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Tag: Roku

  • Sky invests in US online TV company TV4 Entertainment

    Sky invests in US online TV company TV4 Entertainment

    MUMBAI: Sky has invested $0.3 million, via convertible debt security, in LA-based TV4 Entertainment, which owns a growing portfolio of special-interest television channels aimed at audiences which are typically underserved by traditional TV companies.

     

    The channels are distributed across multiple online platforms in the US including Hulu, Amazon, Sony, Vimeo, YouTube and Roku. 

     

    TV4’s portfolio includes a dozen channels, reaching millions of unique users every month. It has more than 30 new channels in development. The current portfolio includes: DocComTV aimed at documentary devotees; All Warrior Network for fans of the warrior genre; Motorland, a video network for automotive enthusiasts; the Ultimate Champion Network which has programming for combat sports fans; and The Clarity Project, a channel exploring child illness. 

     

    TV4’s strategy has been to acquire and aggregate high-quality video content into recognisable channel brands. Through more than 200 content partners, TV4 has licensed over 5,000 feature length and short form titles as well as many TV and web series. 

     

    The investment in TV4 builds on Sky’s ongoing programme of investing in innovative startups that help Sky bring new ideas, insight and services into its business. This follows recent investments in leading online sports network Whistle Sports, Pluto TV, the online video aggregator and the US ad tech firm Sharethrough. Sky has previously invested in a number of other pioneering US technology companies, including the IP streaming service provider Roku, the immersive 360 video specialists Jaunt and the OTT video delivery firm 1 Mainstream.

     

    Sky director – corporate business development Emma Lloyd said, “This exciting investment will help us develop our understanding of niche content genres and what audiences are most passionate about. We are committed to developing partnerships right across our business that support and extend our leadership position in content and innovation. We look forward to working with the team at TV4 Entertainment as they continue to grow.”

     

    TV4 Entertainment founder and CEO Jon Cody added, “Our goal in this round of investment was to bring on strategic global investors that could unlock business opportunities as we expand internationally over the next year. Bringing Europe’s top entertainment company in Sky into the TV4 Entertainment family is the perfect fit for this mandate. We look forward to growing the value of the Company for our shareholders while bringing tomorrow’s television to viewers across the globe today.” 

  • Q3-2015: E. W. Scripps revenue up 49%; Retransmission revenue doubles

    Q3-2015: E. W. Scripps revenue up 49%; Retransmission revenue doubles

    BENGALURU: The E.W. Scripps Company (EWS) reported 49.2 per cent YoY growth in consolidated revenue from continuing operations for the quarter ended 30 September, 2015 (Q3-2015, current quarter) at $189.69 million as compared to $123.13 million in the corresponding year ago quarter.

     

    The company’s advertisement revenue in the current quarter increased 39.8 per cent to $144.98 million as compared to the $103.70 million in the corresponding year ago quarter. Retransmission revenue more than doubled YoY (was 2.4 times) at $36.29 million as compared to $15.24 million in Q3-2014. ‘Other’ revenues also more than doubled to $ 8.42 million from $4.19 million in the year ago quarter.

     

    EWS net loss for Q3-2015 increased to $24.44 million as compared to the loss of $1.34 million in Q3-2014. EWS reported net loss of $24.44 million from continuing operation as compared to a profit of $1.04 million in Q3-2014. Net loss from discontinued operations in the current quarter was NIL as compared to a net loss of $2.38 million in Q3-2014. 

     

    Net loss per basic share of common stock was $0.29 in the current quarter as compared to a net income of $0.02 in Q2-2014.

     

    EWS chairman, president and CEO Rich Boehne said, “Third-quarter performance in our core broadcast television business was aided by a comeback in automotive advertising and a leap in retransmission fees. The increase in retransmission revenue alone offset the decline in political advertising revenue in the off-cycle year.”

     

    “In our TV markets we’re setting the stage for 2016, when increases in local news ratings, a 50 percent increase in retransmission fees, and presidential election spending across an expanded footprint of potential swing states should come together for a strong performance,” he added. 

