Dubai to be next centre for Vision247 IPTV operations

Dubai to be next centre for Vision247 IPTV operations:

Dubai to be next centre for Vision247 IPTV operations



Editor | 31-10-2013



Following the opening of offices in Dubai in January 2013, media technology and content distribution specialist firm Vision247 has chosen the city as the hub for its MENA IPTV operations.



From its new base, Vision247 says it will target operators and ISPs in the region who require high quality and cost-effective solutions for the delivery of IPTV. Vision247 already works with content owners across the Middle East, including Al Majd Holy Qur’an, Al-Sira, Al Majd Al Hadith al Nabawi, Al Nas TVand the Iqraa channels, to deliver a mix of cultural and religious programming in both Arabic and English.



Vision247 feels that the local market is being driven by three factors: regulatory support for over-the-top (OTT) delivery of video; roll-out of fast broadband to the home; and development of 4G mobile phone networks. Such drivers, the company believes, will enable fixed line and mobile operators in the region to deploy new IP-based TV and video services to the home, smartphones and to tablets.



“A strong wired and wireless infrastructure combined with investment pedigree gives Dubai the capacity to become the major hub for IPTV services throughout the Middle East,” commented Tanya Vidmar, managing director MENA, Vision247.



At the heart of the offerings in MENA will be Vision247’s Perception solution. Launched at IBC 2013, Perception enables 4G-connected mobile devices to access hundreds of streamed, linear TV and radio channels, cloud-based catch-up TV and video-on-demand (VOD) channels.



As Perception supports time-shifted viewing of all programming from the previous week or more, users are able to select and watch programmes live or on a catch-up basis. The product also provides users with a cloud-based video recorder allowing them to create a personal TV channel. Vision247 assures that should network capacity issues lead to 4G users being moved to 3G, Perception will kick in automatic adaptive transcoding technology for iOS and Android devices to ensure content is optimised for smooth unbroken viewing.

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Sony Entertainment Television HD to join KabelKiosk

Sony Entertainment Television HD to join KabelKiosk:

Sony Entertainment Television HD to join KabelKiosk

Jörn Krieger | 30-10-2013



Satellite operator Eutelsat will add pay-TV channel Sony Entertainment Television HD to its German direct-to-cable platform KabelKiosk on 5 November.



Viewers can receive the entertainment channel operated by Sony Pictures Television Networks within the Family HD package. The channel, which shows movies and series, launched in Germany in April 2013.



By the end of this year, a total of five new channels will join Family HD including Animal Planet HD, as reported by Rapid TV News in its review of the recent Meidentage Munich conference.

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beIN Sport tops Nielsen SocialGuide chart

beIN Sport tops Nielsen SocialGuide chart:

beIN Sport tops Nielsen SocialGuide chart





beIN Sport, the international sports network, posted the top rated US programme in Nielsen SocialGuide’s Twitter TV Rankings based on Total Tweets for October 26th 2013.



beIN SPORT captured the top spot with El Clásico, the football match pitting bitter rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid.



In a weekend filled with top sports events, it was the game on beIN SPORT from Camp Nou in Barcelona that received the most social buzz. El Clásico beat out Game 3 of the World Series, which was broadcasted nationally, and multiple College Football games broadcasted across ESPN, ABC and other networks.

Nielsen SocialGuide, the leading Twitter TV measurement platform, captures and analyses conversations for all US TV programmes across 247 channels.

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BSkyB: UK media policy ‘living in the past’

BSkyB: UK media policy ‘living in the past’:

BSkyB: UK media policy ‘living in the past’

By Colin Mann





A senior executive at BSkyB has accused the UK government of missing an opportunity to think more widely about the future of the broadcasting industry, suggesting its strategy paper wrongly concentrates on old arguments in an already heavily-regulated industry, risking handing the advantage to rival players.



Participating in a session on responses to the government’s digital communications strategy at the Westminster eForum, David Wheeldon, Director of Policy and Public Affairs, argued that the paper ignored the key market dynamics that had occurred in the last five years. “Netflix, which is a company with 40 million subscribers and has invested $200 million in original content is referenced only once. Twitter gets a single mention, despite the impact it is having on news dissemination and plurality,” he noted.



“The UK’s commercial TV sector that is growing faster than the PSBs combined and now invests more in UK content than Channel 4 gets a paltry sentence. Instead, the paper revisits arguments that Ofcom was examining four or five years ago on issues such as protecting the intransigent position of PSBs, the challenge of content standards in an Internet age and switching [suppliers],” he said.



“It’s a shame that so much energy is devoted to bits of the industry that are already heavily regulated, all subject to massive public intervention while our international rivals let the market drive innovation and investment. I’m afraid I fear that the government’s missed an opportunity to think more widely about the future of our industry in broad strategic terms. How will technology alter the shape of the market in 10 years? How are business models going to change. What do consumers really care about and what will help the sector compete globally,” he suggested.

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Al Jazeera plans US expansion

Al Jazeera plans US expansion:

Al Jazeera plans US expansion

By Chris Forrester





Al Jazeera America says it will considerably expand its locally produced transmission hours, and will hire new staff. Al Jazzera America is operating out of the old ‘Current TV’ headquarters and space is tight, but interim CEO Ehab Al Shihabi says the all-news channel will expand into new Manhattan premises within the next 18 months.



Extra investment will also go into a new breakfast programming block, plus dedicated segments for culture and sports.



Al Shihabi said that an agreement signed last week with Time Warner Cable will take Al Jazeera America into a total of more than 50 million homes, but this is still well short of the 100+ million homes enjoyed by CNN, Fox News and MSNBC.

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UK ISPs block 21 torrent sites

UK ISPs block 21 torrent sites:

UK ISPs block 21 torrent sites





The latest measures to combat digital piracy in the UK has come into force with a court order from BPI asking ISPs to block 21 sites that link to infringing material.



“We asked the sites to stop infringing copyright but unfortunately they did not and we were left with little choice but to apply to the court, where the judge considered the evidence and declared that ISPs should not serve access to them,” said BPI chief executive Geoff Taylor.

Blocking sites via ISPs is considered by the BPI and other copyright holders to be a more effective method of combatting piracy than targeting individuals via warnings and data throttling – the tactics favoured by the Digital Economy Act 2010.



The full list of blocked sites is:

• Abmp3

• BeeMP3

• Bomb-Mp3

• FileCrop

• FilesTube

• Mp3Juices

• eMp3World

• Mp3lemon

• Mp3Raid

• Mp3skull

• NewAlbumReleases

• Rapidlibrary

• 1337x

• BitSnoop

• ExtraTorrent

• Monova

• TorrentCrazy

• TorrentDownloads

• TorrentHound

• Torrentreactor

• Torrentz

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Sky Deutschland secures DreamWorks package

Sky Deutschland secures DreamWorks package:

Sky Deutschland secures DreamWorks package

Jörn Krieger | 29-10-2013



German pay-TV operator Sky Deutschland has purchased a package with animated movies from US studios DreamWorks Animation through a new long-term contract signed with distribution partner Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution.



The agreement, the financial details of which have not been disclosed, covers the exclusive rights for pay-TV and subscription video-on-demand for the upcoming DreamWorks productions. Sky can also offer the movies on its additional services Sky Anytime and Sky Go.



The package contains films including The Croods which was watched by over 2.2 million cinema-goers in Germany. The dubbed version features the voices of German actors Uwe Ochsenknecht, Kostja Ullmann and Janin Reinhardt.

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Sky adds entertainment channels to NOW TV

Sky adds entertainment channels to NOW TV:

Sky adds entertainment channels to NOW TV





Some of Sky’s most popular entertainment channels have joined its NOW TV OTT service as part of a new, pay-as-you-go offer.



The NOW TV Entertainment Month Pass offers a contract-free way to access ten top subscription TV channels: Sky 1, Sky Atlantic, Sky Living, Sky Arts 1, Discovery, MTV, Comedy Central, GOLD, Disney and FOX. It allows customers to stream shows live and on demand on a pay-as-you-go basis – at an introductory price of £4.99 a month.



