Member Press Release

Star India clamps down on pay channels piracy; raids, arrests, equipment seizures in Karnataka, AP, MP

100+ FIRs against pirating networks in last 12 months due to Star India’s anti-piracy campaign

Mumbai, 1 June, 2016: Continuing its no-tolerance stand against illegal transmission/re-transmission of Pay TV Channels by cable operators indulging in piracy of STAR TV Signals, officials of STAR TV filed complaints against cable operators in Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh, which led to police raids on their premises, arrests and seizures of equipment.  The raids were conducted at the control rooms of RST Digital (Karnataka), Ganesh Communication (AP) and Tanishq Communications (MP), who were found indulging in illegal transmission/re-transmission of the Star Pay Channels. (Details of initial investigations and action taken, below)

Over the last 12 months, Star India’s anti-piracy campaign has resulted in 100+ FIRs against pirating networks across the country.

The rampant issue of piracy in India has deprived the broadcast industry of reach as well as revenue worth thousands of crores. It is widely believed that the Piracy menace impacts the Television medium the most with cable operators under-reporting their subscribers as well as indulging in illegal transmission/re-transmission of the Pay Channels, resulting in significant losses to the broadcasters as well as the government exchequer.

While the implementation of Digitally Addressable Systems (DAS) in the country will be a big corrective and preventive step, the implementation of DAS all over the country is yet to be done. In the interim, Star India, since the last few years, has adopted a policy of “zero tolerance” against operators indulging in illegal transmission/re-transmission of the Star Pay Channels.

STAR TV’s proactive steps are expected to reap significant benefits for the entire broadcast industry.

 

Details on the raids conducted by Star India – 

Karnataka

Initial investigations

Star India conducted discreet investigations at Kakarla town and identified that RST digital (located at No.64/8, Simaz Complex, Taluk Office, Karkala, Udupi District, Karnataka, India- 574104), which has a subscriber base of over 2500 households, was indulging in piracy through DTH. The operator was carrying illegal signals of Star India channels Star Plus, Star Sports 1, Life Ok, Suvarna & Asianet, along with Sony, Zee and Colors channels.

RST Digital has monopoly in the Karkala region and so far not allowed any new network to set up a control room in this region. It is rumored to have high connections with the ruling political party in chair.

Action taken

Post the initial investigations, Star India officials filed a First Information Report (FIR no. 135/2016 dated 25.05.2016) against RST Digital at Karkala Police Station, under section 379 of IPC r/w Sections 37,51,63,65,69 of the Copyright Act, which resulted in a raid at the premises of the operator. During the raid, the operator resisted police entry into the control room and arguments were exchanged. Piracy equipment including DTH Set Top Boxes (of Sun Direct), Umbrellas, Amplifier, Modulator, Star Boxes etc. were seized.  RST Digital’s owner Vijay Shetty is in remand since 25th May 2016 and his bail application has been rejected.

 

Andhra Pradesh

Initial investigations

Star India’s investigations at Rayadurg town in Ananthapur District, AP (on the border of Bellary district, Karnataka) revealed that local cable operator Ganesh Communication, which has a subscriber base of over 10,000 households, was indulging in piracy through DTH. The operator was transmitting illegal signals carrying a total of 15 channels including Star India channels Star Plus, Suvarna and MAA TV along with Sony, Zee and Gemini.

Action taken

Post the initial investigations, Star India officials filed a First Information Report (FIR) against Ganesh Communication at the Rayadurg police station, under section 420 IPC and 63, 69 of the Copyright Act, which resulted in a raid at the premises of the operator. Piracy equipment including DTH Set Top Boxes (of Sun Direct & Videocon), Umbrellas, Amplifier, Modulator etc. were seized. During the raid, the operator resisted the entry of the Police in the control room and arguments were exchanged. The SHO (Mahanandi) then reported the matter to the Deputy Superintendent of Police and entered the control room forcefully, seized the equipment and arrested a Technician. The new owners of the network are well connected and have direct connection through MSO associations as well as ministers in AP government

Before Star India’s action, Sun Network’s Anti-Piracy team tried to conduct a raid on Ganesh Communication but failed.

 

Madhya Pradesh

Initial investigations

Star India discovered that Tanishq Communications (located at Itarsi town in Hoshangabad District, Madhya Pradesh) was indulging in the illegal transmission of channels such as Star Sports 3, Star Plus and Life Ok, through Area transgression by SV Enterprises, Hoshangabad. Tanishq Communications has a strong subscriber base of over 15,000 households in the state.  The proprietor of Tanishq Communication, Mahesh Chouksey is highly influential in the area and also well-connected with the ruling Political party.