     

    “Also in the third quarter, we expanded our reach into the fast-growing over-the-top media marketplace with the accelerated rollout of our OTT video news service Newsy. This service aimed at millennial news audiences now also includes OTT distribution on Apple TV, Comcast’s Watchable, Roku, Amazon’s Fire TV, Google Chromecast, PlutoTV and Xumo, with more to come shortly. Our expanded ambition for Newsy, changes in the marketplace, and our commitment to invest in this strategy led us to a pivot in the business model,” he said. 

     

    “On the audio side of our over-the-top strategy, we purchased Midroll, a leading podcast producer and advertising network, and then launched its subscription-based app, Howl, to strong response. Not only is Midroll a growing content play for mobile-media consumers, it’s also designed to be an alternative advertising model that largely defies ad blocking.”

     

    “While working to build value through our current and evolving businesses, we also used our strong balance sheet and cash flow to repurchase shares. We expect our overall financial position to further strengthen as we move through the presidential election year and top our four-year business cycle.”

     

    Segment numbers

     

    The company has four segments: Television, Radio, Digital, Syndication and other.

     

    EWS’ Television segment revenue in the current quarter increased 35.2 per cent to $157.44 million $116.44 million in the corresponding year ago quarter. Operating income for the segment in Q3-2015 increased two per cent to $31.71 million from $30.51 million in the corresponding year ago quarter.

     

    On 1 April, 2015, EWS acquired the broadcast group owned by Journal Communications, Inc. The businesses acquired included 12 television stations and 34 radio stations. EWS’ Radio segment reported revenue in Q3-2015 of $20.42 million. The segment reported operating income of $4.07 million in the current quarter.

     

    EWS’ Digital segment revenues in the current quarter more than doubled to $10.86 million as compared to the $5.36 million in q2-2014. The segment reported lower operating loss of $3.64 million in the current quarter as compared to $6.21 million in Q2-2014.

     

    EWS’ Syndication and other segment reported 27.8 per cent decline in operating revenue to $0.97 million as compared to $1.35 million in the corresponding year ago quarter. The segment’s loss in the current quarter declined to $0.57 million from $0.67 million in the corresponding year ago quarter.

  • WWE to launch video streaming service in Indian subcontinent

    WWE to launch video streaming service in Indian subcontinent

    MUMBAI: The wrestling space in India is sure heating up as players are moving from their gorilla position towards the ring! Close on the heels of TNA announcing its plans to launch live wrestling events in Mumbai in December, comes the news that WWE will be unveiling its direct-to-consumer subscription based video streaming service WWE Network in the Indian subcontinent including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal.

     

    The sport of wrestling has been gaining prominence on Indian television lately. With wrestling action being a major ratings draw for Ten Sports, last year the sportscaster extended its rights with WWE for a period of five years. Not long after,Sony Six signed a long-term telecast deal with TNA wrestling, which runs through 2022. Now with WWE Network set to launch in India on 2 November, both parties are prepping up their A-Show.

     

    The WWE subscription service will be priced at $9.99 per month. It was launched in the US only last year and features premium live content as well as pay-per-view and VOD (video-on-demand) content.

     

    WWE fans in India can sign up online by going to WWENetwork.com and can watch WWE Network on their desktop, laptop and mobile devices.

     

    Subscribers will receive the first month of service free and have access to the US English language version of WWE Network. Subscribers will get access to 24/7 scheduled programming and VOD library with more than 3,700 hours of content, including Raw and SmackDown re-airs, and every WWE, WCW and ECW pay-per-view.

     

    In addition, all 12 WWE pay-per-views will be available to subscribers 24 hours after they air in India, and will be broadcast live on WWE Network beginning in 2017.

     

    “India is a strategically important market for WWE and we are thrilled to make WWE Network available to our fans there. The global expansion of WWE Network is a key driver in our commitment to growing the WWE brand internationally,” said WWE chief strategy and financial officer George Barrios.

     

    WWE Network will be made available on additional devices, including Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Sony PlayStation 3, Sony PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Roku and Smart TVs prior to Survivor Series on 22 November.

     

    WWE Network programming highlights include Breaking Ground, Swerved, The Monday Night War, Stone Cold Podcast Live!, NXT Takeover Live!, WWE 24 andTotal Divas (seasons 1-3).