The NOW TV Entertainment Month Pass offers premiere episodes of the latest series, including Dracula (Sky Living), The Tunnel (Sky Atlantic), Hello Ladies (Sky Atlantic) and American Horror Story (FOX) – as well as the premieres of new series of Game of Thrones, The Following and Mad Men in the near future.



In addition to current shows, the NOW TV Entertainment Month Pass will offer entire box sets of hit shows. Highlights include every episode of all five seasons of The Wire (Sky Atlantic) and seasons one to three of An Idiot Abroad (Sky 1) and Mad Dogs (Sky 1).



Gidon Katz, Director of NOW TV, commented: “Millions of people can now go online to watch some of the best entertainment channels, including Sky 1, Sky Atlantic and Comedy Central. NOW TV offers pay-as-you-go access to brand new episodes of home-grown British shows and the biggest and best US series for anyone with broadband.”



The NOW TV Entertainment Month Pass is available immediately on the NOW TV Box, PS3, Roku, Macs and PCs. Other supported devices will be introduced as part of a phased roll out over the coming months including iPhone, iPad, selected Android smartphones, Xbox, LG Smart TVs and selected LG media devices. Customers are able to register four devices at any one time.

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Vivendi takes all of Canal+

Vivendi takes all of Canal+:

Vivendi takes all of Canal+



Vivendi has agreed to buy out Canal Plus France from Lagardere for €1.02 billion putting an end to years of friction over the pay-TV unit’s ownership structure.



The cash transaction for the 20 per cent holding in Canal Plus France, mediated by a commercial court in Paris, will terminate all disputes between the two companies, Vivendi and Lagardere said. Lagardere and Canal Plus will continue to pursue cooperation in programme production and the publishing and distribution of TV channels, they said.



Lagardere walked away from negotiations with Vivendi in 2011, saying it may sell the stake through an initial public offering instead after failing to agree on its valuation.

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Big risks for ITV mean time to “sell”

Big risks for ITV mean time to “sell”:

Big risks for ITV mean time to “sell”

By Chris Forrester





A research note from investment bank Berenberg suggests it is time for its clients to sell their shares in UK public broadcaster ITV. Senior media analyst Sarah Simon praises ITV for its better-than-expected advertising growth, but poor online positioning could lead to a revenue downgrade over time.



She says the market is also seeing online video starting to take share from TV budgets in the USA, and she expects this trend to hit the UK, and this could be to the detriment of ITV. “Against this backdrop, ITV’s online video performance is cause for concern, despite various management reshuffles over the last few years aimed at boosting its digital business. The company is seeing online video growth, but less than that of the overall market and key peers such as Channel 4 and the BBC.”



Berenberg is also anxious that ITV (or any other network) could justify any claims for extra revenues in the form of retransmission fees, currently helping US broadcasters with extra cash from cable and satellite operators. Some have argued that ITV could earn £100 million a year from changes to the retransmission rules. However, Simon suggests that the UK regulators are not likely to favour permitting changes to the current status-quo where universal free access to network TV signals is the norm.



“ITV is currently bidding (we assume) to renew its free-to-air rights for the Champions League. These rights currently cost the company around £50 million per year,” says the bank’s report. “With BT Sport openly interested in bidding for more sports rights and BSkyB keen to maintain its premium assets, we believe there is a risk that either BT will bid for ITV games, or that BSkyB will look for total exclusivity. We believe ITV could be the squeezed middle in such a scenario. However, it cannot afford to lose the Champions League, in our view, since it is a major audience share winner, and, in odd years, it is now the only quality football broadcast by ITV since it lost the FA Cup to the BBC. As a result, the company could be forced to pay a significant increase on what it is currently paying. This could put pressure on its ability to hold programming costs to around £1 billion per year, without compromising on quality.”



“As far as TV advertising is concerned, meanwhile, we see a further issue: the internet. For while TV has proven broadly resistant to the internet thus far – with outdoor being the only other traditional media similarly blessed – we believe that, at last, there are signs that the long-awaited cannibalisation by online video may be beginning,” she adds..

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YouView Takes TV Viewing Experience to the Next Level at OTTtv World Summit

YouView Takes TV Viewing Experience to the Next Level at OTTtv World Summit:

London, 29 October – As technology continues to transform the TV viewing experience, YouView, Britain’s fastest-growing TV service, has joined the agenda for next month’s OTTtv World Summit, which will focus on the challenges and opportunities within Cloud TV, original content development and Social TV. This further strengthens the four-day conference and exhibition, which has already attracted support from the biggest C-level names in the OTT ecosystem.



Susie Buckridge, Director of Product at YouView, will assess the role of YouView as a content pioneer on the second day of the event. This will include an analysis of internet channels for today and the future, and an exploration of the importance of second screen as a companion device. This presentation will also highlight how YouView brings OTTtv into the mainstream consumer market.



YouView, which is backed by major ISPs, including BT and TalkTalk, as well as the large terrestrial broadcasters, is set to become even more rounded and even more competitive in the coming months. YouView is now operating in over 400,000 UK homes and demonstrates how an exciting service is a positive step forward for the British TV industry.



Susie Buckridge comments: “It’s a golden era for television as high-quality entertainment products and content come to market, meeting consumer demand for ease of discovery, relevant content and multiple distribution routes – giving them a vibrant TV viewing experience. The continued development of intelligent technology means everyone can access and enjoy more multimedia on more devices than ever; anytime, anywhere.”



The event programme also incorporates case studies, including Daniel Heaf, Chief Digital Officer at BBC Worldwide, who will assess YouView’s advancement of its multiscreen offering as part of his keynote address on day two.



Now in its seventh year, OTTtv World Summit will take place at the Millennium Gloucester Hotel Conference Centre, London, from 19-22 of November. To view the full event programme and register for OTTtv World Summit, please visit www.ottworldsummit.com. Alternatively keep up to date with the event on Twitter @otttv or using #OTTtv.

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EUTELSAT 25B/Es’hail 1 satellite fired up at 25.5° East

EUTELSAT 25B/Es’hail 1 satellite fired up at 25.5° East:

Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL) and Es’hailSat announce that their jointly owned EUTELSAT 25B/Es’hail 1 satellite, a joint venture satellite, launched on 29 August, went into commercial service this morning at 25.5° East.



Traffic on Eutelsat’s EUTELSAT 25C satellite at 25.5° East was transferred onto Ku-band transponders commercialised by Eutelsat on the new satellite in the night of 28 to 29 October. This transfer has released EUTELSAT 25C for a new mission for Eutelsat at 33° East. It will be copositioned next month with EUTELSAT 33A at 33° East to bring additional capacity to this orbital location.



EUTELSAT 25B/Es’hail 1 brings increased capacity to 25.5° East to serve broadcasters, businesses and public agencies operating in the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia. The new satellite operates in both Ku and Ka-bands.

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ILS Proton Successfully Launches the Sirius FM-6 Satellite for Sirius XM Radio

ILS Proton Successfully Launches the Sirius FM-6 Satellite for Sirius XM Radio:

International Launch Services (ILS), a leader in providing mission integration and launch services to the global commercial satellite industry, successfully carried the Sirius FM-6 satellite, built by SSL, into orbit today on an ILS Proton for Sirius XM Radio Inc.



The ILS Proton Breeze M vehicle launched from Pad 39 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome at 00:09 today local time (18:09 GMT and 14:09 EDT on October 25). The first three stages of the Proton used a standard ascent profile to place the orbital unit (Breeze M upper stage and the Sirius FM-6 satellite) into a sub-orbital trajectory. From this point in the mission, the Breeze M performed planned mission maneuvers to advance the orbital unit first to a circular parking orbit, then to an intermediate orbit, followed by a transfer orbit, and finally to a geostationary transfer orbit. Separation of the Sirius FM-6 satellite occurred approximately 9 hours and 11 minutes after liftoff. The satellite, weighing over 6 metric tons, was built on the flight-proven SSL 1300 platform. This was the 6^th satellite launched by ILS Proton for SiriusXM and the 27^th SSL 1300 satellite launched.



