ITV

Tag: Video-on-demand

  • Online VOD platform The Viral Fever gains one million subscribers

    Online VOD platform The Viral Fever gains one million subscribers

    MUMBAI: The recent past has seen a large number of video on demand (VOD) mushrooming in the country, with each of them trying to differentiate itself from the other with unique content. Youth entertainment network The Viral Fever (TVF), which is one of these platforms, scored a recent milestone. The platform has gained one million subscribers on its online network. 

     

    Speaking to Indiantelevision.com, The Viral Fever founder and CEO Arunabh Kumar says that it is a very special achievement for the online network because India is globally known as the least subscriber savvy country. “No matter how much content you produce, audiences and viewers generally do not have the tendency to subscribe,” he says.

     

    When quizzed about the reason for success, Kumar says, “Besides great content, we were also able to evolve with our content and stay relevant. Our attitude is to stay new.”

     

    Kumar says the number holds significance as usually it is established names such as Sony, T-Series and Yash Raj Films who have 5,000 to 10,000 videos that gain million plus subscribers, but TVF as a small network has just 126 videos for now.

     

    Close to 30 videos of the network have gone viral so far. Sharing an interesting insight, Kumar says, “One of TVF’s shows titled Rowdies, (which is a spoof on the popular MTV Roadies show) received more than a million views sometime back, but it took 36 months before the network saw one million subscribers latching onto the online network.”

     

    The network currently has close to two to three million unique visitors lapping up its content every month. “Additionally three to five million also come on board who visit our site regularly and are not subscribers,” he adds.

     

    Going forward, the company is looking at strengthening their non-fiction property, Recycle Bin. “I wish that TVF’s Live Shows reach the magic figure of one million too. I would also want one million to register on TVF InBox, which showcases films,” Kumar says.

     

    The company’s next target is to get at least five to 10 million viewers every month.

     

    The Viral Fever’s subsidiary network TVF 1 is looking at breaking even and making a profit this year. Currently the company operates out of the profits from its parent company The Viral Fever Media Labs.

  • “Couldn’t have asked for better timing”: The Viral Fever’s Arunabh Kumar

    “Couldn’t have asked for better timing”: The Viral Fever’s Arunabh Kumar

    MUMBAI: On 10 February when Aam Admi Party (AAP) founder Arvind Kejriwal created a history of sorts by winning the Delhi assembly elections by a record win of 67 seats, social media was abuzz with another first he had scored as an Indian politician. The muffler man was the first Indian politician to feature on a satire show on a digital network, The Viral Fever (TVF).

     

    How tough was it to convince Kejriwal to come on board for the flagship show Barely Speaking with Arnub? “We were talking to Kejriwal since October last year but he was busy with his campaign. He was well aware of the bitter-sweet thought provoking content we present. While we were unhappy with the delay, we could not have asked for a better timing and release,” The Viral Fever founder and CEO Arunabh Kumar tells Indiantelevision.com.

     

    The show, which was uploaded on 9 February, has garnered 2,251,010 views on YouTube so far.

     

    The digital network also partnered with Times of India (TOI) as part of its The Great Indian campaign. Kumar says when TOI started the second leg of the campaign The Great Indian Litterbug, they were simultaneously in talks with Kejriwal. 

     

    “The campaign was about the common man indulging in littering while the symbol of the AAP party, which is the broom, stood for cleaning up the act. We thought it was a great fit in such a way that people would not know it was branded integration,” adds Kumar.

     

    The host of Barely Speaking is seen imitating India’s most popular news anchor Arnab Goswami of Times Now. When asked if he has been confronted anytime by the real “nation wants to know” anchor, Kumar is of the opinion that imitation is flattery and it is not a major concern as the network has partnered with the Times Group for different associations. “Let’s hope we are able to convince him to come on board for our show and have an ultimate showdown,” he says.

     

    When queried whether India was ready for a subscription based model going by the rise in video on demand (VOD) platforms, Kumar says that their network has a product called the TVF Box Office where people can watch movies they have missed by paying for it.