  • Endemol Beyond USA launches digital eSports & gaming network

    Endemol Beyond USA launches digital eSports & gaming network

    MUMBAI: Endemol Shine North America’s premium content network Endemol Beyond USA is set to launch its new eSports & gaming Smasher Network with the debut of its flagship series Legends of Gaming hosted by Toby Turner.

     

    The network has unveiled seven new original series including Rule’m Sports, based on the hit UK series and hosted by YouTube star Jesse Wellens.

     

    Smasher Network marks the second digital-first network from Endemol Beyond USA, following the launch of ICON, the premium global lifestyle network creatively led by digital pioneer Michelle Phan that is launching in 11 territories globally.

     

    Smasher Network will be available across more than 20 platforms, including YouTube, Roku, TiVo, DailyMotion, Amazon Fire TV, Verizon go90, Vessel and also at Endemol Beyond USA’s OTT platform GetBeyond.US.

     

    In addition to Rule’m Sports, new series set to launch on Smasher Network include: Game Fame, We’re in the Game,Fantasy League, Pro v Pro, and Smashed Up.

     

    Endemol Beyond USA interim president and COO Adrian Sexton said, “eSports is trending globally and we’re excited to be at the tipping point with ‘Legends of Gaming’ hosted by the mega-talented Toby Turner. Our premium networks’ strategy, starting with ICON Network and Michelle Phan, and now heading into Smasher with eSports and gaming, puts us right in the middle of one of the most passionate and intense fan bases in digital. Game on!”

     

    Endemol Beyond USA is producing over 100 videos for Legends of Gaming, with 37 episodes of the premiere series hosted by YouTube sensation Toby Turner (aka Tobuscus). Pizza Hut is on board as the principal integration partner, as well as sponsors Razer and iBuyPower, who outfitted the stage with top-of-the-line equipment and custom gaming systems for the Legends. In addition, Endemol Beyond USA is producing another 37 segments of Legends of Gaming: Game Play showing the complete competition; and 37 companion pieces entitled Legends of Gaming: Bloopers and Outtakes, which gives fans an inside look at the antics that were a part of each episode. There will be cast profiles, win/fail videos and recaps, as well. Legends videos will post seven days a week on YouTube, across five months from 7 October through February 2016.

     

    Legends of Gaming is based on the Endemol Beyond UK format of the same name, which launched in 2014 and is currently in its second season. The US version follows four teams of two gamers who are coached by some of the biggest names in the gaming industry.

     

    Legends talent roster collectively represents 57 million subscribers and followers and over 7.3 billion lifetime views across YouTube and other social media platforms. Coaches include Fatal1ty, Perfect Legend, HotShotGG and Hafu. Contestants include gamers The Jovenshire, Syndicate, Terroriser, TmarTn, OMGitsfirefoxx, iiJERiiCHOii, Lui Calibre and runJDrun.

  • Americans adopt digital apps for Netflix

    Americans adopt digital apps for Netflix

    NEW DELHI: A growing number of American households are relying on dedicated set-top/plug-in devices (otherwise known as Digital Media Players) to watch Netflix on a TV set, according to a GfK study, Over-the-Top TV 2014.

     

    By contrast, video game systems – while still the most common hardware for Netflix viewing on a TV screen – are used much less than they were three years ago

     

    The report shows that 28 per cent of those who stream Netflix on a TV used a digital media player (such as Roku, Apple TV, or Chromecast) to do so; this is nearly double the 2013 level (15 per cent) and roughly five times the 2011 figure (6 per cent). The surge comes as ownership of the players among all homes has increased tenfold – from 2 per cent to 21 per cent – since 2010.

     

    Streaming capabilities built into today’s higher-end TV sets have also become popular, with use of built-in streaming reported by 28 per cent of those who watch Netflix on TV – up from 20 per cent a year ago and 13 per cent in 2011.

     

    On the other hand, reports of watching Netflix on TV through a videogame system have dropped to 43 per cent – down 5 percentage points from 2013, and almost 20 per cent below the 2011 level which was 62 per cent.

