ITV

Tag: VOD

  • LG earns Cablelabs certification for two-way interactive digital cable HDTV

    LG earns Cablelabs certification for two-way interactive digital cable HDTV

    MUMBAI: Paving the way to integrated digital cable-ready HDTVs with two-way interactive capability, LG Electronics recently showcased a TV platform in the US.

    The LG plasma HDTV has achieved certification status as Ocap-enabled interactive digital television set, including the multi-stream CableCard (M-Card) system, from a recently concluded certification by Cablelabs.

    LG’s 42-inch OpenCable plasma HDTV set (42PC1DN) was honoured with a 2007 CES Innovations Award — features built-in Ocap technology, M-Card capabilities and interactive capabilities, as well as high-definition content and interactive services like Video-on-Demand and Pay-Per-View. The LG 42PC1DN has been honoured as a 2007 CES Innovations Award recipient.

    This retail device can connect directly to a local cable TV system, and receive current advanced interactive cable TV services, as well as be ready for future interactive applications –without the need for a separate digital set-top box (STB). Ultimately, a common US platform for delivering interactive cable applications would be enabled by implementing the OpenCable specification, a process in which LG is an active contributor.

    The company adds that it is committed to commercialising retail interactive digital cable-ready TVs and STBs to accelerate the rollout of OpenCable and Ocap across the North American Cable industry. LG says that it has now have advanced devices capable of receiving and displaying advanced cable services such as program guides and video-on-demand (Vod) without requiring separate cable STBs.

    In parallel with ongoing inter-industry standardisation efforts, it will continue working with the cable industry to commercialise this platform.

    LG’s close collaboration with Cablelabs and cable TV operators has enabled the company to develop products that run cable services including an interactive programme guide, Vod and other interactive applications and services. “At the same time, LG is continuing to explore additional new features to maintain product leadership and be a market differentiator.

  • Taffy Ent. unveils multi-platform kids’ service ‘Kabillion’ in US

    Taffy Ent. unveils multi-platform kids’ service ‘Kabillion’ in US

     MUMBAI: Taffy Entertainment has announced the launch of Kabillion, a multi-platform, kids’ program service, available both as a free online broadband site (www.Kabillion.com) and a free video on-demand (VOD) channel.

    According to an official release issued by the company, the new service, developed in conjunction with Remix Entertainment Ventures, offers high-quality animated and live-action kids’ series entertainment on both the online and VOD platforms. The VOD platform is now available to digital cable subscribers in the US on Comcast Cable systems, with additional systems to be added in the near future. Future plans also call for offering mobile, gaming and wireless platforms.

    Kabillion’s initial programming lineup includes a variety of options, in keeping with the channel’s “On Demand/Viewer’s Choice” philosophy. From the CGI comedy show Pet Alien, to anime trading card-themed Mix Master: King of Cards original series.

    The On-Demand channel will allow viewers to choose the episodes they want, when they want it and in some cases, the language they want, as Kabillion will offer multi-lingual versions of many titles.

    Instead of being designed from a traditional linear programming service perspective, Kabillion has been conceived and developed around the role that emerging digital media is playing in the lives of kids. To help guide viewers through the new service, Kabillion will also offer “Kablab,” a comedic, live-action Preview show, intended to not only entertain, but to inform kids about some of the other available programming and content choices, adds the release.

    “Kabillion will transform how kids experience media, allowing them to engage in a more interactive and dynamic way, across a range of platforms. Taffy Entertainment will supply first class, award-winning programming through its global production pipelines at both Moonscoop and Mike Young Productions,” explains Taffy Entertainment co-CEO Bill Schultz. “Key acquisitions will also play an important role and we anticipate some important announcements to that effect very soon.”

    The network is advertiser-supported and already has signed key sponsors. Kabillion’s infra-structure will transform traditional approaches to advertising with the innovation that is currently sweeping the older demographic’s advertising models.

     

  • NDS, CyberLink to deliver TV entertainment to PCs

    NDS, CyberLink to deliver TV entertainment to PCs

    MUMBAI: NDS, the leading provider of technology solutions for digital pay-TV, and CyberLink, a world leader in digital home software solutions, have partnered to integrate NDS VideoGuard PC technology with CyberLink’s PowerCinema home entertainment solution for PCs.

    PowerCinema supports full TV services including live broadcast channels, digital video recording (DVR) functions, Electronic Program Guides (EPGs), secure content downloads, on-demand services, and Video-on Demand (VOD). By integrating the NDS VideoGuard® technology, PowerCinema enables operators to expand their services to PC owners, and extend their market reach.