     

    “Rocket Singh has sold 30,000 tickets in three years on Google Play and Sulemani Keeda, a very tiny film which didn’t even get a decent release sold 10,000 tickets in less than 10 days. This has been able because of the traction the Viral Fever has been able to garner,” the founder explains.

     

    The network has a total strength of 70 people and took a total of 36 hours to shoot the interview with Kejriwal and upload it on the online channel. Previously Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan too has made an appearance on the show. When asked who are the other guests he looks to get on board, Kumar says “I think there are Shah Rukh’s of various different industries that we plan to get on board. But Bollywood always makes up for good content and at the same time the younger upcoming actors are open at laughing at themselves.”

     

    The network also has a small division called the TVF Tube, which is headed by Samir Saxena. This segment looks at producing content for television. Saxena has directed the popular online show Permanent Roommates. “Permanent Roommates is globally the most watched web series on YouTube. It is at the number one spot. There is no other branded fiction property more popular than Permanent Roommate on YouTube,” boasts Kumar.

     

    The network has so far worked with 30 different brands for brand integrations. It has produced shows with brands such as Airtel, Flipakart, P&G and are currently also working with Kingfisher.

     

    Speaking on the road ahead, Kumar informs that their non-fiction vertical Recycle Bin will be pushed a lot this year. They are also looking to work with different partners for different genres of programming. Thirdly the company is also looking at enhancing its technology to disseminate content better. Talking about the cost involved, Kumar says, “For us cost does not reduce because the size of the screen reduces. We believe great content cannot be produced at a cheap cost. We can literally get Rs 10 out of Rupee one of content.”

     

    In his concluding remarks Kumar says that their one key challenge is to make Indian audiences respect great content. “Because they seem to be enslaved completely by Bollywood, which I think we have managed to change to certain extent the value and core remains to create and serve and disseminate premium content at par with global standards,” concludes Kumar.

  • Cisco partners with Videocon d2h for advanced video services

    Cisco partners with Videocon d2h for advanced video services

    MUMBAI: Direct to home (DTH) operator Videocon d2h will deploy advanced video solutions from the Cisco Videoscape product portfolio to enable it to deliver an innovative, high quality television viewing experience to its customers.

     

    Cisco will collaborate with Videocon d2h to create an infrastructure that supports advanced services like 4K, Over The Top (OTT), Video On Demand (VOD), multi-screen video and multi-room Digital Video Recorder (DVR), on a high definition platform.

     

    Cisco is at the forefront of changing the way people experience TV entertainment through its Videoscape platform, which offers best-in-class content management and exceptional user interface capabilities. Cisco Videoscape enables consistent video experiences across multiple devices including TVs, tablets, PCs, mobile phones and gaming consoles. Cisco and Videocon d2h are uniquely positioned to offer an immersive video experience coupled with an array of value-added services and applications on multiple screens.

     

    Videocon d2h director Saurabh Dhoot said, “We pride ourselves in being a frontrunner in bringing futuristic technologies to India, some of which are yet to be experienced in even the most advanced countries. Our collaboration with Cisco will present our customers with the latest and best technology in the DTH industry and will introduce them to a whole new range of next-gen applications. We believe that this partnership will redefine the overall viewing experience through our varied product portfolios and service offerings. We continuously endeavor to provide top quality services to our consumers.”

     

    Videocon d2h chief executive officer Anil Khera added, “As part of our commitment to our consumers, we will be providing an advanced TV-viewing experience with many more interactive services and applications, in keeping with global trends. We are confident that our collaboration with Cisco will provide a greater range of services to our customers. Cisco’s expertise in delivering end-to-end solutions and world-class technology will support us in our vision of being an innovator in the DTH market with the most advanced products and services.”

     

    Cisco Service Provider Video Software Solutions VP sales Asia Pacific Sue Taylor said, “Our mission is to continuously partner with operators who value innovation and strive to offer a wide range of differentiated and superior video experiences to their subscribers. Our expertise in the successful rollout of high-end features and services will enable Videocon d2h to deliver video in more exciting, more engaging and more impactful ways.”

