ITV

Tag: VOD

  • Channel 4 signs Vod deal for ‘Lost’, ‘Desperate Housewives’

    Channel 4 signs Vod deal for ‘Lost’, ‘Desperate Housewives’

    MUMBAI: UK broadcaster Channel 4 has announced an agreement with Buena Vista International Television (BVITV), the international TV distribution arm of The Walt Disney Company, to acquire the exclusive UK video-on-demand rights to Lost and Desperate Housewives.

    In India, the shows airs on Star Movies and Star World respectively.

    This deal is Disney’s first in Europe for VOD rights to its network series and is in line with Disney’s focus on the application of technology to enhance its content and expand its distribution.

    The pay per view Vod service will launch tomorrow 27 April when the entire series of Lost season one will be available on-demand at www.channel4.com/lost and to digital TV customers via ntl Telewest’s on-demand service. Episodes of the hit series can be purchased for 99p and watched an unlimited number of times within a 24 hour period.

    Access to the service will be limited to the UK. ntl Telewest has also secured the rights for content to be shown in high-definition.

    Channel 4 CEO Andy Duncan said, “Channel 4 is the most distinctive brand in UK television and we want to protect and enhance this reputation by making our award-winning content available across multiple platforms. By partnering exclusively on the VOD rights to two of the biggest shows on TV, we will work together to reach and grow on-demand audiences. This deal with BVITV reinforces Channel 4’s plans to make content available ‘anytime, anywhere’ and is a fantastic way of demonstrating our ambitions in this area.”

    BVITV VP, MD Europe, Middle East and Africa Tom Toumazis said, “This ground-breaking agreement represents our first step in launching our network series on Vod to the European market. We’re committed to working with partners with strong new media strategies, such as Channel 4, to harness new technology in bringing our hit programming to viewers in fresh and innovative ways. We also remain committed to providing legitimate ways in which to download content, and believe that offering these two series in this way is a significant step.”

    Touchstone Television president Mark Pedowitz says, “The creative appeal of Lost and Desperate Housewives transcends borders and we are thrilled the content will be available on-demand to UK consumers”.

    Channel 4 new business director Rod Henwood said, “This is a significant step in Channel 4’s plans to launch a full video-on-demand service across multiple platforms later this year. Partnering with Disney on these two stand-out shows illustrates the critical strategic importance of VOD to Channel 4.”

    Also, Lost season two will be available via www.channel4.com and to subscribers of ntl Telewest 14 days after their first UK broadcast and to promote the service for a two week period the first two episodes will be offered to viewers free of charge. Episodes will be streamed on Channel4.com and can be viewed on a PC using Windows Media Player.

    On demand episodes of Desperate Housewives season two will be available from 4 May with episodes of the first season available later that month.

  • Discovery US creates a travel division

    Discovery US creates a travel division

    MUMBAI: Discovery in the US has created a new integrated travel media business called Discovery Travel Media. This new department will include the Travel Channel, online assets including www.travelchannel.com, the recently announced broadband offering, Travel Channel Beyond as well as Video-on-Demand (VOD) and mobile platforms.
    Discovery Travel Media is the company’s first business unit that combines all of the company’s assets related to a single category into a vertically integrated organisational structure.

    Discovery US president and CEO Judith McHale says, “Discovery Travel Media will better target audiences who are spending more and more time online. This segment is growing rapidly, and is currently underserved. Research shows Discovery and its related assets outpace other media brands for trusted travel information, and Discovery Travel Media is well positioned to provide travelers with the information and services they want and need.

    “Unlike other media companies that have created separate digital divisions, Discovery Travel Media will allow for more integration, flexibility and innovation from combining our existing businesses with new multiplatform opportunities in the travel space.”
    Pat Younge, who is currently Travel Channel executive VP and GM will become full business manager for Discovery Travel Media.

    Younge says, “The Travel Channel is now in more than 84 million US cable homes, so to be able to systematically leverage our unequalled travel video archive across a range of high growth media platforms affords us the opportunity to further build brand awareness and develop new revenue drivers.

    “In the coming months we will be aggressively exploring partnerships with a range of major travel-service aggregators, as well as acquisitions of aligned businesses, as we build out the assets of Discovery Travel Media.”

    The Travel Channel claims to target people who want to experience their world, immerse themselves in new cultures and escape from the day-to-day grind of everyday life.

  • Motorola and Sentivision to provide set-tops for major Japanese IPTV rollout

    Motorola and Sentivision to provide set-tops for major Japanese IPTV rollout

    MUMBAI: Motorola, Inc. has announced that Sentivision, a provider of media technologies and products for digital entertainment, has selected the Motorola VIP series IPTV set-top platform for providing video service to Japanese subscribers.

    Sentivision becomes the first service provider outside of North America to deploy the Motorola VIP set-top, further establishing Motorola as a leading global provider of Telco TV solutions.

    As a standards-based, open-architecture platform, the Motorola VIP series set-tops can be integrated with middleware from any provider. This means that service providers like Sentivision can offer a suite of advanced applications to their users that best serve the needs of the local market. For this service deployment, Sentivision will port its advanced middleware suite to the Motorola set-top platform.

