ITV

Tag: OTT

  • FanCode crowned India’s numero uno sports app, ranks ninth globally

    FanCode crowned India’s numero uno sports app, ranks ninth globally

    MUMBAI: FanCode has officially made history.

    Crowned India’s most-downloaded sports app and ranked ninth globally, it continues to redefine how fans experience sports, as per the Sensor Tower State of Mobile 2025 report.

    By the numbers:

    . Third among all sports apps in India for total downloads in 2024.

    .  Number one in Asia-Pacific for in-app purchase growth – premium sports content is booming!

    .  Eight in Asia-Pacific for monthly active users, proving FanCode keeps fans engaged.

    Built by fans, for fans, FanCode co-founder Yannick Colaco shared on LinkedIn, “Five years ago, we set out to change the way Indian sports fans engage with their favourite games. Seeing FanCode become a daily habit for millions is amazing. And trust me, we’re just getting started!”

    Co-founder Prasana Krishnan added, “Being recognised as India’s top sports entertainment app and ranking among the top sports apps globally is a testament to the passion of our users and the dedication of our team. In just over five years, we’ve come a long way to deliver a world-class sports experience.  And there’s lots more to come.”

    FanCode ensures fans never miss a match. 

  • Tata Sons seeks CCI green signal for additional 10 per cent stake in Tata Play

    Tata Sons seeks CCI green signal for additional 10 per cent stake in Tata Play

    MUMBAI: Tata Sons, the promoter of The Tata group, is seeking to own a larger slice of its distribution platform operator Tata Play. It has sought approval from india’s fair trade regulator, the Competition Commission of India (CCI), to acquire an additional 10 per cent  stake in Tata Play. The stake will be purchased from Baytree Investments (Mauritius) Pte Ltd, an affiliate of Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund, Temasek Holdings.

    Currently holding a 60 per cent stake in Tata Play, Tata Sons’ acquisition will increase its ownership to 70 per cent. Tata Sons is an investment holding company registered as a core investment company with the Reserve Bank of India, classified as a systemically important non-deposit taking core investment company.

    Tata Play, formerly known as Tata Sky, is a leading content distribution platform in India, offering pay TV  and direct-to-home (DTH) services. it also operates Tata Play Binge, an over-the-top (OTT) platform that aggregates popular streaming apps under a single subscription model.

    The proposed transaction has been notified to the CCI under sections 6(2) and 5(a) of the Competition Act, 2002. these provisions mandate regulatory approval for acquisitions exceeding certain thresholds.

    Both Tata Play and Tata Sons have asserted that the transaction will not adversely affect competition in any relevant market. They have appealed to the  CCI to  examine the deal in the context of India’s wired broadband internet services and the complementary linkages between Tata Sons’ internet services and Tata Play’s online platforms.

    Meanwhile, the buzz of a transaction between Airtel and Tata Play taking place seems to have died down. Apparently, valuations are an issue and the further loss of subscribers by the  pay TV ecosystem has put a dampener in any deal going forward, reveal sources close to the conversation. Also, the earlier transaction between the Essel group Dish TV and Videocond2h didn’t yield any clear identifiable long term benefits for the former as it struggles to sustain itself in a sector that is being gnawed away at by DD’s free DTH service FreeDish, and low cost streaming services. 

    And going by the way that Tata Sons has applied to the CCI is it possible that the group has decided to retain its broadband part of Tata Play while letting go off of the video services portion the Distribution platform operator provides?If that is the case, then who is the buyer?  Or is it that the group still sees potential in both the video and internet delivery components of Tata Play and has decided to continue to invest in both? The Tata group is not talking;  neither is Tata Play.

    Guess, we will have to keep watching this space. 

  • Amazon MX Player-Shikhar Dhawan form a superhit jodi for free entertainment

    Amazon MX Player-Shikhar Dhawan form a superhit jodi for free entertainment

    MUMBAI: Entertainment just got a lot more exciting!

