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Eutelsat unveils the ‘smart LNB’ for Direct-to-Home connected TV

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PR/54/13

Eutelsat unveils the ‘smart LNB’ for Direct-to-Home connected TV

DTH ecosystem poised to enter a new era

Paris, 25 July 2013 – Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL) announced today that it has successfully completed the first phase of development of a ‘smart LNB’ for a Direct-to-Home antenna that opens the door for broadcasters to operate their own ecosystem of linear television and connected TV services directly by satellite. The ‘smart LNB’ is now entering into the industrialisation phase in advance of commercial availability in 2014.

Designed by Eutelsat, the ‘smart LNB’ is a new-generation electronic feed connected to an antenna with an embedded transmitter for interactive applications such as HbbTV, pay-per-view, social networking, personal subscription management and live show participation (voting, comments …). It will transform mass market Direct-to-Home satellite services by enabling broadcasters and platform operators to bolt interactive value-added services onto their broadcast platforms, circumventing viewer dependency on terrestrial fixed and mobile networks. This new product meets increasing consumer expectation to manage and interact with content and also prepares the ground for machine-to-machine and home automation applications.

“Building on Eutelsat’s track record for innovation that broadens the scope and competitivity of satellite services, the ‘smart LNB’ will enable broadcast players to more efficiently serve their customer base and diversify the range and nature of applications offered, from direct customer support to audience measurement and enhanced security,” said Jean-François Leprince-Ringuet, Eutelsat’s Chief Commercial Officer. “This new technology can benefit satellite homes with limited options for the return link as well as mature markets where platform operators are seeking to build and sustain a close direct relationship with their subscriber base.”

Fully compatible with existing consumer satellite equipment, the ‘smart LNB’ is based on open standards (DVB-S2, IP…) and highly efficient protocols developed by Eutelsat for the connection link, combined with optimised use of satellite spectrum in multiple frequency bands (C, Ku, Ka). As an IP-based tool, it will also enable content to be viewed on mobile devices in the home (smartphones, tablets, laptops).

The proof-of-concept and first prototypes have already been tested over Eutelsat satellites and are now ready for validation with platform operators and partners. Eutelsat has launched the industrialisation process with the first manufacturers with the objective that this new product will be adopted by further hardware manufacturers and become a pillar of future television infrastructure.

Eutelsat’s ‘smart LNB’ will be showcased on the Eutelsat stand (Hall 1, Stand 1.D59) at IBC from September 13 to 17.

NGC’s next global live event

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NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CHANNEL ANNOUNCES ITS NEXT GLOBAL LIVE EVENT: THE ASCENT OF ALEX HONNOLD TO THE TOP OF ONE OF THE WORLD’S HIGHEST SKYSCRAPERS

The World’s Most Famous Extreme Climber Takes the Next Ultimate Challenge in Live Climb with Alex Honnold, Airing This Fall

Hong Kong – July 25, 2013 – Following the recent Emmy nomination for National Geographic Channel’s (NGC’s) exclusive, headline-grabbing live event, Space Dive with Felix Baumgartner, NGC President Howard T. Owens announced today the network’s next awe-inspiring stunt: a live telecast of acclaimed rock climbing superstar Alex Honnold’s attempt to scale one of the tallest buildings in the world. The two-hour unprecedented television event, Live Climb with Alex Honnold, is produced by Sender Films and will air live this fall globally on NGC.

Having redefined what is possible in rock climbing, Honnold brings his daring free soloing skills to a completely new realm, with an audacious plan to be the first person to climb one of the tallest buildings in the world (for safety reasons, the building will remain confidential until closer to the climb).

His remarkable climb will be shown in real time, with a team of expert vertical cameramen hanging in position at various points along the side of the building to film him up close as he scales the soaring tower of glass and steel, capturing every moment of drama along the way.

“I’ve always loved climbing in all forms and this is an amazing opportunity to push my own climbing into interesting new terrain. I’ve admired the aesthetics of sky scrapers my whole life; it’s great to be able to climb one,” said Honnold.

Honnold is considered the greatest free solo climber on the planet, climbing massive rock walls without a rope and with zero chance of survival if he falls. The unassuming 27-year-old garnered international fame for his 2008 free solo ascent of Half Dome — a sheer 2,000-foot granite face in Yosemite National Park. Since then, his climbs have steadily increased in difficulty and scope, putting him in an elite class of modern day adventurers.

“When Alex brought us this incredible idea, it struck at the very heart of what a National Geographic global television event should be,” noted Owens. “Alex is the world’s premiere free-climber, and we are excited to celebrate his adventurous spirit as he tackles his next challenge.”