  • YOU On Demand ink VoD deal with Twentieth Century Fox in China

    YOU On Demand ink VoD deal with Twentieth Century Fox in China

    MUMBAI: YOU On Demand Holdings, a Video On Demand (VOD) service provider in China delivering Hollywood movies and premium content to mobile and TV screens, has entered into a licensing agreement with Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution for the SVOD rights in China to a broad selection of library feature films.

     

    The titles will be available to subscribers of YOU On Demand’s Subscription VOD (SVOD) platform and service, via mobile, Over-the-Top (OTT), digital cable and IPTV.

     

    Some of the movies that will be available to YOU On Demand customers include recent worldwide box office hits and award winners such as: A-Team starring Bradley Cooper and Liam Neeson; Black Swan starring Academy Award winner, Natalie Portman; 10-time Academy Award nominated film, Master and Commander, starring Russell Crowe; Speed, starring Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves; Unstoppable, starring Denzel Washington and Chris Pine.

     

    “Twentieth Century Fox’s award-winning and blockbuster films demonstrate YOU On Demand’s continued commitment to deliver the best premium content to our customers. We are excited to be working with them in China as we bring their diverse library to all YOU On Demand platforms,” said YOU On Demand chairman Shane McMahon.

     

    Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution executive vice president of worldwide pay TV & SVOD Gina Brogi added, “We are very pleased that this agreement with YOU On Demand will see many of our high quality feature films become accessible to viewers in China via the company’s breakthrough SVOD service.”

  • Vuclip to offer video-on-demand service to Indonesia

    Vuclip to offer video-on-demand service to Indonesia

    NEW DELHI: The mobile video on demand (VoD) service for emerging markets Vuclip has announced its strategic partnership with Indosat, one of the largest telecommunication networks and service providers in Indonesia with over 54 million subscribers.
     
    Indosat and Vuclip will provide premium mobile VoD service for an attractive market launch price of just 1000 Rupiah per day. This offer is alongside the affordable data plans that Indosat provides in the Indonesian market.
     
    The offering will showcase mobile content from partners such as MNC Group, Viva, Kompas TV, Kapanlagi, Malesbanget.com and Masak TV.
     
    Until recently, premium mobile content, such as music videos, reality television series and quality religious programmes, was only available through the television with limited access on mobile phones. With this new initiative, Vuclip’s Dynamic Adaptive Transcoding Technology will empower Indosat subscribers to watch unbuffered videos, optimized for network variability, across all mobile devices.
     
    “Vuclip’s approach to inspiring consumers to consume mobile video is in line with Indosat’s strategy to lead the market with differentiated quality offerings at affordable prices for subscribers. It’s Vuclip’s combination of a smooth viewing experience and compelling content riding on our best in class network rollouts that is really exciting,” Group head of data & VAS, Indosat Kevin Henry said. “This unique subscription approach is a very attractive one that should delight our customers. They can see that they are getting a fantastic value and this allows them to explore and discover interesting content with no limits imposed.”
     
    “We admire Indosat’s mission to deliver a superior experience to its mobile subscribers. We are happy to partner with Indosat to turn that mission into a reality by providing a high quality premium video on demand service to the consumers in Indonesia,” said Vuclip COO Arun Prakash. “A wide selection of premium local and global content, an amazing unbuffered viewing experience, convenience to watch any video any time at an affordable price point is what makes our service very popular amongst millions of paying subscribers In Southeast Asia. This partnership reiterates our strategic focus and commitment to millions of subscribers in the Indonesian market.”
     
    In addition to Indonesian consumers, Vuclip offers its highly popular premium video on demand services in UAE, Malaysia, India, Thailand and Egypt via partnerships with leading carriers in each of these countries.

     

  • Is Star’s VoD ‘hot’ enough?

    Is Star’s VoD ‘hot’ enough?

