ITV

Tag: SET

  • Star Plus wins big in week 4

    Star Plus wins big in week 4

    MUMBAI: In week four of TAM TV ratings, the leader in the general entertainment space, Star Plus has proved its might once again. The channel has observed a significant rise in viewership and recorded 659 million GVTs, up from 613 million GVTs.

     

    The second highest gainer, Sony Entertainment Television (SET) at number six, tracked 238 million GVTs, up from 235 million GVTs.

     

    Colors continued to retain its number two position with 485 million GVTs followed by Zee TV at 408 million GVTs, down from 417 million GVTs.

     

    Despite a drop, Sab continued to hold its number four position strongly at 305 million GVTs, down from 318 million GVTs.

     

    At number five stood Life OK with 299 million GVTs, down from 316 million GVTs.

     

    Talking about the other small players in the market, all of them witnessed a fall in the ratings. Thus, Big Magic reported 49 million GVTs, down from 57 million GVTs, Sony Pal registered 26 million GVTs, down from 29 million GVTs, Zindagi scored 21 million GVTs, down from 24 million GVTs and Epic observed 7 million GVTs, down from 8.3 million GVTs.

  • MSM confirms Sony Pal’s revamp plan

    MSM confirms Sony Pal’s revamp plan

    MUMBAI: Multi Screen Media (MSM) has put the final stamp on Sony Pal’s revamp plan. The new general entertainment channel (GEC)  was launched in September, 2014.

     

    As was first reported by Indiantelevision.com in early January, the channel which had slashed its three and a half hours of original programming to two hours by December 2014, by shutting five of its nine shows with which the channel had launched, was looking for a change in content. 

     

    The nine offerings were Simply Baatein produced by GR8 Entertainment and anchored by Raveena Tandon, Dil Hain Chota Sa Choti Si Asha, produced by SOL Productions and hosted by Ragini Khanna and Jay Soni, Shashi Productions’ Ek Rishta Aisa Bhi, Miloni Films’ Khushiyon Ki Gullakh Aashi, Singhasan Battisi by Creative Eye, Pia Basanti Re by Rashmi Sharma and Pawan Kumar, Tum Sath Ho Jab Apne produced by Sphere Origins, Sister Didi by DJ’s Creative Unit and Yeh Dil Sun Raha Hain by Balaji Telefilms.

     

    When quizzed about the rumours, Sony Pal and Sab TV senior EVP and business head Anooj Kapoor had told Indiantelevision.com, “We are currently drafting a press release, and the official statement will come in the morning. You will know the exact status then.”

     

    Confirming the news, the official statement from MSM says, “Sony Pal was launched five months ago subsequent to which the channel carried out extensive research. Basis the research channel is in the process of realigning its content strategy. Sony PAL has achieved extensive distribution as a pay channel and will continue to be an important asset for the MSM Network.”

     

    It can be noted that the producers and actors of the existing shows on the channel have already been given a notice to stop their shows.

     

    According to sources, the channel could revamp post the Indian Premiere League (IPL).

  • Raaj Gupta joins Sab, Sony Pal as commercial head

    Raaj Gupta joins Sab, Sony Pal as commercial head

    MUMBAI: Sony Entertainment Television’s (SET) sister channels Sab and Sony Pal have appointed a new commercial head in Raaj Gupta.

     

    Gupta was earlier with Star India as its AVP-commercial and procurement, where he worked from November 2012 to December 2014.

     

    He started his career at Cinevistaas as senior supervising producer in February 2003 and then moved to Applause Entertainment as head-productions and operations in 2008. 

     

    Gupta was also with Mahuaa Media from May 2011 to November 2012 and with Shashi Sumeet Productions as vice president from March 2009 to April 2011.

     

  • Zee TV, Life OK and SET gain big: TAM TV ratings

    Zee TV, Life OK and SET gain big: TAM TV ratings

    MUMBAI: The ranking order of the six topmost Hindi general entertainment channels (GECs) remained the same in the week 47 of TAM TV ratings. The channel’s to gain this week are Zee TV, Life OK and Sony Entertainment Television (SET).