    The VideoGuard PC solution uses hardware-based security and a USB VideoGuard Key™ to provide a secure way of extending content usage rights beyond the set-top box. The VideoGuard PC solution ensures that you can extend your existing services such as broadcast TV and VOD to PCs. It also maintains secure storage for the ultimate solution of content protection convergence.

    “Our partnership with such a ubiquitous PC technology as CyberLink PowerCinema presents a win-win situation for our pay-TV operator customers, PC vendors, and consumers”, said Joseph Deutsch, Vice President of Product Marketing, NDS. “Because VideoGuard combines CA and DRM to protect TV services as well as the licensing and content rights, operators can rely on secure content transfer between DVRs, PCs, and Portable Media Players (PMPs). Users can therefore enjoy their high-definition content on their PCs along with the flexibility to move it to PMP devices or CDs without compromising the content owner’s rights.”

    Alice H. Chang, CEO of CyberLink added: “CyberLink PowerCinema offers a complete TV solution for enjoying high-definition digital TV from satellite, cable and IPTV service providers. By working with NDS to integrate VideoGuard PC, we now support the world’s leading conditional access technology for premium pay-TV content. This collaboration delivers an extremely valuable solution for PC companies and pay-TV operators who can now expand TV’s reach onto a new PC platform within the digital home.”

    “We are delighted to integrate VideoGuard PC into PowerCinema” continued Chang. “We have decided to partner with NDS, a company that has the industry’s best track record for conditional access and digital rights management. This ensures that pay-TV operators will see our “Cyberlink inside” PCs as a natural extension to their network and provide subscribers the freedom to enjoy the best services and content beyond the living room”.

    This solution for the PC market follows NDS’s earlier integration of VideoGuard Mobile and Electronic Service Guide (ESG) with CyberLink’s Mobile DTV player, enabling any pay-TV operator to provide a true end-to-end secure multi-platform, multi-network service.

  • Rainbow Media signs deals for Mag Rack Vod content

    Rainbow Media signs deals for Mag Rack Vod content

    MUMBAI: US media firm Rainbow Media Holdings has added international broadcasters to the growing reach of its Mag Rack video-on-demand (Vod) content.

    The latest round of deals delivers several Mag Rack titles into the UK, Sweden, Central and Eastern Europe, Russia and the Middle East. Continuing Rainbow’s international expansion, the deals represent 319 VOD segments.
    Launched in 2001 in the US, Mag Rack is an on-demand television service, delivering made-for-Vod programming. Mag Rack is available to 12 million on-demand customers in 50 US markets, and several of its series were sold into Scandinavia, Hungary and Greece earlier this year.

    iD MD Sally Miles says, “Our continued momentum with Rainbow’s stable of brands is truly a testament to the international appeal of this top-quality programming. With Mag Rack, buyers are getting a rich array of series that speak to the diverse tastes of their viewers’ evolving, on-the-go lifestyles. Mag Rack is a truly progressive brand to be working with in the VOD marketplace.”

    The newest round of international Mag Rack deals includes:

    Inside Weddings has been Sold to Wedding TV (UK), TV7 (Sweden), Club Channel (Poland & Hungary), CTC Domashy Network (Russia) and Spektrum (Czech Republic). The show has advice on everything from gowns and formal wear, flowers and photography to places to celebrate.

    Mama Gena has been sold to TV7 (Sweden) and Club Channel (Central & Eastern Europe). In this “school of womanly arts,” Mama Gena’s lessons teach women to take control of their power of pleasure to have their way with the world and men, with each episode offering new tips and techniques.

    Eight segments of Wild Wheels have been sold to TV4 (Sweden) and 24 sold to Prava/Prevodi (Bosnia & Herzegovina). This series takes viewers into a world of crazy cars—rock crawlers, aqua cars, modified stretch limos, mud/ice racers and more—for a drive on the wild side.

    Let’s Go Garden has been sold to ACE (Russia). Let’s Go Garden, hosted by Jackie Albarella. This focusses on the practical side of gardening with projects real people can achieve whether a beginning gardener or a passionate green thumb.

    Motorcycle Freedom has been sold to Ananey (Israel). These short segment programs take viewers onto the open road with a virtual ride on some of the latest superbikes.