     

    The new report also indicates wide generational differences in how people access Netflix. Generations X and Y are twice as likely as Baby Boomers to use a videogame system to watch Netflix on TV. Capabilities built into TV sets are highly favoured by Gen Y Netflix viewers, and both Generations X and Y show strong use of digital media players.

     

    “The wide variations in devices used – and in preferred device by age – speak to a need for Netflix and other SVoD providers to optimise the user experience for each situation,” said GfK Senior Vice President and author of the report David Tice.

     

    “Not only do the device interface and remote control need to be user-friendly, but things like on-screen font size and menus need to be age-appropriate. With a quarter of Netflix users also being Amazon Prime or Hulu viewers, there is a potential battle in user experience as well as in variety and exclusivity of content,” he added.

     

    Meanwhile, Belgian telco Belgacom which has adopted a new identity as Proximus also plans to add entertainment streaming service Netflix to its Proximus TV offering.

     

    Confirming the news, Belgacom Chief Consumer Market Officer Phillip Vandervoort said that Netflix was without doubt a very eagerly-awaited new player. “I’m proud to announce this partnership which reflects the dynamics of our new brand and enables us to offer an amazing experience to our customers on Proximus TV.” 

     

    Netflix started offering its service in Belgium on 19 September, giving people access to a wide variety of TV shows, films, documentaries and other programming, according to Advanced Television.

     

    Installation of the Netflix application on the new-generation decoders will begin at the end of 2014. ‘Ultimately all Proximus TV customers will be able to access Netflix on their TV sets,’ added the telco.

     

     

  • Lego, Marvel team up for online series ‘Maximum Overload’

    Lego, Marvel team up for online series ‘Maximum Overload’

    MUMBAI: Lego and Marvel are teaming up on the 10-episode online series Lego Marvel Super Heroes: Maximum Overload.

    Marvel is launching all 10 of the episodes today exclusively on Disney.com, Disney’s YouTube channel and across Disney’s Roku-and Xbox-connected TV apps.

    Featuring Lego Spider-Man and Marvel’s most popular superheroes and villains, Maximum Overload brings the Marvel universe to a Lego-designed backdrop.

    In the series, the mischievous Loki has found a way to put the “super” in super-villain and is amassing an army to conquer Earth and beyond. His antics are keeping Spider-Man and SHIELD’s finest busy as they tackle old foes who possess new powers.

    Lego and Marvel have been in business for some time, teaming up on a successful Lego toy line as well as video games.

    Lego has become an increasingly active player in Hollywood, with a pair of hit Cartoon Network series – Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu and Legends of Chima. Warner Bros will release The Lego Movie on 7 February 2014.

  • TiVo enables viewing of recordings outside home

    TiVo enables viewing of recordings outside home

    MUMBAI: TiVo is enabling a feature that lets people watch recorded movies and shows while they’re away from home.

    The feature comes with higher-end models of TiVo’s Roamio digital video recorders, but wasn’t working when the devices launched in August.

    TiVo faces more competition than it did when its first DVRs came out in 1999. Among other things, cable and satellite TV companies are improving their own DVR offerings, while devices such as Roku, Apple TV and Google’s Chromecast seek to simplify internet streaming on TV.

    TiVo touts its DVRs as gadgets that offer both streaming services and recorded shows on the same device. The ability to watch recorded shows remotely helps TiVo differentiate its machines from generic cable company DVRs.

    TiVo said that starting Thursday, users will be able to download a free app for iPhones, iPads and iPod touch devices.

    With it, people can stream shows from their DVRs while on a wi-fi network away from home, such as at a hotel or coffee shop. Over cellular connections, people must download the show first. It’s possible to start watching before the download is completed, but there’s a delay of several minutes. Instant streaming over 4G LTE cellular networks is coming in 2014.

    Support for Android devices is also coming next year.

    The new feature is available with the $400 Roamio Plus and the $600 Roamio Pro. Owners of the basic, $200 Roamio model and older TiVos will need a separate TiVo stream unit, which costs about $130. Out-of-home streaming through the separate device won’t start until November.