Action taken

Star India officials have been pursuing the matter with local police since August 2015 on 25 May 2016 filed a First Information Report (FIR) against Tanishq Communication under section Sec 63 & 65 of Copy right Act, 1957. The officials also met with the Superintendent of Police (SP), Inspector General of Police (IGP) & Director General of Police (DGP), which resulted in a raid at the premises of the operator. Piracy equipment including one Node, one Transmitter, one Channel Mixer were seized, and a Technician was arrested.

Babyfirst launches in China in dual language – Exclusively distributed by HBO Asia

SINGAPORE, MAY 31, 2016 – HBO Asia, the sole distributor of BabyFirst in Asia, announced today the signing of an exclusive multi-year deal for the top baby and toddler network’s content to be available on You+ Kids, a new children’s video on demand service on Beijing You Peng Technology Co., Ltd (Youpeng)’s interactive TV platform. BabyFirst’s content on You+ Kids will be available from mid June this year, in high-definition and dual language options: Mandarin or English audio with Chinese subtitles.

Since 2009, HBO Asia has inked deals with multiple affiliates, growing the BabyFirst footprint across eight Asian territories; in Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, Philippines and Singapore.

“It’s a proud moment for us to see Youpeng launch BabyFirst’ programming in China,” said Guy Oranim, CEO, BabyFirst. “Youpeng is an established and innovative TV operator as well as a great partner that truly appreciates the importance of offering quality children’s content for all families and embraces our multicultural approach to babies education.” He adds, “We are also very delighted with our collaboration with HBO Asia which is a wonderful partner and extremely helpful in getting BabyFirst new distribution opportunities in Asia Pacific since 2009.”

Jonathan Spink, CEO of HBO Asia, added, “Our strong presence in 23 Asian territories and deep knowledge of the region puts HBO Asia in a unique position to connect our partners, benefitting 40 million families across China on Youpeng’s leading interactive platform with BabyFirst’s award-winning selection of localised early childhood education programmes.” He continues, “This is an extension of HBO Asia’s brand promise to bring the best programming to audiences through the biggest operators in the region.”

Youpeng’s Chairman and CEO, Colin Shao said: “Families have always been Youpeng’s focus and early childhood education is extremely important to Chinese parents. For this reason, Youpeng spent a lot of effort searching for quality content recommended by experts in the field, and found this with BabyFirst, the reputable and trusted brand in early childhood development programmes. Through working with HBO Asia and BabyFirst to localise the programming, we hope to provide the best curated child development content platform to kids and parents all across China.”

A recipient of the iParenting Media Award for one of the “Greatest Products of the Year”, a Dr Tay Best Products winner for the “Best Play and Learn Vocation Products” and the US International Film and Video “Gold Camera” award for educational children’s programming, BabyFirst offers a safe, positive and commercial-free learning environment, tailored to benefit developmental needs of children up to three years. The network’s evolving and interactive programmes are supervised by leading experts in child psychology and development, early childhood education and children’s programming.

Through BabyFirst’s “Joy” colouring system, the content will be categorised and programmed to target all aspects of child development, including logic, language, numbers and imagination. They are further adjusted to suit the Chinese family, providing a guided and delightful viewing experience for children.

All BabyFirst content on You+ Kids will be carefully curated from a vast library of over 4000 episodes. With every title translated and dubbed in Mandarin, parents have complete control over their children’s viewing experience, with the flexibility to play whichever programme they want, whenever they want to, in their language of choice.

You+ Kids will be available extensively through Youpeng’s affiliated telecom operators, cable operators, SmartTV and set top box manufacturers, reaching over 40 million households in China.

 

About HBO ASIA

Singapore-based HBO Asia brings the best of Hollywood to Asia first through its exclusive licensing deals with major Hollywood and independent studios, including Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures, Universal Studios, Warner Bros. and Lionsgate. HBO Asia has proprietary and award-winning HBO and HBO Asia Original programmes produced exclusively for HBO viewers. Wholly owned by HBO (a Time Warner company), HBO Asia reaches 23 territories across Asia with six 24-hour commercial-free subscription movie channels: HBO, HBO Signature, HBO Family, HBO Hits, Cinemax and Red by HBO, internet streaming platform, HBO GO, subscription video on demand service, HBO On Demand, and in China, 鼎级剧场 (ding ji ju chang). HBO Asia is also the exclusive distributor of BabyFirst and the DreamWorks channel in the region. Log on to www.hboasia.com for more information.

