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  • Global broadband consumption of sports content expected to increase by 25 per cent

    Global broadband consumption of sports content expected to increase by 25 per cent

    MUMBAI: A New Media Sportscasting Summit delegation survey done reveals that global broadband consumption of sports content will increase by 25 per cent over the next three years.

    The New Media Sportscasting Summit held in Dublin, a few days ago, saw experts from the sports industry gathered together to discuss the trends and opportunities for the delivery of sport over broadband and 3G.

    Participants included LiverpoolFC.TV, Setanta Sports in the US, Aura Sports, Google Video, The Rugby Football League and Vodafone. The best way to minimise subscriber churn from broadband sports subscription services is to incentivise customers towards annual rather than monthly subscription.

    Setanta Sports CEO Simon Green emphasised that the new phenomenon of ‘Placeshifting’ means that the desire to have sports content anytime, any place is driving new media sportscasting.

    Reduction in time delay to ‘as live’ will increase opportunities to incorporate in-running betting with online sports content; live pictures can sit alongside prices for events and web content dictated by the broadcast.

    At the same time the creation of more web-specific content will create opportunities to sponsor on-demand broadcasts linked to major racing events. The fourth screen – the mobile phone – is vital in the communications mix for new media sports content. An understanding of mobile personalisation, content recommendations and search capabilities in a wireless environment are key to enabling the success of mobile portal content propositions in the sports industry.

    Having a well presented preview function with sample content and offering occasional free video samples to get customer more used to watching video online is essential for successful subscriber recruitment. Investing heavily in customer services and technical support is also key to keeping online subscribers.

    There is also a need to understand the time-starved individual who lives in an ‘information overload’ society. The sports industry must react strongly to this. The sports industry is in the entertainment business and must compete for the customer’s attention in a very busy market dominated by MTV, iPods, PSPs, television soaps, the cinema, pubs and PCs.

    It was pointed out that the ‘Placeshifting’ phenomenon is growing. This means having content anytime, any place. In the US, this is reflected in the Slingbox which enables users to watch their TV programming from wherever they are by turning virtually any Internet-connected PC into a personal TV.

    In the US, it is selling three times as fast as Tivo did.This phenonmenon is reflecting the needs and demands of time starved, busy individuals who want sports information anytime, anywhere. One potential problem for broadcasters in this scenario is that national territorial rights deals could get eroded.

    Streaming services are now succeeding because the delay on the television picture is cut down to seven seconds. More users now understand the relationship between PC Spec, Connection Speed and picture quality and broadband penetration is growing rapidly. Further improvements are taking place in terms of the quality of the stream, reductions in the delay as well as enhancements to the free and archive video services.

    There is also a huge potential in the online gambling space and the opportunities to integrate broadband video with a ‘Bet & Watch’ facility.

    Vodafone media head Kieran Mahon sees sport as the most compelling content to distribute over mobile. He described the importance of the fourth screen – the mobile screen. He outlined that recent developments in mobile data delivery means that mobile sports content can be consumed easily, adding, “Personalisation of mobile content has improved usability by learning about users’ mobile content preferences, dynamically building the user a personalised menu and reducing the time and clicks to services.”

    For a sports fan using their mobile to access sports content, this means the link to their favourite sports content will be top of the menu on their mobile phone. Kieran also emphasised that an understanding of personalisation, automatic content recommendation and mobile search in a wireless environment is key to enabling the success of mobile portal content propositions.

    Online sports ad agency, Aura Sports MD Paul Wright offered insight into the best ways to develop an advertising revenue stream from digital sports properties. He stated that sponsorship and advertising was equally important and beneficial online as on TV and that the interactivity that can be achieved through online advertising is extremely valuable.

  • Convergence 2006: tech & trends galore

    Convergence 2006: tech & trends galore

    NEW DELHI: The 14th Convergence India 2006, which was inaugurated yesterday by the minister of state for telecommunications Shakeel Ahmed, saw over 60,000 visitors on day two, clamouring to have a peep at new technology on display.

    The event also hosted a high-powered round table conference comprising infotech secretaries from the states of Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Uttaranchal, Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka (that has been the home to some of the biggest Indian infotech success stories).