    Amazon MX Player, fresh off Amazon’s acquisition of its key assets, is out to prove that it’s not just another streaming service—it’s the free entertainment revolution India’s been waiting for.

    And how does it plan to do that? By launching a hilarious new campaign starring cricketer Shikhar Dhawan and social media sensation Orry, the ultimate “Superhit Jodi” redefining OTT coolness.

    Amazon MX Player’s latest campaign screams one thing: free entertainment, no strings attached. Amazon MX Player, head of marketing, product & tech Aruna Daryanani shared, “Our vision is to bring premium-quality content to every Indian without any cost. The ‘Shikhar x Orry’ campaign highlights this promise with a dash of humour and a whole lot of fun. Whether it’s cricket, comedy, or content, Amazon MX Player is here to deliver on all fronts!”

    Can we take a moment to appreciate the brilliance of this dynamic duo? Pairing Dhawan’s effortless cool with Orry’s hilarious charm is nothing short of genius.

    Dhawan summed up his excitement, saying, “Entertainment, like cricket, unites people. Collaborating with Amazon MX Player was a joyride. The ‘Shikhar x Orry’ campaign perfectly reflects the fun and inclusivity of this platform. Amazon MX Player is raising the bar in free entertainment, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.”

    Orry chimed in, adding his signature flair, “Shooting this campaign was pure fun! Pairing with Shikhar brought all the ‘jodi vibes.’ Amazon MX Player’s commitment to providing free, top-notch content makes it a game-changer. Can’t wait for audiences to experience this fresh, fun concept!”

    What makes Amazon MX Player the real MVP?

    1    No T&C, Just Free: Forget subscriptions. Amazon MX Player is 100% free.

    2    Content Galore: From international hits to new originals and Bollywood classics, they’ve got it all.

    3    Accessibility: Available on mobile apps, Connected TVs, Amazon Shopping, Prime Video, and Fire TV.

    4    Genre Wonderland: Romance, drama, thrillers, action—you name it, they stream it.

    With such a massive library, the “Watch Free, No T&C” promise ensures everyone gets to enjoy the magic of OTT without breaking the bank.

    This isn’t just about free content. It’s about a platform that genuinely understands its audience. From cricket fans to meme creators, Amazon MX Player is all set to connect with millions. Plus, who doesn’t want to laugh along with Shikhar and Orry?

    Amazon MX Player has you covered (for free). Ready to binge?

  • Drowning in content: Filmmakers and streamers battle Content Indigestion

    Drowning in content: Filmmakers and streamers battle Content Indigestion

    MUMBAI: From binge-worthy series to endless cooking reels, do you ever feel like you’re drowning in content? You’re not alone. The streaming world is bursting at the seams, and while we enjoy the buffet of stories, filmmakers and streamers are battling what writer Prasoon Joshi aptly calls ‘Content Indigestion’. As billions of choices flood our screens, are we losing the ability to truly savour what we watch?

    India’s content landscape is nothing short of a digital deluge.

    With 523 million broadband users, the average Indian spends seven to eight hours a day glued to their screens. Add to this 900 TV channels, 1,600 films annually, and over 60 streaming apps, and you’ve got a recipe for content overload. Did we mention that YouTube alone uploads 500 hours of video every minute?

    That’s more content than a goldfish’s attention span can handle. (Yes, a goldfish has a 9-second attention span, while ours is apparently a pitiful 8 seconds.)

    The internet was supposed to be our great democratiser. It turned every kitchen into a cooking show and every mimic into a global star.

    But here’s the kicker: when everyone’s creating, who’s watching? The line between creators and audiences has blurred, leaving platforms like Google and Meta to call the shots. Forget reruns and classics; today, content that doesn’t trend is as good as forgotten.

    Remember when stardom lasted decades? Now it barely survives the weekend. In a market saturated with choices, even the best content struggles to make a mark. Filmmakers are baffled, streamers are desperate, and the rest of us are just trying to remember the plot of the show we binged last night.