     

    Zee TV at number three reported 433,251 GVTs, up from 418,880 GVTs. The biggest highlight for the channel was KumKum Bhagya which witnessed a huge viewership and observed 8,021 TVTs, up from 6,837 TVTs. Jamai Raja too saw a rise in the ratings and stood at 7,133 TVTs, up from 6,583 TVTs and Aur pyar Ho Gaya noted 5,676 TVTs, up from 4,894 TVTs.

     

    Life OK continued to have a strong run at number four with 325,955 GVTs, up from 312,543 GVTs. The shows that grew were Savdhan India which reported 2,577 TVTs, up from 2,328 TVTs, Comedy Classes garnered 2,234 TVTs, up from 2,132 TVTs and Mere Rang Mein Rangne Wali scored 1,510 TVTs.

     

    SET at number six registered 206,514 GVTs, up from 189,679 GVTs. The channel’s new series Itna Karo Na Mujhe Pyaar saw a decent start and scored 1,440 TVTs. Its crime property CID observed 3,562 TVTs, up from 3,098 TVTs and Maharan Veer Pratap tracked 2,628 TVTs, up from 2,546 TVTs.

     

    Talking about the losers this week, the numero uno Star Plus scored 630,854 GVTs, down from 657,629 GVTs. The channel’s chart topper Diya Aur Baati Hum saw a drop in the viewership and garnered 13,400 TVTs, down from 13,962 TVTs, Saathiya Saath recorded 8,763 TVTs, down from 9,647 TVTs and Ye Hai Mohababtein scored 9,316 TVTs, down from 9,599 TVTs.

     

    Colors at number two recorded 481,803 GVTs, down from 483,364 GVTs. Despite a drop, Sasural Simar Ka continued to be the chart topper with 7,260 TVTs, down from 7,717 TVTs, Udaan too lost some eyeballs as it garnered 6,797 TVTs, down from 7,253 TVTs and Balika Vadhu reported 4,804 TVTs, down from 5,182 TVTs.

     

    At number five stood Sab with 275,597 GVTs, down from 295,904 GVTs. Its chart leader Taarek Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah reported 7,175 TVTs, up from 7,120 TVTs, Family Antakshari observed 1,190 TVTs, down from 1,466 TVTs and Badi Door se Aaye Hai tracked 2,322 TVTs, down from 2,474 TVTs.

     

    Big Magic viewership has grown by 12 per cent this week on the back of artist specials and faces in key show. It recorded 68,667 GVTs, up from 61,220 GVTs. On the other hand, Zindagi gained and recorded 30,125 GVTs, up from 29,324 GVTs and Sony Pal registered 30,457 GVTs, down from 32,126 GVTs. 

  • Boogie Woogie is back with a bang

    Boogie Woogie is back with a bang

    MUMBAI: One of the oldest and longest running dance reality shows – Boogie Woogie – is returning to television screens after a hiatus of nearly four years.

    The show promises to be bigger and better in its new avatar – Boogie Woogie Kids Champion – even as it retains popular elements like the judges’ trio of Javed Jaffery, Naved Jaffery and Ravi Behl. Scheduled to premiere on Sony Entertainment Television on 7 December, the show will take the slot vacated by Kaun Banega Crorepati, airing every Saturday and Sunday at 8.30pm.

    Produced by R&N TV Productions owned by Ravi and Naved, the show will see 16 talented kids between 7 and 13 years of age compete for the title of ‘Boogie Woogie Kids Champion’. This time round, nearly double the amount of money has been spent on producing the show; informs Naved. The show travelled to 10 cities and auditioned around 1 lakh children, of which 1000 kids were short-listed in the beginning. “100 were finalised, out of which 16 have been selected for the show,” says Naved.

    A lot has been done in terms of packaging to add freshness and newness to the show. For instance, the show will now have two hosts in actor Sargun Mehta and 12-year-old Rakshit Wahi who will keep the audience entertained. Speaking on the sidelines of the show’s launch on Monday, Sony Entertainment Television (SET) VP & Head – Non-fiction Programming, Aloka Guha, said: “While earlier, we didn’t have hosts, this time, we have got Sargun and Rakshit on board to add more fervour.”