  • Buena Vista intl TV inks Vod, IPTV deal with Anytime

    Buena Vista intl TV inks Vod, IPTV deal with Anytime

    SINGAPORE: Buena Vista International Television-Asia Pacific (BVITV-AP), the international television distribution arm of US media conglomerate Disney has concluded a multi-year movie video-on-demand (VOD) IPTV agreement with Asia Pacific’s leading Video on-Demand Channel Anytime.

    This agreement will make available a range of current and library features on the Anytime channel in Australia through TransACT and Regional Internet Australia (RIA), Buddy Broadband in Thailand and TDMC in Taiwan. This agreement is in line with Disney’s focus on the application of technology to enhance its content and expand its distribution to deliver anytime, anywhere.

    Through this agreement, IPTV customers in Australia, Taiwan and Thailand will be able to enjoy a films from Disney, Touchstone and Miramax. Titles include Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, Cinderella Man, Eight Below and Flightplan. The selection also includes the thriller Face/Off and family comedies Herbie: Fully Loaded and Freaky Friday.

    The agreement also includes provisions for cooperation against piracy of BVITV’s content, while at the same time safeguarding the privacy of end users and remaining consistent with local law and industry practice.

    BVITV-AP senior VP, MD Steve Macallister says, “We are very pleased to have concluded this pan-regional VOD deal with Anytime to offer our top movie titles ‘on-demand’ to IPTV subscribers across the region. As flexibility and choice of viewing become increasingly important, our focus will continue to be on finding innovative and convenient ways for consumers to access our content.”

    Anytime president and CEO Craig Zimbulis said, “We are delighted to be able to add BVITV to existing Anytime deployments. The appeal of BVITV content is indisputable and its inclusion for us greatly enhances Anytime’s ability to present the very best in entertainment to all age groups. BVITV’s award-winning line-up of entertainment further establishes ANYTIME as the pre-eminent Video on-Demand channel in Asia Pacific.”

    Anytime provides video content owners, such as BVITV, with a streamlined process for getting product to market, giving fast access to new audiences and revenue streams. It provides carriers with a complete programming solution covering content and metadata, data encoding and encryption, interface development and marketing support.

  • AnyTime clinches VoD deal with IOL

    AnyTime clinches VoD deal with IOL

    aMUMBAI: AnyTime, Asia Pacific’s video-on-demand channel (VoD), has signed a five-year distribution agreement with India’s broadband provider, India On Line Broadband Ltd (IOL).

    Four million homes in Mumbai and Delhi will have access to AnyTime VoD movie channel and interactive games channels by March 2007, asserts an official release.

    The AnyTime VoD movie channel will be the exclusive provider of Hollywood VoD programs and will form the cornerstone of the MTNL-IOL and BSNL-IOL IPTV platforms, supported by BSNL respectively.

    The AnyTime channel is expected to go live in December, making a wide range of Hollywood movies-both new releases and library titles. Besides that interactive games would be available on-demand which will introduce a new level of choice and control in entertainment in India, adds the release.

    AnyTime CEO Craig Zimbulis said, “This is an unprecedented deal for IPTV in the region. On-demand delivery of video content is set to boom in India, this is a country that clearly has a huge appetite for next generation services. IOL, MTNL, BSNL and AnyTime by working together will be able to offer Indian viewers an entirely new way to enjoy and consume Hollywood entertainment.”

    “Singapore’s transparent media regulatory framework and its abundant supply of skilled industry professionals have given AnyTime a great home and assisted AnyTime in realising our Asia Pacific growth plans and ambitions,” he added.

  • Nielsen to launch VoD measurement service in US on 11 December

    Nielsen to launch VoD measurement service in US on 11 December

    MUMBAI: Nielsen Media Research in the United States has announced that it will launch a new service to measure nationally distributed Video On Demand (VoD) content on 11 December. This service will use the same National People Meter sample it uses to provide television ratings to national programmers.

    As with Nielsen’s current ratings, clients will receive household and demographic ratings for VoD content along with other detailed audience information. By measuring VoD content in its national ratings panel, Nielsen will enable clients to compare the performance of programs airing on traditional channels with the performance of those same programs on demand, informs an official release.

    Nielsen will be able to provide VoD reporting to clients who implement “watermarking,” or audio code, technology that identifies specific on-demand titles. Working in conjunction with clients, Nielsen has developed the encoding tools to uniquely “watermark” VoD content so that Nielsen’s newly deployed Active/Passive meter can accurately identify on-demand viewing sessions.

