Monday 30 June 2014

CQ-Four arrested for illegal streaming of cable TV Signals

Hyderabad police on 29 June had conducted a raid in Thirumalgery, Secunderabad area and arrested four persons who are illegally tapping the Satellite signal and also making Signal Piracy of cable TV service providers in the name of M/s Pearl Technology. 

CQ-Siticable Kolkata to offer SitiBroadband service

India’s leading multi system operators (MSOs) Siticable has decided to offer broadband and other value added services (VAS) to its customers. The network will soon launch SitiBroadband service in Kolkata.  

CQ-TV 18 to bring 24-hour Gujarati business channel

Mukesh Ambani-controlled TV18 Broadcast Ltd, is planning to launch India's first 24-hour Gujarati business channel. The channel will go live from July 1, 2014. Sanjay Pugalia will be the editor-in-chief of the new channel.

CQ-I& B Ministry monitors social media to keep Modi abrest of latest trends

To keep Prime Minister Narendra Modi informed about the mood of the nation, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry has begun sending his office an analysis of the latest trends on social media. 

CQ-ISRO launches PSLV C-23 successfully from Sriharikota

India's national space agency Indian Space and Research Organisation in the early morning of June 30 launched five satellites from four countries from the spaceport of Sriharikota in presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

CQ-Tablets become main device for catch-up TV

Data from Kantar Media’s syndicated study, future PROOF, shows that tablets have become mainstream consumer devices with more than half of 16-44s now having access to them.

Friday 27 June 2014

CQ-MIB advises broadcasters and teleport ops to take prior approval before making forex payment

The ministry of Information and Broadcasting has advised all broadcast companies and teleport operators to take prior approval of the ministry for making payments in foreign exchange towards hiring of transponders of foreign satellites.

CQ-Tata Comm and Kaltura join hand for online content delivery network

Tata Communications, a leading provider of a new world of communication, announces a partnership with Kaltura that will combine Tata Communications’ next generation Content Delivery Network (CDN) with Kaltura’s leading open source online video platform. The integrated offering will enable media companies, enterprises and educational institutions to manage the entire video process, from acquisition to delivery, through a single easy-to-use interface.

CQ-TAM TV rating, Star and Zee remain same position

In the week 25 of TAM TV ratings, while Star Plus, Zee TV and Life OK gained big, the other GECs saw a drop in the viewership. 

CQ-ASCI uphlds complaints against 82 out of 124 ads

In April 2014, ASCI’s Consumer Complaints Council (CCC) upheld complaints against 82 out of 124 advertisements. 

CQ-Lifesize inducts Gagan Verma as regional director

Lifesize, a division of Logitech and supplier in the field of HD video communication has appointed Gagan Verma as regional director for India and SAARC region.

CQ-Google unveils Android TV

Google has unveiled its new TV service – Android TV. Combining games, streaming services, music and catch-up services, the device will take on the likes of Amazon’s Fire TV and Apple TV.

CQ-Sony Pictures acquires CSC Media Group

Sony Pictures Television (SPT), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Pictures Entertainment, is to buy CSC Media Group (CSC), one of the UK’s largest independent cable/satellite TV channel groups in a £107 million (€134m) deal.

CQ-SCTE, cable operators pledge to reduce network energy use by 2020

The Society of Cable Television engineers announced a plan on 26 June to provide cable system operators with new standards, technology, solutions and training to significantly cut the energy use and cost of their networks by 2020.

Thursday 26 June 2014

CQ-Police arrested Bengali channel MD

Kolkata Police on 25th June have arrested the MD of a Bengali Channel, in a cheating case in Kolkata. The accused has been identified as Gautam Mazumdar, the managing director of a local Bengali satellite channel.

CQ-Cable operator brutally killed in New Delhi

A 51-year-old cable TV operator in central Delhi's New Rajender Nagar was stabbed to death on 25th June afternoon. 

CQ-Google to unveil new television set-top box

Google Inc is expected to unveil at least one small set-top box that resembles products like the Roku, Amazon's Fire TV, and Apple Inc's Apple TV, the Wall Street Journal reported citing sources who have seen the device.

CQ-Facebook extends Slingshot launch worldwide

Facebook on 25th June had announced that its new creative labs app, Slingshot, is now available globally.