The live telecast will be filled out with pre-recorded segments and interviews that tell the amazing story of Alex Honnold’s life, traveling the world and accomplishing his daring feats; delve into the brain science behind Honnold’s unique ability to keep his cool in the face of danger; and follow his preparations for the wildest building climb ever attempted.

About Alex:

Alexander J. Honnold (age 27) is an American rock climber best known for his free solo ascents of big walls. He is one of the world’s most accomplished climbers and the holder of numerous world records for climbing. Named “Adventurer of the Year” by National Geographic in 2010, he is the only person to have ever solo-climbed the Yosemite Triple crown: Mt. Watkins, The Nose (El Capitan) and The Regular Northwest Face of Half Dome. The climb — about 6,500 feet out of the total 7,000 feet — was made at the world-record pace of 18 hours, 50 minutes and mostly without harness, ropes or gear. His uncanny ability to free solo climb the toughest mountain walls and faces in the world has set him apart from the rest of the climbing field. He has been profiled by “60 Minutes,” CNN, The New York Times, among others.

About Sender Films

Sender Films is a leading producer of climbing/mountaineering and outdoor adventure films. We balance action with storytelling, passion with humor, and spectacular footage with compelling characters to create critically acclaimed films and TV programs. With each new production, we aim to inspire, enlighten and entertain.

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National Geographic Channel

Based at the National Geographic Society headquarters in Washington, D.C., the National Geographic Channels US are a joint venture between National Geographic and Fox Networks. The Channels contribute to the National Geographic Society’s commitment to exploration, conservation and education with smart, innovative programming and profits that directly support its mission. Launched in January 2001, National Geographic Channel (NGC) celebrated its fifth anniversary with the debut of NGC HD. In 2010, the wildlife and natural history cable channel Nat Geo WILD was launched, and in 2011, the Spanish-language network Nat Geo Mundo was unveiled. The Channels have carriage with all of the nation’s major cable, telco and satellite television providers, with NGC currently available in 85 million U.S. homes. Globally, National Geographic Channel is available in more than 440 million homes in 171 countries and 38 languages. For more information, visit www.natgeotv.com.

About FOX International Channels

FOX International Channels (FIC) is 21st Century FOX’s international multi-media business. We develop, produce and distribute 300+ wholly- and majority-owned entertainment, factual, sports, movie and lifestyle channels across Latin America, Europe, Asia and Africa, in 48 languages. These networks and their related mobile, non-linear and high-definition extensions, reach over 1.6 billion cumulative households worldwide.

In Asia, FIC operates or distributes 30+ channel brands, including the FOX, STAR and National Geographic brands, with over 100 feeds across 14 markets. As the leading pay-TV network in the region, we reach more than 550 million cumulative subscribers across Asia Pacific and the Middle East with offices in Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Australia, New Zealand and the UAE. For more information, please visit www.foxinternationalchannels.com.

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This press release was issued on behalf of FOX International Channels Asia by Tactic Public Relations Limited (Tactic). For further information, please contact:

FOX International Channels Asia
Kelly Jang
Director
Pan Regional Trade Marketing & PR
DID: +852 2621 8875
Email: Kelly.jang@fox.com

Tactic Public Relations Limited (Tactic)
Diana Low
Tactic – Singapore
DID: +65 6325 8264
Email: diana.low@tacticpr.com.sg

Sherraine Chan
Tactic – Hong Kong
DID: +852 2114 4964
Email: Sherraine.chan@tacticpr.com.hk

NGC and Singapore’s MINDEF renew collaboration to continue Every Singaporean Son

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SINGAPORE, 25 JULY 2013 – The second instalment of the highly popular made-in-Asia original production, “Every Singaporean Son” (ESS), looks set to make its TV premiere on the National Geographic Channel (NGC), FOX International Channels (FIC)’s leading factual entertainment channel, almost two years after its inaugural season re-wrote the ratings chart for Singapore Cable TV viewers1. Aptly named “Every Singaporean Son II: The Making of an Officer” (ESS II), the six-part series comes after NGC renewed its collaboration with Singapore’s Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) to produce the TV adaptation that will follow in the lives of full-time National Servicemen (NSFs) as they undergo the rigors of leadership training at the Officer Cadet School (OCS). ESS II will air on StarHub TV CH. 411 and SingTel Mio TV CH. 201 from 6 August 2013 onwards.

The 21-part web-series was originally featured on the Cyberpioneer YouTube channel, drawing global audiences to Singapore-specific content. The NGC version of ESS II will be remade for TV by incorporating exclusive access and unrivalled production values that will bring regional audiences behind-the-scenes and into the lives of full-time National Servicemen (NSFs) as they undergo trials, tribulations and celebrations during their 38-week journey at the famed Officer Cadet School (OCS).