    Nielsen’s launch of VoD measurement ushers in a new level of reporting for all types of video on demand programming, including titles from the libraries of content providers and recently telecast programs shown again via VoD.
    New broadcast and cable network programming that is played back via VoD is already included in Nielsen’s time-shifted viewing ratings, but only if the programming content and advertising is the same as is in the original live telecast, adds the release.

    “Because Video On Demand is a growing business and a potentially valuable new revenue stream for programmers, it is increasingly important for them to understand who is watching their shows and to be able to compare the viewing that is being done via traditional television and VoD,” said Nielsen senior vice president Scott L Brown. “With this launch, we continue to ‘follow the video’ wherever it is broadcast, while fulfilling a commitment we made to clients who told us last year that VoD measurement was a major priority for them. Nielsen will be working with clients to make sure they install our watermarking technology so we can identify both their library content and their new, recently presented programs shown via VoD.”

    The release also states that Nielsen’s new watermarking process involves new software that embeds content identification information in the audio of the VoD program. This software has been tested by a number of clients over the course of several months and is now ready for use. Once a client installs the watermarking software, Nielsen can identify the programs it wishes to track through the VoD process, and the VoD programs viewed in sample households can be credited accordingly.

  • ‘Jemma Adkins’ is Head of content digital media for BBC Worldwide

    ‘Jemma Adkins’ is Head of content digital media for BBC Worldwide

    MUMBAI: BBC Worldwide, has announced that Jemma has joined the digital media division as Head of content.

    Earlier Adkins was handling BBC Worldwide TV sales division where she was responsible for negotiating the sale of programming in the UK and Ireland market including working with VOD services BT and Homechoice.

    Reporting to director of digital media Simon Danker, Adkins will be responsible for sourcing programming and digital content for the global digital media business which includes BBC Worldwide’s VOD and mobile offering in addition to its proposed commercial iPlayer, asserts an official release.

    Adkins will lead the development and growth of the division’s digital media content catalogue, primarily in terms of television programmes but also through the development of newly commissioned or reversioned content for mobile and online, adds the release.

    Commenting on Adkins’ appointment Danker said, “Jemma’s appointment demonstrates BBC Worldwide’s commitment to making our content available on multiple devices throughout the globe. Her experience in the TV Sales division will bring valuable experience in rights, independent relationships and knowledge of the BBC programme catalogue to her new role.”

    Adding Adkins said, “I’m delighted to join the digital media division at such an interesting time. Content is at the core of our global offering and by leading the development and growth of BBC Worldwide’s digital media content offering I aim to ensure that popular entertainment is available as and when our consumers want it.”

    BBC Worldwide Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).

  • NDS joins Anytime Technology partner programme

    NDS joins Anytime Technology partner programme

    MUMBAI: Anytime, Asia Pacific’s leading Video on-Demand (VoD) channel, today announced that NDS, the leading provider of technology solutions for digital pay-TV, is the newest member of the Anytime Technology Partner Program.

    The Anytime Technology Partner Program is a collaboration between Anytime and the world’s leading VoD technology vendors. It aims to reduce the time to deploy secure, quality, VoD services in Asia Pacific. The Program allows technology vendors to come together to ensure process compliance and data flow compatibility from publishing, to billing API’s and royalty reporting. NDS Group is a NASDAQ-listed company; the largest shareholder in NDS is News Corporation.

    NDS solutions enable broadcasters, network TV operators and content providers to profit from the deployment of digital TV technologies including innovative solutions for digital video recorders, interactivity, secure broadband, home networks and content on the go. NDS boasts an impressive customer list, featuring some of the world’s leading pay-TV operators, such as BSkyB, DIRECTV, SkyLife and FOXTEL, informs an official release.

    “NDS is pleased to join the Anytime Technology Partner Program. We regard this as an important technology alliance to enable our customers to implement VoD services in a timely and seamless fashion,” said Sue Taylor, VP & GM of NDS Asia Pacific.

    “With their in-house expertise, ANYTIME will help us test and review a complete range of IPTV products and solutions and develop reference architectures for our customers. The Anytime Technology Partner Program is the answer to fast-tracking VoD deployments in Asia Pacific.”

    “NDS’s end-to-end deployments demonstrate the company’s ability to offer unparalleled expertise in content delivery and protection. Conditional access is a vital component in any VoD delivery model and NDS has the capabilities to bring content security to a new level,” said Anytime CTO Craig Ginsberg.