    MUMBAI: “At Star, we have always focused on dramatically enhancing the overall consumer experience. Smart technology, combined with powerful content, can be disruptive…,” had said Star India CEO Uday Shankar when the network launched its online sports platform starsports.com.

     

    Two years have passed since then and keeping up with the changing times, the giant network is back with a new platform. Christened hotStar, the video on demand (VoD) portal, currently running in beta version, will change the way people view content on television or digitally.

     

    With everything found under one roof, the platform has all the genres the network dabbles in. From popular dailies to live sporting events, a click will please many.

     

    The network labels the platforms as the “most compelling catalogue ever offered over-the-top on mobile and the web, making it the most the most complete video destination for consumers.”

     

    With around 20,000 hours content spread across seven languages, which includes 120+ full length TV shows, 500+ movies and live screening of popular sports like cricket, football, tennis and kabbadi, hotStar caters to a very large and diverse audience.

     

    Available across devices, the VoD is not the first such platform launched by a television network in the country; Ditto TV was launched by Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) in 2012. There are many other such platforms like Biscoot and Zenga also available today.

     

    Believes Shotformats Digital Productions CEO and managing director Niyati Shah that though the platform looks nice but the concept of launching the same isn’t clear. “On television there is appointment viewing and in the digital world it is all about snacking. And with only Star content available on the platform, I don’t know what will be the scalability.”

     

    The free to view platform has a simple and easy user interface. However, what stands out is the logo which though is a star but is quite different from that of the networks logo. The tilted star has bright neon green and yellow colours. Its name is another feature that stands out.

     

    “It does sound like a talent show,” says FCB Ulka Digital creative head Sudarshan Sudevan but quickly adds, “But for a site of this sort, it’s not the name that’s critical, it’s the content. And the users will get a hang of it in due course of time.”

     

    Sudevan is excited that Star India is finally into video on demand. “With a good mix of TV shows, movies and sports … I am sure the video friendly population of today is going to have a treat. The network’s idea to enter the space that has been dominated by international players like Netflix and Amazon will be of a pleasure for fans here,” he adds.

     

    Agrees L&K Saatchi & Saatchi India CEO and managing partner Anil Nair that today people want to view content on the move.

     

    However, Shah isn’t convinced. “If I’m a Star TV viewer and miss something, maybe then I would come on the portal. Otherwise I have doubts who would log on,” she states while emphasisng on the fact that through the networks’ strength, the platform might get marketed well but the future will tell the true story.

     

    Nair too points out that today when there are aggregators like Youtube and Apple TV, the lack of genres available on Star’s new platform might become a hurdle. “Hopefully, in the future, the app will add more genres to its bouquet otherwise this can become a reservation for a viewer.”

     

    Highlighting that digitisation will change the mediums in the country, the experts are optimist that with many leaps to take, service providers have a lot to offer.

     

    The network has already started the ground work and a click on any of its current websites (apart from StarSports.com) directly takes the viewer to the new platform. The soft launch has successfully been able to create the buzz and now one just has to wait for the big band launch.

  • “Traditional STBs can no longer handle complex requirements of innovative operators”: Matthias Greve

    “Traditional STBs can no longer handle complex requirements of innovative operators”: Matthias Greve

     

    IPTV is moving from a pure linear product to a complete TV experience with live TV, on demand services and third party content. This new world of connecting the TV to the Internet means both, opportunities and challenges for operators, developers and integrators.

     

    ABOX42, is one of the leading provider of hybrid, IPTV and OTT DVB smart set top boxes (STBs), with five years expertise and knowledge in end-user mass-market products and a deployment of over 120 OTT applications. ABOX42 developed a new generation of smart STBs for the global market. The ABOX42 smart STB platform is the ideal solution for any IPTV and OTT content providers, cable-operators and ISPs, who are aiming to provide an own STB for its services to its customers. The platform was designed for fast moving OTT providers, cable operators, IPTV providers and internet service companies. With its powerful smart SDK, the Smart SaaS Services and additional Smart Solutions, the ABOX42 platform offers its customers a short project cycle, short lead times in production and includes lifecycle management for ongoing software maintenance and service updates.