    What does this mean for the business of content? Rising expectations have pushed production costs up by 200 per cent to 400 per cent, forcing platforms to adopt TV-like ad tiers and sports programming to stay relevant.

    Can filmmakers and streamers find the cure for Content Indigestion?

    Writer and adman Prasoon Joshi hopes that this chaos will eventually churn out some nectar. As creators and platforms grapple with this overwhelming buffet, is there light at the end of the screen? Perhaps it’s time to ask ourselves: Do we really need more content, or do we need better content?

    Yes, we’re drowning in content. Yes, our attention spans are dwindling. But maybe, just maybe, this chaotic phase will help us discover stories that truly resonate. Until then, keep scrolling, binge-watching, and questioning if you’re part of the problem.

  • Prasar Bharati’s Waves OTT now on Jio Stores, expanding Indian content access

    Prasar Bharati’s Waves OTT now on Jio Stores, expanding Indian content access

    MUMBAI: In the bustling streets of Mumbai, where skyscrapers narrate tales of ambition, one name consistently towers above the rest—Mukesh Ambani.

    The maestro of business expansion has struck again, this time joining forces with Prasar Bharati, India’s cherished custodian of cultural narratives.

    In a move that seamlessly blends legacy with technology, the public broadcaster’s OTT platform, Waves, now graces the Jio Store shelves, promising a cinematic journey through India’s heart and heritage.

    Imagine the allure: archives of Doordarshan’s golden era, the timeless melodies of All India Radio, and an array of fresh originals—all a tap away for millions of Jio users. This partnership isn’t just about streaming content; it’s a bridge connecting India’s storied past with its digital future, hand-delivered by Ambani’s ever-expanding empire.

    Is there a realm Mukesh Ambani doesn’t touch? It seems unlikely, as Jio continues to rewire how India consumes entertainment, one milestone at a time.

    Since its launch, Waves has rapidly garnered attention, amassing over one million downloads and positioning itself as a premier destination for Indian audiences. With this collaboration, Waves takes a strategic leap to become accessible across all Jio devices, leveraging the telecom giant’s expansive reach and connectivity.

    Imagine how India’s rich cultural tapestry can now reach every corner of the nation? With Waves on Jio Stores.

    Waves offers something for everyone:

    . Original Content: Explore new fiction and non-fiction programming.

    . Legacy Programming: Rediscover classic shows from Doordarshan archives.

    . Live Events: Stream real-time happenings from across the nation.

    . Gaming and E-Commerce: A unique blend of entertainment and interaction.

    . Nostalgia Features: Enjoy photo albums and magazines highlighting India’s heritage.

    This diverse lineup ensures that Waves caters to audiences of all ages and preferences. As the platform grows, its popularity underscores a collective demand for authentic Indian storytelling.

    Prasar Bharati CEO Gaurav Dwivedi expressed his optimism about this partnership, “We are thrilled to take Waves to the next level by making it available to Jio users. The platform has already received a fantastic response, and with Jio’s vast subscriber base, we are excited to introduce our diverse and compelling content, which includes – Nostalgia, Live Channels, Magazines, Photo Albums, etc., to even more homes.”

    A Jio spokesperson added, “We are excited to partner with Prasar Bharati to offer Waves to our users. This partnership offers a wider content offering to audiences at large and ensures that they are able to choose from the best.”

    Why does this partnership even matter?

    The inclusion of Waves on Jio Stores signifies a blending of modern technology with the cultural essence of India. It underscores Prasar Bharati’s mission to preserve India’s heritage while ensuring it resonates with contemporary audiences.

    From classic TV dramas to innovative new content, Waves aims to deliver a robust digital entertainment experience that celebrates India’s diversity.

    Are you ready to surf India’s cultural treasures with Waves?

     

  • Hari Om OTT offers free subscriptions at Maha Kumbh Mela 2025

    Hari Om OTT offers free subscriptions at Maha Kumbh Mela 2025

    MUMBAI: Amidst the sacred chants, the rhythmic clang of temple bells, and the timeless ritual of dipping into the holy Ganges, a new chapter in India’s devotional journey is being written.