CQ-Rupert Murdoch colleague found guilty in phone hacking case

Former newspaper editor and ex-Downing Street communications chief Andy Coulson was found guilty of conspiracy to hack phones in what is widely seen as an embarrassment for British Prime Minister David Cameron. 

CQ-Aereo violates copyright law: US Supreme Court

Apex Court of United States in a landmark Judgement had ruled that online TV service Aereo violated copyright laws by resending signals of TV channels without paying licence fee.

CQ-FIC re-branded Fox Traveller as Fox Life India

Fox International Channels (FIC) has decided to re-brand its lifestyle channel Fox Traveller as Fox Life India.  

CQ-Ditto TV brings Al Jazeera to its bouquet

Ditto TV, India's first OTT (Over-The-Top) TV distribution platform from Zee New Media, the digital arm of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL), had brought International news and current affairs channel Al Jazeera to its bouquet. 

Wednesday 25 June 2014

CQ-Zee Music Co and Viacom 18 signs music agreement deal

Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd’s (ZEEL) subsidiary Zee Music Company has signed an agreement with movie studio Viacom 18 motion Pictures.  

CQ-Ten Sports to air UEFA Champion league till 2018

ZEEL-owned sports broadcaster Ten Sports has acquired the rights for premium football competitions the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League for the next cycle of three Seasons starting 2015-16.

CQ-Brazile formulates new law for internet security

Brazil's new set of internet regulations came into effect in a bid to tighten security after the espionage scandal exposed by former US intelligence contractor Edward Snowden.

CQ-CASBAA lauds pirate STB raids

Recent successful raids by Hong Kong Customs on suppliers of a pirate TV box service should serve as a warning to all potential consumers of unauthorised TV services, according to Asia’s pay-TV association, CASBAA. “Buying a dodgy TV box is a bad deal for consumers,” said CASBAA’s Chief Policy Officer John Medeiros. “The content is being illegally supplied and the signal is subject to interruption at any time.”

CQ-Telekom Austria acquires cable operator Blizoo

Telekom Austria has signed a deal to buy Macedonian cable operator Blizoo, a company with about 10 million euros ($14 million) in annual revenues and 63,000 subscribers, from Swedish private equity firm EQT.

Tuesday 24 June 2014

CQ-Netflix, Deutsche Telekom collaboration

Streaming giant Netflix is in advanced talks with Deutsche Telekom over a possible collaboration ahead of Netflix’s launch in Germany this autumn, according to a report in German news magazine Manager.

CQ-Nitesh Kripalani resigns from Sony Liv

Nitesh Kripalani executive VP new media, business development and digital of Multi Screen Media (Sony Entertainment Network) had given resignation from the post. As per the media report he had submitted his resignation paper last week..

CQ- 400 website bans from showing FIFA World Cup by Delhi Court

The Delhi high court has restrained over 400 websites from showing FIFA 2014 World Cup matches on the plea of MSM Pvt Ltd which contended that as authorised broadcaster of the tournament its rights were being infringed by the "rogue" portals.

CQ-Indian M & E industry has immense opportunities: Prakash Javadekar

Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Praksah Javadekar in public meeting said that India’s Media and Entertainment sector has immense opportunities and the world "is fascinated by our culture and Indian cinema is becoming very popular."

CQ-TRAI issues consultation paper for regulating channels beamed by LCOs and DTH

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) had issued a consultation paper for regulating channels and services offered by local cable operator and direct-to-home (DTH) operators called platform services.

CQ-MIB urges TV channels to avoid depiction of rash driving scenes

The Ministry of information and Broadcasting on June 23 had issued an advisory to all TV channel to avoid showing images and scene which depict rash, negligent or dangerous driving.

Monday 23 June 2014

CQ-Doordarshan soon to launch Kishan TV channel

Doordarshan is all set to launch a channel devoted exclusively to farmers and agriculture with public broadcaster Prasar Bharati actively considering such a proposal.

CQ-India would have 40 % more Facebook users this year

India, world youngest most country which has the highest number of Facebook after America will register 40 per cent growth in Facebook users in this year.  

CQ-Government wants promotion of children’s films

The government is keen on promoting children's films by facilitating expansion of their reach, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Prakash Javadekar said on June 21.

CQ-UPA rejects application of TV Channel due to links with RSS, says Javadekar

Union I & B Minister Praksah Javadekar in a public meeting blames UPA government for discriminating policies. 