About BabyFirst

BabyFirst is the leading commercial–free 24/7 network for young children and their parents.  Working closely with an extensive network of renowned authorities in every area of early childhood psychology and education, BabyFirst is a trusted age appropriate network throughout the world.  BabyFirst is currently available to more than 100 million households in more than 35 countries including the top 5 U.S. satellite and cable operators: DirecTV, Dish Network, Time-Warner, Comcast and Charter. BabyFirst is committed to creating a commercial-free, nurturing and interactive environment by offering an ever-changing line-up of quality child developmental content. 

About Beijing You Peng Technology 

Founded in 2006, Beijing You Peng Technology is China’s leading Interactive TV company. The company’s core product, “Youpeng Cloud”, provides Interactive TV cloud services to IPTV, digital cable and Internet TV platforms, including technology solutions and platform operations, product configuration and customisation, content aggregation, customer acquisition, CRM and value-added services. With a team of over 800 people and 18 branch offices across China’s key markets, Youpeng Cloud provides services to 46 provincial telecom companies, 12 cable operators and 5 SmartTV manufacturers, including Skyworth, Hisense, TCL, Konka, Changhong, covering 40 million households in China.

Philippe Lin appointed CEO of Eutelsat China office

Paris, Singapore, 30 May 2016 – Eutelsat Communications (NYSE Euronext Paris: ETL) announces that Philippe Lin has been appointed CEO of the Group’s China office.

Philippe will leverage his extensive commercial and institutional experience to steer the development of Eutelsat’s activities in China. He joins Eutelsat from Airbus China after 15 years as Vice-President and Chief Representative. Prior to Airbus he held executive appointments at Total, both in Beijing and in Paris. He began his career in China working amongst others for China’s Council for Promotion of International Trade.

Philippe is a French national, a graduate of the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, France’s Ecole Nationale d’Administration (ENA) and Canada’s Ecole Nationale d’Administration Publique.

About Eutelsat Communications

Established in 1977, Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL, ISIN code: FR0010221234) is one of the world’s leading and most experienced operators of communications satellites. The company provides capacity on 40 satellites to clients that include broadcasters and broadcasting associations, pay-TV operators, video, data and Internet service providers, enterprises and government agencies.

Eutelsat’s satellites provide ubiquitous coverage of Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific and the Americas, enabling video, data, broadband and government communications to be established irrespective of a user’s location.

Headquartered in Paris, with offices and teleports around the globe, Eutelsat represents a workforce of 1,000 men and women from 37 countries who are experts in their fields and work with clients to deliver the highest quality of service.

For more about Eutelsat please visit www.eutelsat.com

Press
Vanessa O’Connor Tel: + 33 1 53 98 37 91 voconnor@eutelsat.com
Marie-Sophie Ecuer Tel: + 33 1 53 98 37 91 mecuer@eutelsat.com
Violaine du Boucher Tel: + 33 1 53 98 37 91 vduboucher@eutelsat.com

Investors and analysts
Joanna Darlington Tel. : +33 1 53 98 35 30 jdarlington@eutelsat.com
Cédric Pugni Tel. : +33 1 53 98 35 30 cpugni@eutelsat.com

Hotstar set to cross 100 million viewers mark for the VIVO IPL 2016

  • More than 80 million viewers for IPL to date; on track to exceed the 100 million target for the tournament
  • Tournament reach double’s that of last year’s tournament at the same stage
  • Total watch time up 275% from 2014

Mumbai, 26 May 2016: With more than 80 million viewers for the Vivo Indian Premier League 2016 to date, Hotstar, India’s largest premium streaming platform, is on course to cross the 100 million mark in this year’s edition. The tournament’s reach on Hotstar has doubled in comparison to last year at the same stage and the total watch time is up 275% from 2014, with 95% of all consumption coming from the top 10 cities.

Ajit Mohan, CEO – Hotstar, says, “We are delighted at the growth we have seen on the IPL viewership on Hotstar over the last two tournaments. Hotstar has become the primary screen for IPL for the urban affluent and the young cricket fans. With more than double the reach of last year, we are well set to exceed the 100 million target we had set for ourselves for this year.”

Ever since its launch, Hotstar has become the preferred destination and a habit amongst the millennial in large cities where users have access to broadband data; in fact, when cricket is on, it has become the primary screen for the urban young.

Hotstar has invested heavily in creating a world-class streaming experience. Users on Hotstar have access to live scores and match data integrated into the experience. The persistent efforts to reinvent consistently and stay fresh to maintain engagement levels among the 18 to 24 year has been the driving force behind the ever-rising popularity of the platform.

Hotstar made the Vivo IPL 2016 an even more enjoyable experience for its viewers, with a complete content package including pre and post show programming with the best anchors and commentators in the country. Two wrap around shows – Cricket Live and One Tip One Hand, along with The Boundary Riders (a Video Blog) have been popular programming additions, along with Hotstar’s presence at the IPL Fan Park.

