ITV

Tag: TV networks

  • Movie Studio Inc acquires BINGE Networks

    Movie Studio Inc acquires BINGE Networks

    MUMBAI: The Movie Studio Inc., a vertically integrated motion picture production company, has executed a memorandum of understanding to acquire BINGE Networks, LLC. Both parties are conducting due diligence and in the near future seek to complete their transaction and enter into a Letter of Intent (LOI).

    BINGE Networks is an award-winning streaming media platform, recipient of the Most Innovative Media Content Monetizing & Streaming Platform CV-Magazine-USA 2019 and New York 2019 Award Programing. The BINGE App is built into over 100 smart TV networks, providing the ability to globally and instantly syndicate and monetise content through key strategic partnerships throughout the streaming media industry. The company offers five core revenue streams: streaming packages, subscription video on demand (SVOD), advertiser video on demand (AVOD), transactional video on demand (TVOD) and platform syndication.

    BINGE Networks’ operations and assets are synergistic to The Movie Studio’s growth-by-acquisition business model, in which the company aims to secure a leading market position based on ad streaming measurements and big data analytic trends vying for uptick viewership.

    With the fast-growing OTT industry projecting revenues of US $78.2 billion by 2023, BINGE Networks has the potential to help The Movie Studio achieve its goal, leveraging the company’s ability to provide streamers a competitive edge by offering a single hub that enables multiple ways for content creators to earn revenues and establish relationships with many different networks.

    BINGE Networks distributes entertainment content for AVOD digital delivery on over 100 OTT platforms. Major revenue distribution partners are Roku TV, Tiki Live, Video Elephant, Glewd TV, Daily Motion, Endavo, Apple TV, Google Play Store, Amazon Fire and Android App Store, among others.

    The company’s streaming media platforms are Roku, Apple and Amazon apps, which are combined with strategic partners to bring BINGE TV content to over 100 smart TV networks. Its content library contains approximately 15,000 videos and 300 indie films and powers 46 apps on Roku and 77 on Amazon Fire. New ones are added almost daily on Amazon Fire and 125 live channels that comprise the video library.

    Using a defined marketing strategy, The Movie Studio intends to vertically integrate the assets and infrastructure of BINGE Networks with the Company’s current OTT and app for dissemination of The Movie Studio content and cross-pollination of the advertisers and strategic partners.

    The Movie Studio is establishing its own OTT VOD platform to integrate its own, as well as aggregated, feature film projects, television programming
    and other media intellectual properties.

    Ongoing streaming wars are allowing small competitors like The Movie Studio to capitalize on creatively designed digital business models. The company actively implements a “growth-by-acquisition” strategy that calls for significant purchases, resolution upgrades and remonetizing initiatives. 

  • Amagi launches live linear OTT playout platform on cloudport

    Amagi launches live linear OTT playout platform on cloudport

    MUMBAI: Amagi announced TV networks and content owners can now launch live and linear OTT channels on the cloud and operate a unified platform for linear, catch up and video-on-demand (VOD) TV without any hardware.

    Cloudport OTT supports advanced graphics functions including dynamic graphics, digital video effects, and real-time social media integration capability in addition to switching to live feeds.

    The platform is equipped with a live MCR capability on the cloud and the entire OTT playout workflow can be managed remotely using a web-based UI.

    “Cloudport has all the features that traditional TV networks need. It is built on a secure, reliable, and scalable Amazon AWS cloud infrastructure, complete with an in-built feature to block geo-specific content to manage content rights obligations,” Amagi co-founder K. A. Srinivasan was quoted in a company statement.

    “The platform seamlessly integrates with Amagi’s server-side OTT ad insertion solution, thunderstorm, to monetize content effectively. This way TV networks and content owners have access to an integrated platform for OTT playout and monetization, simplifying overall operations,” aacording to Srinivasan.

  • Amagi launches live linear OTT playout platform on cloudport

    Amagi launches live linear OTT playout platform on cloudport

    MUMBAI: Amagi announced TV networks and content owners can now launch live and linear OTT channels on the cloud and operate a unified platform for linear, catch up and video-on-demand (VOD) TV without any hardware.