CQ-JAINHITS launches two summer schemes

JAINHITS, India’s first and only HITS based Direct to Network (DTN) service is reasserting its commitment to its growing list of local cable operators (LCO’s)   across India. Thus JAINHITS has recently launched schemes titled “Double Happiness Dhamaka” and “Double Freedom Dhamaka” and are valid for billing till 30th September 2014.

CQ-NCTA disputes STB power claims

US cable industry trade body the National Cable and Telecommunications Association (NCTA) has reacted to a report in the LA Times which suggested that cable TV boxes have become second-biggest energy users in many homes, describing them as hogs that feed in the sleep.

FICCI proposes policy changes for M & E industry to Prakash Javadekar

A FICCI delegation called on Shri Prakash Javadekar, Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting (Independent Charge), Government of India, and handed over FICCI’s ‘Policy Roadmap for the Media and Entertainment Sector in India’. The delegation was headed by its president, Sidharth Birla.
The road map comprises key recommendations for the Television, Film, Print, Radio, AVGC and Live Events sectors. FICCI is confident that the implementation of these recommendations will provide the much-needed boost to the media and entertainment sector, which has tremendous potential for dynamic growth and multiplier effect on employment generation without much spending from the public exchequer.

CQ- VK Jain given additional charge of administration at Doordarshan

Doordarshan additional director general V K Jain has been given charge of administration department in addition to finance, PR & publicity, commercial & sales and Doordarshan archives.

CQ- Prasar Bharati board yet to get a new chairperson

According to a PTI news the positions of chairperson and some other key members of Prasar Bharati's board that have been lying vacant for sometime now are yet to be filled up.

CQ- Sony Six moves Delhi HC against website infringing on their FIFA streaming rights

On Friday, 20 June 2014 moved the Delhi high court contending its exclusive rights to stream matches of the tournament on the internet are being infringed by certain websites. MSM owns Sony Six the channel which owns the streaming rights for FIFA 2014.

CQ- Pakistan imposes temporary ban on 2 channels

Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) suspended the licences of Geo Entertainment for 30 days and ARY News for 15 days for violating the laws of the state regulator.

CQ- ETV News Network to launch Gujarati news channel on 21 June

TV18-owned ETV News Network recently acquired bu Mukesh Ambani is launching its first news channel under new owner. On 21 June, the news network that has been on a channel-launching spree of late will officially launch its Gujarati news channel ETV News Gujarati on 21 June 2014.

Friday 20 June 2014

CQ- Consumers must benefit from Digitalisation: Prakash Javadekar

In his first major interaction with the top decision-makers at the CII CEOs Roundtable on Media and Entertainment held on June 19, Javadekar asked Broadcasters to reduce subscription fee, so that subscribers should also benefit from the implementation of digital addressable system (DAS). 

CQ- WPP’s XM Asia eyes to acquire stake in Sofresh

WPP’s wholly owned operating company, XM Asia, a JWT company, has agreed to acquire a majority stake in Sofresh, a digital creative agency in Vietnam.

CQ- BSNL launches voice SMS services in Punjab

With the aim to target the non-English speaking customers in the rural area, state-run telecom company Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) on 18th June has announced the voices SMS service in Punjab, which will extend across the country in a phased manner.

CQ- Facebook outage leaves users frustrated

Facebook on 19th June has experienced a global outage that left billion of users, including those in India, unable to access the world’s largest social networking portal. 

CQ- Colour and SAB viewership rise: TAM rating

As per TAM data for the Hindi-speaking markets Colors once again reached to number three position with 366 million, up from 350 million. It displaced Life OK, which is back at number four with 319 million, down from 371 million. 

CQ- Tata Sky brings ad campaign for “Everywhere TV”

A Tata Sky fastest growing direct-to-home (DTH) operator has brought an ad campaign to sound the launch of its application Everywhere TV on PC.

CQ- DAS benefit should also go to Subscribers: Prakash Javadekar

In his first major interaction with the top decision-makers at the CII CEOs Roundtable on Media and Entertainment held on June 19, Javadekar asked Broadcasters to reduce subscription fee, so that subscribers should also benefit from the implementation of digital addressable system (DAS). 

Thursday 19 June 2014

CQ- NBA brings new faces in its board of directors

News Broadcasters Association (NBA) has introduced many new faces in its board of directors.

