22 February 2012
Iraq has deployed several Multimedia Exchange Network over Satellite (MENOS) TV interactive terminals from leading satellite communications company Newtec.
The terminals will operate within the Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU) exchange network. By deploying the technology, broadcasters within Iraq will now have access to their own IP-based and fully automated secure Virtual Network (VN) for contribution and exchange of TV content.
Using a VN provides the same services and benefits as owning a dedicated physical network, but one where it is provided as hosted service without having to deploy and operate the complete system. Through the VN, MENOS service providers can partition their capacity and allocate such partitions per group of users. Dedicated Service Level Agreements (SLA) are also provided tailored to the users specific needs.
Newtec installed the first MENOS multimedia network at ASBUs facility in Algiers in 2008. The award-winning platform supports multiple simultaneous managed exchange services for use by broadcasting organisations throughout the Middle East and the North African region.
Many of the video and audio services have been developed to meet the exacting needs of the broadcasting industry, and now Iraq has its own private network via this platform.
Serge Van Herck, CEO of Newtec said: MENOS has native IP at its core and is a revolutionary technology for exchanging media content. We are pleased that we can lend our satellite expertise to assist Iraq with the deployment of its own virtual network. We are proud to be part of the development of Iraqs television infrastructure.
There are several MENOS terminals in the country making up the VN, and already plans to expand this network by adding more terminals. With the new MENOS VN, Iraq will be able to grow its network according to its needs, without the need for major upfront capital investment.
Slaheddine Maaoui, ASBU Director General, pointed out: We are eager to improve the ability of broadcasters and to give them access to a number of life-line services to contribute content from anywhere in the country. We believe this to be an important way of encouraging a robust media to thrive, resulting in strong regeneration in Iraq. We are sure that this virtual network will vastly improve the capabilities for broadcasters inside Iraq.
21 February 2012
euronews, the international news channel, today announced its launch on the Roku streaming platform in the U.S., in the UK and in Ireland. Roku streaming players connect to most television sets and enable them to stream online video, music and gaming content without a PC. Roku customers can find and add euronews’ channel application in the Roku Channel Store.
euronews’ flagships programmes are available to Roku customers in English, French, German, Italian and Spanish. Programmes can be watched instantly and easily on demand, and include the latest news bulletin as well as the lifestyle magazines “cinema” and “le mag”.
In addition, viewers can enjoy the award-winning “No Comment” section, one of euronews’ best known programmes, thanks to its originality and innovative concept of unedited striking images and sounds from around the world.
“We are delighted to offer our programmes to Roku’s customers and increase again our reach in the US, where we observe a strong interest for euronews’ perspective on world events. euronews is reinforcing its non-linear distribution globally, transforming itself into a news hub accessible from anywhere and on any device. Roku’s decision to enter the European market is definitely a very good news for the consumer but also for the industry and we are happy to support this move”, said Walid Chamak, Marketing Manager of euronews.
21 February 2012
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has called upon the worlds nations to take necessary actions to stop intentional interference with satellite transmissions.
The change in ITU regulations, which was approved at the just-concluded World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-12) in Geneva, Switzerland, came after numerous complaints that international satellite TV programs in Persian and Arabic were suffering from deliberate interference, known as jamming.
Two satellite operators that have been targeted, Eutelsat and Arabsat, said the interfering signals originated from Iran and Syria.
We are gratified to see the World Radiocommunication Conference take a position on this vital issue, said Richard M. Lobo, Director of the United States International Broadcasting Bureau.
Of course, it remains to be seen whether Iran, Syria and other countries which interfere with international satellite communications will change their practices. Jamming is a fundamental violation, not only of international regulations and norms, but of the right of people everywhere to receive and impart information, Lobo said.
The interference, which has increased since September, 2011, affected broadcasts of the British Broadcasting Corporation, Broadcasting Board of Governors , Audiovisuel extérieur de la France RFI and France 24 TV, Deutsche Welle, and RFE/RL, Inc.s Radio Farda. Joining in backing the ITW rule change were Radio Netherlands Worldwide and the European Broadcasting Union.
The change in the regulation came after hours of discussion and debate, both in small groups and on the floor of the WRC. A report by the ITUs Radio Regulations Board noted the persistent character of the harmful interference and the fact that in some cases, the administrations involved have not responded
and appear to take no action to resolve the interference.
The revised language says administrations shall ascertain the facts and take the necessary actions when they encounter jamming.
Prior to the WRC action, the Directors-General of five major international broadcasters charged that jamming is a violation of Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Reporters Without Borders called for nations to firmly condemn countries that do not respect the fundamental principles of the free flow of information, adding, the ITU must not be the accomplice of regimes that obstruct the flow of news and information on their telecommunications networks.
The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran termed satellite jamming part of a broader effort. The Iranian government is also engaged in comprehensive attempts to take complete control of online access to the internet as well as restricting mobile voice and data communications, the group said in a statement urging the WRC to address the jamming issue.