    The round table meet focussed on bridging the digital divide and a host of other issues.

    The three-day event, boasting of 386 exhibitors, 1,500 delegates and 23 countries, is aimed at highlighting India’s information, communications and telecom (ICT) prowess.
    Designed around the theme of `ushering the ICT revolution’, Convergence 2006 has global and Indian corporates showcasing technology and equipment in the field of mobility, broadcasting, infotech and network security.

    The event is jointly organized by the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) and Exhibitions India.

    According to Exhibitions India MD Prem Behl, “Alongside the display of latest technologies and innovations in telecom, India’s leading mobile service providers are showcasing innovations being brought into the market.”

    Director-general of COAI TV Ramachandran said that the organization is confident such an event will bring additional focus to the needs of the industry that are essential for the overall growth of the sector.

    “The B2C and B2B environment at the event will translate into extensive exhibitor coverage converging into genuine business opportunities,” he added.

    Known for facilitating business deals and throwing up new ideas for discussion during conferences that are held simultaneously, the event is also being used by companies to launch new products.

    For example, Chinese telecom major Huawei today launched eight new CDMA handsets and it is also showcasing its globally award-winning exhibit booth at the Convergence 2006.

    Some of the participating companies include 3M Electro & Communication India Pvt Ltd, A&P Technologies of Korea, Accelink China, Acceltree Software Pvt Ltd India, Ace Marketing China , AFL Telecommunications of the US, Canada’s Aheeva Technology Inc, Ai-Logix APAC of China, ALV Arion of Israel, Andrew Telecommunications India and Avitec of Sweden.

    Also, taking part in the event are Beijing Fibridge Co Ltd, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, BindView Corporation of the UK, Biometrics Direct of the US, China Broadcasting Journal, Consumer Electronics & TV Manufacturers’ Association (CETMA) India, department of IT, India, Enterprise Networks Asia of Hong Kong, Euromedia of the UK, Lucent Technologies Hindustan Pvt Ltd, Scientific-Atlanta (HK) Ltd, Shenzhen HXT Technology Co Ltd of China, Shin Satellite of Thailand and ZTE Corporation.

  • Hallmark to build brand further in the US with magazine

    Hallmark to build brand further in the US with magazine

    MUMBAI: Hallmark magazine, a new women’s lifestyle publication, is scheduled to debut later this year in the US with a September/October charter issue and planned rate base of 400,000.

    Hallmark says that the magazine will hold a unique position in the women’s lifestyle category due to its distinctive editorial point of view around home, food, decorating, entertaining, relationships and self. While many women’s titles today provide readers with basic how-to information, Hallmark magazine goes a step further by reminding readers why these connections are so important.

    Hallmark president and CEO Don Hall says that Hallmark magazine provides a strategic opportunity to bring Hallmark’s brand to life in a new and meaningful way with an important consumer segment.

    “Over the years, people have come to trust Hallmark to help them express themselves, celebrate life’s seasons and connect with those that matter most. Through Hallmark magazine, women will begin to see a new face of

    Hallmark but one they can continue to trust for insight into relationships, emotional connections and expressions of caring.”

    Hallmark Cards tested its magazine concept with four issues in 2003. Consumers’ response to the publication’s voice and storytelling confirmed the time is right for an entirely new sort of women’s magazine. Hallmark executive VP responsible for new business ventures Anil Jagtiani says, “Hallmark magazine will offer inspiring and useful information as well as simple, creative ideas from the country’s best journalists and authors. The stories will help readers savor the goodness that comes their way, rejoice in who they are and enjoy the road they are traveling.”

    In testing, Hallmark magazine’s unique editorial voice proved compelling as measured by consumer feedback, subscription response rates and newsstand sales. External direct mailing lists, traditional newsstand outlets, Hallmark’s own extensive database and its network of Hallmark Gold Crown stores proved their value in driving awareness and circulation.

    “Hallmark magazine provides a new business growth opportunity for Hallmark and will be supported by circulation and advertising revenue. Readers can expect a high quality, compelling publication they will love to read and share with their friends,”adds Jagtiani.