution.

    Rosenblum says, “What has become eminently clear is that our advertising partners in our traditional television businesses are anxious to work in collaboration with the creative community to develop original digital content.

    “At our core, we are a content creation company and Studio 2.0 is a natural, yet extraordinarily exciting, extension of our television production businesses. We are confident that Rich and Studio 2.0 will successfully provide advertisers with cutting edge tools that will integrate their brands with inventive digital content in fresh, impactful and meaningful ways.

    “At the same time, Studio 2.0 will present our creative partners in our television production divisions with a vibrant platform to express their vision in expanding digital arenas and allow us to collaborate with Simon Kenny (President, Warner Bros. Digital Distribution) and his team on terrific content for digital distribution.”

    Hunegs says, “Rich’s breadth of advertising experience, both as a creative and production exec, and the wide array of advertisers, brands and companies for which he has created, make him the ideal choice to run Studio 2.0. It is a coup to have him join us”.

    Time Warner Global Marketing, the cross-divisional client partnerships arm of Time Warner, will work closely with Rosenthal and Time Warner advertising clients.

  • Asianet in deal with Reliance Communications to offer programmes on mobile

    Asianet in deal with Reliance Communications to offer programmes on mobile

    MUMBAI: Reliance Communications has tied up with Malayalam television network Asianet to offer Asianet news live (streaming & clips) and other key programs on Reliance Mobile World, the data service suite of Reliance Mobile.

    With this, Malayalees across the country will not only able to watch the live video streaming of the Asianet news on Reliance Mobile but also download video clips of popular Asianet programmes, states an official release.

    Munshi, one of the popular programmes of the channel is also available as video clip for Reliance mobile customers. While the live video streaming of Asianet News is currently available on Nokia 6235,Nokia 6255 and Nokia 6265 handsets, the video clips of headline news with intervals and other programs are available on all Java enabled phones, the release adds.

    “We are delighted to offer this service that is powered by the technological advantage of our network” says Reliance Communications circle head Ashok Ghose. “This initiative is in line with our commitment to fulfilling customer aspirations that is changing constantly. We hope that all viewers of Asianet and Reliance mobile customers will enjoy this new mobile TV concept, which provides access to the Asianet News live whenever, and wherever they are within the purview of the Reliance network.” he adds.

  • BSkyB bags Mobile TV broadcast rights to Premiere League soccer

    BSkyB bags Mobile TV broadcast rights to Premiere League soccer

    MUMBAI: Overcoming fierce competition from a consortium fronted by sports agency TWI and backed by the UK’s five mobile phone networks – Orange, Vodafone, 3, T-Mobile and O2, UK pay TV broadcaster BSkyB won the rights to telecast Premier League football matches on mobile phones.

    The rights will permit BSkyB to broadcast highlights on mobiles from the start of the 2007/8 season. With this property, BSkyB now has a share of all three types of domestic rights auctioned by the Premier League: Television, online and mobile.

    Earlier this year BSkyB won four of the six live TV rights packages and BSkyB and BT won the right to carry 242 “near-live” league matches each season online.
     

  • What content will work on Mobile still the big question

    What content will work on Mobile still the big question

    SINGAPORE: Though a lot is being said about mobile TV and visual content, yet what sort of content will really make waves is not very clear. At the recently concluded Broadcast Asiat 2006, one saw a considerable interest amongst vendors and operators, including broadcasters for the reduction of commercial mobile television services. Basically two methods are being used streaming and broadcasting.

    For broadcasting, a number of standards have been developed to offer mobile broadcast TV, including DVB-H, DMB, ISDB-T and NediaFLO.

    Speaking on a session on synergies and convergance on mobile TV, on how to optimise content for the mobile, Laurant Weill, president Visiware said, “The idea is to make use of interactive tools, and deliver video content on 3G platforms. Content providers should aim to convert mini series into four minute clips or so. Also, try to repurpose the available or create altogether new content. We should also try and summarise the existing standard TV formats. Make automatic clips of a existing news programming as conusmers want to see a V-navigator experience.”

    I-pop executive VP Colin Miles added, “The applications have to be synchronized with the existing TV shows and thanks to use of sms we already have interactive audience who will be more than willing to try new content.”

    While mobile TV services are in their infancy and both research and adoption levels suggest that in the medium term they have potential to generate significant revenues, Juniper Research believes that the total market for streamed and broadcast TV services will increase from $136 million to more than $7.6 billion by 2010.

    NPTV marketing director Laurent Chouraqui was of the opinion that the number of standards developed to offer mobile broadcasters including DVB-H, DMB, ISDB-T amd MediaFlo will help the synchronization of TV content. But over a period of time content users should ease the creation of mobile content for consumers. Make automatic clips of a existing news programming as consumers want to see a V-navigator experience.

    He added, “Linear content will not work on Mobile. New and interesting content will have to be developed. Like, for example the best moments of the World Cup. So, the challenge is really is developing fone minute content, special teasers and mini series.”

  • ATI, Nokia in strategic partnership for mobile multimedia technology

    MUMBAI: Canada-headquartered 3D graphics and digital media silicon solutions provider ATI Technologies Inc. and Nokia have entered into a long-term strategic relationship to bring enhanced mobile multimedia experiences to Nokia customers.

    The companies are now working closely together to drive multimedia experiences such as music playback, 3D gaming, mobile TV, video and more for Nokia mobile device users worldwide.

    “Working with ATI underscores the commitment that Nokia has in providing unparalleled mobile multimedia experiences to consumers. With the mobile device now at the center of people‘s lives, we want people to have access to fantastic mobile content when and where they want. We are announcing our collaboration with ATI now, so that developers have the next 12 to 18 months to be innovative and create world class mobile multimedia experiences,” said Nokia senior vice president multimedia experiences Ilkka Raiskinen.

    With mobile devices becoming ever more powerful and complex, ATI and Nokia are working to drive the complexity out of multimedia development by promoting open standards and providing integrated hardware, software and tools. In this way, developers need only create content once for consumers to enjoy on a range of devices. Specifically, ATI aims to provide a dedicated tools chain and software development kit (SDK) for developers in the fall of 2006. ATI and Nokia will also hold a series of joint workshops in the second half of this year to showcase the environment to key developers, states an official release.

     

    “Our role is to enable all content, from ultra-high quality music playback to 3D gaming, and we‘ll jointly guide and support the members of the content development community as they focus on creating amazing user experiences. With a shared vision of how multimedia impacts the mobile market, Nokia and ATI are providing much needed direction and a framework to move the whole industry forward,” said ATI vice president and general manager handheld products Paul Dal Santo.