10 September 2003
Progressive AIB member You/Com will launch its latest audio to DVB converter at IBC.
The MXTS is a multiple channel converter that can handle from 10 up to more than 100 audio programmes simultaneously, and multiplex them into a single DVB transport stream. This means that only one ASI slot of the DVB multiplexer is used. A unique feature of the MXTS is that it accepts MPEG audio signals from remote locations over digital leased lines and converts them into a single transport stream. The low processing delay, easy management and compact physical dimensions of the MXTS should meet the requirements of critical customers worldwide.
10 September 2003
Satellite broadcast provider GlobeCast has launched Chai TV , the world’s first global Jewish television station, on its European and American direct-to-home platforms.
GlobeCast, a France Telecom subsidiary, will deliver Chai TV to Europe and the Mediterranean on HOT BIRD as well as to North America on Telstar 5 (World TV) and AMC-1.
Chai TV is the first global Jewish news channel specialising in Middle Eastern events. News reporting constitutes an essential part of its content, with seven hours of current events each day. Chai TV’s programs and reports are bilingual, presented in both English and French. The channel’s staff includes 40 journalists in Paris, 20 in Jerusalem and numerous correspondents throughout the Middle East. General programming on Chai TV includes weather reports, financial news, business news, documentaries, films and shows drawn from a variety of international programming.
10 September 2003
James Murdoch, Chairman and CEO of the STAR Group, will probably visit India to discuss the financial restructuring for its 24-hour Hindi news channel Star News.
The channel has been running on a temporary licence extension, but has to comply with the Indian government regulation according to which any news channel uplinking from India should not have more than 26 per cent foreign equity. And the single largest Indian shareholder must now hold at least 51 per cent of total equity. With the government deadline of 28 September approaching, Murdoch is expected to discuss the final negotiations with the potential partners for taking a 51 per cent stake in Media Content and Communications Services (MCCS), the company through which Star News is being uplinked from India.
9 September 2003
The IBC International Honour For Excellence has been awarded to top Hollywood director and screenwriter James Cameron.
An international jury bestowed the honour in recognition of Mr Cameron’s continuing enthusiasm for embracing technological innovation to engage his audience in a range of exciting, moving and informative productions.
On receiving the award James Cameron said “Thank you for presenting me with this very cool and completely unexpected award. I’m told that IBC attracts more than 40,000 attendees from more than 20 countries… people who are involved in the creation and delivery of entertainment… so it’s a pleasure to be honoured by my fellow professionals from around the globe. I would like to take this opportunity to encourage their good work in developing and applying new media technologies that create such exciting opportunities for producers and directors everywhere.
If youre going to the RAI, dont forget to visit the AIB stand 9.545. Our top management will be on hand to welcome you and tell you how the AIB is promoting and aiding the development of international broadcasting.
9 September 2003
In addition to the just-announced digital extension in Ireland, one year after the launch of its French language version on cable in Quebec, EuroNews is joining the Canadian digital satellite platform BellExpress Vu. BellExpress Vu, with 1.3 million subscribers throughout the country, is now broadcasting EuroNews in English and French.
Euronews offers Canadian viewers international news from a European perspective. The channel now broadcasts in 7 languages (English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese and Russian), through cable, digital platforms and terrestrial TV in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia,North and Latin America. BellExpress Vu is Canada’s leader in digital home entertainment and broadcasts more than 300 digital video and audio channels.
9 September 2003
The organizers of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games have signed an outline agreement for the establishment of the Beijing Olympic Broadcasting Co. Ltd (BOB) with the Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS).
The agreement, a crucial document for the successful broadcasting of the Olympic Games in Beijing, was signed by Hein Verbruggen, chairman of OBS and Liu Jingmin, executive vice president of the Beijing Organizing Committee (BOCOG).
The Beijing Olympic Broadcasting Co. will be in charge of producing the international television and radio signals for the Olympic Games, building and operating the International Broadcasting Centre and necessary facilities and equipment at other venues.
Meanwhile Beijing took another step towards modernity as three digital television channels started trial operations. China anticipates 30 million digital subscribers by 2005, with digital predominating by 2010, and analogue being switched off in 2015.