    Since the show is not trying to compete with any other dance reality show on television, the theme is very family-oriented. “We are competing with ourselves. We were ruling for 17 years and have become a culture in a way,” says Naved, adding that the huge leap in technology in the last three to four years is helping them come up with a better product. “However, only technology can’t really help a show; one has to come up with strong engaging content as well,” he points out.

    While earlier, we didn’t have hosts, this time, we have got Sargun and Rakshit on board to add more fervour, says Aloka Guha

     

    The show is a mix of old and new elements and unlike other dance reality shows, the makers haven’t introduced any audience voting system. “We didn’t feel the need for a voting system. We want the audience to watch the show for its content and nothing else,” says Naved.

    Programming-wise, Sony Entertainment Television is working in tandem with R&N TV Productions and Aloka is of the view that since the channel has hosted some of the best reality shows like Indian Idol and Jhalak Dikhla Jaa, it has a team of the top order, which can really help produce an excellent show. Interestingly, SET wanted to start a dance show for quite some time and what better than to revive a brand like Boogie Woogie, which enjoys a long and successful association with the channel.

    About the phantom high-speed camera used for shooting the show, Aloka says: “The camera can record up to 5,000 frames per second and that has given an edge to the show. The show has scaled up in a lot of other ways as well. While we have a very large set-up, we are also following the pyramid shape structure for the first time. Boogie Woogie has never been a reality show where you follow a contestant. It has had special episodes like super moms, weekly etc. However, now, through the 15 weeks, we are going to follow the journey of the contestants and that is a big development.”

     

    The team is trying to get on board the show celebs with a knack for dancing. So, the first episode will have Prabhu Dheva and Shahid Kapoor while latter episodes will see Madhuri Dixit and Arshad Warsi among others.

    Coming to promotions, SET has so far released four videos that are parodies of popular songs including ILU ILU, Lungi Dance, Na Na Na Re and Chaar Baj Gaye.

    16 finalists with the judges

    Aloka says the idea was to make the promotions fun just like the theme of the show. “We were brainstorming for the promotional videos when somebody generally hummed Ye Boogie Woogie kya hai, ye Boogie Woogie..And bang on, we got the idea of what we have to do,” she says.

    Informs SET head of marketing and senior VP Gaurav Seth: “The promotional videos are being promoted on all the Multi Screen Media channels including SAB, SET, PIX, MIX, SIX and MAX.” He hopes the show will help take SET’s ratings up. “Since the weekend slot has worked really well for us, we are hoping for a lot of traction for this as well. Plus, since the concept has worked really well for us in the past, we are planning a lot of on-ground activities to promote the show. We may even come up with a mobile app to reach out to the tech-savvy generation,” he adds.

    Currently, Horlicks has come on board as the ‘powered by’ sponsor whereas other deals are in the process of being finalised. “We would clearly know the final sponsors by the week end,” says Seth.

    SET plans to go in to a digital overdrive as well for the show. However, they want to keep their strategies a ‘secret’ at the moment. “We have to go with the time and we will go all out to make the show a phenomenon. However, we will decide the promotional strategies as we progress,” Javed signs off.

  • Sony Entertainment takes HD route in the US

    Sony Entertainment takes HD route in the US

    MUMBAI: From now on, viewers in America can enjoy their favorite SET (Sony Entertainment Television) Asia programmes including some of the popular shows like Kaun Banega Crorepati, Sanjeev Kapoor Ke Kitchen Khiladi, Bharat Ka Veer Putra – Maharana and the World Television Premier blockbusters in high definition (HD).

    Recently, the network — part of Multi Screen Media (MSM) — announced that it had made its HD feed available on direct to home platform Dish and the IPTV service Dishworld. While most Indian channels are already available as a part of several packages on Dish and DishWorld, the only ones that also have a HD version are Zee TV, Star India Plus and Willow Cricket. Amongst the GECs, the only one which is yet to get its HD channels running in the US is Colors.

