16 June 2014
Thomson Video Networks today announced that leading global satellite operator Eutelsat is launching an Ultra High Definition (UHD) demonstration channel for Southeast Asia and Australia, based on the award-winning ViBE™ VS7000 multi-screen video system and Sapphire MPEG stream server. Broadcast via Eutelsat’s year-old EUTELSAT 70B satellite, the demo channel will leverage the advanced high-efficiency video coding (HEVC) capabilities of the Thomson Video Networks solutions to provide a rich UHDTV picture at up to 50 frames per second (FPS) and in 10-bit color.
“The ViBE VS7000 system and Sapphire stream server combine to create a very simple and affordable platform for broadcasting a UHD channel — as well as an ideal opportunity to demonstrate the full power of HEVC encoding for delivering pristine UHD picture quality with maximum bandwidth savings,” said Michel Chabrol, Director Marketing Innovation and Digital Cinema at Eutelsat. “With this new initiative, we’re looking forward to demonstrating the latest developments in UHDTV, and just how cost-effective and bandwidth-efficient it can be for broadcasters.”
With its ability to create HEVC content at any frame rate and any resolution up to UHD with superb video quality, the ViBE VS7000 will provide file transcoding for the Eutelsat demo channel. Thomson Video Networks’ Sapphire channel-in-a-box broadcast server will streamline playout by creating playlists of HEVC clips and scheduling the broadcasts. The 4K channel will broadcast an array of documentary, cultural, and sports content created by TV channels, production companies, and Eutelsat itself to demonstrate the stunning viewing experience UHD affords.
“As a long-term Thomson Video Networks partner, Eutelsat is expanding its footprint in the vital and booming Asian broadcast marketplace, and blazing a trail for the next generation of television,” said Tony Berthaud, vice president, Asia-Pacific sales, Thomson Video Networks. “By applying our advanced HEVC technology to demonstrate the feasibility of UHDTV in Asia, Eutelsat is setting the scene for this new format worldwide.” (Source: Press release)
16 June 2014
Indonesia’s first English language entertainment and lifestyle channel is set to make its debut across the globe with Globecast. The Indonesia Channel has signed a deal with Globecast to launch its 24-hour channel on multiple platforms.
From the premises of Globecast Asia’s state-of-the-art digital media facility at Mediapolis in Singapore, Globecast is providing its playout and media management services for The Indonesia Channel, localising its content and ensuring that proper formats are available to suit to each region’s needs. In addition, Globecast also provides its Over-The-Top Managed solution, making sure that the content is suitable for mobile viewing on various mobile devices.
Viewers have easy access to watch the channel because it is available on different platforms. Firstly, the channel can be viewed from homes across Asia Pacific via the MEASAT-3 satellite. Secondly, the channel is also available across Europe via Globecast’s fibre delivery, and lastly, its presence online via the Over-The-Top model can be reached all over the world, in most countries where high speed broadband prevails. Viewers on the go can access the channel from their mobile phones, tablets and notebooks, anywhere, and at anytime they want.
“Globecast is privileged to be participating in this milestone for The Indonesia Channel. We hope to bring all the features of our digital media facility to bear in providing the quality of service and operational standards that are on par with the expectations of international broadcasters,” said Darby Sanchez, Chief Executive Officer of Globecast Asia.
The Indonesia Channel is privately-funded, the first-of-its-kind English channel that has a programming mix of news and general entertainment including music, movies, health, lifestyle and fashion.
Dalton Tanonaka, Chief Executive Officer of The Indonesia Channel said, “We seek to inform and entertain viewers around the world with cool and informative shows. We chose Globecast to deliver our content because of its international reputation for quality service.” (Source: Press release)
16 June 2014
Significant increase in Euronews‘ distribution in South-East Asia thanks to Telekom Malaysia‘s basic package.
The Euronews media group, Europe’s leading international news channel, is accelerating its development in Asia thanks to an agreement with Telekom Malaysia, the second biggest operator in Malaysia.
Euronews, available in its 24/7 English version, can now reach 530,000 households subscribing to the basic HyppTV package from Telekom Malaysia.
Arnaud Verlhac, Director Worldwide Distribution, said: “Euronews first launched in Malaysia in 2010. In 2014, cooperation with Telekom Malaysia has evolved, allowing 580,000 Malaysian households to follow international news in real time, in English. Today, 8.5 million households in the South-East Asia and Pacific region receive Euronews.” (Source: Press release)
12 June 2014
Japan International Broadcasting (http://www.jibtv.com/), the distribution company of NHK, and POST Luxembourg (http://www.post.lu), have announced a new partnership which brings NHK WORLD TV (www.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/) to more than 34,000 subscribers in Luxembourg through its IPTV offering, “PostTV”.The stand-alone, 24-hour, English-language television news and lifestyle network produced by NHK, Japan’s sole public, independent broadcaster, launched on Saturday, May 10, 2014.