    What began decades ago with Doordarshan bringing the Maha Kumbh into Indian living rooms has now evolved into a digital revolution.

    Have you ever wondered how ancient traditions meet modern technology? Hari Om, India’s first devotional OTT platform, is stepping into this celestial spotlight, offering free subscriptions to all attendees of the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025.

    Set against the backdrop of Prayagraj’s historic ghats, this Maha Kumbh is unlike any other. Held after an extraordinary 144-year gap, thanks to a rare planetary alignment, the gathering promises to be one of the largest spiritual congregations in human history.

    Hari Om’s initiative ensures that even those unable to attend can virtually partake in the grandeur, bringing the soulful experience of India’s most cherished spiritual festival to screens worldwide.

    As the world converges in Prayagraj from 13 January to 26 February 2025, Hari Om OTT promises not just to connect hearts, but also to bridge tradition with technology, making the divine accessible to all.

    Hari Om strives to connect India’s rich spiritual heritage with today’s tech-savvy audience. The platform features over 20 devotional shows, including popular titles like Shri Tirupati Balaji, Mata Saraswati, Jai Maha Lakshmi, and Jai Jagannath. Beyond streaming, it offers a comprehensive devotional experience, with features such as:

    . Video and audio bhajans

    . Animated devotional stories

    . Live aartis from prominent temples

    . Prasad booking services

    .  Donation options

    . Spiritual podcasts

    This user-friendly platform aims to be a one-stop destination for spiritual engagement, bringing devotion closer to the hearts of millions.

    Hari Om founder, Vibhu Agarwal shared his excitement about the initiative, “We are thrilled to associate with India’s biggest festival, the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025. Devotees attending the Kumbh often seek cultural and religious content to preserve the essence of Sanatan Dharma. As a token of appreciation, we are offering free subscriptions to our platform, giving back to those experiencing this monumental cultural event in our country.”

    Wouldn’t it be amazing to explore devotional shows and live aartis right from your device while participating in such a massive event?

    The Maha Kumbh Mela exemplifies India’s spiritual and cultural richness. Hari Om’s partnership with the festival showcases how technology can enhance the traditional experience. The OTT platform enables devotees to carry the essence of the Kumbh back home, with its 24/7 access to prayers, bhajans, and stories of divine deities.

    As millions gather on the ghats of Prayagraj to celebrate the Maha Kumbh, Hari Om is poised to become an integral part of their spiritual journey. This initiative highlights how faith, tradition, and technology can come together to create meaningful experiences.

    Would you like to explore the divine at your fingertips? The Maha Kumbh and Hari Om make it possible.

  • Nick Nikolov launches GLE – Global Light Entertainment LLC

    Nick Nikolov launches GLE – Global Light Entertainment LLC

    MUMBAI: Dubai-based media & entertainment executive Nick Nikolov has launched his own firm  GLE – Global Light Entertainment LLC, and announcement he mad recently on Linkedin. As its CEO, Nikolov  aims to forge strategic collaborations with telecom and TV operators, driving a new era of engaging and accessible TV entertainment.

    “My idea is to  steer GLE toward fostering innovative partnerships and redefining television entertainment globally,” he said. 

    Based in the United Arab Emirates, Nikolov brings decades of expertise in content strategy, business development, and media production. 

    Nikolov’s extensive career spans more than two decades, highlighted by pivotal roles such as CEO of Global Network TV Channels, and managing director of Sky Pal Network. His diverse portfolio includes leading content strategies for pay TV, IPTV, OTT, and VOD platforms, reflecting a profound understanding of the evolving media landscape.

    He also established and managed Mimyuni Media Entertainment Ltd., an influential media company where he served for nearly 16 years, delivering premium media solutions across international markets.

    Prior to getting into television, Nikolov worked for more than fifteen years in advertising and marketing in agencies and companies like Mondelez, L’Oreal, O&M, M&C Saatchi, in Russia, Europe and London. 