    NDS joins a rapidly growing number of the world’s leading technology vendors including Verimatrix, SecureMedia, Concurrent and Tatung as members of the Anytime Technology Partner Program.

    The Anytime Technology Partner Program has two levels of agreement – Technology compliance, and Cooperation & Co-marketing. If accepted into the Program, vendors can work with Anytime to ensure their products, services or solutions, comply with the highest industry standards for VoD content delivery.

    The Program is open to STB manufacturers, middleware vendors, Conditional Access and DRM hardware and software makers, VoD server manufacturers, and Systems Integrators. It is vendor-agnostic, ensuring that Telcos, ISPs and Digital Cable providers receive impartial advice and information on VoD delivery technology, the release adds.

  • Discovery US forms Animal Planet media enterprises

    Discovery US forms Animal Planet media enterprises

    MUMBAI: US media firm Discovery has formed an integrated multi-platform business called Animal Planet media enterprises.

    It has also acquired two companies in the pet industry — Petfinder.com and PetsIncredible.

    Discovery says that both businesses will expand the portfolio of services and content for the newly formed Animal Planet Media Enterprises.

    Petfinder.com facilitates pet adoption and works through animal shelters and rescue groups across North America. PetsIncredible produces and distributes pet-training videos and includes Web service PetVideo.com. Both companies immediately will be integrated into Animal Planet Media Enterprises in a seamless transition for users and customers of both products and services.

    Discovery adds that the new Animal Planet firm marks the first time that animal lovers and pet owners will have access to a centralised online, television and mobile community for research tools, expert advice, local resources, customized products and services, do-it-yourself projects and user-generated and interactive content.

    The new business unit also includes the Animal Planet television network — celebrating its 10th anniversary this year — online assets including http://www.animalplanet.com , the 24/7 broadband channel, Animal Planet Beyond, and other media platforms including a robust Video-on- Demand (VOD) service, mobile content and merchandise extensions.

    Discovery founder and chairman John Hendricks says, “Animal Planet Media Enterprises will be the leader in providing a trusted community where consumers of all ages can enjoy the best content, products and services on pets and animals of all kinds. The depth and breadth of Animal Planet’s reach across the country and its powerful status as a beloved and trusted brand will enable us to leverage our unparalleled animal video archive, expertise and resources across a range of high-growth media platforms.”

    Animal Planet executive VP, GM Maureen Smith, will expand her duties to include leadership of Animal Planet Media Enterprises. She says, “This acquisition and reorganization solidifies our place as the leading information provider for all things animal, with a primary focus on media and products for people and their pets. I am thrilled to welcome the employees, passion and creativity of both PetFinder.com and PetsIncredible to the Animal Planet family.”

    With the acquisition of Petfinder.com and PetsIncredible, Animal Planet Media Enterprises will now have a portfolio of pet-centric platforms to service pet parents through out all stages of life with their pets — from the initial thought of adoption and selection of the right pet (Petfinder.com), to ensuring that the first few years together are as happy and rewarding as possible (PetsIncredible training videos), to celebrating a lifetime relationship with this special family member (animalplanet.com).

    Petfinder.com, founded in 1996 claims to be is the largest searchable database of adoptable pets on the Web. Facilitating over 10 million adoptions in the last 10 years and averaging over 120 million page views a month, Petfinder.com visitors can currently meet nearly 230,000 adoptable pets from over 10,000 animal shelters and rescue groups across the US, Canada and Mexico. The site also helps educate new adopters about pet health, behaviour and care through its resource library and discussion forums.

    Petfinder.com uses the Internet to increase public awareness of the availability of adoptable pets and the effectiveness of pet adoption programmes across North America in order to eliminate the euthanasia of adoptable pets. The company has 25 US-based employees and is based in Pittstown, New Jersey. Petfinder.com is free to both visitors and to its animal placement organisation members due to its generous sponsors.

    PetsIncredible enhances the relationship of families and their pets by providing simple and easy to use pet-friendly training techniques to address the most common behaviour issues. Distributed on DVD via shelters, veterinarian offices, and directly to consumers, PetsIncredible’s easy-to-follow, positive reinforcement training program, helps integrate new pets into the family and reduce shelter adoption returns.

    In addition, Petvideo.com, launched in partnership with Petfinder.com this summer, is an interactive broadband video service featuring 200 quick and easy training videos, user generated content and videos of adoptable shelter pets.