Quantel first in the world to release RED Rocket support

26 October 2009

Quantel has just released a new version of software for its eQ, iQ and Pablo systems which, among a number of other useful new features, also includes support for the RED Rocket accelerator board. RED Rocket only became available in August, and Quantel is the first manufacturer to release software that supports it, allowing Quantel users to benefit from the much reduced loading and conform times RED Rocket enables with RED-originated material.

“The fact that we have brought the benefits of the RED Rocket to Quantel users in such a short timescale is just another example of how focused Quantel is on its customers’ needs and the fantastic speed with which our engineers are able to react to new technologies,” said Steve Owen, Quantel Director of Marketing. “If it matters to our customers, then it matters to us!”

The new software release – V4.1rev6 – isn’t just about RED Rocket support. It also includes the Cubebuilder, which enables Pablo users to build, manipulate and apply 3D Look-up Tables (LUTs) entirely within Pablo, and many other new facilities and features, including:

* Process re-ordering in multi-layer timeline effects – more flexibility in effects creation

* Nine new blend modes – more creative options

* New and improved conform and file handling features – more efficient workflow means more time for creative work

* New file export modes simplify Blu-ray and DVD generation

Cross-media, cross-border, cross-cultural – the AIBs

21 October 2009

This event is attended by leading programme makers, journalists, editors and
executives from all over the world and last year was over-subscribed!

Click here to reserve your place at the 2009 AIBs gala dinner on 4 November at LSO st Lukes, London – AIB member price is £160 plus UK VAT per person/non-member price is £210 plus UK VAT per person

India to tighten rules for new TV channels

16 October 2009

India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is planning to put stringent entry-level restrictions on broadcasters launching new television channels, the Business Standard reports.

The move is to ensure only serious players enter the business and have effective use of the limited bandwidth available for broadcasting.

A top ministry official said: “We have already asked the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) to give its recommendations on the various criteria and conditions on the basis of which scarce resources will be given.”

Currently, India has over 500 TV channels with another 70 requests for new channels pending approval. Another 50-60 channels have been given a licence but are not operational. The ministry has asked Trai to review the existing norms and prepare the minimum criterion for granting permission.

It said that Trai would also include conditions of commitment to run the channel for a certain number of years to protect against fly-by-night operators.

At the moment, broadcasters can get permission to run a new channel if they have a net worth of India Rupees $10 million (about US$21,600) for operating one channel and India Rupees $30 million (about US$64,800) for operating a bouquet of 15 channels.

The broadcasters also have to currently ensure they operate from India and the foreign direct investment is not more than 49 percent (26 percent in the case for a news channel). There are no other restrictions on them. (Source: ABU website)

Bloomberg buys BusinessWeek

15 October 2009

Bloomberg has emerged as the winning bidder for BusinessWeek, the troubled 80-year-old title that McGraw-Hill had put on sale this summer.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the price was said to be near USD 5m, plus assumption of liabilities, which were USD 31.9m as of April. The magazine will continue to be a weekly print publication, rechristened Bloomberg BusinessWeek.

Decisions have not been made about BusinessWeek’s staff of more than 400 people; Bloomberg will select which of those employees it wants by the end of the year, when the deal closes. Those not selected will receive severance from McGraw-Hill, said a BusinessWeek executive. The deal is expected to close by the end of the year.

While there was interest from parties in the private equity world, Bloomberg was seen as the preferred buyer. (Source: New York Times)

Islam Channel goes Vectorbox for broadcast automation

15 October 2009

Vector 3™, a pioneer in graphics and playout solutions, announced that Islam Channel has installed 2 Vectorbox 8000 HD systems and Vector configured NAS system to manage automated, multi-channel playout and production storage of three Islam Channel signature channels; Islam Channel, Islam Channel Urdu, and Noor TV.

With headquarters in Central London, Islam Channel provides alternative news, current affairs and entertainment programming from an Islamic perspective. A popular and well respected channel, Islam Channel has a global viewership with simultaneous transmission to studios in South, West, and East Africa. “Our broadcast facilities will support up to 20 channels,” comments Mr Kiarash Bodouhi, Head of IT, Islam Channel.
“Knowing this, we went through a rigorous qualification process to ensure the playout automation technology we installed today would support the imminent growth of our operation with the same capabilities and reliabilities. Vector3 technology scored high when it came to adapting and supporting this rapid expansion.”

Islam Channel has two locations in London; a production center where all programming is created and a broadcast centre for continuity and live program playout and transmission. The broadcast Centre houses the 2 new Vectorbox 8000 HD automated playout systems and a custom Vector 3 NAS system to facilitate continuity playout of pre-recorded programs and live playout of thematic magazine format shows with fully integrated production storage.