    Talking about the development, SVP of International Business, head of North America Jaideep Janakiram said in a press release: “Sony Entertainment Network has always embraced excellence in content and quality, going HD is another step in that direction. SET Asia will continue to keep its viewers in the entertainment forefront, and I am sure that our consumers will enjoy the enhanced viewer experience.”

    Industry sources say that the HD offerings by Indian GECs have not found too many takers as yet in the US and that it is still at a very nascent stage there and it would require some time to grow. “But it would reap benefits,” says IndiaCast group COO Gaurav Gandhi, who believes that the US is probably the most lucrative amongst international markets for Indian broadcasters. “The Indian TV networks have been earning a lot from the American market, especially with popular channels like Star, Zee, Colors and Sony,” says Gandhi.

    Indian channels are classified in the south Asian bouquet provided by Dish in the US. And they are available in various packages, according to its website. At the top of the heap is the Mega Pack, which offers blockbuster movies, music videos, action-packed thrillers, the biggest reality shows, sitcoms, family drama, up-to the minute news and current affairs, and lifestyle at $54.99 per month.

    “Hindi Mega Pack is the No 1 choice for Hindi Television Entertainment in the US and is sure to enthrall every member of the family…with no activation fee and free standard installation,” writes Dish on its website.

    The two platforms have many more interesting packages on offer that clubs some of the popular channels. Interestingly, DishWorld offers an exclusive “Sony Package” at $ 14.95 per month that has on offer all the four channels — Sony HD, SET MAX, SAB and Sony Mix. Besides, the package also includes “13 great English International channels” for free including Eurochannel, Euronews, Trace Urban, Blue Ocean Network, Baby TV, Ebru TV, LUXE TV, France 24 (English), Fashion TV, Zoom, NDTV 24/7, RT and Bloomberg.

    Dish too has special packages. A package that clubs Zee and Sony is available at $ 24.99 per month and includes Zee TV and Sony Entertainment Televison Asia, both HD and standard definition. The package in its programming also includes game shows, live concerts and talk shows daily news feeds, music videos and more.

    Another package, available at the same price, has Sony Entertainment Television Asia and Aapka Colors and the programming includes fresh new shows, dramas and serials, news and movies from Bollywood, the biggest reality shows and a lot of other things.

    Other packages in which Sony Entertainment Television Asia is available are Hindi: Premium at $44.99, Hindi: Super at $39.99 and Hindi Elite at $34.99 per month each.

    Interestingly, SET Asia HD will be available on both Dish platforms at no additional cost to subscribers. Satellite customers can just tune in on HD channel 9663; subscribers who do not have an HD receiver can only access SET Asia in standard definition on channel 695.

    Dish director of programming, Sruta Vootukuru said: “DISH is the leading provider of HD international content to viewers in the US, and we are pleased to add SET Asia HD to this impressive lineup. We remain committed to offering the best programming options to our nation’s South Asian communities interested in high-definition entertainment from their home countries.”

  • Tata Sky gets Ciscos Videoscape Video Everywhere solution for multi-screen experience

    Tata Sky gets Ciscos Videoscape Video Everywhere solution for multi-screen experience

    MUMBAI: Tata Sky has taken a lead in enhancing consumer experience. The direct to home player has deployed Cisco’s ‘Videoscape Video Everywhere’ solution, a thin-client user interface application enabling new multi-screen experiences beyond the set-top box.

    The DTH player is the first in Asia to deploy this solution. Rolled out first on iOS and soon to be on Android platforms, this live streaming service will be available on many mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets such as iPads.

    The ‘Videoscape Video Everywhere’ solution is a part of Cisco Videoscape Unity, a platform that delivers and monetises a new generation of compelling, differentiated video experiences, which are personalised, synchronised and social. It offers both content management and user interface capabilities to enable consistent and synchronised experiences across all subscribers’ devices, including TVs, tablets, PCs, mobile devices and games consoles.