     

    ABOX42 is taking a new approach with the ABOX42 Smart Platform and its advanced customised IPTV, OTT and Hybrid Smart STBs to solve the most important key challenges by providing the solid hardware foundation and the software features for a unique TV proposition with least cost and low development effort. In an interview, ABOX42 founder and CEO Matthias Greve answers essential questions about the rapidly changing market.

     

    Excerpts:

     

    What role do STBs play now and in future, considering Smart TVs and cloud based services?

     

    Modern STBs like the ABOX42 M-series are designed for local TV applications as well as for emerging cloud based TV services. Since on one hand the operators need to control the user experience and on the other hand need to be ahead of competition with the introduction of new TV features, it will be more than ever mandatory to have a modern, flexible and scalable Set Top Box platform for the first screen TV experience of paying end-users. Smart TVs offer a certain range of OTT applications, but will not replace the main Set Top Box device in end-users home, which provide a unified, rich TV experience on the first and second screen.

     

    Do you see a “SetTopBox-less” future for operators?

     

    There is currently some talk from operators about virtual STBs as SmartTV apps or STBs as CI+ modules. Since there is today no standard for the virtual STB applications and the vast majority of the installed flat screen TV in the household do not support these new applications, the operator still needs to focus on its core STB. This is the device, which can be shipped to all subscribers regardless of the type or age of the TV set.

     

    What view should an operator take on the virtual STB?

     

    The best way to view these issues is to treat the virtual STB like the operator would treat an App on iPad, XBOX or PlayStation. It is an add-on but not the core of the operators TV solution.

     

    What are the challenges of virtual STBs as apps?

     

    With the virtual STB apps within SmartTV, the operator does not have the same freedom on the user interface side. Also the quality of service cannot be guaranteed over the live time of the app. It is out of the operators´ control, how for example future software updates of the SmartTV manufacture might affect the compatibility and proper functioning of the operators TV service.

     

    Also Virtual STB apps are not free of charge and need costly maintenance. If you support different manufactures and different version of TV sets it quickly sums up to 5 to 10 new platforms which have to be supported each year.

     

    What is the major shift in the STB market?

     

    Traditional closed STB platforms are not any longer able to handle the complex requirements of innovative operators. The market will move from old integrated, proprietary STB products to modern SmartSTB platforms where the focus has moved to the software layer. This is a similar shift like we experienced in the last few years with the move from traditional feature phones to modern Smart phones. The same trend we see in the TV middleware segment, where operators want to move from closed propriety systems to open solutions based on modern internet technologies and open standards.

     

    What are the specific operator challenges solely advanced STBs are able to match?

     

    The biggest challenge for operators today is to understand what the difference of new IPTV & OTT solutions is and how the operator can in an effective way get to the target solution in least time.

     

    Basically almost all Cable and Satellite Pay TV operators want to deliver new services like network PVR, VOD and want to add OTT delivery of specific channels to free up bandwidth in their traditional DVB networks. IPTV operators who started several years ago need to upgrade their user experiences from inflexible first and second-generation STB platforms to latest (third) generation. This new generation STB platforms allow the fast development of modern user interfaces, compelling services and the integration of third party services based on HTML5. In addition these new Smart STB platforms are upgradable and much more future proof than legacy STBs.

     

    Do SmartSTBs already match operators´ current and future demands?

     

    SmartSTBs have arrived and delivery of HD live TV channels over the internet with OTT technologies is a market proven technology deployed in the mass market already. A new concept of OTT DVB, allows not only live TV signal delivery over the internet, but to also include multiple audio tracks, classical TeleText, DVB Subtitle as well as modern HbbTV application via HLS streaming.

     

    Will future trends in the operator area be in favour of STBs?

     

    There are two major trends increasing the demand for STBs. Operators who already run an older generation IPTV service plan to upgrade to a latest generation IPTV & OTT solution which is modern and scalable, which can be integrated seamlessly and offers new compelling features (additional OTT services, HbbTV, nPVR, Smart TV applications) and multi-screen capabilities.