Sirius FM-6 has an X-band uplink transponder and an S-band downlink transponder to deliver digital audio radio service. With approximately 20 Kw end-of-life power and an anticipated service life of 15 years, the Sirius FM-6 satellite is one of the most powerful satellites built today. The final orbital location for the satellite will be 116.15 degrees west longitude.



This was the 390^th launch for Proton since its maiden flight in 1965 and the 83^rd ILS Proton Launch overall. The Proton Breeze M vehicle is developed and built by Khrunichev Research and Production Space Center of Moscow, Russia’s premier space industry manufacturer and majority shareholder in ILS.



Phil Slack, president of ILS commented, “For over a decade, SiriusXM has entrusted ILS Proton to deliver their satellites into orbit. It is a tremendous honor for ILS to have been a part of the satellite radio industry since 2000, with the launch of SiriusXM’s first generation fleet on ILS Proton within a 5 month period. Thank you to all of the teams that made this successful launch possible, including SiriusXM, SSL, Khrunichev, and ILS.”

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Over 90% of Spanish teens have mobile and use the Internet

Over 90% of Spanish teens have mobile and use the Internet:

Over 90% of Spanish teens have mobile and use the Internet



Juan Fernandez Gonzalez | 27-10-2013





Over 90% of Spanish teenagers aged 15 and above have a mobile phone and 94% use the Internet, according to a report by INE, Spain’s national institute for statistics. Although the percentage is very high, it has actually dropped 2.8% compared with last year.



Of the entire adult population, aged up to 74, 72% use a computer, and the Internet users in this demographic have increased from 65% to 66%. Apart from the regular use of telecoms technologies, 88.2% said they had used the Internet to communicate with somebody at some point, but 54% were unsure how to protect their personal information online.

Nearly 70% of homes now have access to the Internet, with 68.9% of them connected via broadband, 47% having (exclusively or not) access to a 3G or 4G network, and 19% using fibre. Of the 30% of people who have no Internet at home, 36.2% said they did not know how to use it and 31.8% could not afford it.

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BBC Two announces second series of Peaky Blinders

BBC Two announces second series of Peaky Blinders:

BBC Two announces second series of Peaky Blinders



Louise Duffy | 28-10-2013





BBC Two has announced that Peaky Blinders has been re-commissioned for a second series from Caryn Mandabach Productions and Tiger Aspect Productions.



With a consolidated average audience of 2.4 Million (9.6%) for series one, the gangster drama series set in post-war Birmingham on the cusp of the 1920s will return in 2014 with a new six-part series.

Creator and writer Steven Knight said: “I am so pleased we will be able to continue to tell this story of a working class family living through extraordinary times in an extraordinary way. The Peaky Blinders will march on to many surprising places and fight astonishing battles as the 1920s begin to roar.”

Caryn Mandabach, executive producer, Caryn Mandabach Productions, said: “We’ve been thrilled by the passionate responses Peaky Blinders has been getting from viewers all over the country. Like them, I can’t wait for Thomas Shelby’s story to continue.”

Janice Hadlow, controller of BBC Two, added: “With a fantastic cast and epic story-telling, Peaky Blinders was an utterly compelling addition to the BBC Two schedule and I’m delighted we’ll be paying another visit to the Shelby family next year.”

Will Gould, head of drama for Tiger Aspect, commented: “Shows like this don’t come around very often. Steve’s powerful, unique scripts combined with knockout performances from Cillian Murphy, Sam Neill, Helen McCrory and the rest of the cast kept the audience gripped. Me included. Tiger can’t wait to join up with Caryn Mandabach again to take this saga to the next level.”

Filming will start in early 2014.

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DISH lodges complaint over Media General-Young Broadcasting merger

DISH lodges complaint over Media General-Young Broadcasting merger:

DISH lodges complaint over Media General-Young Broadcasting merger



Michelle Clancy | 28-10-2013





Hard on the heels of filing a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission accusing broadcaster Media General of conducting retrans negotiations in bad faith, DISH Network is now lobbying the commission to block Media General’s planned merger with Young Broadcasting.



DISH told the FCC that Media General is “forcing” the satco to negotiate a separate deal with Young Broadcasting, which Media General announced in June that it was acquiring. The FCC hasn’t yet approved the deal. In a 25 October letter to the FCC, DISH writes that Media General appears to know the terms of DISH’s negotiations with Young, even though the negotiations are supposed to be confidential.

“What does Media General know about the Young terms and how does Media General know it?” DISH said. “It also raises the important question of whether Media General and Young are coordinating Media General’s negotiations with DISH.”

DISH is asking that Media General and Young provide all information about their retrans negotiations to the FCC.

“If this information proves the merger to be primarily a device for achieving higher fees, the commission should designate it for a hearing,” DISH added. “At a minimum, the commission should condition the proposed merger on baseball-style arbitration and a standstill provision in the event of retransmission impasses.”

Media General’s 18 stations in 17 markets have been blacked out to DISH subscribers since 1 October when the two parties could not agree to terms on a new carriage pact. DISH filed an FCC complaint, asking for intercession in the blackout of its TV stations that began at the beginning of the month after the two failed to reach an agreement on retransmission fees.

DISH is accusing Media General of breaking an FCC rule that requires broadcasters to “negotiate in good faith to resolve a blackout,” because it took 11 days to respond to the satellite giant’s negotiation attempts.

“DISH customers and Media General viewers were without their shows and events for 11 days before Media General would even contact us,” DISH executive vice president, Dave Shull, said. “We reacted with a counter offer within hours and Media General has yet to respond. DISH is asking the FCC to act expeditiously to address Media General’s bad faith, push them back to the negotiating table and submit to mediation to get programming back to consumers.”

Media General’s ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC affiliates in Ohio, Virginia, Florida, Georgia and Alabama pulled their feeds for DISH customers on 1 October. DISH said that it is offering “to match the rates paid by primary pay-TV competitors” and said that Media General “additionally declined to receive the same rates DISH pays to other area broadcasters.”

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Origin to pick up six films from LA Femme Fest

Origin to pick up six films from LA Femme Fest:

Origin to pick up six films from LA Femme Fest



Michelle Clancy | 28-10-2013





Origin Releasing has signed a deal to pick up six as-yet-undecided films from this year’s ninth Annual LA Femme International Film Festival, all of which will be receiving distribution deals.



The parties also anticipate another four film deals to be announced within the next few weeks.

“Unlike other festivals we do not discriminate for winning films but rather we have secured a first look for all the films screened at the festival. I have succeeded where no one has ventured before on behalf of filmmakers by helping to secure distribution for everyone,” said Leslie LaPage, founder and director of LA Femme.

In addition to the distribution deal for the screened films at this year’s Fest, Origin Releasing has locked a distribution guarantee to the winner of the screenplay competition, and has tied in a production partner to produce it.

“This award enhances the screenplay competition offering a real chance for those writing spec screenplays, a forum to getting them made,” said Niko Foster, CEO of Origin Releasing. “We have again broken the mould, creating the impossible into possible for those screenplay writers submitting to our festival,” said LaPage.

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MTV releases whole season of Wait 'Til Next Year on TV Everywhere

MTV releases whole season of Wait 'Til Next Year on TV Everywhere:

MTV releases whole season of Wait ‘Til Next Year on TV Everywhere



Michelle Clancy | 28-10-2013





MTV has opted to take a page from Netflix’s book, pre-releasing an entire season of its new docu-drama Wait ‘Til Next Year via the MTV TV Everywhere app for iOS devices and the Xbox 360.



Subscribers can sign in using pay-TV credentials to access all 12 episodes of the series, which premieres on cable on MTV on 1 November. The show follows the Lincoln Park Railsplitters, a high school football team in Michigan that has lost a heart-wrenching 43 consecutive games over a five-year span.