Cricket Live

Cricket Live is a one-hour exclusive show hosted by Jatin Sapru featuring the expert panel of David Hussey, Bret Lee, Mohd. Kaif, Aakash Chopra, Deep Das Gupta and Shoaib Akthar. The show is a detailed analysis on the games played in the Vivo IPL 2016 and focused purely on the cricket part of the game and not entertainment. It also brings alive all the inside scoops for all the franchises, covering their strategy, behind-the-scenes action and what’s happening in the camp, including player secrets and more.

One Tip One Hand

One Tip One Hand hosted by Cyrus Sahukar and Varun Thakur, is a weekly analysis of the Vivo IPL 2016 games, and features on Hotstar every Saturday. The show analyses the game with a bit of banter and humour along with a star-studded line-up of experts.

The Boundary Riders

Three Vloggers scour the length and breadth of the nation in search of stories that introduce fans to the unseen world around the Vivo IPL 2016 calendar and match cities. This video log (Vlog) serves as a platform for the Vloggers to share their stories. As a collective of stories, this blog demonstrates how the Vivo IPL 2016 touches and affects the lives of millions of Indians every year in a positive and uplifting way. The Vloggers also engage the players in fun activities together with pop quiz where the cricketer questions the Vlogger, and sometimes also lets the Vlogger experience a batting or bowling with the player and much more.

About Hotstar: 

Hotstar is India’s largest premium streaming platform with more than 85,000 hours of drama and movies in 8 languages, and coverage of every major global sporting event. Launched in February 2015, it has been downloaded by more than 65 million users and has attracted followers on the back of a highly evolved video streaming technology and high attention to quality of experience across devices and platforms.

Soon after its launch, Hotstar raced on to become one of the fastest adopted new apps anywhere in the world. Hotstar offers most of its content free of cost and recently introduced a pay wall that provides some of the most popular international TV series and films for a monthly subscription fee of Rs. 199.

Hotstar is available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store for mobile and tablet applications and can be accessed at www.hotstar.com

DISCOVERY STRENGTHENS ASIA PACIFIC OUTFIT WITH KEY APPOINTMENTS IN INNOVATION AND STRATEGY GROUPS

– Entrepreneur and digital maverick, Winradit Kasidit Kolasastraseni and experienced strategist and telecom professional Karan Paul join regional management team –

Singapore, 26 May 2016 – Discovery Communications has appointed Winradit Kasidit Kolasastraseni to the new position of Senior Vice President, Innovation – Asia Pacific, and named Karan Paul as Vice President, Strategy – Asia Pacific, taking over the portfolio of Helen Whittle who has relocated to New Zealand. Both Kolasastraseni and Paul will be based in Singapore and report to Arthur Bastings, President and Managing Director of Discovery Networks Asia Pacific. Whittle continues as Vice President, Strategy, with a focus on Discovery’s Pacific businesses and Special Projects, reporting to Bastings.

Commenting on the appointments, Bastings said, “As we evolve our business from a traditional linear pay-tv to a true convergent media and entertainment business, adding diversity to our leadership and enhancing our skillset is critical. Winradit and Karan bring with them strong non-linear and ICT experience, and I am very excited to have them on board as we continue to evolve our product and business portfolio.”

Kolasastraseni will focus on the evolution of Discovery to a progressive digitally native product and services company. Key initiatives will include the incubation of new digital businesses; extensions of existing brands into online communities; and a strong push into big data and analytics. Kolasastraseni is no stranger to the industry, having founded Thailand’s premium OTT service PrimeTime Entertainment. During his stewardship as CEO, PrimeTime amassed over 2 million registered users within a year of its launch. Kolasastraseni was also the CEO and founder of technology and media companies Ploenjit Media and Fly Digital Media in Thailand. Prior to this, he was with Microsoft Thailand, SAS Software, Total Access Communication, Huasheng Industry, Cisco Systems, Samart Internet, and Point Asia Dot Com. Kolasastraseni holds a BS in Information Technology from Assumption University, Bangkok.

Paul will partner with Bastings and the General Managers of Discovery’s five newly-formed APAC market clusters on all strategy matters as the company seeks to adopt a unique and differentiated approach for each of its businesses. Paul comes to Discovery from Singtel, where he was Director, Group Projects & Consulting. He led the group’s in-house consulting team and advised senior management and the various business units on areas including partnership models and content bundling. He was previously with Value Partners Management Consulting in Singapore, PwC in India, and Absolutdata Analytics in India and San Francisco. Paul holds an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad.