CQ- Mandatory approval for child artist to work in audio-visual shows

The ministry of labour and employment is planning to introduce a legal clause to make such clearance mandatory for children engaged in any form of audio or visual entertainment, which covers advertisements, films, television serials and sports among others. 

CQ- RIL to launch Jio in phased manner

The 40th annual general meeting (AGM) of Reliance Industries was held on 18th June. In the meeting reliance Chairman Muksehs Ambani had highlighted the future of the much awaited 4G broadband network in the country under the brand of Reliance Jio.

CQ- Axis brings modular miniature camera series

Axis Communications, the world leader in network video, on 18th June has brought a modular camera series that not only gives customers discreet surveillance solutions that provide high image detail, but also great flexibility in choosing the units that are ideal for the installation.

CQ- Sky NZ to launch SVoD services

New Zealand pay-TV operator SKY TV has revealed it will launch a Subscription Video on Demand (SVoD) service before the end of 2014.

Leading UK digital channels’ content spend hits £2.6bn

A group of leading UK digital and pay TV channels spent a combined £2.6 billion (US$4.4 billion) on programming last year, a £234 million increase on the 2012 number.
COBA, the industry group for commercial pay TV and digital channels, canvassed its members to get the content spending numbers.

Telefónica moves for Mediaset’s Canal+ stake

Telefónica has offered €295 million (US$400 million) to acquire Mediaset’s 22% stake in Spanish pay TV operator Canal+.
The move to take full control of Digital+ follows Telefónica’s announcement of its agreement for the acquisition of Spanish media group Prisa’s 56% stake in the operator, formerly known as Digital+, for €750 million at the beginning of the month.

IHS, Zentrick Partner for interactive video market research

With 81 per cent of brands already integrating online video production into their marketing strategies and video budgets expected to increase in the next year, interactive video specialist Zentrick has partnered with IHS, the global source of information and insight, to create the first ever global research into the evolution of this growing sector; interactive video.
Pairing Zentrick’s usage data and campaign intelligence together with IHS’s own industry data and insight, they will conduct a definitive analysis report that will not only quantify the size and value of the market, but also identify growth factors, future opportunities and potential challenges. The resulting White Paper, scheduled for completion in autumn 2014, will be the first of its kind.

Cable ops need to fear as RIL readies Jio launch in 2015 with Rs 70,000 cr AM

Cable TV and direct-to-home (DTH) operators will face new competition as Reliance Jio readies to launch 4G services next year with a mammoth investment plan of Rs 70,000 crore (Rs 700 billion) in the business. Rolling out in phases across India from 2015, the high-speed data as well as voice services will have entertainment as a big part of its strategic offering.

Teleone plans to launch a home shopping and a regional channel

Delhi-based teleshopping company Teleone Consumers Product, which had recently ventured into television broadcasting with the launch of Hindi movie channel Maha Movie, is planning to launch two more channels. While the first will be a home shopping channel, the second will be in the regional space.

Sun TV brings ‘Fear Factor’ to South India

Sun TV is set to air the popular action-based reality format ‘Fear Factor – Khatron Ke Khiladi’ in three languages in the Southern market.

Wednesday 18 June 2014

Consumers watch pirated content due to lack of content availability and concerns over price: Irdeto Report

New research from Irdeto that explores consumer consumption patterns of video content confirmed top two reasons why people turn to piracy: lack of content availability and concerns over price. Two in three consumers in Australia, India and Singapore indicated that they are either 'neutral', 'unlikely' or 'extremely unlikely' to watch pirated video content, the survey also showed that concerns over security issues and poor quality pirated videos are major impediments to piracy.

Vuclip launches iOS application

Vuclip, the world’s largest independent mobile video and Media Company, has on June 18th launched its Vuclip App for iOS. iPhone users across the world can now access an incredible library of videos while enjoying the unmatched, un-buffered viewing experience Vuclip offers even with the typical infrastructure challenges characteristic of emerging markets.
At the core of Vuclip’s strategy to capture the hearts and eyes of viewers is amazing content, including full-length movies and clips, in more than 15 languages across popular genres such as gossip, comedy, movie, news, television, lifestyle and sports.

CQ-MIB to hold Open House Meeting with broadcasters two times in month

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has decided to hold two open-house meetings with broadcaster beginning from July 2014. The meeting will be took place on every 5th and 20th day of a month.