The opportunity for binge-viewing the show is available to customers of AT&T U-verse, Bright House Networks, Cablevision Systems, DirecTV, EPB Fiber Optics, Hawaiian Telcom, RCN, Suddenlink, Time Warner Cable and Verizon FiOS.

http://www.satsupreme.com/showthread.php/269633-MTV-releases-whole-season-of-Wait-Til-Next-Year-on-TV-Everywhere?goto=newpost via SatSupreme.com - Satellite TV - Daily Satellite TV News

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TVEyes hires Dan Miles from Cablevision

TVEyes hires Dan Miles from Cablevision:

TVEyes hires Dan Miles from Cablevision



Michelle Clancy | 28-10-2013





TVEyes Inc has hired Dan Miles as senior vice president of new business. Headquartered in Fairfield, Connecticut, TVEyes provides online, real-time search and indexing.



Miles joins the company’s leadership team from a six-year stint at Cablevision Systems, where most recently he was director of business development for product management.

“TVEyes is a strong and growing company with tremendous opportunity to expand into new businesses and markets globally,” said Miles. “Our leadership has a strong vision for the company and focus on entrepreneurism. With my experience in television, banking and subscription businesses, I’m confident I can help the company scale and profit from its next growth phase.”

In his last position at Cablevision, Miles was responsible for the development and launch of the cable MSO’s Optimum Wi-Fi, including business case development, launch, and later, partner relations. He also envisioned and developed a digital out-of-home advertising business. In a previous role as director of business development for marketing & advertising, he was responsible for partnerships and the development of an online store serving Cablevision customers.

Prior to Cablevision, Miles held positions as a consultant serving media and communications companies, specialising in subscription relationships, and was CFO and business development lead of an early stage software company that helped consumers choose content for their children. His early career includes more than ten years at investment banks within UBS and Chemical Bank.

“Dan’s experience, interests and persona are a great fit for us as we seek to manage growth and capitalise on opportunities,” said David Ives, CEO of TVEyes. “His rare combination of critical thinking, analytical skills and creativity inform every recommendation. Dan will be instrumental in helping us forge new partnerships, build new products and expand our global reach.”

http://www.satsupreme.com/showthread.php/269627-TVEyes-hires-Dan-Miles-from-Cablevision?goto=newpost via SatSupreme.com - Satellite TV - Daily Satellite TV News

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National Geographic surveys impending disaster attitudes ahead of American Blackout

National Geographic surveys impending disaster attitudes ahead of American Blackout:

National Geographic surveys impending disaster attitudes ahead of American Blackout premiere



Michelle Clancy | 28-10-2013





National Geographic Channel and Kelton have released a new survey gauging the nation’s pop culture attitude towards impending disasters, ahead of the premiere of American Blackout, a two-hour film from the cable network that envisions a time when the lights go out.



For one, the survey asked which celebrity would Americans most like to get trapped in tight quarters with in case of such a scenario. Former sweethearts Brad Pitt (15%) and Jennifer Aniston (22%) topped the list in the male and female categories. Coming in close seconds were talk show host Jimmy Fallon (13%) and comedienne Tina Fey (17%).

Fallon and fellow late-night talk show host Jon Stewart (12%) convincingly beat Hollywood hunk Ryan Gosling (6%). Fey topped celebrities like Megan Fox and Beyonce (10% and 8%). Miley Cyrus came in last (4%).

And while Ben Affleck is gearing up to play Batman in the Superman sequel, it’s still the Man of Steel himself (most recently played by Henry Cavill) who is the superhero most trusted by more than half the nation (52%) to protect the US in case of a catastrophic blackout. Ironically, genius engineer Tony Stark isn’t trusted to get the power grid back online, as Ironman comes in a distant second (14%).

Jason Bourne (24%) and James Bond (24%) tied for first place in the fictional character most likely to bring the nation to safety if a blackout occurred. Hunger Games heroine Katniss Everdeen came in third (13%).

And, the No 1 song to play while you’re stuck in the dark (with or without a celebrity) was overwhelmingly Bruce Springsteen’s Dancing in the Dark (30%).

American Blackout imagines the story of a national power failure in the United States caused by a cyber-attack — told in real time, over ten days, by those who keep filming on cameras and phones. The idea is to show what it might take to survive from day one, and who would be left standing when the lights come back on.

http://www.satsupreme.com/showthread.php/269629-National-Geographic-surveys-impending-disaster-attitudes-ahead-of-American-Blackout?goto=newpost via SatSupreme.com - Satellite TV - Daily Satellite TV News

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MBC launches Bollywood channel for the Arab world

MBC launches Bollywood channel for the Arab world:

MBC launches Bollywood channel for the Arab world



Rebecca Hawkes | 28-10-2013





A new Bollywood TV channel, full of “glitz and glamour”, is set to woo Arab audiences. MBC Bollywood became the 14th channel in the Dubai-based broadcaster’s free-to-air satellite bouquet on 26 October, after it was officially launched during the first episode of Arab’s Got Talent season three.



Indian actress Karina Kapoor, supported by her dance troop, performed during the live event to usher in the new channel, which will provide Bollywood movies, daily drama series and celebrity magazine shows from South Asia – all with Arab audiences in mind.

“The channel promises to dazzle the hearts of every Arab family through its wide and rich array of the biggest Asian and Indian cinematic and TV productions which will be subtitled and dubbed into Arabic,” said Mazen Hayek, MBC Groups’ official spokesperson.

“Through the extensive and rich content that MBC Bollywood will offer, we are hoping to cater to the needs of all our young and vibrant audience, while also offering the best in Bollywood entertainment to the entire Arab family in general,” he added.

The channel promises the first showings of Bollywood movies on Arab TV in its Premier Movie Night; Bollywood’s biggest icons feature in Star of the Month; films which break the Bollywood cliché are introduced in New Age Bollywood; while Bollywood Action Nights and Romance Nights will provide thrills and love, respectively.

MBC Bollywood follows the 1 October launch of Zee’s Film Hindi satellite TV channel for the Middle East and North Africa.

http://www.satsupreme.com/showthread.php/269626-MBC-launches-Bollywood-channel-for-the-Arab-world?goto=newpost via SatSupreme.com - Satellite TV - Daily Satellite TV News

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DirecTV, Time Warner Cable said to be set to adopt Aereo strategy

DirecTV, Time Warner Cable said to be set to adopt Aereo strategy:

DirecTV, Time Warner Cable said to be set to adopt Aereo strategy



Editor | 28-10-2013





As retransmission fees take their toll on US network providers, reports are suggesting that some of the leading cable companies are considering launching products capable of capturing free broadcast TV signals.



According to the Bloomberg news service, DirecTV, Time Warner Cable (TWC) and Charter Communications are said to be set to take a leaf out of the book of Aereo which provides an over-the-top (OTT) way to receive broadcast TV feeds without paying retransmission fees. Even though technologically proven and being rolled out rapidly across American cities, the service has attracted multiple lawsuits from engaged content owners.

However, enraging content owners would be something rather attractive to cable networks which feel that they are being squeezed by the content companies to show compelling programmes - TWC has only just dusted itself off after a bruising retrans row battle with CBS. Offering an Aereo-type service could potentially save the network firms billions of dollars in retransmission fees.

http://www.satsupreme.com/showthread.php/269615-DirecTV-Time-Warner-Cable-said-to-be-set-to-adopt-Aereo-strategy?goto=newpost via SatSupreme.com - Satellite TV - Daily Satellite TV News

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TV Now readies for Kerala launch

TV Now readies for Kerala launch:

TV Now readies for Kerala launch



Rebecca Hawkes | 28-10-2013





TV Now, a new high definition Malayalam satellite TV channel from the Kerala Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is set to launch with a Grass Valley news production system.