    Cloudport OTT supports advanced graphics functions including dynamic graphics, digital video effects, and real-time social media integration capability in addition to switching to live feeds.

    The platform is equipped with a live MCR capability on the cloud and the entire OTT playout workflow can be managed remotely using a web-based UI.

    “Cloudport has all the features that traditional TV networks need. It is built on a secure, reliable, and scalable Amazon AWS cloud infrastructure, complete with an in-built feature to block geo-specific content to manage content rights obligations,” Amagi co-founder K. A. Srinivasan was quoted in a company statement.

    “The platform seamlessly integrates with Amagi’s server-side OTT ad insertion solution, thunderstorm, to monetize content effectively. This way TV networks and content owners have access to an integrated platform for OTT playout and monetization, simplifying overall operations,” aacording to Srinivasan.

  • Amagi enables virtualized playout with Cloudport 3.0

    Amagi enables virtualized playout with Cloudport 3.0

    MUMBAI: Aiming to increase operational efficiency, scalability, and cost savings for broadcasterscloud-based broadcast infrastructure and targeted TV advertising platform Amagi has adopted use Cloudport 3.0, the latest version of its cloud-based playout platform.

    Cloudport 3.0 enables TV networks to operate virtualized playout on the cloud. This gives TV networks greater flexibility and agility to spin new channels and create regional feeds instantly to keep pace with changing viewer dynamics and preferences. Available as a commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) platform using Intel servers, Cloudport 3.0 can also be deployed at operator headends while retaining full control over operations with the broadcasters.

    The new playout platform is IP-enabled, supports live broadcast, and is 4K UHD compatible. Complete with multi-feed monitoring, the platform offers remote playout management, creating a live MCR-like experience on the cloud.

    “Building on the successful global deployments of Cloudport, Amagi has further enhanced the platform’s capabilities in response to the broadcast industry’s evolving needs for virtualized playout,” said Amagi co-founder K A Srinivasan. “With Cloudport 3.0, TV networks can respond to market needs quicker, as well as operate multichannel playout and delivery with zero CAPEX when compared to traditional playout and broadcast models.”

    Offered as a platform-as-a-service model, Cloudport 3.0 is packed with advanced features such as near-live asset changes to broadcast playlists, real-time social media integration, and enhanced digital video effects for a better end-user experience.

    “Given its flexibility to be hosted on the cloud, Cloudport 3.0 can be used to create broadcast-quality OTT feeds. It can also double up as a cost-effective option to meet disaster recovery needs of TV networks. There is no longer a need for broadcasters to stay invested in expensive, traditional delivery models,” Srinivasan added.

    Cloudport 3.0 will be showcased by Amagi at the 2016 NAB Show in Las Vegas, April 16 to 21.

     

  • Amagi enables virtualized playout with Cloudport 3.0

    Amagi enables virtualized playout with Cloudport 3.0

    MUMBAI: Aiming to increase operational efficiency, scalability, and cost savings for broadcasterscloud-based broadcast infrastructure and targeted TV advertising platform Amagi has adopted use Cloudport 3.0, the latest version of its cloud-based playout platform.

    Cloudport 3.0 enables TV networks to operate virtualized playout on the cloud. This gives TV networks greater flexibility and agility to spin new channels and create regional feeds instantly to keep pace with changing viewer dynamics and preferences. Available as a commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) platform using Intel servers, Cloudport 3.0 can also be deployed at operator headends while retaining full control over operations with the broadcasters.

    The new playout platform is IP-enabled, supports live broadcast, and is 4K UHD compatible. Complete with multi-feed monitoring, the platform offers remote playout management, creating a live MCR-like experience on the cloud.

    “Building on the successful global deployments of Cloudport, Amagi has further enhanced the platform’s capabilities in response to the broadcast industry’s evolving needs for virtualized playout,” said Amagi co-founder K A Srinivasan. “With Cloudport 3.0, TV networks can respond to market needs quicker, as well as operate multichannel playout and delivery with zero CAPEX when compared to traditional playout and broadcast models.”

