8 May 2012
Starting on 8 May, euronews is broadcasting a series of six profiles of European inventors whose discoveries have revolutionized the world. This special weekly series is produced by euronews in partnership with the European Patent Office
Most of us usually know little or nothing about the products and technologies that improve our daily lives. While some may be mundane and, others can have a big impact, radically changing fundamental things like how we communicate and travel, or enhancing the environment we live in. Behind these innovations are pioneers working on exciting, imaginative new ideas.
In hi-tech, reporter Claudio Rocco focuses on six exceptional inventors, finding out what inspired them and discovering the secrets of their creations, as well as how they have revolutionised our lives.
Find out in hi-tech how…
- Bluetooth was invented by a team of scientists from theNetherlands.
- A Dutchman devised a solution for a better waste water treatment.
- A Frenchman developed a breakthrough treatment for Hepatitis B.
- A Danish researcher totally transformed internal hearing aid models.
- A German inventor created an artificial tropical climate with air cushions.
- And why you’ll no longer need electricity to recharge your batteries, thanks to a German engineer.
On the air starting 8 May 2012 and on catch-up TV on euronews.com: this new programme is produced in the 11 languages of the channel,* on www.euronews.com/programs/hi-tech/, and on iPhone, iPad and Android via the application euronews LIVE.
* Arabic, English, French, German, Italian, Persian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Turkish and Ukrainian.
Series produced by Claudio Rocco, euronews’ hi-tech journalist
Seven episodes of 4 minutes (six profiles and a report on the European Inventor Awards)
1st episode Tuesday 8th May at 20h50 CET. Schedule of upcoming episodes to be confirmed.
www.euronews.net
8 May 2012
OASYS, the pioneering developer of Automated Playout solutions, has appointed John Biedenharn to the role of Sales Director -Americas as the company continues to build its global operations.
After an early career in aviation animation and computer graphics sales, Biedenharn spent five years with Matrox International, developing worldwide relations with early Broadcast Automation OEM customers. Branching out on his own, he launched and introduced Automation Technology to the North American market through his manufacturers’ representation firm, HD-Ware.
John Biedenharn commented, “I am very excited to join this highly respected company and team. I have known the people at OASYS for some time and have a great deal of appreciation for the products and the company’s thorough understanding of its customers’ requirements.”
The appointment of Biedenharn, who will be based in the greater Los Angeles area, follows on the heels of a very positive NAB for OASYS.
Mark Errington, CEO, OASYS, said, “We had many interesting conversations with US broadcasters at NAB 2012, confirming that OASYS Automated Playout solutions are an ideal fit for the market requirements, providing the features that are needed but not available in other solutions. John’s appointment allows us to assist those looking to move from alternative workflow solutions – both traditional and IT based – and to enable them to take advantage of the benefit of 20 years of development in automated playout, so they can be confident that the features they use are configured for and fit their individual requirements.”
www.oasys.com
7 May 2012
On Sunday at 8pm(UAE time)Sky News Arabia, the multi-platform 24-hour Arabic rolling news channel, broadcast for the first time to over 50 million homes across the Middle East and North Africa.
A joint venture between Abu Dhabi Media Investment Corporation (ADMIC) and BSkyB, the UK’s leading pay television provider, Sky News Arabia will offer a new and fresh approach to news across the Arab world.
A channel committed to providing independent news, whatever the story, Sky News Arabia will offer its audience must-view content from breaking stories to sport, from business to entertainment. The channel is supported by an Editorial Advisory Committee – a first for the region – to ensure Sky News Arabia delivers balanced, accurate and consistent news. Broadcasting from its state of the art head-quarters in Abu Dhabi, the channel promises a ‘new horizon’ in the way it delivers news across multiple platforms.
Servicing the tech-savvy generation, Sky News Arabia also launched its mobile apps – available on iPad, iPhone, Blackberry, and Android devices. Key features include live streaming, news photo galleries, interactive maps as well as the ability to share stories via social media.
The website, www.skynewsarabia .com, which launched in BETA form in February, is now fully completed with features including blogs from presenters and correspondents, live twitter feeds and the ability for users to interact and comment on the topics of the day.
At a launch ceremony hosted by the Chairman of ADMIC and Sky News Arabia, Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, over 400 guests were witness to a live countdown of the launch from the Jumeriah Etihad Towers in Abu Dhabi.
Promising objective and impartial news delivery Dr Al Jaber said in his launch speech: “The region demanded an Arab news product which incorporates both the technological developments and the fast changing media consumption habits that are transforming how news is gathered and disseminated.
“Our market research uncovered a strong appetite from Arab audiences for a high calibre, independent news channel which delivers news in real time and across multiple media platforms, be they high definition television sets, the internet, smart phones or tablets.