The 24-hour Indian news and information channel is aimed at the 40 million television viewers in the southwest state of Kerala. Grass Valley’s GV Director and GV Stratus products will enable non-linear production and asset management at the new TV station.

“As the only business consortium to launch a brand new channel in India, it’s important for us to have the most modern technologies in place to reach our millions of viewers in a timely and efficient manner,” said Bhagath Chandrasekhar, TV Now.

Stephen Wong, senior vice president of Asia Pacific, Grass Valley, added: “The broadcast market in India is currently going through a period of exciting change and is a vital part of Grass Valley’s pathway. We’re excited to show broadcasters how our products can not only enable them to better manage their on-air operations but ensure flexibility for the future growth of their stations.”

http://www.satsupreme.com/showthread.php/269609-TV-Now-readies-for-Kerala-launch?goto=newpost via SatSupreme.com - Satellite TV - Daily Satellite TV News

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AMC acquires Chellomedia in €750 million deal

AMC acquires Chellomedia in €750 million deal:

AMC acquires Chellomedia in €750 million deal



Editor | 28-10-2013





As it seeks to balance its books after its spending spree on European cable assets, Liberty Global has sold its Chellomedia international content division to AMC Networks.



The deal, worth €750 million and expected to close in the first quarter of 2014, includes the acquisition of Chellomedia’s operating businesses distributed to more than 390 million households in 138 countries. These include Chello Central Europe, Chello Latin America, Chello Multicanal, Chello Zone, the ad sales unit Atmedia and the broadcast solutions unit Chello DMC.

Liberty has been looking for a buyer for Chellomedia since May 2013 when it valued the content division in the region of $800 million to $1 billion.AMC says that the acquisition builds on its existing international programming business, AMC/Sundance Channel Global, and will continue to deliver content to its global distribution partners. In addition to AMC/Sundance Channel Global, Chellomedia will join a strong content portfolio including IFC , Sundance Channel, WE tv and IFC Films.

“Chellomedia has developed a remarkable portfolio of popular channels that reach hundreds of millions around the world,” commented Josh Sapan, president and CEO of AMC Networks. “As AMC Networks has expanded internationally, we have had a great desire to do something we consider fundamentally strategic, which is to take our content and put it on channels we own. This acquisition allows us to secure a large, global platform on which to distribute our increasingly successful original programming through a collection of strong, well-established and well-managed assets worldwide. Together, we can grow these assets and make them even more popular and valuable around the world.”

Added Chellomedia president, Niall Curran: “AMC Networks are content professionals with an excellent creative and business track record. They are highly enthusiastic about the business we have built at Chellomedia and are ambitious to develop it further, making AMC Networks a great owner and partner for Chello’s next phase of growth.”

http://www.satsupreme.com/showthread.php/269613-AMC-acquires-Chellomedia-in-€750-million-deal?goto=newpost via SatSupreme.com - Satellite TV - Daily Satellite TV News

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HD demand boosts set-top uptake

HD demand boosts set-top uptake:

HD demand boosts set-top uptake



Editor | 27-10-2013





The increased pace of high-definition services added to more and more pay-TV will drive a commensurate surge in set top box (STB) sales according to new research from TechNavio.



TechNavio’s report, the Global Set Top Box Market 2014-2018, forecasts the global STB market will grow at a CAGR of 2.14% over the period 2014-2018. It also reveals four key vendors “dominating” the market space – Cisco, Huawei, Pace and Technicolor respectively – with a chasing pack including ARRIS, Broadcom, Comcast and EchoStar.

With the improving video quality and emergence of HD channels, TechNavio believes the the demand for HD STBs is increasing. Yet it cautions that the high cost of advanced STBs could pose a challenge to growth.

The report states that one of the main challenges hindering the growth of this market is the high cost of advanced STBs such as IPTV and hybrid STBs. TechNavio notes that as these STBs have advanced features such as recording, live video control, and accessing the content over internet, their cost has been on an upward trajectory.

Commenting on the report, an analyst from TechNavio’s team said: “The pay-TV market is one of the biggest revenue contributors to the global set top box market across the globe. With the large number of channel choices available to subscribers, consumers are increasingly subscribing to more channels. Further, digitalisation is likely to increase the subscription of pay-TV as subscription-based TV services are more popular in the digital platform than in the analogue platform. Another reason for the increase in number of pay-TV subscribers is the growth of the In-house Entertainment market. Hence, the positive impact on the related industry market.”

http://www.satsupreme.com/showthread.php/269551-HD-demand-boosts-set-top-uptake?goto=newpost via SatSupreme.com - Satellite TV - Daily Satellite TV News

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STB-based conditional access clients to pass billion-barrier within year

STB-based conditional access clients to pass billion-barrier within year:

STB-based conditional access clients to pass billion-barrier within year



Editor | 27-10-2013





Expanding demand in Latin America, India and China will drive the global installed base of conditional access (CA) clients in set-top boxes (STB) past 1 billion units by 2014 according to new IHS research.



In its latest Conditional Access Market Monitor, analyst forecasts the installed base of CA STB clients to rise 14% from its 2013 total to 1.1 billion units 12 months later. This would represent the devices doubling their market size since 2009.

In stark contrast with the aforementioned buoyant emerging markets, North America and Japan, says the research, are set to experience declining demand for STB CA clients in 2013 and 2014. The data shows that the decline will likely be especially sharp in Japan in 2013, as demand slowed down following a surge in sales driven by government subsidies for digital terrestrial television (DTT) STBs.

“As television services continue to expand their reach into new regions, the installed base of STBs keeps rising,” explained IHS senior principal STB analyst Daniel Simmons. “In parallel with this the expansion of the STB business, there has been growing demand for CA technology in cable, satellite and IPTV. Because of this, emerging markets continue to increase their demand for STB CA clients, even as established markets see slowing and even declines in annual growth. This allowed the installed base of CA clients to more than double in five years and will enable it to break through the 1 billion-unit barrier for the first time ever in 2014.”

In terms of which particular conditional access technologies which were enjoying the most growth, IHS made special reference to CA modules (CAMs), increasingly deployed in TVs with built-in DTT, satellite and cable tuners.The analyst calculates that during the period from 2009 to 2012, the CAM market grew at an impressive 51% annually. Furthermore it expects some 5.4 million CAMs to be shipped in the Europe, Africa and Middle East (EMEA) regions during 2013.

http://www.satsupreme.com/showthread.php/269552-STB-based-conditional-access-clients-to-pass-billion-barrier-within-year?goto=newpost via SatSupreme.com - Satellite TV - Daily Satellite TV News

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El Clásico scores in 50 different countries

El Clásico scores in 50 different countries:

El Clásico scores in 50 different countries



Juan Fernandez Gonzalez | 27-10-2013





Last night’s El Clásico football match between Barcelona and Real Madrid was broadcast live by Mediapro in more than 50 countries.



The match, which saw Barcelona beat Real Madrid with goals from Neymar and Alexis Sanchez, was distributed in HD and 3D for ESPN and Bein Sport USA, reaching the whole football audience of the Americas as well as Europe.



The potential audience is 400 million viewers, although it’s expected to be even bigger as this year the match time meant it fitted in most countries’ schedules.

The main international channels all purchased the broadcasting rights. Fox Sports, Bein Sport USA and France, Canal+ Sweden and África, ESPN and Al Jazeera all broadcast it for the first time, with Al Jazeera even placing its team of journalists at the stadium.

Mediapro had more than 300 professionals, 10 mobile units, one set of 3D equipment, and 36 cameras in the stadium. The company’s Gol Televisión had its own team for the pre and post match reporting.

http://www.satsupreme.com/showthread.php/269548-El-Clásico-scores-in-50-different-countries?goto=newpost via SatSupreme.com - Satellite TV - Daily Satellite TV News

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PAC-MAN bites back in UK and Ireland

PAC-MAN bites back in UK and Ireland:

PAC-MAN bites back in UK and Ireland



Editor | 27-10-2013





41 Entertainment has revealed a launch, or rather relaunch strategy, in the UK and Ireland for the classic 1980s cartoon character PAC-MAN.