    A strong advocate for lifelong learning, Nikolov holds advanced degrees in business administration, NLP business communications, and film/TV production from prestigious institutions like London Business School, NLP University New York, and London Film Academy. His cinematic background, coupled with his business acumen, uniquely positions him to bridge creative and operational aspects in the entertainment sector
     

  • Zee5-Jio Studios join forces to launch Hisaab Barabar and Mrs.

    Zee5-Jio Studios join forces to launch Hisaab Barabar and Mrs.

    MUMBAI: Last year’s collaborations had the internet buzzing, and this year, the trend isn’t slowing down!

    Zee5, India’s beloved homegrown streaming giant, has joined forces with Jio Studios, the media powerhouse of Reliance Industries, to unveil not one but two exclusive cinematic gems.

    Get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions as Hisaab Barabar and Mrs. bring larger-than-life storytelling right to your screens.

    With Hisaab Barabar premiering on 24 January in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, and the release date for Mrs. just around the corner, this dynamic partnership promises to redefine entertainment for fans across India.

    Hisaab Barabar, a satirical social drama starring R. Madhavan, takes a hard-hitting yet humorous approach to the issue of financial fraud. The film follows a common man’s relentless fight to expose a corporate bank’s billion-dollar scam.

    Mrs., featuring Sanya Malhotra, explores the nuanced journey of a housewife navigating societal expectations and personal struggles, promising a poignant blend of drama and resilience.

    These films aim to elevate Zee5’s already robust portfolio of impactful and entertaining content.

    Zee5 chief business officer, Sivakumar Chinnasamy highlighted the platform’s commitment to offering premium content, “At Zee5, we are driven by the goal of providing high-quality and engaging content. Our partnership with Jio Studios brings two remarkable films—Hisaab Barabar and Mrs.—to our subscribers. These films embody meaningful storytelling that resonates deeply with audiences. We remain committed to expanding our rich content library and delivering innovative narratives.”

    Jio Studios COO & CFO, Priyanka Chaudhary added, “We’ve had an exceptional 2024 and are thrilled to collaborate with Zee5 to bring cinematic gems like Mrs. and Hisaab Barabar to audiences. Mrs. has garnered acclaim at prestigious festivals, and Hisaab Barabar delivers a bold narrative on financial corruption. This partnership marks a new chapter in delivering high-quality, engaging content to viewers.”

    With rising demand for original and diverse stories, Zee5 continues to enhance its portfolio by collaborating with leading studios like Jio Studios. This partnership underscores Zee5’s role as a pioneer in delivering premium and thought-provoking entertainment to Indian viewers.

  • Why Indian broadcast and OTT needs to adopt the ST 2110 standard in 2025

    Why Indian broadcast and OTT needs to adopt the ST 2110 standard in 2025

    MUMBAI: The media and entertainment industry is in the midst of rapid transformation, driven by evolving technologies and shifting workflows. As broadcasters and media companies adapt to meet new challenges, trends like artificial intelligence (AI), cloud-based production, IP infrastructure, and the rise of OTT platforms are reshaping how content is created, managed, and delivered.

    Among these innovations, the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) ST 2110 standard continues to play a pivotal role, offering a scalable and flexible foundation for the industry’s evolving needs. This article explores the key trends redefining media workflows, including the significant growth of OTT services, particularly in high-demand regions like India, and highlights why  SMPTE ST 2110 remains essential in this changing landscape.

    (For those not in the know: ST 2110 is a suite of standards from the that describes how to send digital media over an IP network. It is intended to be used within broadcast production and distribution facilities where quality and flexibility are more important than bandwidth efficiency)

    Key Trends in 2024: AI, Cloud, and IP Integration

    Three trends have stood out prominently in 2024: artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud platforms for live production. While AI has generated buzz for its potential efficiencies and cost savings, it has also raised challenges around legitimacy, trust, and synthetic content. Still, AI continues to drive backend efficiencies, particularly in media asset management and post-production workflows.