    Offered as a platform-as-a-service model, Cloudport 3.0 is packed with advanced features such as near-live asset changes to broadcast playlists, real-time social media integration, and enhanced digital video effects for a better end-user experience.

    “Given its flexibility to be hosted on the cloud, Cloudport 3.0 can be used to create broadcast-quality OTT feeds. It can also double up as a cost-effective option to meet disaster recovery needs of TV networks. There is no longer a need for broadcasters to stay invested in expensive, traditional delivery models,” Srinivasan added.

    Cloudport 3.0 will be showcased by Amagi at the 2016 NAB Show in Las Vegas, April 16 to 21.

     

  • Number of news and non-news TV channels is almost equal in the country

    Number of news and non-news TV channels is almost equal in the country

    NEW DELHI: Six private television channels got the government’s approval in the past month. But the number of news and non-news channels remains almost equal. The Information and Broadcasting Ministry revealed that a total of 792 TV channels have got permission in the country.

     

    A statistics by the I & B Ministry released today, reveals that the number of news and current affairs channels is 392 while the number of non-news (general entertainment channels) is 400. Of the total, 669 TV channels including 372 news channels have been given permission to uplink and downlink from within the country.

     

    There has been no change in the past month in the total number of channels uplinked from overseas that are allowed to downlink into the country. Out of these 91 channels, 75 are general entertainment channels. In all, nine channels received permission in 2014, all for uplinking from India.

     

    A total of 32 channels (just one more than last time) including 28 general entertainment channels are allowed to uplink from India but not downlink – thus they are aimed at other countries.

     

    The channels that received permission in January this year are the GEC channel ‘Hastey Raho’ owned by Sangeet TV Network in Hindi, English and all other Indian Schedule Languages; the news channel Satlon News owned by Satlon Enterprises in Gujarati, Hindi and English; the Maha Movie channel owned by Teleone Consumers Products in Hindi, English and all other Indian languages; and the GEC channel Green TV owned by Nomad Films in English, Hindi and regional languages.   

     

    In February, the channels that received permission were the news channel NSN News owned by Bhole Baba Real Estate Developers in Hindi, English and all other Indian languages; the non-news Daati Ahsas owned by Bhole Baba Real Estate Developers in Hindi, English and all Indian languages; the non-news Satkar owned by Cobol Communications in English and all Indian languages; and the news channel Prabhatam LIFELINE owned by Naman Broadcastings and Telecommunications in Hindi, English and regional languages.

     

    The lone channel to get permission this month was the Bengali non-news channel Fatafati owned by Squoosh Entertainment.

     

    On its website, the Ministry also uploaded the names of the companies that own these channels, the language, and the date when the permission was granted.

  • Rovio’s angry birds feature film nests at Sony pictures entertainment

    NEW DELHI: Sony Pictures Entertainment has won the exclusive worldwide distribution rights to the much anticipated Angry Birds animated film, making it one of the most high-profile deals of the year.

    The 3D film is being developed, produced, and financed by Rovio Entertainment and will be released worldwide by Sony Pictures on 1 July 2016. Several major studios pursued the global film rights in recent weeks, with Sony Pictures Entertainment emerging as the winner.

    Sony Pictures Entertainment chairman and CEO Michael Lynton, Sony Pictures Entertainment co-chairman Amy Pascal and Rovio Entertainment CEO Mikael Hed jointly announced their partnership today. John Cohen and David Maisel – producer of Despicable Me and executive producer of Iron Man, respectively – are both on board for the new Angry Birds feature film. Cohen will serve as producer and Maisel is executive producer.

    Commenting on the announcement, Mikael Hed said, “Sony impressed us with their great attitude, determination, and professionalism. They convinced us that we have found the right partners and team to help us market and distribute our first motion picture. Michael, Amy, Jeff Blake, Sony’s marketing and distribution head, and their teams will be the best possible collaborators as we get set to take our franchise to the next level.”