     

    Operators without an existing installation who want to move into the TV space with a modern IPTV (or even more often OTT) solution which is easy to role out, does not require long integration work and offers a great first screen experience combined with multi-screen capabilities.

     

    What are the unique possibilities given with OTT solutions and STBs?

     

    OTT is a great opportunity for new players to enter the TV market, or for existing operators and internet service providers to reach new customers and add new features. ABOX42 has been an innovator in the advanced Set Top Box platform field for quite a while and we recognise that our solution is picked by both traditional operators who want to move to a future proof, modern and complete solution, as well we are serving new OTT operators who are entering the TV field with compelling new product offerings and disruptive business models. We see a major increase of our business and getting more and more request from traditional operators.

     

    What distinguishes the new STB generation from the preceding models?

     

    The new SmartSTBs will be able to handle many different standards side by side, such as streaming protocols, DRM and CAS systems. This new SmartSTB generation is HTML5 browser based and much more easier for development. A new focus will become the management of the software lifecycle and cloud services to manage the SmartSTB during the entire lifecycle, like we are all used nowadays with e.g. the iPhone.

     

    What are characteristic innovations in the area of OTT and IPTV technologies?

     

    ABOX42 as innovator in the IPTV & OTT segment is already delivering products, which offer all the latest innovations. This includes support of all major DVB features in both IPTV & OTT, supporting HbbTV services, other OTT services and third party applications with different streaming formats, different DRM systems side by side on the platform. More efficient streaming with H.265 will for sure boost the video quality especially for OTT and will allow more efficient content delivery for operators.

     

    Do SmartSTBs and especially ABOX42 solutions meet the customers´ demands?

     

    ABOX42 is supporting all demanded new features with its Smart SDK and Smart mobile Toolkit for the advanced ABOX42 STB platform. We see this as one of our competitive advantages to provide a broad compatibility to OTT services, streaming formats, DRM systems as well as the support of various TV Middleware solutions.

    This way a network operator can flexibly and easily upgrade all existing customers (digital and analog TV watchers) with new OTT and interactive services such as Catch-Up TV, Video on Demand and many more. ABOX42 offers short project cycles, short production lead times and includes lifecycle management, ongoing software maintenance and service updates.

     

    What are currently the typical demands of ABOX42´s customers?

     

    Depending on legal requirements in a certain country, cloud based recording (network PVR & network timeshift) is the most compelling feature. But also HbbTV offers a great set of additional features and on demand content which is supported by more and more countries / operators. Last but not least ‘Multi-Screen’ applications are getting more and more popular since it is not only about ‘on demand’, but about ‘any place, any time’ nowadays. In general it is all about high quality content and an intuitive user interface. This is what end-users like on the new TV experience.

     

    What are the prospects for a retail market as a channel for multiple services and devices?

     

    We believe the operators including new OTT operators are in the driver’s seat to deploy compelling multi screen solutions to their customers. Most markets are dominated by pay TV offerings by operators. Looking into the hardware devices, already today lots of retail devices (iOS or Android based) can be enabled as a second screen device, where the operator controls the application for these devices (for OTT services). For the main screen (e.g. IPTV), the operator will control and provide as well the hardware device (STB).

  • WWE announces 24/7 streaming service starting 24 February

    WWE announces 24/7 streaming service starting 24 February

    MUMBAI: One of the biggest sporting brands ever in the world of entertainment just got bigger. World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) under the managerial brilliance of its chairman and CEO Vince McMahon has decided to go over the top (literally).

     

    Today, the Network announced the first-ever 24/7 streaming network that will launch live in the US on Monday, 24 February. It is a one of its kind over the top (OTT) distribution platform that will feature all 12 WWE live pay-per-view events – including WrestleMania – valued at more than $600 per year for $9.99 per month with a six-month commitment. It will also include groundbreaking original programming, reality shows, documentaries, classic matches and more than 1,500 hours of video on demand at launch.

