What's driving the APAC broadcasting equipment market's growth

MUMBAI: Here’s another research report, which echoes what everyone has been saying about the growth of OTT services in the Asia Pacific region. But it is from the perspective of the equipment that is used to produce, and transmit and distribute content.

Persistence Market Research’s latest report predicts that the overall broadcast equipment market in Asia Pacific is expected to grow healthily, along with traditional TV broadcast equipment, even as the IP converged broadcasting equipment segment shows the maximum growth.

Consumers, especially in APAC, prefer access to audio-visual content over multiple devices such as tablets, smartphones and desktops. OTT players such as YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon Prime offer multimedia content that can be accessed across various platforms. This is a major factor driving growth of the market, says the report.

Another peculiarity of the region is that various countries have low electricity penetration that is creating significant challenges for broadcasters. Infrastructure challenges such as lack of electricity and mismatch cabling can negatively affect growth of APAC broadcasting equipment market.

Most key players in the APAC broadcasting equipment market are focused on carrying out promotional activities via industrial exhibitions to advertise their products and form strategic alliances with other broadcasting service providers to expand the reach of their business.

For the report, Persistence Market Research has classified the sector into traditional TV broadcast, traditional radio broadcast, IP converged broadcasting and asset management systems.  And the APAC region has been broken down as follows: China, Japan, India, ASEAN, Australia and New Zealand and the  rest of APAC.

The report has concluded that the overall APAC broadcast equipment market was valued at $2.49 billion in APAC in 2015.  It predicts that it will grow at an 8.1 per cent CAGR to touch $5.10 billion by 2024.

And this is primarily being driven by the convergence of high definition (HD)  technologies such as 4K with IP. As per the report, 4K services are expected to be available on IP networks over the next four to five years via satellite launching and cable platforms.

Traditional TV broadcast equipment

The traditional TV broadcast segment accounted for 45.1 per cent share in terms of value of the total APAC broadcasting equipment market in 2015. Consumption of HD content in the region is increasing at a rapid clip, supported by rising sales of HD ready TVs. Valued at US 1.123 billion in 2015, it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.1 per cent between 2016 and 20124.

The traditional TV broadcast equipment market is further segmented into cameras, monitors, routers, switchers, cable, transmitter, receiver and other accessories. The routers sub-segment is projected to expand at the highest CAGR of 9.2 per cent during the forecast period.

Content creators across the region are shifting towards 4K cameras in order to capture high definition video. This is being supported by sales of 4K UHD televisions that has gained momentum due to rising disposable income in the region.

IP converged broadcast equipment

The IP converged broadcasting is projected to be the fastest growing segment in the APAC broadcasting equipment market, exhibiting a CAGR of 10 per cent during the forecast period. IP converged broadcasting is the emerging segment in broadcasting equipment market, where the IP network is used for the content delivery by broadcasters. The convergence of IP with broadcasting has enabled broadcasters to deliver content in real time in a more secure and reliable manner. It was valued at $453.3 million in 2015 and is expected to hit $1.06 billion by 2024.

The Persistence Market Research report has further sub-segmented this category into media over IP, media contribution over IP and IP in studios and campuses.

The traditional radio broadcast segment was valued at US$ 544 Mn in 2015 and is anticipated to register a CAGR of 7.5% during the forecast period.

The key players in the APAC broadcasting equipment market include Media Excel Inc.(US), ChyronHego Corporation (US), TVU Networks Corporation (US), XOR Media Inc.(US), FOR-A Company (Japan), ORACLE Corporation (US), Unlimi-Tech Software Inc. (US), Grass Valley (Canada) and General Dynamics Mediaware (Australia).

Sony SAB forms alliance with Twitter to create Twitter BOT for promoting its new show

MUMBAI: Sony SAB in partnership with Twitter has launched a very innovative and first of its kind social initiative on Twitter for its new show Y.A.R.O K Tashan. A first in the entertainment industry in India, SAB in collaboration with Twitter has created a unique Twitter BOT representing the Humanoid - Y.A.R.O, a lead character in its new show. The BOT replicates the characteristics of Y.A.R.O by answering all kind of question thrown at it. The show which centres on the protagonist Y.A.R.O, a humanoid, focuses on the relationship with friends and family, importance of love and humanity. In line with the new age concept of the show, the channel has also implemented this idea for its online and on ground marketing promotions.