    Motorola provides a robust IPTV platform that brings high-definition TV (HDTV), video-on-demand (VOD), digital video recording (DVR), multi-room streaming, and other connected home applications into subscribers’ homes.

    “Our middleware integration was made simple by using Motorola’s leading digital IP video platform. The open nature of the platform and the expertise brought together by combining Sentivision and Motorola is sure to result in a robust video offering to customers,” said Sentivision CEO Yochi Akase.

    “Motorola IPTV solution combined with Sentivision middleware will bring some of the most advanced video services available into the homes of Japanese customers. We are proud to add Sentivision to our IPTV ecosystem. Together, we can create a unique video entertainment service delivered through one of the most advanced digital set-top platforms available,” said Motorola corporate vice president and Connected Home Solutions general manager Doug Means.

    The Motorola VIP1200 series of IP-based set-tops gives service providers an advanced and flexible platform for delivering next-generation video content and services. Designed to meet operators’ evolving business needs and consumers’ desire for television choice, these set-tops leverage Motorola’s decades of experience in video delivery and the company’s proven expertise in emerging standards and new network architectures. The Motorola VIP1200 series supports industry-leading video codecs, digital rights management (DRM) solutions, and software from multiple middleware vendors.

    The VIP1200J series includes the following set-top models with connectors and options specifically for the Japanese market:

    VIP1200Japan, Single TV High Definition IP set-top
    VIP1216Japan, Single TV High Definition IP set-top with integrated hard disk drive (HDD) for digital video recording (DVR)

  • Asian VOD broadcaster Anytime signs distribution deal in Taiwan

    Asian VOD broadcaster Anytime signs distribution deal in Taiwan

    MUMBAI: The Asian video on demand (VOD) channel Anytime has reached a distribution deal in Taiwan with the interactive broadband platform TDMC.

    TDMC TV chairman Zhong Zhen says, “The deal gives TDMC TV customers a variety of content from the Hollywood studios over a secure ADSL broadband connection to a set-top box. The channel launches in Taiwan this month.

    “Anytime has output deals with more Hollywood studios and Asian content creators than any other video on-demand channel. The new Anytime channel on TDMC TV will give viewers in Taiwan easy access to the most popular, up-to-date entertainment, when they want it.”

    The Singapore-based Anytime has existing carriage deals in Australia, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Thailand, and the rights to license into 14 territories in Asia Pacific. Shareholders include CPE Holdings (Sony), Fox Media Services, Warner Bros. Entertainment, YTC Group, the Macquarie Bank Group and US based Coote/Hayes Productions.

  • Crown Media Holdings not to sell Hallmark Channel US

    Crown Media Holdings not to sell Hallmark Channel US

    MUMBAI: Crown Media Holdings, Inc., which owns and operates the Hallmark Channel, has decided not to sell out the channel. The company, after extensive review of strategic alternatives including a possible sale of the company, announced that the board of directors has decided to terminate this process and fully commit the company’s resources to continuing to operate its channels and its VOD and HD programming services.

    “We worked diligently with the Special Committee and our financial advisors to evaluate various strategic initiatives. Ultimately the board determined that the greatest value for our shareholders will be derived by our continued operation of our business. Given the record ratings results, subscriber growth, and solid advertising and subscriber fee revenue increases we have been able to achieve, we believe that the underlying business fundamentals are in place to enhance the value of Crown Media by building a more successful business. Our results in the first quarter continue to reflect the success of our programming strategy and subscriber expansion as we solidify our appeal to viewers and advertisers on a broad national level,” stated Crown Media Holding president and CEO David Evans.

    “Our management team is prepared to meet the challenges ahead with the talent and experience that have made us a top ten cable channel with over 72 million subscribers. We intend to implement cost saving strategies and emphasize programming and marketing promotions to continue our efforts to target a younger audience. We have initiated discussions with our distributor partners in order to renew our licenses and intend to aggressively pursue those renewals on favorable terms. We will continue to pursue opportunities to improve our capital structure. We are extremely pleased to have the support of our partners as we work together to operate the business on a long-term basis,” he added.

    Hallmark Cards, Inc., which owns 67 per cent of Crown Media, has indicated its continuing support of the channel by agreeing to extend its trademark license agreement with Crown Media.

    “We are proud to be associated with a channel with such strong ratings and advertiser support. Our relationship with Crown Media has been mutually beneficial. Crown Media has been able to leverage the consumer recognition and strength of the Hallmark brand and together we have collaborated on successful co-marketing programs between Hallmark Channel and the more than 4,000 Hallmark Gold Crown stores,” said Hallmark Cards, Inc. president and CEO Don Hall Jr.

    The company had announced in August 2005 that its board of directors had authorised management to explore strategic alternatives for the company. After pursuing a number of alternatives and meeting with interested parties, the company and the Special Committee of the board has determined that the best course of action at this time is to continue to operate the business. The company will continue to explore ways in which it can improve its capital structure.