Working with UK licensing agent Lisle International, global animation company 41e will bring PAC-MAN and the Ghostly Adventures to Sky’s stereoscopic 3DTV channel while Disney XD will launch it on its 2D platform.

Commented 41e CEO Allen Bohbot:“We are genuinely excited for this UK launch beginning in early 2014. We are thrilled to have so many fine partners join the PAC-MAN family in the UK and Ireland with many more to come.”

Added Francesca Lisle, partner at the eponymous company: “We are very pleased that this great property will be launched in the UK beginning 2014 and rolling out through spring and summer. It is very exciting.”

http://www.satsupreme.com/showthread.php/269549-PAC-MAN-bites-back-in-UK-and-Ireland?goto=newpost via SatSupreme.com - Satellite TV - Daily Satellite TV News

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Over 90% of Spanish teens have mobile and use the Internet

Over 90% of Spanish teens have mobile and use the Internet:

Over 90% of Spanish teens have mobile and use the Internet



Juan Fernandez Gonzalez | 27-10-2013





Over 90% of Spanish teenagers aged 15 and above have a mobile phone and 94% use the Internet, according to a report by INE, Spain’s national institute for statistics. Although the percentage is very high, it has actually dropped 2.8% compared with last year.



Of the entire adult population, aged up to 74 years old, 72% use a computer, and the Internet users in this demographic have increased from 65% to 66%. Apart from the regular use of telecoms technologies, 88.2% said they had used the Internet to communicate with somebody at some point, but 54% were unsure how to protect their personal information online.

Nearly 70% of homes now ave access to the Internet, with 68.9% of them connected via broadband, 47% having (exclusively or not) access to a 3G or 4G network and 19% using fibre. Of the 30% of people who have no Internet at home, 36.2% said they did not know how to use it and 31.8% could not afford it.

http://www.satsupreme.com/showthread.php/269546-Over-90-of-Spanish-teens-have-mobile-and-use-the-Internet?goto=newpost via SatSupreme.com - Satellite TV - Daily Satellite TV News

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Duolabs Cas3 Plus - £ 69.90

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Head of Disney-UTV to bow out

Head of Disney-UTV to bow out:

Head of Disney-UTV to bow out



Rebecca Hawkes | 25-10-2013





Ronnie Screwvala is to step down as managing director of Indian media giant Disney-UTV from 1 January 2014. Siddharth Roy Kapur, who currently heads up UTV Motion Pictures, will be his replacement.



Screwvala will remain in an advisory position for a further six months to ease the transition, the Walt Disney Company said.

Screwvala, who started his career in as with a Mumbai-based cable TV service called Network, went on to co-found UTV Software Communications in 1990. The Walt Disney Company initially bought a 15% minority shareholding in the media conglomerate in 2006, and then acquired the controlling stake for a reported US$454 million in February 2012.

“Ronnie had a clear mandate to merge two organisations, build a single team and lay the strategic direction for a diversified media and entertainment company that would be part of the growing India growth story,” said Andy Bird, chairman, Walt Disney International. “When he passes on the baton in June 2014, he will leave the company in a great place strategically and with a strong leadership team.”

UTV produces a range of television content from soap operas to children’s television, as well as Bollywood films, including India’s 2012 Oscar entry Barfi!

“It’s been a fantastic seven-year working relationship with Disney, first as a co-shareholder, then when Disney held a majority stake in UTV, and since February 2012,” said Screwvala in a statement.

Kapur has a background in consumer goods and media, having worked at both Star TV and UTV. He was responsible for the launch of the children’s TV channel Bindass and has most recently been managing director of the Disney-UTV movie production division.

Screwvala is expected to focus on other entrepreneurial activities and his SWADES Foundation, which promotes rural empowerment in India.

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Base79 bolsters position as the leading YouTube multi-channel network

Base79 bolsters position as the leading YouTube multi-channel network:

Base79 bolsters position as the leading YouTube multi-channel network



Parent Category: 26-10-2013





Survey data from comScore has revealed that YouTube network Base79 has reached over 92 million unique viewers globally in September 2013.



The international network for video creators, content owners and brands creates global audiences for video, partners with video rights holders and producers to build online audiences and brands, claim and protect their intellectual property, sell premium advertising, and generate new revenue streams on YouTube and other over the top (OTT) online video platforms.

It represents over 1,500 channels and 800 premium content partners on YouTube including BBC Worldwide, Endemol’s Tiger Aspect, IMG Media, The Football Association, Ministry of Sound, Guinness World Records, as well as YouTube content creators such as Remi Gaillard and ElRubius.

Base79 adds that its current reach is now three times the number of views being achieved last year. The company says that its current performance strengthens its position as the leading international multi-channel network (MCN), fending off challenges from rivals such as Machinima, Rightster, the BBC, Channel 5, CNN, NBC and HBO.

“Our content owners and brand partners seek us out because of our proven ability to grow their business and their audiences globally,” asserted Base79 Founder and CEO Ashley MacKenzie.“We have worked hard to add a distinctive edge to our network, opening offices in Spain, France, Germany and the USA during 2013 where maintaining a physical presence in key territories is part of our philosophy. Overtaking a major US competitor is an important milestone in our growth, and reinforces our global credentials. It’s an exciting time here at Base79, and we continue to add great partners to our network.”

http://www.satsupreme.com/showthread.php/269488-Base79-bolsters-position-as-the-leading-YouTube-multi-channel-network?goto=newpost via SatSupreme.com - Satellite TV - Daily Satellite TV News

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Music channels hit right note in Eutelsat awards

Music channels hit right note in Eutelsat awards:

Music channels hit right note in Eutelsat awards



Editor | 26-10-2013





Announcing the channels shortlisted for the music prize at its TV Awards, leading satellite Eutelsat believes that each of the three contenders provides a powerful illustration of the power of the genre.



Indeed, and somewhat poetically, in nominating A One Hip-Hop Music Channel, Gospel Music TV and Mezzo Live HD, Eutelsat quotes the philosopher Nietzsche’s belief that “without music, life would be a mistake.” It added that music channels have transformed our relationship with performers, musical trends and music culture, creating a platform for independent artists and deepened our exposure to beats and melodies from an endless range of cultures.

A One Hip-Hop Music Channel is Russia’s first channel dedicated to youth culture – hip-hop, rap and R’n’B, dance, graffiti and extreme sports. The channel offers content creation through its own projects or with partners. Its flagship programme, You FunBox, covers extreme sports, people and culture and also reporting on key championships and festivals.

Launched in September 2012, Gospel Music TV is a brand new venture by UK-based C-Music Entertainment addresses the music genre in sub-Saharan Africa. The channel started as a 100% gospel music channel with local African content sourced from independent artists and record labels in the region, including Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Rwanda, Congo, Tanzania and Uganda.A permanent office and local production hub has also been set up in Kampala, Uganda. Nigerian hip-hop styles blend with the choral traditions of Kenya and tribal influences of Rwanda.

Mezzo Live HD is a 100% full native HD channel, edited by Lagardère Active in partnership with France Télévisions, offering classical music, opera, ballet and jazz. The channel shows concerts from the likes of the MET in New York, the Scala in Milan, London’s Covent Garden and or the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. Content includes two live broadcasts a month.

http://www.satsupreme.com/showthread.php/269489-Music-channels-hit-right-note-in-Eutelsat-awards?goto=newpost via SatSupreme.com - Satellite TV - Daily Satellite TV News

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Sonakshi Sinha to join Diwali entertainment on Star Plus

Sonakshi Sinha to join Diwali entertainment on Star Plus:

Sonakshi Sinha to join Diwali entertainment on Star Plus



Rebecca Hawkes | 26-10-2013





Indian TV channel Star Plus is celebrating the festival of lights with a special celebrity song, dance and comedy extravaganza called Star Diwali: Thodi Si Muskan, Dher Sara Pyar.