15 February 2012
“Any Time, Any Screen, Anywhere” will be the theme as GlobeCast spotlights multiplatform delivery at the 2012 NAB Show, at booth SU 812. In addition to announcing the launch of a new over-the-top (OTT) platform in the Americas, GlobeCast will display a streaming Web TV service and highlight its solutions for global satellite and fiber delivery. The company will also highlight the expansion of its commercial footprint in the Americas, with a dedicated Latin American sales team now in place. GlobeCast will exhibit alongside its sister company, NETIA.
Launch of OTT product in the Americas
On Tuesday, April 17, GlobeCast will announce the launch of an OTT product for the international broadcast community in the Americas. More details will follow in the days leading up to the show.
Any Time, Anywhere, Any Device
GlobeCast will also be demonstrating a streaming product called GlobeCast Multiscreen, which allows broadcast clients around the world to stream their content to any Internet-connected device. At the 2012 NAB Show, representatives will be on hand to demonstrate the new solution.
Expansion in the Americas
There will be a perceptible Latin American accent to GlobeCast’s participation at NAB this year, as it has maximized its commercial footprint in the Americas, including the creation of a dedicated Latin American sales team and a refocusing and strengthening of ad hoc services in North America for the broadcast of major events. Already present with a major technical facility in South Florida and with extensive satellite coverage of the entire Latin American region, GlobeCast last year extended its fiber network to Buenos Aires and São Paulo.
Playout including localization/regionalization of content
GlobeCast will run video and flash animations demonstrating the company’s ability to adapt content to local markets around the world, simplifying the global distribution of content. From ad and graphic insertions to program substitution, GlobeCast can provide localized playout and origination from its strategically located centers in Florida, the U.K., Paris, and Singapore.
13 February 2012
The Eurosport Group has secured the rights of the 2013 and 2015 Africa Cup of Nations. The deal includes exclusive TV and digital LIVE rights in all Eurosport’s territories in Europe, except in France.
On air, all 32 matches of each tournament will be covered LIVE on Eurosport and Eurosport 2, as well as in high definition on Eurosport HD and Eurosport 2 HD. Online, the Eurosport Player, Eurosport’s dedicated web TV service, will bring fans on PC and mobile all matches LIVE and complete VOD.
The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations will also be broadcast on Eurosport Asia-Pacific and Eurosport Asia-Pacific HD channels.
Eurosport has broadcast LIVE all Africa Cup of Nations since 1994. The 2013 and 2015 tournaments, respectively held in South Africa and Morocco, will be the 11th and 12th consecutive Africa Cup of Nations on Eurosport.
Usually held every two years, the Africa Cup of Nations will switch as of 2013 to being held in odd-numbered years so that it does not clash with the FIFA World Cup, UEFA EURO and Olympic Games.
13 February 2012
Following the departure of Chairman Walter Isaacson, the Broadcasting Board of Governors today unanimously approved BBG member Michael Lynton as its new interim presiding governor.
It is a pleasure to work with this multi-talented, bipartisan board, and an honor to be elected to help lead the organization, Lynton said. We are each committed to the cause of making this agency the best it can be. And with our various strengths and diverse backgrounds, we all bring something to the table.
Lynton is the Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment. He is the former CEO of AOL Europe and Chairman and CEO of Pearson PLCs Penguin Group. A member of the Council on Foreign Relations, Mr. Lynton and also serves on the boards of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Rand Corporation. He is a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Business School and is proficient in French, German and Dutch.
Lynton serves on the BBG Governance Committee.
The Senate confirmed him and all the other appointed Governors in the summer of 2010.The Governors noted that Mr. Isaacson provided an inspiring example, and they acknowledged his great efforts and tremendous contributions
during his tenure as BBG Chairman from July 2010 until January 2012.
The Board extends its deepest gratitude for his service to the BBG and to United States international broadcasting.Inspired by Chairman Isaacsons example, the Board reaffirms its unqualified and ongoing commitment to fostering and promoting high-quality, independent and objective journalism by all BBG broadcasters. The Board rededicates itself to pursuing the mission adopted during Chairman Isaacsons tenure: To inform, engage, and connect people around the world in support of freedom and democracy.
The Board designated Lynton to serve as presiding Governor on an interim basis until such time as it selects an alternate presiding Governor, Governor Lynton chooses to step down as presiding Governor, or a new Chairman is appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.
The Broadcasting Board of Governors is an independent federal agency, supervising all U.S. government-supported, civilian international broadcasting, whose mission is inform, engage, and connect people around the world in support of freedom and democracy. BBG broadcasts reach an audience of 187 million in 100 countries. BBG networks include the Voice of America, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, the Middle East Broadcasting Networks (Alhurra TV and Radio Sawa), Radio Free Asia, and the Office of Cuba Broadcasting (Radio and TV Marti).
(Source: BBG Press Release)