DOWNLOADABLE PROFILE PHOTOS

Winradit Kasidit Kolasastraseni

Karan Paul

* * *

About Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific

Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific, a division of the number-one pay-TV programmer Discovery Communications, is dedicated to satisfying curiosity, engaging and entertaining viewers with high-quality content through its portfolio of 15 brands. From survival to natural history, wonders of science to extreme jobs, motoring to travel and lifestyle, and the latest engineering marvels to live sporting events, each channel offers distinct must-watch programming to engage viewers across the region. The network’s 15 brands reach 695 million cumulative subscribers in 38 countries and territories with programming customised in 14 languages and dialects. For more information, please visit www.asia.discovery.com.

Contact:

Magdalene Ng
magdalene_ng@discovery.com
DID: (65) 6510 7563

– OR –

Charmaine Huet
charmaine_huet@discovery.com
DID: (65) 6510 7545

Top Japanese star Dean Fujioka headlines GEM’s first-ever original production

SINGAPORE, 25 May 2016 — GEM, the channel that brings the hottest dramas such as Goodbye Ghosts! and The Most Difficult Romance within a week of their Japan telecast, is set to air its first-ever original production We are Asia: Dean Fujioka & Friends.  Headlined by dashing actor-musician Dean Fujioka, the series is set for a global premiere on 19 June at 8.30pm/7.30pm (JKT/BKK).

GEM, which is a joint venture between Sony Pictures Television Networks and Nippon TV, is uniquely positioned to bring together the best entertainment from Japan and the rest of Asia.  Shot on location across 4 Asian cities including Japan, Cambodia, Hong Kong and Indonesia, We are Asia will feature the inimitable beauty, tradition and essence of Asia and its myriad cultures.

In this 5 episode documentary-style entertainment program, viewers will be taken on a cultural journey alongside Dean Fujioka and his celebrity friends: up-and-coming actor Shuhei Nomura, rock band WEAVER, and video projection dance sensation Siro-A.

Through the lens of these Japanese stars, audiences will be treated to a rare opportunity to witness the fusion of different cultures that springs from the exchange of knowledge between the local populace and the artistes.

Each episode of the program marks a step in a larger journey leading up to a spectacular finale stage, set against the magnificent backdrop of a World Heritage Site in Indonesia.  In a never-before-seen collaboration, viewers will be awed by the harmonious melding of cultures as Dean and WEAVER take to the stage with a gamelan orchestra, joined by Siro-A as well as a specially choreographed projection of Shuhei Nomura and the children they met on their expedition.  Performed live in front of an audience of 300 children from an Indonesian orphanage, the finale promises to put a smile not just on their faces, but also that of viewers from all around the world!

The global premiere of We are Asia: Dean Fujioka & Friends is set on 19 June, airing every Sunday at 8.30pm/7.30pm (JKT/BKK), first and exclusively on GEM, the glittering jewel of Asian entertainment.

#   #   #

For further information:

GEM Media Networks Asia/ Sony Pictures Television Networks Asia
Timothy Oh
Tel: +65 9006 5979
Email: timothy_oh@spe.sony.com 

About GEM

GEM is the latest Asian entertainment channel from Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia, the broadcaster of Asia’s leading cable channels AXN, ONE, Animax and Sony Channel Asia.

GEM promises to be the glittering jewel of Asian general entertainment. The channel features first-run and exclusive dramas, comedies and variety entertainment shows from Japan as well as other Asian territories including South Korea, China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. This also includes selected prime time dramas within the same week of broadcast in Japan.

Spanning across period, contemporary, action, comedy, family and romance genres, GEM is anchored by a wide range of Asian drama with the most compelling stories, the greatest characters and the brightest stars to keep audiences returning for more. The channel also boasts variety programs that spotlight the latest entertainment buzz around popular celebrities in the region, to complement its drama offerings.

See www.gemtvasia.com for more regional websites.

Star India launches Star Utsav Movies, India’s first ‘Truly Rural’ Hindi Movies Channel on 28th May

Star India launches Star Utsav Movies, India’s first ‘Truly Rural’ Hindi Movies Channel on 28th May

Mumbai, 25 May 2016: India’s biggest broadcaster, Star India, has announced the launch date of its much awaited free to air (FTA) Hindi Movies channel, Star Utsav Movies, which will be an exclusive offering for the Rural Market.