This uniqueinitiative is such that anyone on Twitter can tweet any question on their mind with hashtag#SABKaYaroand they will get a response to the question in just a second. One can ask any generic question they like and they will get a response from Y.A.R.O through the SAB almost instantly. The netizens can experience the brilliance of the technology and intelligence that Y.A.R.O embodies. Try it to believe it!

SAB TV senior EVP and business head Anooj Kapoor said, “The partnership with Twitter is intended to provide our potential viewers a holistic experience of extraordinary powers of Y.A.R.O. The initiative makes it convenient for people to access Twitter and comprehend the genius of Y.A.R.O”

Twitter India head of TV partnership Viral Jani said, "Twitter is live, public and conversational and we encourage our partners to use our platform in an innovative manner and to its full potential. This initiative is a great example of bringing alive a character on Twitter as an auto-response bot, and amplifying it to audiences by showcasing Tweets on a billboard in real time"

#SABKaYaro set the Twitter on fire was when thousands of Twitteratis engaged with #SABKaYaro by throwing diverse questions ranging from scientific questions on atmosphere and the planet to funny questions like ‘Will you have coffee with me?’.

The initiative is displayed live on few high-traffic vantage outdoor sits in Mumbai. Wherein, if you are around the vicinity and happen to ask a question on Twitter with #SABKaYaro, your tweet and the response will also be displayed on the outdoor medium.

With a show so fresh and promotion so novel, Y.A.R.O Ka Tashan sure promises to be a package full of entertainment!

Total of television channels in India rises to 892, with three cleared in June.

NEW DELHI: With clearance to three private television satellite channels including two news channels in June, the total number has risen to 892 of which news and current affairs channels number 403.

The Information and Broadcasting Ministry has said it had given permission to 1031 channels but later cancelled permission to 139. The number of general entertainment channels is 489 according to the list up to 30 June.

Twenty channels including seven news channels have been permitted to uplink from India but not downlink within the country and there has been no change in this category.  

A total of 776 channels including 395 GECs are allowed to uplink and downlink in the country while 96 including 81 GECs are uplinked from overseas but allowed to downlink into TV homes in the country.  

After 31 May, the news channels cleared are: ‘Total Haryana’ and ‘Total Rajasthan’ by Total Telefilms Pvt Ltd,

The only Non-News channel cleared is MAAS TV owned by Gokann International Media Pvt. Ltd.

The Information and Broadcasting Ministry site (mib.nic.in) also contains the full details of the owners of these channels, the languages in which they will beam, and the date on which the clearance came. However, there are no details of channels denied permission.

SPN brings 'Superhero Somersault- PIXathon' on Sony PIX.

MUMBAI: Every superhero fan has a reason to be excited as Sony PIX brings five of your favourite superhero movies under one roof on 10th of July with ‘Superhero Somersault - PIXathon’, 11am onwards. 

PIX has always amazed its viewers with their innovative content and money-can’t-buy prizes. Be it an opportunity to attend the world premiere of ‘The Huntsman’ in Singapore or real in-movie memorabilia, PIX has led the Hollywood Ecosystem in India. While the PIXathon will offer a visual treat, a unique contest will also give 2 viewers a chance to visit the set of the upcoming Spidey Movie ‘Spider-Man Homecoming’. This is a truly money can’t buy opportunity as the winner and a companion will not only get a trip to Atlanta USA, but they will also get a chance to see the real life production of one of the biggest movies being made in Hollywood. Viewers can participate in the contest by watching the PIXathon and calling on a mobile number flashed during the day. 

Get ready to be amazed by Spider-man in The Spider-Man 3 at 11.00 am.Watch how a strange black entity from another world bonds with Peter Parker and causes inner turmoil as he contends with new villains, temptations, and revenge.Up next at 2pm is HULK where Dr. Bruce Banner, played by Eric Bana,meets with an accident inthe laband gets exposed to gamma radiation thus turning into a huge green-skinned monster whenever he gets angry.Stay tuned at 5pm to see Robert Downey Jr in one of his most memorable performances ever. Watch Tony Stark, a  genius, billionaire, playboy, and philanthropist in his IRON MAN avatar save the world from evil conspirators in Ironman 3.What happens when you have Thor, Black Widow, Hulk, Iron Man, Hawk Eye, and Captain America, come together? To know watch Earth's mightiest heroes come together as a team when they try to stop mischievous Loki and his evil alien army from enslaving humanity at 10:25pm. 