NGC’s continued partnership with MINDEF reflects the channel’s consistent effort in producing Asia-specific programming after the success of the first season’s strong resonance with local audiences. Its predecessor, ESS, received impressive ratings in Singapore, garnering eight times[1] more viewers tuning in to its premiere, placing the channel at the top of the charts across all English-language cable television channels in the same time slot. ESS remains the highest-rated programme across all factual entertainment channels on Singapore Cable TV to this day1.

“ESS II: The Making of an Officer is more than a story about citizen soldiers – it is a story of service, self-discovery and respect. ESS II gives viewers a look ‘behind the scenes’ at how the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) develops selected young men and women to be professional military Officers of SAF. Officer Cadets are put through tough and realistic exercises that train them to be competent, committed and confident leaders, anchored on the SAF’s Core Values and military ethos,” said COL Seet Uei Lim, Commander, Officer Cadet School.

“With NGC’s wide audience reach, we are pleased to continue our partnership with the channel to give both local and regional viewers a deeper insight into a true Singapore story that informs and entertains at the same time”, he added.

The continued collaboration between NGC and MINDEF will see the latter joining a whole host of local and regional partners that have partnered with the award-winning factual entertainment channel in recent years. Along with MINDEF, NGC have also joined hands with the likes of Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore Zoological Gardens to produce authentic and original stories from Singapore, told through world class narrative and unrivalled production values.

Ms. Yvonne Tay, Deputy General Manager, FOX International Channels (FIC) Singapore said, “The second season of Every Singaporean Son will add to the growing collection of original Asia productions by NGC. Over the last two years, we’ve tied up with regional and local partners to produce many localised productions including Mega-Structures: Gardens by the Bay; Panda’s Wild Move and the upcoming I Wouldn’t Go In There, which is National Geographic Channel’s first full length original series developed out of Asia, written and produced specifically for audiences around the region. Such sterling programs have opened doors for further regionally produced programs with supportive partners like that of MINDEF and The Media Development Authority.”

Mr. Mark Francis, Vice President Production & Development of FOX International Channels (FIC) and National Geographic Channel, added, “Renewing our collaboration with MINDEF is in line with one of the key initiatives of FIC, which is to develop more returnable series and localized content that resonates deeply with local audiences. NGC has been synonymous with producing quality programming, and we’ve had a long tradition of obtaining unique access into hidden worlds, giving our viewers a rare look at some remarkable people, places and institutions. The Singapore Army certainly ticks that box.”

‘Every Singaporean Son: The Making of an Officer’ will premiere with back-to-back episodes on 6 August 2013, 9pm on National Geographic Channel. In addition, National Geographic Channel will air a catch-up marathon of the first season of Every Singaporean Son on 4th August 2013 from 1.25pm for viewers to re-live the joys and hardships of Basic Military Training experienced by every Singaporean male.

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About FOX International Channels
FOX International Channels (FIC) is 21st Century FOX’s international multi-media business. We develop, produce and distribute 300+ wholly- and majority-owned entertainment, factual, sprots, movie and lifestyle channels across Latin America, Europe, Asia and Africa, in 48 languages. These networks and their related mobile, non-linear and high-definition extensions, reach over 1.6 billion cumulative households worldwide.

In Asia, FIC operates or distributes 30+ channel brands, including the FOX, STAR and National Geographic brands, with over 100 feeds across 14 markets. As the leading pay-TV network in the region, we reach more than 500 million cumulative subscribers across Asia Pacific and the Middle East with offices in Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Australia, New Zealand and the UAE. For more information, please visit www.foxinternationalchannels.com

About National Geographic Channels International
National Geographic Channels International (NGCI), FIC’s leading factual entertainment channel, inspires viewers through its smart, innovative programming that questions what we know, how we view the world and what drives us forward. A business enterprise owned by National Geographic Ventures and FOX Entertainment Group, NGCI contributes to the National Geographic Society’s commitment to exploration, conservation and education through its six channels: National Geographic Channel, National Geographic Channel HD, Nat Geo Wild, Nat Geo Wild HD, Nat Geo Adventure and Nat Geo Music.

Globally, National Geographic Channel (including NGC U.S., which is a joint venture of NGV and Fox Cable Networks Group) is available in more than 440 million homes in 171 countries and 48 languages.