CQ-MIB directs TV channels to display the CBFC certificate before telecast of film

Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has directed all TV channels to display Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) certificate before telecast of any film/film trailer which is clearly visible to the viewers. 

CQ-MIB asks broadcasters, operators to update company info by 30 June

The Ministry of Information and broadcasting has issued its third notice to broadcasters and teleport operators to update the records of their company by 30 June 2014. 

CQ-ZEE appoints Taj Television India for its distribution business

After two month of disbanding MediaPro, the distribution joint venture between Star and Zee Turner- Zee has decided to handover its distribution to Taj Television India, a wholly owned subsdiary of Zee Entertainment. 

CQ-DTH ops wants relief from multiple taxes

As the new government has taken at the centre under the leadership of Narandra Modi,   direct-to-home (DTH) operators have resumed their fight for relief from the multi-layer taxes they have to pay. On behalf of the six private DTH players, Dish TV has appealed to finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Information and broadcasting (I&B) minister Prakash Javadekar for a meeting to discuss the issue.

CQ-Cellcom to offer Television service over internet

Cellcom, Israel's largest mobile phone operator, on 17th June has announced that it will offer television services over the internet as it seeks to look for new sources of revenue amid heavy competition in the cell phone market.

CQ-WorldCall Network to use Verimatrix Video for its digital network

Pakistan Telecom giant WorldCall Telecom has selected Verimatrix to deploy Video Content Authority System (VCAS for DVB to secure its digital cable (DVB-C) network and to support the transition to broadcast-hybrid service delivery.

MIB warns TV channels to display CBFC certificate before film or trailer

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has directed all TV channels to clearly display the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) certificate before telecast of any film/film trailer. The ministry has advised broadcasters to strictly follow Rule 6 (1)(n) of the Cable Television Network Rules, 1994 while showing any films or film songs or film promos or film trailers or music videos or music albums or their promos. It warned that any further violation of the programme code may attract strict penal provisions as detailed in Section 20 of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 and as provided under the uplinking/downlinking guideline. The MIB had on 6 January 2011 issued an advisory exhorting all TV channels to invariably display the CBFC certificate before telecast of films/film trailers. However, it came to the notice of the ministry that a number of TV channels continued to telecast films without displaying the CBFC certificate. It has also been noticed that channels are sometimes showing trailers of new films without showing the CBFC certificate, the ministry said. Showing films/film trailers without displaying the CBFC certificate is a violation of the cinematograph Act, 1952 as enshrined in Rule 6 (l)(n) of the cable Television Networks Rules, 1994, which further provides that no film or film song or film promo or film trailer or music video or music album or its promo, whether produced in India or abroad, shall be carried on cable service unless it has been certified by the CBFC.

Argentina's Arsat 1 ready to launch

Argentina's satellite Arsat 1 is ready to be moved to the Guyana space centre, from which it will be launched.
According to Invap, the satellite will be heading into space in September, although the launch was initially scheduled for July.

Cable TV operators slam Lebanese state over failure to secure World Cup for all

Lebanese cable TV providers have criticised the government for not securing free-to-air World Cup 2014 broadcast rights for the country's population.
The only way for Lebanese football lovers to legitimately watch the matches from Brazil is by subscribing to services authorised by SAMA, the sole agent of Middle East rights holder beIN Sports.

Tuesday 17 June 2014

CQ- IndiaCast and Disney UTV discontinue their distribution deal

IndiaCast Media Distribution and Disney UTV have decided to end their joint venture following the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (TRAI) content aggregator regulation. TRAI on 10th February, 2014 had issued a regulation known as Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Service (Fourth) (Addressable System) Tariff (Third Amendment) Order 2014. This regulation bared content aggregator for bundling of channels from more than one broadcaster. 

CQ- DEN Chooses STMicroelectronics for its Set-top-boxes

Leading multi system operator Den Network with over 6 million subscribers on June 16 had selected HD cable chipset manufactured by global semiconductor maker STMicroelectronics for its set top boxes. 

CQ- MIB to bring law to provide ‘Institute of Eminence’ status to FTII, SRFTI

The Information and Broadcasting Minister Praksash Javadekar has given indication that, his ministry soon would bring a separate legislation that will give status of ‘Institute of National Importance’ to both, the Film and Television Institute of India in Pune and the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute in Kolkata.