Catch your beloved superheroes in action on 10th July, 11am onwards, only on Sony PIX. Stay Amazed

 

Sony Pictures Networks India to broadcast UFC 200.

MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN), will broadcast the biggest and the most anticipated MMA event of the year,UFC 200. The high octane event will be telecast LIVE and exclusive, on 10th July 2016, at 0730 hrs on Sony SIX, Sony SIX HD, SONY ESPN and SONY ESPN HD. The biggest fight card of the year, UFC 200 will also be available for live streaming on SonyLIV. The repeat of the entire fight event will be telecast on the same day at 1600hrs across all channels.

UFC 200 marks the return of The Beast, Brock Lesnar, to the UFC Octagon who will be facing off Mark Hunt in the headlining fight. UFC 200 will also feature some of the biggest superstars of MMA, all on one fight card that promises to entice and excite the growing fan-base of UFC in India. Also featuring on the fight card will be Women’s Bantamweight Champion, Miesha Tate, defending her title against Amanda Nunes and veteran featherweight fighter, Jose Aldofacing Frankie Edgar for the Interim Featherweight Title.

The popularity of UFC 200 in India will see its peak, as it is being promoted by the biggest superstar of Bollywood, Salman Khan. The actor plays the role of an MMA fighter in his upcoming movie, Sultan, and fights UFC’s Welterweight fighter, Tyron Woodley in the film. The actor also features in the promo for UFC 200 on the SPN channels, where he introduces Brock Lesnar’s return to the UFC Octagon.

With UFC’s consistent growth in viewership in the market, SPN is taking a step forward in growing the sport’s popularity through the MMA Fan Club called The Octagon. The club serves passionate MMA enthusiasts with unique community experiences like the special breakfast screening of UFC 200. SONY ESPN is also conducting an on-air & social media contest for viewers who can win an exclusive opportunity to be a part of The Octagon experience.

The UFC 200 fight card live screening will take place simultaneously in Delhi, Bengaluru and Mumbai on July 10th, 2016, at 0730 Hrs at the Hard Rock Café. The screening is also open to walk in consumers who would like to be a part of the community experience.

UFC 200 is the culmination of UFC’s biggest week of the year, International Fight Week. The week will also see

• UFC Fight Night 90 on 8th July at 7.30am Live & Exclusive on SONY ESPN and SONY ESPN HD.

• The Ultimate Fighter finale on 9th July at 7.30am Live & Exclusive on SONY ESPN and SONY ESPN HD.

• UFC 200 on 10th July. At 7.30am Live & Exclusive on Sony SIX, Sony SIX HD, SONY ESPN and SONY ESPN HD.

Sony Pictures Networks Distribution India announced no 1 company by Great Place To Work Institute.

MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Networks Distribution India Pvt. Ltd. (SPND), the distribution arm and wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN), has been ranked as the no. 1 company in the media industry by the Great Place To Work Institute, for 2016. SPND claims to be the only media company to feature yet again amongst the top 50 list for India’s Best Companies To Work For in 2016 having won this laurel for two consecutive years.

The award was presented by the global research media company in association with The Economic Times. Sony Pictures Networks Distribution India Pvt. Ltd. undertook the Trust Index Survey which surpassed the average industry percentage of positive responses measured through five parameters credibility, respect, fairness, pride and camaraderie.

Sony Pictures Networks India CEO NP Singh said, “We are honoured to win this laurel yet again and I congratulate this outstanding team for their continuous efforts and contribution towards the organisation’s success. A company is a reflection of its people and it is a wonderful feeling when employees reciprocate the sentiment and vision that we have envisaged for the company.”