Hemal Jhaveri, General Manager – Star Gold, Movies OK, Star GOLD HD and Star Utsav Movies said, “We are excited to announce the launch of Star Utsav Movies on 28th May, India’s first ‘Truly Rural’ Hindi movie channel. With the advent of BARC, rural markets took the center stage with more than half of the TV viewership coming from the heartland. Our analysis indicated that there was a clear need gap in this category since 25% of the total viewership came from movies, but the Hindi movie genre share is a miniscule 5 %. This is because of the non-availability of good content from the existing hindi movie channels in the FTA space. An extensive research study undertaken to unravel the rural psyche shed light on the key usage and behavior patterns which has been the cornerstone for all acquisition, programming and marketing inputs on this new channel offering. What made this research unique and accurate was the fact that it was tailor made to each respondent surveyed basis their viewing behavior which was captured on close circuit cameras positioned in their homes.

Star Utsav Movies stands apart as a truly rural offering from the network because it has been designed with the rural viewer in mind. The insights from research gave us a rich perspective on triggers that dictate his approach towards life and his entertainment needs. ‘Har Din Utsav’ as a promise is an indication of our endeavor to give our viewers a reason to celebrate every day with the biggest and best stars on the channel” Jhaveri said.

To drive reach and awareness for the new channel, a multi-media launch campaign has already kick-started. We will leverage the might of Star India Network to rapidly build awareness. Besides a comprehensive high impact TV plan, the promotion also includes a high octane radio plan besides unique brand experiences for viewers on ground across villages in key markets.

“The rural markets are the last important frontier and we believe Star Utsav Movies will empower both the consumers and advertisers alike,” Jhaveri said.
* BARC Data

Ideal Systems launch Providius for OTT Stream Analysis at Broadcast Asia 2016

Singapore, 25th May 2016. Ideal Systems Group today announced that for the first time at Broadcast Asia it will be showcasing IP video stream analysis products from Canadian company Providius Designs. Ideal will showcase the Voyager family of products which includes the first handheld analyzer with a 10GE optical interface which supports visualizing and analyzing of SMPTE 2022-6.

The Canadian-based company designs and builds innovative, monitoring and analysis solutions to facilitate the deployment of video services including SDI-to-IP. By leveraging its core competencies in video broadcast, Providius provides a new portable stream analyzer which has been engineered to provide real time analysis of streaming IP and ASI based services (HEVC, H.264, MPEG-2…) ensuring service compliance.

The Providius 1102XW series product line of portable stream analyzers have been engineered to provide real time analysis of streaming IP and ASI based services encoded as HEVC, H.264 (MPEG-4 part 10), MPEG-2 and many other compression formats. This platform presents and intuitive graphical user touch interface allowing for dynamic configuration with user definable presets developed on a portable and convenient tablet architecture. This “one-box” approach integrates the essential interfaces to analyze and troubleshoot the end to end service without the needs of clunky dongles and cables. The 1102XW Voyager is also VESA mountable to a fixed bracket or swing-arm for deskmount or in-rack applications.

The processing engine of the 1102XW supports a wide range of streaming protocols, such as HLS, RTMP, HDS, MSS, MPEG-DASH in addition to the adaptive bitrate monitoring tools necessary to ensure service compliance.

Ideal will also showcase the 2101Broadcast Monitoring Gateway: IPTV/OTT Multiviewer & Network Analyzer, a high density analysis platform for 24/7 eyes and ears of both video and service and delivery network. The BMG incorporates the essential analysis and decoding tools necessary to alert the operation tiers of MPEG-2/H.264 and packet transport related impairments for linear and adaptive bitrate (ABR) defined services. At the heart of the BMG, packets are processed for TR101290 P1 & P2 service compliance with also the unique ability to analyze the conditions of the delivery network. This dual focused analysis approach provides a clear demarcation between video delivery and video processing thereby drastically reducing the mean time to repair (MTTR) and eliminating finger pointing between transport and processing departments.

###

Link to Voyager Product photo
https://www.dropbox.com/s/cm1x4vt0rddie65/1102XW_Nov_2015.png?dl=0

Link to Providius Logo
https://www.dropbox.com/s/3frxji3jx26i7bd/20140219%20-%20PROVIDIUS%20Logo%20BLK%20on%20WHT%20FULL.png?dl=0

About Ideal Group
Ideal is Asia’s largest broadcast systems integrator and is a multinational organization providing innovative media and design solutions to sectors including broadcasting, telecoms, and media. Ideal Systems provides services that range from systems consultancy and design conceptualization, to systems deployment and support of broadcast systems, facilities, and studios, to billing and subscriber-management solutions.