Airing at 7pm on 26 and 27 October, the show will bring Sooraj, Sandhya, Bhabho, and the other members of Star Parivaar together, as well as a special appearance by Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha, who will be seen dancing to the tunes of her latest film Bullet Raja.

“I love being part of all Star Parivaar celebrations; it truly has the warmth of real family celebration,” said Sinha.

Other television celebrities involved in the festivities include Meenakshi from Diya Aur Baati Hum, Naitik from Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, Poonam and Akash from Ek Ghar Banaonga, Shraddha and Kritika from Meri Bhabhi, Aditya from Pyar Ka Dard Hain Meetha Meetha Pyaara, Pyaara, Ratan from Veera along with Karan Wahi, Shaleen Bhanot, Sanjeeda Sheikh and Sayantani Ghosh.

http://www.satsupreme.com/showthread.php/269486-Sonakshi-Sinha-to-join-Diwali-entertainment-on-Star-Plus?goto=newpost via SatSupreme.com - Satellite TV - Daily Satellite TV News

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Vivendi, Lagardère agree settlement on Canal+

Vivendi, Lagardère agree settlement on Canal+:

Vivendi, Lagardère agree settlement on Canal+



Pascale Paoli-Lebailly | 26-10-2013





Vivendi has reached a deal to buy out minority shareholder Lagardère’s 20% stake in pay-TV operator Canal+ France, according to French magazine le Nouvel Observateur, with the deal and price to be announced next week.



A spokesman for Vivendi declined to comment on Friday, and Lagardère was not immediately available.

The two companies have been fighting a legal battle since February when Lagardère sued Vivendi for €1.6 billion in damages over Canal+. Lagardère argued that Vivendi makes permanent use of the business’s entire cash surplus under a disputed cash management agreement.

Lagardère has been trying to sell its stake for several years as part of its effort to shed non-core assets, but was never able to agree on a price with Vivendi. Trying the bluff technique, the group also explored an initial public offering in 2011.

Lagardère values its stake in Canal+ France at €1.15 billion while Vivendi believes it is worth around €800-900 million.

http://www.satsupreme.com/showthread.php/269487-Vivendi-Lagardère-agree-settlement-on-Canal?goto=newpost via SatSupreme.com - Satellite TV - Daily Satellite TV News

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Numericable valued at between €6bn and €7bn

Numericable valued at between €6bn and €7bn:

Numericable valued at between €6bn and €7bn



Pascale Paoli-Lebailly | 26-10-2013





French cable operator Numericable, which is preparing its IPO, has been valued at between €6bn and €7bn by financial analysts, according to l’Opinion.



“This figure includes €2.78bn of debts. Numericable’s net value then oscillates between €3.2bn and €4.2bn, and the IPO is set to be the biggest on the Paris market in the past six years,” l’Opinion said.

The group, which comprises cable operator Numericable and business telco Completel, wants to keep developing investments and accelerate its debt adjustment.

Numericable is co-owned by investment funds Carlyle, Cinven and Altice.

European cable operators are becoming attractive to investors because of the growing need for bandwidth from internet users.

http://www.satsupreme.com/showthread.php/269485-Numericable-valued-at-between-€6bn-and-€7bn?goto=newpost via SatSupreme.com - Satellite TV - Daily Satellite TV News

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Fashion One expands distribution on Asia Broadcast Satellite

Fashion One expands distribution on Asia Broadcast Satellite:

Fashion One expands distribution on Asia Broadcast Satellite



Louise Duffy | 26-10-2013





International TV network Fashion One has launched demo broadcast services to Asia and Europe on Asia Broadcast Satellite via the ABS-1 satellite C-band and Ku-band video platforms.



Local feed of Fashion One is received in Europe and uplinked from Munich and Hong Kong respectively to C- and Ku-band transponders of ABS-1. With its orbital location at 75°E above the Indian Ocean Region, the two video feeds will be delivered to key Asian and European TV markets.

Fashion One broadcasts fashion, entertainment and lifestyle news, plus celebrity profiles and coverage of red carpet events. Its original programming includes reality shows, documentaries, beauty tips and street styling.

Ashley Jordan, CEO of Fashion One, said: “Fashion One is distributed to over 120 countries worldwide, reaching over 100 million viewers. This collaboration with ABS is a strategic move to solidify our distribution in the important Asian and European markets, by meeting the rapidly growing demand of our channel in these regions. We are confident that the ABS one-stop service will help us achieve our business objective.”



Mohamed Youssif, COO of ABS, added: “ABS is thrilled to partner with Fashion One, in supporting their business plan and growth in more key TV markets. The addition of Fashion One adds to our strong line-up of international broadcasters taking advantages of our wide market coverage and strategic locations of our teleports in Europe and Asia.”

http://www.satsupreme.com/showthread.php/269484-Fashion-One-expands-distribution-on-Asia-Broadcast-Satellite?goto=newpost via SatSupreme.com - Satellite TV - Daily Satellite TV News

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SMIT Viaccess Professional Cam - £ 0.00

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TV everywhere grows ‘exponentially’

TV everywhere grows ‘exponentially’:

TV everywhere grows ‘exponentially’



Joseph O’Halloran | 24-10-2013





Video consumption across non-traditional devices such as tablets, smartphones, PCs and connected TVs has evolved exponentially into a global phenomenon says new analysis from Frost & Sullivan.



The analyst’s Global IP Video Network Management Market research found that by 2016, more than 70% of data traffic on mobile devices will be video as TV service providers offer more applications and s.

The rapidly rising adoption of IP by broadcasters and video service providers, and the growing consolidation among operators will likely benefit the global IP video network management market greatly to the tune of $442.4 million by 2017, up from $217.8 million in 2012.

“As broadcasters all over the world upgrade to digital and high-definition (HDTV) workflows, the deployment of IP networking across the value chain is a certainty,” said Frost & Sullivan Digital Media Research Director Vidya S. Nath. “This translates to higher adoption of video network management equipment, such as probes and video analysers, as well as data-mining systems – all of which are critical for analysing quality of service and equipment.”

The analyst added that as targeted and interactive advertisements increase across devices and applications such as video on demand (VOD), the use of such video monitoring and tracking technologies will grow. “Across end-user verticals, clients clearly indicate video quality is directly linked to survival,” observed Nath. “With the increasing complexity in video delivery, service providers are not merely trying to please their present customers but are also seeking to deploy IP video network management solutions to future-proof their entire delivery ecosystem.”

http://www.satsupreme.com/showthread.php/269393-TV-everywhere-grows-‘exponentially’?goto=newpost via SatSupreme.com - Satellite TV - Daily Satellite TV News

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iPlayer app breaks 20MN download landmark

iPlayer app breaks 20MN download landmark:

iPlayer app breaks 20MN download landmark



Editor | 24-10-2013





The huge strategic importance of mobile for the BBC iPlayer has been shown by the corporation as it reveals that the second-screen app for the catch-up and on-demand service has overtaken TV viewing on a PC.



Specifically, the iPlayer app for iOS and Android mobile devices has been downloaded over 20 million times in total, marking a “golden age of public service television and cementing iPlayer’s role as BBC Television’s fifth channel,” said Victoria Jaye, head of TV content for BBC iPlayer. “20 million downloads of the BBC iPlayer mobile app marks a enabling audiences to fit their enjoyment of the full range of BBC programmes around their busy lives.”

The service has seen TV viewing on mobiles and tablets rocket over the past three years, and in September 2013 a record 70 million TV requests came from mobiles and tablets, compared with just five million in September 2010. TV requests from mobile devices now make up 41% all iPlayer access, compared with just 6% three years ago.

Interestingly, iPlayer viewing peaks slightly later than broadcast TV, with a spike around 10pm, and mobile viewing is popular again first thing in the morning. iPlayer viewing also increases at the weekend, boosted, said the BBC, by increased daytime viewing as well as audiences not wanting to miss popular Saturday night programmes.