CQ- Frost & Sullivan Honours Polystar for Customer Value Leadership

Frost & Sullivan had recognized Polystar with the 2014 Frost & Sullivan Award for Customer Value Leadership. Polystar offers customer, service and network intelligence solutions that help network operators, communications service providers (CSPs) and network equipment manufacturers (NEMs) deliver the best possible customer experience.

CQ- DTG specs Freeview Connect

UK’s Digital TV Group (DTG) will publish the technical specs for the recently announced Freeview connected TV platform later this year. It said that the extension to the Freeview HD platform will include a common set of on-demand services designed to “enable the seamless implementation of both the broadcast services defined in the DTG D-Book and the new Digital UK, HbbTV based, Freeview Connected specification.”

CQ- MEASAT inks pact with, Aviindos, Maxis and Village Island to showcase multimedia services over MEASAT-5

MEASAT Global Berhad (“MEASAT”) on June 17 announced has inked a pact with Aviindos (M) Sdn. Bhd (“Aviindos”), Maxis Communications Berhad (“Maxis”), and Village Island Asia Pte. Ltd. (“Village Island”) to showcase multimedia services over MEASAT-5.
Under the pact, IP multicast technology was used to demonstrate multimedia distribution via the MEASAT-5 satellite. A live demonstration of the new service can be viewed at MEASAT’s Malaysian Pavilion Booth (Level B2, BG4-01) during CommunicAsia from 17 to 20 June 2014.

CQ- Measat promotes Alex Tan to senior sales director

MEASAT Satellite Systems on June 17 announced the promotion of Alex Tan from Sales Director to Senior Sales Director Telecoms & VAS (Asia Pacific).

Monday 16 June 2014

CQ- OneAlliance and Times Television discontinue their distribution alliance

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has banned bundling of channels from more than one broadcaster by channel aggregators through its regulation namely, Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Service (Fourth) (Addressable System) Tariff (Third Amendment) Order 2014, following this regulation, the MSM Discovery, the joint venture distribution bouquet that operates under the brand names of the TheOneAlliance and Times Television Network have terminated their distribution alliance.

CQ- DD to launch new show for afternoon slot

With the motive to build strength and to make Doordarshan (DD) more popular among the viewers, DD has decided to launch a new series of Aisa Prem Kahan starting from June 16.   

CQ- ZTE plans to establish operating centre in India

Chinese telecom major ZTE plans to open a global network operations centre (GNOC) in India to serve telecom operators of Asia and Africa.

CQ- Telangana MSOs stopped the telecast of TV 9

Telangna Multi System Operator association on 14th June has announced that they had stopped airing the programme of TV 9 and another channel after the Telangan Legislative Assembly has passed a resolution authorizing the Speaker to initiate any action as he deemed fit against TV 9 for airing objectionable matter against MLAs.   

CQ- Pay TV Operators at the Top of the Set-top Box Food Chain: ABI Research

Pay TV Operators are at the top of the set-top box food chain, with hardware OEMs and semiconductor vendors both functioning in a supporting role. The largest operators are responsible for the functional definition and direction, and have significant ownership over at least the logical layers of the implementation. Multi-source supply agreements, in which operators purchase functionally equivalent units from multiple vendors, are the norm today. Therefore, operators have multiple bids whenever they need to purchase new units.

BBC, Cinemark bring the Earth Series to LATAM theatres

BBC Worldwide has announced a partnership with Cinemark Holdings to bring the Earth Series to big screens in Latin America. The BBC's natural history production will showcase three of its films in a theatrical format. 
One Life, Tiny Giants and Wild Brazil will go through the journey of life, follow two miniature superheroes and explore the wilds of Brazil on Cinemark Large Format XD screens around the region. Tiny Giants 3D will run on 19 and 20 June, then One Life will debut on 26 June followed by two weeks of a three-part series of Wild Brazil ending the week of 10 July.

Roku’s Wood: ‘All TV to be streamed’

Roku CEO Anthony Wood has suggested that in the future, all TV is going to be streamed, and shrugged off competition from Apple, Amazon and Google. Wood shared his views on the convergence of Internet video and television in an interview with The Associated Press.
As to where TV is headed, Wood suggested that it was “pretty clear” that all TV is going to be streamed. “It’s either going to be streamed to a smart TV, a gaming console or a streaming player. That’s the way people are going to watch TV. Things like DVD players are going to go away. Cable boxes are obviously going away, too. DVRs are just a stepping stone technology. When everything is on demand, you won’t have to record anything any more so that’s going to disappear,” he predicted.