The Great Place to Work Institute is a firm that assists organisations to identify, create and sustain great workplaces through the development of high-trust cultures. In its 13 edition, India's Best Companies to Work For study attracted participation from 791 companies, ranging across 20 industries, including participation from 20 companies from the media industry alone. This study was done with the most rigorous, credible and comprehensive methodologies to identify organizations in achievement of their goals. Over 1,50,000 employees were surveyed, making it the largest survey of workplace culture in corporate India.

“Getting recognized as the No.1 Company in the media industry and receiving this honour for the second consecutive year is an incredible feeling and a moment of pride for us. It is a testament to our culture that fosters a great working environment. Our employees are our most valued asset and the reason we can accomplish our mission of exceeding expectations on every level, for our audiences, our partners, and the community. This recognition reflects our commitment and efforts to create fulfilling programs and career experiences for our employees,” added Sony Pictures Networks India president, distribution and sports business Rajesh Kaul.

According to the Institute's research, a great place to work is one where you trust the people you work for, take pride in what you do and enjoy the company of people you work with. At the best workplaces in India, 14% employees want to stay for a longer duration with the organization while 19% employees look forward to coming to work, as compared to others. It is an indisputable fact today that creating a great workplace is an integral part of an organization’s strategy.

Sony Pictures Networks Distribution director HR Hema Malhotra, "It has been our constant endeavor to attract, nurture and retain talent to work in a cohesive and collaborative environment. We are proud of the SPND work culture and the holistic approach we take towards our employee’s overall well-being. We foster an environment where employees feel motivated, valued, and committed to driving great results. Our employees will continue to be our most important growth drivers. It is indeed encouraging to receive this recognition yet again and we will strive to continue being an employer of choice.”

At SPND the work environment is all inclusive which is built through day-to-day relationships that employees experience and not just a checklist of programs and benefits. The company fosters an environment that supports and rewards excellence, honesty and fair dealing where employees are treated with mutual respect. Performance at SPND is recognized and rewarded, where employees are felicitated by the CEO and President of the company at an annual event.

Sony SIX to air Hero Caribbean Premier League in 6 countries.

MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Networks sports entertainment channel Sony SIX has bagged the exclusive broadcasting rights to the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) in six countries. The CPL will commence on 30 June and culminate on 8 August 2016 and will broadcast live on Sony SIX in the Indian sub-continent comprising of India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal and Maldives. The network has also acquired the digital rights for the tournament and will live stream the matches on Sony LIV.

The tournament will be held across six venues in the Caribbean, and for the first time six fixtures will be played in Lauderhill, Florida, USA.  The tournament will have six teams all teams battling it out in an initial group stage format before progressing to knock out matches.

SPN president of Distribution & Sports Business Rajesh Kaul said, “India has always been receptive to the dynamic format of T20 cricket and we are excited to broadcast the CPL for the third consecutive time. CPL showcases some of the biggest talent on the cricketing stage and promises to be a treat for the cricket fans in India. Furthermore, fans can catch the action on-the-go on our digital platform, Sony LIV.”

CPL COO Pete Russell added, “We are delighted to continue our Broadcast partnership with Sony SIX which will enable millions of supporters of CPL across the Indian sub-continent to follow the biggest party in sport. Indian followers are huge supporters of CPL and there will no doubt be keen interest in the fortunes of players who have graced the IPL with distinction for many years; including the likes of AB de Villiers, Brendon McCullum, Shakib Al Hasan, Dale Steyn, Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo and Sunil Narine amongst many others. In addition, there will be further intriguing sub-plots involving the Barbados Tridents under the stewardship of Dr Vijay Mallya aiming to win back the title they last won in 2014, coming up against the Shah Rukh Khan owned Trinbago Knight Riders. It promises to be our biggest and best CPL yet and we’re delighted so many fans will be able to join us across Asia.”

This year the participating teams include Jamaica Tallawahs, Trinbago Knight Riders, Barbados Tridents, Guyana Amazon Warriors, St Lucia Zouks and St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots.. 

The opening match of the league will see defending champions Trinbago Knight Riders take on the St. Lucia Zouks on 30 June at 6:30 AM (IST). The weekends will allow fans to watch some of the matches on primetime hours – 9:30 PM (IST). 

Building on the success of the recently concluded IPL, SPN is aiming at bringing the flair from the home of the current World T20 Champions, West Indies, to viewers of the Indian subcontinent through another fast-paced domestic league.