    The OTT boom in India is primarily driven by affordable data plans and smartphone penetration, with platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime competing against domestic players such as Zee5 and ALTBalaji. This growth highlights the need for robust, scalable infrastructure to manage diverse, multilingual content streams and deliver low-latency viewing experiences to millions of users daily.

    Cloud platforms have equally made waves, enabling virtualized software stacks for live production, post-production, and content delivery. Yet challenges like latency, bandwidth, and the capex vs. opex debate have slowed widespread adoption. This is especially true in regions experiencing a rapid rise in OTT consumption, like India, where cloud-based production is critical for supporting the massive demand for mobile-first content delivery and regional programming.
     

    ST 2110 as a Backbone for Integration

    As cloud and OTT workflows rise, ST 2110 remains central to modernising media production. Initially developed to replace SDI limitations, ST 2110 has become the standard for scalable, low-latency, uncompressed IP workflows. By enabling unified transport for video, audio, and metadata on a single fabric, ST 2110 simplifies operations and reduces hardware dependencies—key for supporting the complex workflows of OTT platforms producing original content and live events.

    For regions like India, where demand for OTT-driven production is surging, ST 2110 offers the flexibility to manage traditional broadcast workflows and the rapid scaling required to meet OTT platform expectations. The ability to integrate on-premise systems with cloud-based workflows positions ST 2110 as a critical enabler for companies delivering content across traditional broadcast and streaming platforms.

    However, adoption isn’t without challenges. The high cost of entry limits ST 2110 to more prominent broadcasters and media companies, where SDI inefficiencies justify the transition. Smaller players—many of whom power regional OTT content in India—will continue leveraging SDI workflows until more cost-effective solutions emerge.

    Trends Impacting ST 2110 Adoption

    In 2024, hybrid models integrating cloud-based and on-premise workflows gained momentum. While cloud platforms offer elasticity and scalability, concerns around latency and bandwidth persist. Many broadcasters and OTT platforms are experimenting with cloud tools to scale content delivery quickly, particularly for live OTT events and regional programming that demand agility.

    The slow adoption of cloud tools also reflects economic realities—especially for OTT platforms in price-sensitive markets like India, where flexible pricing and ad-supported models remain key. This makes hybrid workflows an attractive solution, offering the best of cloud-based scalability and on-premise reliability.

    ST 2110 complements this shift by providing a scalable foundation that allows broadcasters and OTT platforms to connect on-premise production with cloud tools. As platforms in India and beyond experiment with live streaming, disaster recovery, and temporary event production, ST 2110 enables seamless transitions between local and cloud-based environments.

    Looking Ahead: What’s Next in 2025?

    Looking ahead, the growth of OTT platforms will continue to reshape content delivery and production workflows. In markets like India, OTT adoption will drive demand for scalable, flexible production infrastructure capable of supporting diverse content types—from original digital series to live events. Hybrid monetisation models, heavy investment in regional content, and the rise of AI-driven personalisation will define the next phase of competition.

    Meanwhile, IP-based infrastructure will extend into post-production workflows and content delivery, supporting the needs of OTT platforms and broadcasters alike. Standards like ST 2110 and emerging technologies like Internet protocol media experience (IPMX)  will enable flexible, cost-effective experimentation and delivery of both live and on-demand content.

    Cybersecurity will also take center stage. As media companies, broadcasters, and OTT platforms increasingly rely on cloud and IP workflows, secure-by-design solutions will be critical for safeguarding content pipelines and protecting against piracy—one of the key challenges for OTT platforms in markets like India.

    2025 and the years beyond will be exciting and challenging for broadcasters of all kinds. Trends like AI, cloud workflows, and the rise of OTT platforms—especially in high-growth regions like India—are shaping a new future for content creation and delivery. 

     

    (Travis Wrigley is senior director of sales – APAC at Ross Video. The views expressed in this article are his own and Indiantelevision.com need not subscribe to them)

    Main picture generated to Microsoft as a visual depiction of the theme of the article. No copyright infringement is  intended)