  • Tandberg Television unveils on-demand interactive ad system at NCTA ’06

    Tandberg Television unveils on-demand interactive ad system at NCTA ’06

    MUMBAI: Tandberg Television will unveil for the first time an on-demand interactive advertising system at the NCTA National Show 2006. The company’s new dynamic ad placement solution integrates advanced video-on-demand (VOD) capabilities with advanced interactive television functionality.

    It enables operators and programmers to engage subscribers with compelling integrated advertising experiences tightly embedded in broadcast and VOD programming.

    “In an era of ad-skipping and fragmented viewership, our next generation technology will play a critical role for advertisers striving to engage their customers. Tandberg Television’s new solution offers advertisers the ability to blend the emotion of television with the precision and measurability of the internet,” said Tandberg Television Inc senior vice president marketing and business development Braxton Jarratt.

    A recent joint survey released by the Association of National Advertisers and Forrester Research found nearly 70 per cent of advertisers are concerned that VOD and digital video recorders (DVR) are rendering traditional TV ads less effective, and confirmed that advertisers will spend less on TV ads in favour of emerging forms of advertising. The new interactive advertising system from Tandberg Television helps cable deliver more effective forms of advertising that complement the evolving and complicated viewing patterns of today’s consumers.

    With the new ad solutions from Tandberg Television, operators can deliver dynamic ad placements, playlists, interactive advertisements, branded portal and t-commerce capabilities to create rich, immersive subscriber interactions. Since the system is platform agnostic, it can be extended to any delivery device where content is consumed, complete with embedded interactive experiences launched with every subscriber inquiry or response.

    The complete solution from Tandberg Television includes:

    On-demand advertising: Global management system for advanced video advertising technologies, including VOD ad placement, long-form VOD delivery and highly targeted ad systems. The AdPoint solution addresses the diverse needs of advertisers and marketers by providing innovative tools for the production, management and placement of advertising and marketing messages across platforms and methods.

    Interactive advertisements: Two-way interactive television (iTV) communication that actively engages viewers, draws them deeper into the programming and creates a unique relationship between the advertiser, the content and the operator.

    Branded entertainment on-demand: By linking from linear video to on-demand content, advertisers can tie branded content areas directly to advertisements. While viewing an ad, users can click for more information to launch on-demand sessions that provide deeper brand interactions.

    T-commerce: Secure transactions from set-top boxes allow viewers to make purchases while watching television. T-commerce is a powerful product placement and direct marketing solution for advertisers, enabling viewers to request additional information or initiate purchases directly from their television screen.

    Mobile messaging solutions: With its end-to-end mobile messaging system, Tandberg Television supports mobile marketing campaigns, including registration management, content creation and scheduling, reporting and analysis, and delivery to subscribers of all major carriers.

    The interactive advertising system delivered by Tandberg Television is based on open interfaces, enabling cable operators to easily deploy on-demand services using existing, preferred and next-generation backend components — such as video servers, access networks, billing systems and client applications — as well as future iTV applications, including gaming and merchandising.

    By enabling multiple video server vendors and complexes to co-exist in the same installation, Tandberg Television allows operators to direct content to specific servers and load balance resources across vendors

  • BVITV and France Telecom sign VOD agreement at MipTV

    BVITV and France Telecom sign VOD agreement at MipTV

    CANNES: Buena Vista International Television (BVITV) and France Telecom have concluded a multi-year VOD (voice on demand) agreement to allow subscribers to enjoy a selection of movies from BVITV’s portfolio, through France Telecom’s Wanadoo broadband, and MaLigne IPTV set top box services.

    Under the new agreement, France Telecom’s subscribers will be able to enjoy a selection of current and library features from producer groups such as Touchstone Pictures and Miramax Films. Viewers will be able to access the content online via Wanadoo broadband, downloading movies for a period of up to 30 days, or via the MaLigne set top box service. On both services, titles will be available for 24 hours once the film has been accessed.

    The selection will include first run current titles such as Flightplan, Casanova, Finding Neverland, Kinky Boots and The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.

    In addition, subscribers will be able to enjoy a selection of library titles, including Pretty Woman, Armageddon Pearl Harbor, Signs and Unbreakable.

    For BVITV, this agreement was concluded by vice president sales, French-speaking Europe and Middle East Florent Gaignault and pay TV and new technologies vice president sales Damian Newton.

    BVITV EMEA senior vice president sales and portfolio development Philippe Maigret said, “We are working with operators such as France Telecom to provide secure ways for viewers across the world to access our movies online, on demand, and to help drive uptake of legitimate download services. This VOD agreement across France Telecom’s IPTV and broadband platforms marks the beginning of a key relationship, which we see eventually covering additional territories in Europe, across our programming portfolio for distribution on emerging platforms.”

    France Telecom executive vice president content division Patricia Langrand added, “We are very pleased to announce the first and promising step towards a strong and creative partnership. Our intention is to extend this first agreement to other territories and to develop our partnership with other content, such as BVITV’s fantastic portfolio of series. For that purpose, we will offer our commitment to our customers: my favourite programmes, everywhere, whenever I want, and the way I want.”