“This, coupled with the pace of change and development of the global media landscape, reaffirms the need for Sky News Arabia – a channel launched from the heart of the Arab world for the Arab world. I am confident Sky News Arabia will become an icon for objective news reporting,” Al Jaber explained.
He added: “With the vibrant cultural movement in the UAE, Abu Dhabi is attractive for an organization like Sky news Arabia to objectively disseminate news in the Arab World.”
Dignitaries at the launch event were treated to a behind the scenes look at the making of a news channel from the 18-month journey to set up one of the Middle East’s most advanced broadcast centres, to a live studio feed capturing the Sky News Arabia team’s last minute preparations in the countdown to launch.
Commenting on the channel’s launch, Nart Bouran, Head of Sky News Arabia, said: “This is a momentous occasion for Sky News Arabia and, I believe, a leap forward for the news industry in the Arab world. Our 400 strong editorial team will aim to set new standards for regional news through a high quality, engaging news product which informs viewers of events as and when they happen. “
Andrew Griffith, Chief Financial Officer, BSkyB and Sky News Arabia Board Director, explained: “BSkyB is one of the UK’s most innovative and successful companies and Sky News has always been a pioneering part of our business. Our partnership with ADMIC to create a truly independent news offering for the Middle East and North Africa is a project we are fully committed to. It is an investment that both parties are proud to have made and we aim to set a new standard for news delivery in the region.”
The channel will broadcast on Transponder 15 on Arabsat Badr 4, Transponder 14 on Nilesat 201, on du IPTV and e-Life platforms plus in high definition on the OSN pay-TV platform as well as the Abu Dhabi TV Network.
Launch advertisers include Dolphin Energy, Etihad Airways, First Gulf Bank, Nova Chemicals, and Sebsa.
4 May 2012
Channel NewsAsia is now available to even more consumers of premier programmes with today’s launch of its universal iPad and iPhone application (app).
Building on the popularity of its current iPhone app, the new application features a real time news ticker, full screen photo galleries, location-based weather forecasts, polls, multiple personalisation options and social media integration. Users can also interact with the newsroom directly by sharing user-generated content from within the app.
Articles can be downloaded for offline reading and users can build a favourites list, saving articles for up to three days. Scrolling through the TV programme listings and setting reminders for favourite shows allows users to keep in touch with what’s happening on Channel NewsAsia.
Catherine Dickie, Assistant Vice President, Digital Product Development and Marketing, says “This iPad/iPhone app gives consumers a choice to effectively take Channel NewsAsia with you wherever you go.”
Users can download the app at www.channelnewsasia.com/newsapp or www.itunes.com
3 May 2012
AIB, the industry association for international TV, radio and trans-media broadcasting, has launched its updated website.
A range of new features will be progressively unveiled as AIB receives feedback from its members and visitors to the site at www.aib.org.uk.
An extensive resources library offers access to features that have been carried in the AIB’s print and online publications. News stories from AIB members and across the industry from our archive built up over the past ten years will be added to the site over the coming weeks.
There will also be information about AIB members, access to the AIB e-news industry briefing and more.
3 May 2012
Acer, Worldwide Partner of the Olympic Movement, is giving its customers unlimited access to live action from the Olympic Games thanks to a partnership with Official Broadcaster, Eurosport.
Customers who purchase the new Olympic Games Editions of the ICONIA tablets and ASPIRE Notebooks before and during the London 2012 Olympic Games will be given a trial access to the Eurosport Player. The Acer Special Edition computers for the Olympic Games symbolize the partnership of Acer with the Olympic Movement.
The Eurosport Player – which is embedded into the devices – offers access to Eurosport live streaming service. Using their notebook or tablet, Acer customers will benefit from Eurosport round-the-clock coverage of the London 2012 Olympic Games, featuring up to 13 hours of live action each day and broadcasted in 20 languages.
As part of this partnership Acer will be featured as a Presenting Partner of all Olympic Games coverage on Eurosport TV and digital media platforms around all Olympic Games programming.
Oliver Ahrens, Acer EMEA President commented: “We are proud to support the London 2012 Olympic Games and we want to give our customers an opportunity to enjoy every minute of the most exciting sports event in the world. Installed on our latest tablets and notebooks, the Eurosport player will provide unlimited sporting actions as we approach the Olympic Games and during all the 17 days of competition. Acer and Eurosport combine technological innovations and premium content to create unforgettable Olympic experience.”
Olivier Fisch, Global Commercial Director, Eurosport Group said: “The London 2012 Olympic Games will be a great sporting spectacle and fans will be keen to watch the action at any time, in any place. This exciting partnership with Acer gives their customers not only world leading technical hardware but with the Eurosport Player already embedded into the devices instant access to the London Olympics, live, wherever they are.”
As exclusive computing equipment partner, Acer is providing the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG) with 13,000 computers, 900 servers and more than 350 engineers and technicians to facilitate the smooth delivery of all aspects of the Games across the various venues.
www.eurosport.com
