Harmonic and Intelsat are taking to the skies with satellite transmission of a new Ultra HD test channel for North America. Launching with UHD footage produced by Harmonic, the new channel will allow pay-TV operators to test delivery of 4K broadcast content over their own distribution systems.

Harmonic Inc. (Nasdaq: HLIT) and Intelsat Ltd. are showcasing the HVN Intelsat UHD demo channel at IBC 2015 in Amsterdam this week with a temporary satellite uplink in Europe for on-site demonstrations.

Read more at LightReading

BuzzFeed, the technology-driven global media company that reaches over 200 million monthly unique visitors and delivers 1.5 billion monthly video views, and WPP’s GroupM, the world’s leading global media investment management company, announced a global partnership to provide GroupM’s and WPP’s agencies and clients with unprecedented access to BuzzFeed’s creative and data assets.

Read more at Ad Tech Daily

Viacom has unveiled Viacom Play Plex, a suite of mobile TV apps that will offer subscription access to programming from international channels including Nickelodeon, Comedy Central and MTV.

Play Plex will comprise a suite of mobile apps for Android and iOS-enabled devices, which Viacom’s distribution partners can offer to their customers.

Read more at tbivision

Shenzhen Skyworth Digital Technology Co. LTD., a provider of smart home solutions and the world’s fourth largest set-top box manufacturer, has announced that its factory in Johannesburg – co-owned by local company BUA Africa – has successfully completed its first shipment, delivering a total of 70,000 set-top boxes across South Africa.

Skyworth Digital chose to invest in the plant to boost its presence in South Africa and contribute to the country’s economy.

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Industry veteran Kevin Dickie has been appointed as the senior VP of channels for the U.K. and EMEA at Scripps Networks Interactive.

In his newly created role, Dickie is charged with content and brand strategy for the region’s portfolio of channels, including Food Network, Travel Channel and Fine Living. He will work under Phillip Luff, the company’s managing director for the U.K. and EMEA.

Read more at WorldScreen

Tony Hall, director general of U.K. broadcaster the BBC, set out on Monday how it will respond to the challenges and opportunities posed by the internet era.

Speaking at the Science Museum in London, Hall said that as the network negotiated with the government to formulate a new Charter, the agreement that defines its purpose and the scope of its operations, it had the chance to refine itself to fit the demands of the new media environment.

Read more at Variety

SINGAPORE (September 7, 2015) – British comedy icon Mr. Bean (Rowan Atkinson) headed to Buckingham Palace to celebrate 25 years of success and new animated Mr. Bean episodes airing on Boomerang, launching today. Commuters and tourists alike were witness to a unique and rare display of live comedy from the funny man as he rode down The Mall in London, on the roof of his ever reliable lime green car, to celebrate in extra-special fashion.

Racing down the world-famous road, weaving in and out of St James’s Park and towards Buckingham Palace and a huge pile of birthday presents, this wouldn’t be the same classic comedy icon we all know and love without him getting involved in a series of driving mishaps.

Not only did he manage to get the date of his birthday wrong by a week, but he managed to cause havoc to tourists around St James’s Park Lake and close down the entirety of the Mall on his journey to receive his birthday gifts, delivered to Buckingham Palace itself.

A classic symbol of British comedy worldwide, with fans in over 190 territories, 35 million Mr. Bean DVDs and videos bought, 63 million fans of Facebook and 1.5 billion views of his clips on YouTube, this surprise event was an one-off for fans from all over the world as they were treated to this typically ‘Mr. Bean’ visit from the eccentric man himself. #MrBean25

New daily episodes of Mr. Bean go on-air today – Monday, September 7 – at 6pm only on Boomerang.

Boomerang HD is available on StarHub TV Channel 317 and Singtel TV Channel 228.

-ENDS-

For further information or imagery please contact:
James Moore
Director of Communications, Turner International Asia Pacific
+852 3218-3720 / james.moore@turner.com

About Boomerang
Boomerang provides light-hearted and fun moments, showcasing a mixture of internationally recognised comedy and fantasy series. Core programs includes Tom and Jerry, Mr. Bean, Scooby-Doo, The Garfield Show, My Little Pony and The Looney Tunes Show. A companion channel to Cartoon Network, Boomerang is a dynamic and quirky place where girls and boys can be inspired, laugh and play with the whole family. In Asia Pacific, Boomerang is owned and operated by Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific, Inc., a Time Warner company.

About Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific
Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific, Inc. creates and distributes award-winning brands throughout Asia Pacific. In the region, Turner runs 55 channels in 13 languages in 38 countries, including CNN International, CNNj, CNN, HLN, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Boomerang, POGO, Toonami, World Heritage Channel, Warner TV, Oh!K, TCM Turner Classic Movies, truTV, WB, MondoTV, TABI Channel and HBO in South Asia. Turner also manages distribution for HBO Defined and HBO Hits in India. Turner is a Time Warner company.

Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) is targeting ad revenue growth of 30 per cent from its non-sports business this fiscal due to increased spending from e-commerce, auto and FMCG companies.

While the main existing channels will see double-digit growth, new channels like &TV and Zindagi will also contribute to expand the ad revenue.

Read more at Television Post

Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific today announced 13 new local productions commissioned out of Asia-Pacific for the network’s various brands including flagship Discovery Channel, leading travel and lifestyle channel TLC, and Discovery Kids. The shows are produced with local production companies and crews, and/or feature local talent, bringing a truly local flavour to programmes that are made for an international audience.

Read more at Television Asia Plus

Cignal TV, the country’s King of Pay-TV and leader in quality programming is happy to announce that it has reached its target of one million subscribers this year. Established in 2009, it has overtaken all pay-TV providers including its strongest competitor who has been dominating the world of pay television for more than two decades.

Read more at manilastandardtoday.com