Ideal Group operates from 11 regional offices in nine countries across Asia. The company employs 150 staff members in its offices in Hong Kong (main headquarters), China, Taiwan, India, Japan, Singapore (S.E.A. headquarters), Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. www.idealsys.com
===========

PR Contact
Fintan Mc Kiernan
Ideal Systems
#06-06 One Commonwealth
1 Commonwealth Lane
Singapore 149544
+65 6684-8770 (W)
+65 6684-8774 (F)
fmckiernan@idealsys.com

Sky Cable Signs Deal with SES to Launch New Direct-to-Home Satellite TV in the Philippines

LUXEMBOURG–(BUSINESS WIRE)–SES (Paris:SESG) (LuxX:SESG) announced today a multi-year, multi-transponder agreement with Sky Cable, the largest cable television provider in the Philippines. Sky Cable will be broadcasting direct-to-home (DTH) satellite TV channels via SES satellites at 108.2 degrees East – the SES-9 and NSS-11 satellites.

The contracted capacity will enable Sky Cable to effectively roll out a nation-wide DTH satellite TV service across 251 cities and municipalities in the Philippine archipelago, complementing its existing cable offerings. The recently launched SES-9 is scheduled to enter service mid-year to provide incremental and replacement capacity at SES’s prime neighbourhood of 108.2 degrees East which reaches 22 million homes.

Sky Cable will be drawing on SES’s capabilities and global expertise of serving more than 40 DTH platforms worldwide hosted on SES’s comprehensive satellite network, to deliver high-quality content to homes across the Philippines. This includes broadcasting linear TV content to remote locations and islands that are underserved by terrestrial networks. Sky Cable currently offers cable TV services for 55 High Definition (HD) channels to 800,000 subscribers in 19 cities and municipalities in the Philippines.

“The geography of the Philippines presents a unique set of challenges for fibre or terrestrial connectivity. Our satellites are able to overcome these limitations and provide comprehensive and high-powered coverage over the entire archipelago including under-connected areas in the Philippines. We are glad to support Sky Cable as they use both ground and space infrastructure to expand their TV audience reach,” says Deepak Mathur, Senior Vice President Commercial, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East at SES. “This latest contract on SES-9 shows the continued momentum of serving our prime DTH neighbourhoods on our largest satellite dedicated for Asia-Pacific.”

Antonio S Ventosa, COO of SkyCable, said, “We are pleased to tap SES’s global expertise and extensive satellite footprint as we venture into providing satellite TV services for our growing subscriber base. We are confident that with our partnership with SES, we will be able to deliver content seamlessly to potential new customers all across the country.”

Sky Cable Signs Deal with SES to Launch New Direct-to-Home Satellite TV in the Philippines (Photo: Business Wire)

Sky Cable Signs Deal with SES to Launch New Direct-to-Home Satellite TV in the Philippines (Photo: Business Wire)

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About SES

SES (Paris:SESG) (LuxX:SESG) is the world-leading satellite operator with a fleet of more than 50 geostationary satellites. The company provides satellite communications services to broadcasters, content and internet service providers, mobile and fixed network operators and business and governmental organisations worldwide.

SES stands for long-lasting business relationships, high-quality service and excellence in the satellite industry. The culturally diverse regional teams of SES are located around the globe and work closely with customers to meet their specific satellite bandwidth and service requirements.

SES holds a participation in O3b Networks, a next generation satellite network combining the reach of satellite with the speed of fibre.

Further information available at: www.ses.com.

Contacts

SES
Markus Payer
Corporate Communications
Tel. +352 710 725 500
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Fox Networks Group Asia announces exclusive international premiere of Chinese romance drama To Be A Better Man

May 9, 2016 – Hong Kong – FOX Networks Group Asia (FNG) announced today that it has partnered with China-based film and television company Linmon Pictures in delivering the new Chinese romantic drama series To Be A Better Man to international audiences. FNG has acquired the rights to exclusively broadcast and distribute the series to all markets outside of mainland China, along with the rights to distribute it to channels outside of FNG. To Be A Better Man will be carried by STAR Chinese Channel (SCC), Asia’s leading Chinese general entertainment channel, which will be broadcasting episodes on the same day as in China. The series premieres on May 31, 2016 on SCC internationally, with a simulcast in China by exclusive partners Zhejiang TV, Jiangsu TV and LeEco.

FNG’s collaboration on this new China-produced television series follows the success of Tiger Mom, a family comedy-drama series broadcasted on SCC in 2015, as well as confirms the network’s commitment to promoting quality Chinese content in territories beyond mainland China. FNG is set to deliver To Be A Better Man to a wider audience with its global presence and extensive experience in international broadcasting, packaging and marketing solutions, allowing the series to reach markets such as Hong Kong, Taiwan, Southeast Asia, Japan, Korea, Australasia, Europe, North and South America, Middle East and Africa.