Saturday 14 June 2014

CQ- Telecom panel recommends for full number portability

AMobile number portability will be a reality soon as the Telecom Commission on 13th June, gave its approval for introduction of full mobile number portability.

CQ- Tablet users prefer OTT apps to TV apps

According to research from The Diffusion Group (TDG), despite the widening availability of ‘TV Everywhere’ services, tablet owners are significantly more likely to use OTT service apps such as Netflix than those offered by both TV networks and operators. Almost half (48 per cent) of adult tablet owners report using OTT video apps on occasion, compared with 37 per cent that use broadcast network apps, 31 per cent that use cable network apps, and 23 per cent that use TV operator apps.

CQ- FIFA World Cup traffic crashes ITV Player

The ITV Player was hit by problems during the opening game of the World Cup. Viewers complained that the online service crashed during the opening game between Brazil and Croatia on June 12th.

CQ- Doordarshan should be first choice of viewers: Javadekar

Prakash Javadkar, Information and Broadcasting Minister (Independent charge) visited first time Doordarshan studio in Mumbai since taking charge of the ministry. He was accompanied by Prasar Bharti CEO Jawahar Sircar and Mumbai Doordarshan director Mukesh Sharma and met with staff and expressed his view about Doordarshan. He told them that he wants to make Doordarshan the first choice of all viewers.

CQ- Entertainment tax for only one TV set in Maharashtra

On 12th June Maharashtra Government has given big tax relief to those who have more than one TV set in their home, the state government has proposed that the monthly Rs 45 entertainment tax levied on per television set will now be charged per home.

CQ- Tata sky now takes ‘EverCQ- Tata sky now takes ‘Everywhere TV’ app to PCs ywhere TV’ app to PCs

Tata Sky on 12th June has announced the launch of desktop version of its popular Everywhere TV service. The service is available for PCs with OS Windows XP, Windows 7, 8 and 8.1. It will be soon available on the Apple Mac OS. The update comes along with the announcement that Tata Sky subscribers will also be able to watch FIFA World Cup 2014 live and exclusive on Sony Six as part of its Everywhere TV service, at no additional cost.

All India Meeting of Cable Operators to protect their Fundamental Rights

New Delhi, 11-June-2014: Cable Operators Federation of India (COFI) held an urgent meeting of Cable Operators from all over the country to initiate a Fight to Finish and defend their fundamental right to do business as last mile service providers. The meeting was held on 11th June 2014 at the Karnataka Bhawan Auditorium, R K Puram in New Delhi.

I&B minister Javadekar to work on establishing the primacy of DD and AIR

Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Prakash Javadekar was on his first visit to the Doordarshan studio in Worli, Mumbai. And high on his agenda, as he says, is to establish the primacy of Doordarshan (DD) and All India Radio (AIR). Accompanied by Prasar Bharati CEO Jawhar Sircar and Mumbai Doordarshan director Mukesh Sharma, the new minister visited the studios, and met with the staff—producers as well as technicians—and told them his goal. “I want to see DD and AIR become the first choice of the viewers and listeners. They should be able to compete with the private TV channels and FM radio stations and win the hearts of Indians,” he said. Javadekar will depend on public feedbacks to revive the popularity of DD and AIR. On the I&B ministry website, he will soon start a ‘Minister’s corner’, inviting suggestions from anyone on how to improve the performance of Prasar Bharati. The minister agreed that there is need for investing in infrastructure and better equipment. “We will look into the budgetary allocations. Also, the hiring of employees, which had stopped, will be reviewed,” Javadekar said, while addressing a press meet after visiting the Doordarshan Sahyadri office in the city for the first time since taking charge of the ministry. 

Pay entertainment tax for only one TV set in Maharashtra

In a major relief for those having more than one television set in their homes, the Maharashtra government has amended the Maharashtra Entertainment Tax Act 2014 according to which consumers will have to pay the entertainment tax for just one TV set.