     

    The build-up to the big announcement started two days ago on social media platforms, raising the level of curiosity among the sports fans. However, the announcement came at the Consumer Electronic Show taking place at Las Vegas at 8:00 am (IST) today. 

     

    Fans can subscribe to the WWE Network beginning 7:30 pm, 24 February, at WWE.com. For a limited time, the network will be free for a one week trial. Delivered to fans through OTT digital distribution, the network will be available on desktops and laptops via WWE.com. It will also be available through the WWE App on: Amazon’s Kindle Fire devices, Android devices, iOS devices, Roku streaming devices, Sony PlayStation 3 & 4 and Xbox 360. Availability on additional devices, including Xbox One and select Smart TVs, will follow suit.

     

    “Today is a historic day for WWE as we transform and reimagine how we deliver our premium live content and 24/7 programming directly to our fans around the world,” said WWE Chairman & chief executive officer Vince McMahon. “WWE Network will provide transformative growth for our company and unprecedented value for our fans.”

     

    WWE Network will also offer fans a revolutionary second screen experience for all original programming and live events via the WWE App, similar to the interactive fan experience currently available for flagship TV programs Raw and SmackDown.

     

    WWE collaborated with MLB Advanced Media (MLBAM) to build a powerful solution for delivering 24/7 WWE content to fans. MLBAM will provide its industry-leading technology services, including video streaming infrastructure, application development and operational support for reliable cross-platform distribution.

     

    MLBAM has been at the forefront of streaming technology for more than a decade now, powering its own live video subscription product since 2002. Last year, MLBAM managed live video content for more than 25,000 events, covering 80,000 hours of broadcast programming, across its sports and entertainment partners.

     

    “We applaud WWE for this bold, timely and strategic move to fully optimise the power and potential of live entertainment,” said MLBAM president & CEO Bob Bowman. “We are proud to work with WWE to help provide its millions of loyal fans with unencumbered access to distinctive and engaging live content across the devices they use most.”

     

    WWE Network is scheduled to launch in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong and the Nordics by the end of 2014 or early 2015.

     

    Programming Highlights

     

    WWE Network will officially launch with the live Monday Night Raw Post-Show on 24 February at 9:36 am, and fans will instantly have access to the most comprehensive WWE video-on-demand library upon signing up. In addition to live Raw and SmackDown pre and post-shows every week, new programming including a live studio show and additional on-demand content will be added in the future.

     

    At launch, WWE Network will include all 12 Live Pay-Per-View Events, including WrestleMania, and will be available to subscribers live, as well as on demand. It will also include Live pay-per-view 30 minute pre and post-shows.

     

    Original Programming

     

    Every Monday and Friday night, WWE Network will air 30 minute pre and post-shows for WWE’s weekly cable programs Monday Night Raw and Friday Night SmackDown.

     

    The Monday Night War: A series exploring the shocking real-life stories that fueled the mid ‘90s rivalry between WWE and WCW. Battling for ratings dominance, WWE’s Vince McMahon and WCW’s Ted Turner engaged in a masterful game of one-upmanship, and in the process, elevated WWE Monday Night Raw and WCW Monday Nitro to all new levels of pop-culture relevance.

     

    WrestleMania Rewind:  A comprehensive look back at the most groundbreaking matches and dramatic moments in WrestleMania history, including never-before-seen footage and in-depth interviews.

     

    WWE Countdown: A one-hour, groundbreaking, interactive, countdown series that puts the power squarely in viewers’ hands by giving the audience the chance to discuss and rank WWE’s most spectacular superstars, unexpected moments, best catch phrases and more through digital polling and social media interaction.

     

    WWE Legends House: Starting in April, WWE’s greatest Legends will reunite for a new title. Only that this time they’re competing outside the ring. Imagine a beautiful house in the suburbs – perfectly furnished, with gorgeous landscaping, a lovely pool and quiet, respectable neighbours. WWE Superstars from the past including “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, Tony Atlas and “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan will turn the neighborhood upside down as the house staff tries their best to keep these legends on time, on speaking terms, and out of trouble in this new reality show.