    Lynton and Pascal said, “Every studio in town would love to add Angry Birds to their slate. There are few titles out there that bring this kind of excitement, brand awareness and built-in audience to the table. We’re thrilled to be distributing this film and we hope this is just the beginning of what will be a long relationship with Rovio as we look for ways to work on future projects together.”

    David Maisel and John Cohen said, “We are very excited to join with Sony Pictures in presenting this movie to the world in 2016 and we will have many more announcements as we begin production in the coming months.”

    Angry Birds is one of the world’s biggest entertainment franchises, starting in 2009 with the original mobile game that remains the number one paid app of all time. Angry Birds has expanded rapidly into entertainment, publishing, and licensing to become a beloved international brand.

    Angry Birds has been praised for its great value and simple, casual gameplay. Players use a slingshot to launch birds at green pigs in an attempt to get their eggs back, with the game setting the model for what is possible in terms of game development and commercial success. To date, the Angry Birds and Bad Piggies games have been downloaded more than 1.7 billion times across platforms and versions.

    The upcoming movie marks Rovio Entertainment’s first foray into feature films, although fans have already been introduced to the Angry Birds world with the weekly Angry Birds Toons animated series. Rovio launched the series in March through its Angry Birds apps as well as on select video-on-demand channel providers, Smart TVs, connected devices, and on select TV networks around the world. Paving the way for a full-length feature film, Angry Birds Toons has been a massive success for Rovio clocking in over 150 million views from the Angry Birds apps alone within the first six weeks.

    While known for distributing world renowned motion picture franchises such as Spider-Man, Sony Pictures has been building a strong reputation in contemporary animation through its house production unit, Sony Pictures Animation, and hit films including Hotel Transylvania, The Smurfs, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Surf’s Up, Open Season, and Aardman’s Arthur Christmas and The Pirates! Band of Misfits.

  • IBM study predicts 23 per cent rise in new media sales

    IBM study predicts 23 per cent rise in new media sales

    MUMBAI: The sales of media on the internet and cellphones are expected to rise 23 per cent over the next four years, according to a IBM study. The upsurge is largely driven by TV networks and film studios putting more of their content online.

    IBM researchers estimated new media sales to grow at nearly five times the rate of traditional media. The biggest surge, they claim will come from the internet syndication of professionally produced programming, which is expected to jump 33 per cent to $25 billion.

    The research cites examples of Walt Disney Co. offering episodes of hit prime-time shows “Lost” and “Desperate Housewives” for free on ABC.com and Sony Corp. offering a Star Wars-themed multiplayer game on its Web site.

    The IBM report comes in the wake of Google Inc.’s stalled talks with U.S. television networks to provide TV show programming to online video service YouTube.

    Media companies like Viacom Inc. and General Electric’s NBC Universal are making their programming more widely available on the Internet, but have failed to land distribution deals with YouTube over deal terms and copyright concerns.

    Viacom in early February demanded that YouTube remove more than 100,000 video clips from the service.

    Still, the internet syndication of traditional media companies’ programming will be a small part of the estimated $655 billion of annual media revenue in 2010.

    The IBM report estimated the music industry will have lost a staggering $85 billion to $160 billion in revenue between 1999 through 2010. It also concluded that the music industry will have to sort out the legal fights regarding use of digital media.

    “Doing nothing is not an option,” according to the report’s findings.The growth rates are on a compounded annual growth basis.”We’re not moving from black and white to color TV — from one steady state to another,” said IBM’s global media and entertainment strategy leader in an interview to the media last week.”We’re moving from an era of stability to an era of constant change.”

    Growth rates are higher for new media businesses, but traditional media sales will still play the biggest role with estimated annual sales growth of 5 percent to $340 billion by 2010.

    So called “walled communities,” or networks such as cellphone and cable networks that offer viewer-created programming and revenue from cable and satellite subscriptions and advertising, will rise by 10 percent to $240 billion by 2010.

    ‘New platform aggregators’ such as YouTube and MySpace, are expected to rise by 16 percent to $50 billion.