World Cup traffic crashes ITV Player

The ITV Player was hit by problems during the opening game of the World Cup. Viewers complained that the online service crashed during the opening game between Brazil and Croatia on June 12th.
Following a barrage of complaints on social media, ITV responded on its Twitter feed saying: “We’re seeing unprecedented numbers of users during the game. We apologise for any inconvenience, we’re working hard to resume normal service.”

Malone renews F1 pursuit

Further reports have emerged that John Malone’s Liberty Global and Discovery Communications are seeking to take a 49 per cent stake in Formula One Group from private equity player CVC Capital Partners. Advanced-television.com reported February 2014 that the pair were considering such a stake.
CVC owns some 35 per cent of F1, and any deal would likely value F1 at around $9 billion. CVC bought F1 in 2005-06 from its lenders, investing nearly $1 billion and using $2.5 billion of debt. Since then, CVC has returned more than five times its initial investment through the sales of shares to institutional investors in 2012 and dividends. The pair are understood to value the business nearer $8 billion.

Friday 13 June 2014

CQ- Union Government urges media for constructive news coverage

Parliamentary Affairs Minister M Venkaiah Naidu on 12th June urged the media to report "constructive work," not "destructive."

CQ- Telangana should have its own TV channel: TTDF

The Telangana Television Development Forum on 12th June has urged the government to start a new channel to help local talent showcase its potential and mirror the history, culture and traditions of the new State. 

CQ- Twitter plan to reach out to every Indian

Social media giant Twitter has set an ambitious target of reaching out to every citizen of India. In the just concluded elections, Twitter very often became the source of news for millions of people, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading from the front.

CQ- Twitter takes away TweetDeck due to security flaw

Twitter on 11th June has announced that it has took away its popular TweetDeck application to view and manage message because of a security flaw, which promoted some calls to stop using the program.

CQ- UCN acquires Atria’s Cable TV business in Indore

Nagpur based Multi-System Operator (MSO) UCN has acquired Atria Convergence technologies cable TV business in Indore ahead of digital addressable system (DAS) phase II implementation. Atria is a Bangalore based MSO.

CQ- SSL built AsiaSat 8 to launch Falcon 9 vehicle by SpaceX

Space Systems/Loral (SSL), a leading provider of commercial satellites, and Asia Satellite Telecommunications Co. Ltd. (AsiaSat), Asia’s leading satellite operator, on 12th June announced that AsiaSat 8 has arrived at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, where it will be launched aboard a Falcon 9 launch vehicle by SpaceX. The satellite is currently being prepared for a July launch which will mark the first Falcon 9 launch for both AsiaSat and SSL.

CQ- RCom expands 3G footprint to 18 circles

With motive to capture a major pie of the data market, Reliance Communications (RCom) has launched 3G mobile services in five additional circles, taking its total footprint to 18 service zones.

CQ- Defy Media acquires Viacom’s digital gaming assets

Digital media company Defy Media has acquired Viacom’s gaming digital properties Addicting Games, GameTrailers and Shockwave, while in return Viacom has taken a minority equity stake in Defy.

Thursday 12 June 2014

CQ- TRAI seeks views on tariff for Commercial Subscriber

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on 11th June has released a Consultation Paper on “Tariff Issues Related to Broadcasting and Cable TV Services for Commercial Subscribers”, inviting views/comments of the stakeholders. 

CQ- MIB plan to bring online mechanism for processing application

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) is in the process of automating the entire Broadcasting Wing to ensure an online mechanism for various applications.  

CQ- ATT: Direct TV merger in Public Interest

AT&T has filed paperwork at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) hoping to convince regulators that the proposed $49 billion merger between the two companies is in the public interest.

Wednesday 11 June 2014

CQ- Google eyes to acquire satellite maker Skybox for $ 500mn

Internet search provider Google has entered into an agreement to buy satellite maker Skybox for $500 million in cash.

CQ- Zuckerberg and other directors drag to court over pay plan

Mark Zuckerberg and other members of Facebook  board have been sued by a shareholder who claimed a policy letting them annually award directors more than $150 million of stock each if they choose is unreasonably generous.

CQ- Time Warner Eyes Major Stake In Vice, Values Media Company

Time Warner Inc is in talks to buy a major stake in Vice Media, valuing the media company at about $2.2 billion, Sky News reported, citing sources.

Aadhaar leak: EPFO discontinues services provided through Common Service Centre

Following fear of Aadhaar data leak, the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) on May 2 said it has discontinued services provided t...