    The solution also provides multi-platform security technology to provide the critical end-to-end content protection required to monetise premium content and services. With advanced search and other content discovery features, subscribers can expect unprecedented flexibility to find their favourite content and new content of interest quickly and easily.

    Cisco Asia Pacific vice president Sue Taylor said, “Video services have never been more popular or valuable. Video has moved beyond TV and to differentiate their offerings, video service providers have to take multi-screen experiences to the next level – delivering video in a more exciting, and engaging way. We are excited to work with Tata Sky on this journey of providing next-generation experience to its subscribers. With this solution, they may be able to watch live, on-demand, and catch-up video content on any iOS and Android device, anytime, anywhere. Furthermore, Tata Sky will be able to improve subscribers’ loyalty, speed time to market of new services and service enhancements as well as assure high quality even over unmanaged networks and devices.”

    “We always strive to provide unparalleled services and superior experience to our consumers. Our subscribers’ will be able to take the video experience with them on the move; thereby transforming their handheld device into a fully-functional TV screen with an interface which is clean, simple and easy to navigate. Cisco’s global experience and technology leadership will help us to unleash a new generation of video experiences for our viewers and at the same time strengthen our competitive edge,” informed Tata Sky CCO Vikram Mehra.

  • SETs new look embodies hope and happiness

    SETs new look embodies hope and happiness

    MUMBAI:  Sony Entertainment Television has revamped itself to reaffirm its creative vision and content innovation.

    With design and thought converging to reinforce the vibrant cultural and thematic identity of the channel, the result is a refreshed, modern and distinctive new channel. The new look and feel will officially be seen by viewers across the world from primetime on 11 October 2013 i.e today.

    MSM COO NP Singh said, “Sony Entertainment Television is a brand which has always challenged itself to define the category through fresh content, appealing characters and powerful storylines all packaged in a vibrant look. The journey so far has been a well chalked out one, in terms of how we have evolved the brand and as a brand we have always endeavoured to give our viewers what they want to watch, not just what we want them to watch.”

    SET’s new look embodies “hope and happiness” symbolising progressiveness and grace, while being traditional and cultured, thus reflecting the smart and contemporary confidence of SET and its viewers. Embracing red, blue and green as their signature colors, the new look gives a very lively and emotional touch to SET that is spontaneous, humane and warm.

     

    We have evolved the brand and as a brand we have always endeavoured to give our viewers what they want to watch, not just what we want them to watch says MSM COO N P Singh

    Renowned design studios, Ink Project based in Australia has helped create and advise the channel on its new look. Through its powerful shows, refreshing content and iconic characters, SET has successfully delivered its brand promise of providing a wholesome viewing experience for its consumers. This revamped look further propagates its brand philosophy of being fresh, innovative and progressive.

    SET senior EVP and business head Sneha Rajani said, “At Sony, we believe that this is the right time to infuse renewed vigor into the brand and reflect an identity which truly articulates our spirit. This revamped look is a celebration of hope and happiness thus reflecting the inherent ideology of the channel – being proud of our heritage yet living life to the fullest. We anticipate that our new look will only strengthen engagement & connect with our audiences.”

    We anticipate that our new look will only strengthen engagement and connect with our audiences believes SET senior EVP and business head Sneha Rajani

    In the new brand identity spot, SET stars, are weightlessly captured against a dynamic backdrop of color and sound. The sparkle frames encircle the human action creating a bold, fresh look for SET. Red, blue & green colored particles converge to one point and dynamically sparkle to create the SET brand logo.

    Since its launch in October 1995, SET has created significant marquee properties through an impressive lineup of programs ranging from the light-hearted to the supernatural, exploring various genres complemented by an explosive mix of glamorous events and Bollywood blockbusters. Known for its innovative concepts and exciting formats, Sony Entertainment Television reaches more than 95 million households in India.

  • Value 360 communications to manage the PR mandate for Sony LIV

    Value 360 communications to manage the PR mandate for Sony LIV

    MUMBAI: Sony LIV, the online entertainment destination, owned and operated by Multi Screen Media (MSM), has appointed Value 360 Communications as its official PR agency in India. Sony LIV is the latest addition to the list of industry leaders for whom the leading PR firm offers communications strategy and messaging services.