For more information, please visit www.natgeotv.com

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This press release was issued on behalf of FOX International Channels Asia by Tactic Public Relations Limited (Tactic). For further information, please contact:

FOX International Channels Asia
Kelly Jang
Director
Pan Regional Trade Marketing & PR
DID: +852 2621 8875
Email: Kelly.jang@fox.com

Tactic Public Relations Limited (Tactic)
Diana Low
Tactic – Singapore
DID: +65 6325 8264
Email: diana.low@tacticpr.com.sg

Sherraine Chan
Tactic – Hong Kong
DID: +852 2114 4964
Email: Sherraine.chan@tacticpr.com.hk

Chromecast multi-device TV dongle from Google

(Jul 25, 2013) Google has unveiled a device to enable the delivery of OTT Internet video to HDTVs. Chromecast is a $35 two-inch dongle that plugs into the back of a television and enables users to access content from sources such as YouTube and Netflix, using a mobile device as a remote control.

Read more at Advanced Television

Glenn Britt to Retire as Time Warner Cable Chief

(Jul 25, 2013) When Glenn A. Britt got started in the nascent cable television business in the 1970s, no one knew whether people would pay a monthly fee for something that was already available free through an antenna. Nowadays, most Americans do pay companies like Mr. Britt’s Time Warner Cable, not just for television, but for broadband Internet, too.

Read more at The New York Times

IBF, AAI, ISA and TAM reach consensus on TV audience measurement

July 25, 2013 – Advertisers, agencies and broadcasters have worked closely and diligently over the last couple of weeks with TAM and are pleased to jointly announce their agreement.

In layman terms, the media and public will now get to know television viewership in thousands, colloquially referred to as TVT. TVT captures and reflects growth in TV audiences in the country in absolute numbers. TVT will be the sole rating available in the public domain.

For internal evaluation including planning and buying, %TVR weekly and all other data will be available to advertisers and advertising agencies as in the past. Broadcasters will also have access to this information, should they so desire.

In addition an option of TVT as a four-week rolling average will be provided every week. The rolling average is statistically more stable data on viewership, especially for smaller audiences in niche channels, regional languages, English language programs and news.

The three constituents have also agreed that TAM will make all future audience measurement changes based on inputs from the joint-industry BARC Technical Committee.

Commenting on the changes IBF President Man Jit Singh said, “We are delighted to have reached this agreement. We believe it is important for the industry, and from the perspective of our social responsibility, we must reflect both the growing television audience and the data in a more stable and useful manner. We want to thank AAAI and ISA in collaborating and working out a solution acceptable to all constituents”.

“As three concerned constituents who believe in working together, we have decided to refer all future currency related changes to the BARC technical committee. I am glad we will now have an effective guide and monitor for ratings in the country”, said Hemant Bakshi, Chairman of Media Committee and Managing Committee of the Indian Society of Advertisers.

“Getting weekly TVR% is important for media planners and buyers to effectively plan and buy ad-spots and do mid-plan course corrections and post-facto analysis. We are glad that we have been able to agree that the agencies and advertisers will have access to this data as in the past. Fromtomorrow, we look forward to being able to focus back on our clients’ businesses and effective planning and buying for their brands”, said Arvind Sharma, President of the Advertising Agencies Association of India.

The Indian Society of Advertisers represents advertisers. The Advertising Agencies Association of India represents advertising agencies and the Indian Broadcasting Foundation represents television broadcasters. The three sector representatives have jointly agreed to take this forward.

ISA

The Indian Society of Advertisers, ISA, has been the peak national body for advertisers for 60 years and represents the interests of organisations involved in Indian advertising, marketing and media industry. It aims to protect consumers by ensuring advertising and marketing communications are conducted responsibly.

AAAI

The Advertising Agencies Association of India, AAAI, is the official national organisation of advertising agencies. It has a very large number of small, medium and large-sized agencies as its members, who together account for almost 80% of the advertising business in the country. It is recognised as the apex spokesperson for the advertising sector.

IBF

The Indian Broadcasting Foundation, IBF, represents television broadcasters. It promotes and safeguards the interests of television broadcasters in an unbiased, non-partisan and relentless manner. It represents more than 85% of the total television broadcast viewership and revenues and in this responsible position, engages in meaningful dialogue toward consensus on contentious issues involving different stakeholders and providing incisive direction.

Singing competition shows to be limited in amount

(Jul 25, 2013) The spokesman of the State Administration of Radio Film and Television (SARFT) said on Wednesday that the SARFT will take measures to control the total amount of time allocated to the making and broadcasting of reality singing shows. It will also require satellite TV stations to televise the existing shows at different broadcast times.

Read more at People’s Daily Online

30 channels to air on Dec 5

(Jul 25, 2013) THE NATIONAL broadcasting watchdog announced yesterday that the first 30 digital terrestrial TV channels, 24 commercial and six for public service, would take to airwaves on December |5. Meanwhile, details on the country’s first auction of commercial digital TV licences and the planned “beauty contest” for public television licences became more concrete.

Read more at The Nation

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