POST Luxembourg is a leading telecommunications operator in Luxembourg. NHK WORLD TV is now available in standard definition (SD) on channel 95 and will soon be accessible in high definition (HD) on channel 195 to all PostTV basic subscribers.
“POST Luxembourg has become one of the most important and forward-thinking media companies in Luxembourg,” said Yoshihiko Shimizu, president and CEO, Japan International Broadcasting. “We are delighted that they are the first operator in the country to broadcast NHK WORLD TV and we look forward to building a mutually beneficial and long-lasting relationship with them.”
NHK WORLD TV provides a 24-hour programming cycle, including the network’s signature news show, “NEWSLINE”. In addition, a variety of perspectives on world financial affairs can be found on “Asia This Week”, “ASIA BIZ FORECAST” and “ASIAN VOICES”. The channel also offers a vast selection of lifestyle and cultural programs, including “RISING ARTIST”, “Asia Insight”, “cool japan”, “J-Architect” and “DESIGN TALKS”.
“As full-service media provider to the entire country, POST Luxembourg is committed to bringing the latest and most relevant content to our viewers,” said Marc Rosenfeld, director, POST Luxembourg. “We currently have a subscriber base of 34,000 and it is continually growing. We are confident that with NHK WORLD TV and its lineup of world and economic news, as well as vibrant cultural and lifestyle shows, we will attract even more people to our services.”
The network also broadcasts an assortment of groundbreaking documentaries and specials, including “Side by Side,” “TOMORROW,” “Document 72 Hours” and “NHK Documentary.” You can view the entire program schedule at http://www.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/tv/schedule/index.html. NHK WORLD TV is currently available in 275 million households across 150 countries and regions.
12 June 2014
Record breaking audience figures have made the 2014 French Open the best ever on Eurosport.
The tournament attracted an average live audience of 1.36 million European viewers* on Eurosport, a rise of 17% on the 2012 tournament, which held the previous record.
Maria Sharapova’s victory over Simona Halep was the most watched women’s tennis match in Eurosport’s history with an average live audience of 3.8m viewers (+ 24% vs 2012 WTA Miami final Radwanska – Sharapova, previous best match).
The men’s final which saw Rafael Nadal triumph for the 9th time at Roland Garros was the best ever French Open final on Eurosport with over 4.1m viewers in Europe and the second best ever tennis match on the channel, just behind the 2012 Australian Open final Nadal – Djokovic (4,3m).
This year’s French Open saw the highest live average audience rises vs 2013 in Romania and Spain (both +128%), UK (+79%) and France (+49%). Eurosport’s strategy of exclusivities in key markets such as Spain contributed to these figures alongside the performances of national heroes like Simona Halep, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray coupled with line-up Eurosport’s own world class consultants such as Mats Wilander, Juan Carlos Ferrero, Marion Bartoli and Henri Leconte.
Eurosport also achieved great success in audience reach for the tournament. A total of 60.7 million different European viewers tuned in vs 58.8m in 2013 – making it the second best ever Grand Slam reach on Eurosport and Eurosport 2, narrowly behind the 61.2m record (2012 French Open).
Eurosport’s in-house production made a key contribution to the event’s on-air success too. The exclusive daily live show “Game, Set and Mats”, hosted by Mats Wilander in evening primetime, reached 22.5m different viewers throughout the tournament, +17% vs 2013.
Online, over 1.3m daily users** visited the French Open section of Eurosport’s websites on the web and on mobile.
Jean-Thierry Augustin, Eurosport Group CEO, said: “To have the best-ever French Open this year is a fantastic achievement for the whole Eurosport team. The strategy to identify and secure exclusivity in specific European markets on key properties has delivered the expected results. The French Open is definitely one of those key properties. Our on-air coverage has been excellent and clearly matched viewers expectations who enjoyed some incredible tennis and great analysis from our experts. It is especially pleasing to achieve this record in our 25th year, which also marks the 25th broadcast of the French Open on our channels.”
Audience key figures at a glance:
– Best ever French Open on Eurosport in average live audience: 1.36m viewers (+17% vs 2012)
– Best ever women’s tennis match on Eurosport: 3.8m viewers for the final Sharapova – Halep
– Best ever French Open men’s final on Eurosport: 4.1m viewers
– +128% in average live audience both in Romania and Spain, +79% in the UK, +49% in France, compared to the 2013 tournament
– Second best ever Grand Slam reach on Eurosport and Eurosport 2 with 60.7m viewers throughout the tournament
*Sources: AGF/GfK, BARB, SKO, MMS, TNS-Gallup, Kantar Media, AGB NMR, Armadata/Kantar- Techedge
**Sources: comScore/Digital Analytix duplicated audience (web + mobile)