“We are thrilled that viewers are increasingly taking their favourite BBC shows with them to watch whenever and wherever they are,” added Dan Taylor, head of BBC iPlayer for BBC Future Media. “And with tablets the top of many people’s Christmas list for 2013, we expect this to continue to grow even further.”

http://www.satsupreme.com/showthread.php/269391-iPlayer-app-breaks-20MN-download-landmark?goto=newpost via SatSupreme.com - Satellite TV - Daily Satellite TV News

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PrimaCom eyes Tele Columbus

PrimaCom eyes Tele Columbus:

PrimaCom eyes Tele Columbus



Jörn Krieger | 24-10-2013





German cable operator Tele Columbus is still up for sale and is attracting further interested parties.

In addition to financial investors, cable company PrimaCom has also submitted a takeover bid.



“We have placed offers both for Tele Columbus’ activities in Berlin and for Deutsche Telekabel,” Wolf Waschkuhn, member of PrimaCom’s management board and supervisory board member, confirmed to news agency Reuters.

PrimaCom rates Tele Columbus’ business in Berlin as highly profitable, but its networks in the western part of Germany as much less attractive. PrimaCom is also considering taking over Tele Columbus completely if the price corresponds with its expectations, the agency reports with reference to a person familiar with the negotiations.

Originally, Kabel Deutschland wanted to acquire Germany’s fourth largest cable operator, which serves around 1.6 million customers, but the move was blocked by the Federal Cartel Office.

http://www.satsupreme.com/showthread.php/269392-PrimaCom-eyes-Tele-Columbus?goto=newpost via SatSupreme.com - Satellite TV - Daily Satellite TV News

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Movistar Go, Yomvi to stream El Clásico live

Movistar Go, Yomvi to stream El Clásico live:

Movistar Go, Yomvi to stream El Clásico live



Parent Category | 24-10-2013





Movistar TV is still testing its TV everywhere platform Movistar Go, but next weekend it will face an acid test: the live streaming of the El Clásico football match between Real Madrid and Barcelona, through Canal+Liga.



Sogecable’s online platform Yomvi, Movistar’s largest competitor, will also stream the event live, but it has more extensive experience in the live streaming sports events.

The reliability of Movistar Go will be tested through the streaming of the match. Telefónica’s TV station has been advertising the event during the week to attract viewers, confident the platform’s capacity to support the streaming traffic required.

For Yomvi, Canal+’s TV everywhere and online platform, the event is a way to consolidate its audience, which has grown to 430,000, according to latest reported figures. Most of Yomvi’s video consumption is through tablets, so streaming capacity is of vital importance for the platform’s future.

Canal+ has also prepared special programming during the week to warm up the audience and get ready for one of the Spanish audience’s favourite events.

http://www.satsupreme.com/showthread.php/269388-Movistar-Go-Yomvi-to-stream-El-Clásico-live?goto=newpost via SatSupreme.com - Satellite TV - Daily Satellite TV News

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Pay-TV users perceive TV-based content discovery as ‘inadequate’

Pay-TV users perceive TV-based content discovery as ‘inadequate’:

Pay-TV users perceive TV-based content discovery as ‘inadequate’



Joseph O’Halloran | 24-10-2013





As they cram in connectivity, and increasingly 4K, into their offerings, pay-TV providers should actually be concentrating on discovery suggests new research from Veveo.



Somewhat bluntly, the provider of semantic technologies designed to offer intelligent search, discovery and personalisation, concluded that pay-TV users perceive content discovery in television to be “inadequate for their needs.” It argues that current pay-TV usability is not keeping pace with the usability advances consumers are experiencing in other aspects of their connected lives, such as Web, mobile, and social media.

Worryingly, the research found that methods cause measurable loss to service providers. More than 85% of pay-TV subscribers in the survey noted that they turn off the TV without finding something to watch at least some of the time. And this was despite over three-fifths spending more than ten minutes a day searching for content, and more than 10% feeling that they spend either a considerable amount of time or a lot of time looking for content.

Three-quarters of respondents said they preferred to have better search solutions offered to them by their service provider. Operators should take great note of users’ desire to choose between finding content through efficient search features or having content discovery and personalisation to them, as product features emerged as the second most prominent reason for switching service providers.Indeed more than 70% of focus groups participants said they would consider switching their pay-TV provider to gain access to conversational interface technology and a full 60% said they would use voice-controlled search on their TVs if their service providers offered it.

http://www.satsupreme.com/showthread.php/269390-Pay-TV-users-perceive-TV-based-content-discovery-as-‘inadequate’?goto=newpost via SatSupreme.com - Satellite TV - Daily Satellite TV News

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Spain's WebTV adds pay-per-view to online video solution

Spain's WebTV adds pay-per-view to online video solution:

Spain’s WebTV adds pay-per-view to online video solution



Parent Category:| 24-10-2013





WebTV Solutions has released the latest version of WS.WebTV Professional, its platform for online video and streaming. The new version adds a pay-per-view feature, making it possible to sell audiovisual content directly from the Web application.



The solution targets companies with video needs, allowing users of WS to create their own video site. The application supports WebTV, video management software (VMS) and video content management (CMS), and adds content monetisation as well as a news and events section.

WS is designed to be hosted by the client and doesn’t require a subscription as it is purchased in a single payment, giving more freedom to the customer. The application is also ready for the multiscreen environment, running on Flash and HTML5, playing videos on PCs, Macs and smartphones and tablets, both iOS and Android.

WebTV has also released a free version of the software which is available for non-commercial use, although its functions are more limited than the professional version.

The Valencia-based company specialises in online video solutions. Besides WS, it offers a pre-paid live streaming package which allows users to broadcast online for short periods of time, targeting small companies and institutions with punctual streaming needs.

http://www.satsupreme.com/showthread.php/269389-Spain-s-WebTV-adds-pay-per-view-to-online-video-solution?goto=newpost via SatSupreme.com - Satellite TV - Daily Satellite TV News

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Teads earns $5.2 in Series A for ad tech expansion

Teads earns $5.2 in Series A for ad tech expansion:

Teads earns $5.2 in Series A for ad tech expansion



Parent Category: 24-10-2013





Video advertising specialist Teads has won a $5.2 million Series A investment round from Partech Venture and Elaia Partners funds. The funding will support Teads’ global expansion in the video advertising market following its roll-out in France and the United Kingdom.



Teads was advised by the corporate finance firm Clipperton Finance. Pascal Gauthier, formerly COO of Criteo, has joined Teads as an independent administrator.

“The market for online video advertising is booming and Teads will be able to effectively support TV advertisers to invest in digital and help publishers better monetise their inventory,” said Gauthier. “Its technology platform and formats are very innovative and will enable the company to quickly expand internationally.”

Founded by CEO Loïc Soubeyrand, CTO Loïc Jaurès and Olivier Reynaud, the France-based start-up helps publishers generate new revenue streams from video ad formats that can run across many forms of content including articles, home pages, slideshows, music, video and social media pages. Its own video ad format – called inRead – runs within articles and only when in view.

“Our positioning as the ‘Appnexus’ of video allows us to combine the strength of a technology platform’s business model with the creation of value from our innovative video ad formats,” said Soubeyrand. “We can therefore support our publishers in the best way to help them respond to the new challenges and developments in video advertising.”

Launched one year ago, inRead is deployed in more than 30 countries and by over 500 publishers, the company said. Teads’ customers include Le Monde, Le Figaro, Financial Times, Forbes, The Economist, The Guardian, El Mundo, La Repubblica and Reuters.

“The proprietary platform we have developed is able to deliver billions of video impressions every month, and allows the processing and analysis of the collected data in real time,” said Jaures. “Moreover, it has proven scalability, and this technological asset will benefit every user of the platform.”

http://www.satsupreme.com/showthread.php/269384-Teads-earns-5-2-in-Series-A-for-ad-tech-expansion?goto=newpost via SatSupreme.com - Satellite TV - Daily Satellite TV News

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