    Sony Pictures Television (SPT) backs Multi Screen Media Private Limited, which is one of India’s leading television network. It comprises of Sony Entertainment Television (SET), one of India’s leading Hindi general entertainment television channels; MAX, India’s premium Hindi movies and special events channel; SAB, a family comedy entertainment channel; PIX, the English movie channel; MIX a refreshing Hindi music channel, SIX, India’s Premier Sports Entertainment Channel and Sony LIV, the digital channel. Multi-Screen Media’s channels are available across the Globe and influence over 400 million viewers in the Indian sub-continent, and the South Asian Diaspora worldwide.

    Value 360 Communications founder director Kunal Kishore commented, “We are extremely pleased to be the partner of choice for a marquee brand like Sony LIV, an ahead-of-the-curve player in the digital entertainment space. Our key objective would be to establish thought leadership, carve a distinctive niche for the brand in the Video-On-Demand market in India and create top of mind recall amongst their target set of consumers. At Value 360, we have a team of expert consultants working in diverse areas of public relations, from traditional media to new media. We hope to successfully align this expertise into the work that we do for Sony LIV”

    Commenting on the new development, Sony Entertainment Network executive VP – New Media, Business Development and Digital/Syndication Nitesh Kripalani said, “Digital entertainment industry is on a high-growth trajectory and we are focused to establish Sony LIV as the most innovative Video On Demand Service provider that offers world class viewing experience to its users all across the world. Our motive is to fortify our position in the Indian market with a well entrenched consumer connect strategy. We chose Value 360 Communications as our preferred partner owing to the agency’s extensive experience and expertise in managing digital businesses.”

  • Video consumption on mobile phones on a rise

    Video consumption on mobile phones on a rise

    MUMBAI:  have become the prime medium for video consumption. As per the reports sent by sonyliv.com, 53 per cent of viewers watch videos on their mobile phones, 32 per cent view them online while 15 per cent, on their tablets.  

    The data was revealed in the two-quarter report of Multi Screen Media (MSM) operated sonyliv.com. Elaborating further, the report gives insights on the type of audience viewing digital content. The general entertainment content sees higher consumption by females compared to the overall internet video consumption in India. According to the report, video consumption trends 47 per cent female viewers and 53 per cent male; compared to the overall internet video consumption split of 71:29, male to females.

    Additionally, it is interesting to note that elderly people also watch videos online. Though the number is comparatively less, a three per cent, but it puts forth the fact that an upward shift in video consumption is witnessed in this bracket of audience as well. About 46 per cent of viewers are from the age group 15 to 24 years, 32 per cent from the age bracket of 25 to 34 years, followed by 17 per cent between the age group 35 and 44 years.

    The analytics also reveal that comedy and daily dramas have a higher viewership on digital platforms. Nearly 78 per cent of the videos consumed are comedy, drama and thriller. Comedy is viewed by 30 per cent of the audience, followed by drama at 25 per cent and thrillers at 23 per cent. Reality shows and other genres of shows are watched by the remaining 22 per cent.

    “At sonyliv.com, we are captivated with data and analytics and believe in leveraging the insights to drive a superior world class viewing experience. We publish insights based on real data that we study every hour of the day. This is done by monitoring the consumption behavior of over 50,000 unique visitors on an average who log on to our website, across all platforms i.e. online, mobile and tablet,” informs Sony Entertainment Network executive VP–new media, business development and digital/syndication Nitesh Kripalani.

    The report also suggests that viewers today increasingly prefer short content formats on digital platforms. The audiences opt for formats like catch-up episodes, quickisodes and short crunch episodes. As per the data, 64 per cent of viewers watch catch-up episodes, whereas more than one-third of viewers consume shorter crunched episodes, or called as quickisodes.

    The data also reveals that the average time spent by consumers per video has increased from eight minutes to 11.5 minutes (73 per cent of average duration of content) and the maximum number of videos is being watched between, 1pm to 4 pm and 9 to 11 pm.