     

    WWE NXT: WWE Superstars and Divas of tomorrow face off every week on WWE NXT, a one-hour weekly show that features the brightest and best of WWE’s rising stars. WWE NXT showcases the Superstars and Divas from WWE’s Performance Center as well as appearances from WWE Superstars and Legends in an intimate setting. WWE NXT broadcasts from the state-of-the-art Full Sail Live venue on the Full Sail University campus in Orlando, Florida.

     

    WWE Superstars: An hour long weekly show highlighting the best of WWE Superstars and Divas in heart-pounding matches. Features highlights from all WWE programming, as well as a special glimpse at everything going on in the WWE Universe.

     

    Video On Demand

     

    WWE Network will offer all WWE, WCW and ECW pay-per-views as well as classic matches uncut and uncensored, encores of Raw, SmackDown and WWE Main Event totalling more than 1,500 hours of video on demand at launch.

     

    All episodes of original programming on WWE Network will be available on demand immediately after the premiere, allowing the viewers to watch on their schedule. Good times are certainly ahead for all WWE fans.

  • Reliance Jio tests 4G network at IIT, Mumbai Techfest

    Reliance Jio tests 4G network at IIT, Mumbai Techfest

    MUMBAI: Very soon, consumers will not even have to remember to record their favourite shows on movies on television for later viewing. With Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited (RJIL) testing its 4G network during the IIT Mumbai Techfest by running trials of video calls and Jio television service, Indian market will soon see the technology that eliminates the need for recording content.

     

    RJIL is country’s only pan-India 4G spectrum holder. According to a Press Trust of India report, Jio television has a feature that eliminates the need for recording content. For visitors to get a feel of the technology, RJIL also deployed Wi-Fi network at select locations in the campus. Through this, visitors could experience the benefit of high speed wireless connectivity for hand-held devices over a blend of LTE and Wi-Fi networks.

     

    RJIL also used the fest to demonstrate Live TV and video on demand, with HD viewing experience and 3D TV experience and Ultra HD video experience on its 4G network. Live TV has 16 HD channels and total 101 channels. Video on demand has more than 400 movies.According to the media report, Jio is readying itself for commercial launch and is currently under trial. The company is using the Techfest for conducting trials and also to get a feedback to improve the commercial product.

  • Verizon acquires upLynk assets and operations

    Verizon acquires upLynk assets and operations

    MUMBAI: Verizon Digital Media Services has acquired the assets and operations of upLynk, a technology and television cloud company. The move is a part of Verizon’s expansion plans to efficiently and quickly deliver live events, linear television and video on demand.

     

    upLynk simplifies the complex issues content owners face by streamlining the process of uploading and encoding ‘TV Everywhere’ for live, linear and video on-demand content. By using a single adaptive video format across all devices, upLynk simplifies encoding, storage, playback, ad insertion and analytics to eliminate complexity and enable more agile video workflows.

     

    “As the experience of watching broadcast television changes and the media marketplace shifts, the addition of upLynk’s unique capabilities allows Verizon Digital Media Services to better meet our customers where and how they want to deliver video,” said Verizon Digital Media Services president Bob Toohey. “Simply put, this acquisition provides intelligent, scalable and more flexible ways of streaming video for our customers,” he added.

     

    “Joining forces with Verizon is a turning point for upLynk, and we see incredible opportunity to deliver superior video solutions that streamline the complex challenges that content owners face. We look forward to even greater successes in the ‘TV Everywhere’ market,” informed upLynk chief executive officer Ralf Jacob.
    Based on its integration with national broadcast infrastructures as well as its advanced approach to over-the-top broadcast cloud distribution, upLynk delivers multi-device and cross-platform premium content to complement Verizon’s broad-based end-to-end solutions.

     

    With this acquisition of upLynk’s assets and operations, digital media services customers can take advantage of increased speed to market, simplified workflows and access to a highly efficient and data-rich broadcast cloud technology that leverages Verizon’s video platform and global network.