With its cosmopolitan themes, To Be A Better Man is a 42-episode romance drama that will appeal especially to international audiences. The top-tier production costs RMB3.5 million (~US$600k) per episode to make, boasting a total budget of RMB150 million (~US$25m), with scenes shot in the US and Italy. The series follows the story of a tough Chinese chef working at a Michelin 3-star restaurant in the US. After a nightmarish car accident takes away his friend, he returns to mainland China with his remains. There, he runs into the person he most doesn’t want to see, and becomes entangled with both his unresolved and new relationships.

Written by award-winning scriptwriter Xiao LI (May December Love, Honey Bee Man, The Bachelor) and directed by Xiao Bo ZHANG (The Nanny Man, The Bachelor), To Be A Better Man has a powerhouse cast led by Hong Lei SUN, one of the most popular actors in mainland China, and Yixing ZHANG (Lay), a well-loved entertainer from the famed South Korean-Chinese boy group EXO and its sub-unit EXO-M. The two actors had previously worked together on the highly-rated variety show Go! Fighting, but To Be A Better Man is Lay’s first opportunity to star in a drama. Hong Lei SUN, who plays the lead character Lu Yuan, also travelled to France to train under Michelin chefs in order to authentically portray one in the series. International locations, a combination of young and seasoned talent, and a compelling story make To Be A Better Man a modern Chinese drama about loss, love and redemption that has universal appeal.

Cora Yim, SVP and Head of Chinese Entertainment at FOX Networks Group Asia, said, “We’re proud to partner with another Chinese production with top caliber talent in front and behind the camera for our audiences all over the world. With the increasing demand for high-quality Chinese content internationally, FNG is confident that To Be A Better Man will set the bar even higher for what can be expected from Chinese productions. The show is exactly the kind of top tier original content we are committed to deliver to audiences – backed by award-winning talent and superb performances, from the writer and director behind the scenes to the actors in front of the camera.”

Xiao SU, CEO of Linmon Pictures, also commented on this highly anticipated drama, “There have never been a time when premium content is more welcomed in the market. We strongly believe in the idea that premium content is the key to uniting the new generation, which people consume content not only on TV but also on mobile devices. Working with powerful a global player like FOX Networks Group, we are very excited to be able to bring our premium content on a global scale and thus uniting the generation that we have been waiting for.”

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About STAR Chinese Channel (SCC)

STAR CHINESE CHANNEL is the leading Chinese language channel produced elaborately by FNG. It is an integrated family entertainment channel especially designed for the Chinese audience. For a long time, STAR CHINESE CHANNEL continues to be the popular channel among the Chinese audiences worldwide. Various types of programs are presented on STAR CHINESE CHANNEL, including games, interviews, exteriors, delicacies and exciting dramatic programs.

About FOX Networks Group

FOX Networks Group (FNG) is 21st Century FOX’s international multi-media business. We develop, produce and distribute 300+ wholly- and majority-owned entertainment, sports, factual and movie channels in 45 languages across Latin America, Europe, Asia and Africa. FNG’s core channel brands include FOX, FOX Sports, FOX Life, FOX+ and National Geographic Channel. FNG’s movie channels include FOX Movies, FOX Movies Premium and SCM (formerly Star Chinese Movies). Our non-linear brands include FOX Play, FOX Play+ and Nat Geo Play. These networks and their related mobile, non-linear and high- definition extensions, reach over 1.825 billion cumulative households worldwide. In addition, FNG owns and operates two production studios and produces thousands of local programming hours for its wholly owned channels and third parties.

About Linmon Pictures

Linmon Pictures is a boutique creator, producer and distributor of premium entertainment contents. With extraordinary content making capabilities, strong sales force and a sophisticated multi-studio network, Linmon is dedicated to make inspirational and innovative contents available to all audiences. In early 2016, our first drama, Love You, Leave You, was rated the highest viewed TV drama during Chinese New year.  In addition, A Love for Separation and To Be a Better Man are also highly anticipated contents that will be broadcasted in 2016. Fighter of the Destiny, the number one IP on Tencent Literature, is also going to production this year with top-tier talents and production teams. We are pleased to work with Tencent and Penguin Studio as well as Mango TV in order to bring such a phenomenon IP on screen to our fans and audiences. With the strong support and strategic alliances of our investors Tencent, Mango TV and Hony Capital, Linmon is constantly striving for top-tier contents in all kinds of formats.

Media Inquiries:

Kelly Jang

Vice President, Marketing & Communications | FOX Networks Group Asia

kelly.jang@fox.com | Tel: +852.2621.8875

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