  • Roku receives $60 mn investment from institutional investor

    Roku receives $60 mn investment from institutional investor

    MUMBAI: California headquartered Roku, which creates streaming software platform for delivering video, music and casual games to the TV has announced that it has received a $60 million investment that readies the company for growth around its streaming software and services businesses. Led by institutional investors, the investment includes participation from large global media and television distribution companies.

    Two new Roku investors participated in the Series F round-the institutional investor and Hearst. They join prior Roku investors, including BSkyB and News Corp in the Series F round.

    The new investment will fuel Roku‘s growth which has accelerated in the last year. Best known for its lineup of streaming players, including the new Roku 3 which has quickly become the new streaming standard in the US, the company is extending its streaming platform by working with other consumer electronics brands. Today, Roku is working with two dozen OEMs who are making more than 3.5 million Roku Ready® devices, predominantly TVs that will be in retail by the end of the year. Roku Ready devices access the Roku streaming platform through the Roku Streaming Stick™, a small USB-sized device sold by Roku. In the coming months, Roku will continue to expand access points to its streaming platform.

    Hearst Ventures senior MD Ken Bronfin said, “Roku has built a strong brand that is widely recognised for great technology and a broad selection of high-quality content. We are truly impressed that Roku has built such a unique position in the market and we look forward to working with them to develop innovative products and services for our television audiences.”

    As well as expanding distribution for its platform, Roku continues to provide streaming entertainment made for the TV experience. Last year Roku had streamed more than one billion hours of video and music.

    Roku founder and CEO Anthony Wood said, “Roku has a significant portfolio of investment and strategic partners with very successful global businesses. Their recognition of our brand success and belief in the Roku platform is a tremendous endorsement of our potential to shape the future television experience.”

    “BSkyB and News Corporation are exceptional partners and we look forward to deepening our relationship with Hearst in the months to come,” he added.

  • Time Warner Cable launches TWC TV on Roku

    Time Warner Cable launches TWC TV on Roku

    MUMBAI: Time Warner Cable has launched TWC TV channel on Roku players. Customers will be able to stream up to 300 channels of live programming in their homes through the Roku device at no additional cost.

    “This fourth platform launch for TWC TV represents a new viewing experience for our customers. It’s a great complimentary service in the home, offering thousands of programs at their fingertips. We’re proud to add TWC TV for Roku to the growing collection of devices our customers use to watch content in the home,” said Time Warner Cable SVP and GM, Video Mike Angus.

    Key features on TWC TV for Roku include: access to up to 300 channels of live programming, ability to browse carousels of genre-grouped titles, option to view recently viewed channels and create favorite channel list, and parental control channel blocking.

    Time Warner Cable plans to add On Demand content to the offering later this year. TWC TV for Roku is available to Time Warner Cable video subscribers with a TWC authorized modem and a Roku 3, Roku 2, Roku HD, Roku LT player or Roku Streaming Stick.

    Customers also need their TWC ID and password. Channel line-ups vary per market and depend on which video subscription package a customer subscribes to. TWC TV is also available on Apple iOS, Android devices and PCs and Macs via TWC website.

  • Amazon in content licensing deal with A+E Networks

    Amazon in content licensing deal with A+E Networks

    MUMBAI: Amazon.com, has signed a content licensing agreement with A+E Networks to add prior seasons of popular series from A&E, bio, History and Lifetime to the Prime Instant Video service.

    Prime Instant Video now features more than 33,000 movies and TV episodes for Amazon Prime members to stream instantly, at no additional cost, on Kindle Fire HD or any of the hundreds of compatible Amazon Instant Video devices, including iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, Roku, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and the Wii U.

    "In a year we have more than doubled the Prime Instant Video selection for our Prime members," said Amazon Director of Digital Video Content Acquisition Brad Beale. "We remain focused on adding TV episodes and movies to Prime Instant Video that we think our customers will enjoy. A+E Networks has some of the most popular shows on television and we know our customers will love streaming the A+E content with Prime Instant Video."
    The deal with A+E Networks will bring Prime customers more TV episodes from some of their highest rated television programming including Pawn Stars, Storage Wars and Dance Moms, which are also available for purchase through Amazon Instant Video.