March 5, 2012 – Times Internet, the digital division of the Indian media conglomerate Times Group, has announced plans to launch a video platform for the provision of films and television content over the internet.

The new venture, called BoxTV.com, “will be India’s answer to Hulu, and allow viewers to legally access the latest movies and videos,” says Satyan Gajwani, new media director, Times Group.

Speaking at the AdTech India congress, Gajwani also said the company last week launched a Twitter-like service for the financial world called ETSpeed.com, and Tweek, a tablet-based magazine.

To view the complete article, please visit http://www.abu.org.my/Latest_News-@-Times_Group_launches_an_internet_video_platform.aspx

Voddler Launches World’s First Dolby Digital Plus Movie Service to Mobile Devices
New app delivers cinematic surround sound to Nokia smartphones

BARCELONA, Spain–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Cloud-based video-on-demand (VOD) provider Voddler and Dolby Laboratories, Inc. (NYSE:DLB) today announced the world’s first mobile movie-streaming service for smartphones using Dolby® Digital Plus audio.

Launched at Mobile World Congress, the Voddler® implementation of Dolby Digital Plus audio will provide high-quality movie streaming with cinematic Dolby surround sound to select Nokia® devices. Available as a downloadable application (app) from the Nokia Store, it is the first VOD service of its kind to deliver immersive surround sound and will initially be available in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland.

“Getting full-length movies direct to Nokia smartphones with true 5.1 Dolby Digital Plus surround sound is a huge step forward for mobile entertainment. We are delighted with the results from our close collaboration with the Dolby team. It adds a truly cinematic feel to enjoying the best Hollywood and European movies on your mobile device,” said Marcus Bäcklund, CEO, Voddler.

Nokia handsets able to use the Voddler service will include the Nokia 700, Nokia 701, Nokia 603, and the new Nokia 808 PureView smartphone, when the Belle Feature Pack 1 becomes available. The service is also available for the popular Nokia N9 handset. With the right Nokia smartphone, the consumer will be able to enjoy a truly immersive 5.1 personal surround sound movie experience streamed straight to their mobile device, anywhere.

“Nokia was the first mobile partner to incorporate Dolby Digital Plus decoding in a smartphone, and this exciting new mobile movie-streaming service from Voddler illustrates why we have been working so hard to bring this technology to the mobile ecosystem,” said Andreas Spechtler, Regional Vice President, EMEA, Dolby Laboratories.

“With video-on-demand becoming increasingly popular in the connected home, this is the next step in making the mobile device a fully-fledged member of that connected home family. Consumers are increasingly appreciating the convenience of Dolby Digital Plus movies streamed on demand to the home, and the launch of the Voddler service is the first step to bringing the same benefit of streaming movies on demand to the mobile handset.”

All the Voddler-compatible Nokia smartphones will feature Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby Headphone technologies, to provide an outstanding personal surround sound experience over any headphones and create a more natural, engaging experience that the user can enjoy comfortably for longer—ideal for movie viewing.

About Voddler

Video-on-demand (VOD) service Voddler legally offers the best and most up-to-date movies and TV series from 35 of the world’s leading film studios, including the Hollywood giants. Voddler offers the movie lover instant viewing of both free movies (PLAY), premium titles for rent (RENT), and purchases (EST CLOUD). The company’s proprietary technology offers an unparalleled viewing experience on a large and growing range of Internet-connected devices such as PCs, Macs®, smartphones, tablets, and connected TV screens, and enables features such as HD and offline mode. Currently, Voddler has over one million registered customers in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland and is rapidly expanding internationally. For more information, visit www.voddler.com.

About Dolby Laboratories

Dolby Laboratories (NYSE:DLB) is the global leader in technologies that are essential elements in the best entertainment experiences. Founded in 1965 and best known for high-quality audio and surround sound, Dolby creates innovations that enrich entertainment at the movies, at home, or on the go. For more information about Dolby Laboratories or Dolby technologies, visit www.dolby.com.

Dolby and the double-D symbol are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. All other trademarks remain the property of their respective owners. W12/25382 DLB-G

Dolby Laboratories
Mark Price, +44-1793-842195
mark.price@dolby.com

Source: Dolby Laboratories

News Provided by Acquire Media

PCCW Reports Solid Results with Higher Full-year Dividend

HONG KONG, February 28, 2012 – PCCW Limited (the “Company”) is pleased to announce the audited consolidated results of the Company and its subsidiaries (collectively the “Group”) for the year ended December 31, 2011.

• Core revenue increased by 5% to HK$22,512 million; consolidated revenue including PCPD increased by 7% to HK$24,638 million
• Core EBITDA increased by 3% to HK$7,252 million; consolidated EBITDA including PCPD increased by 3% to HK$7,585 million
• Consolidated profit attributable to equity holders of the Company was HK$1,607 million; basic earnings per share amounted to 22.10 HK cents
• Final dividend of 10.6 HK cents per share

 

With growth across the core business segments, PCCW reported core revenue increase of 5% to HK$22,512 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. Core EBITDA was 3% higher year-on-year to HK$7,252 million. The strong performance lifted core business earnings by 11% to HK$1,588 million.

The better results were underpinned by not only the solid contribution of HKT, but also the strong growth of the Media and IT Solutions businesses, which saw EBITDA increase by 172% and 35%, respectively, to HK$631 million and HK$383 million.

Consolidated revenue for the year increased by 7% to HK$24,638 million, while consolidated EBITDA increased by 3% to HK$7,585 million. Consolidated profit attributable to equity holders of the Company was HK$1,607 million. Basic earnings per share was 22.10 HK cents.

The board of Directors has recommended the payment of a final dividend of 10.6 HK cents per share for the year ended December 31, 2011. The total dividend for 2011 would therefore amount to 15.9 HK cents per share, or HK$1,156 million in total which is higher than the minimum dividend committed by the Company under the HKT listing proposal.

PCCW Group Managing Director, Mr. George Chan, said, “We are optimistic about the future of the Group given the solid HKT contributions and the growth potential of the Media and Solutions businesses. We will continue to exercise prudent financial management and remain committed to delivering on the dividend pledge that the Company made to shareholders upon the listing of HKT.”

Performance highlights of Media business:

• ARPU continued to grow to HK$169 across an expanding customer base which reached 1.14 million at the end of 2011
• EBITDA margin rose to 23% due to effective management of operating and content expenses

 

Mr. Chan said the media business continued to show significant growth momentum riding on its strong brand and premium content, its multi-screen strategy, as well as the Group’s technology capability. “In order to stay ahead of the competition, PCCW continually evolves its service to the content consumption behavior of our viewers, using technology to enhance content and multi-screen access,” he said.

Performance highlights of PCCW Solutions:

• 2,800 IT professionals in Hong Kong and mainland China
• Revenue for 2011 increased by 8% to HK$2,209 million
• HK$4,717 million worth of contracts secured from 700 clients at the end of 2011 – more than two times of 2011 revenue

 

“PCCW Solutions is well-positioned to capture the increasing demand for data center services and end-to-end integrated IT services from international enterprises moving into Hong Kong and the growth in mainland China. With a long list of satisfied customers, PCCW Solutions’ capability to offer the full spectrum of cloud computing services represents another key building block for further business development,” Mr. Chan said.

Regarding the separately listed HKT, Mr. Chan said HKT would build on its established strengths to gain a more prominent leadership position in the markets that it operates.

For further details of the 2011 annual results, please refer to the announcement that has been filed with The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited.

– # –

Note: Core revenue refers to consolidated revenue excluding Pacific Century Premium Developments Limited (“PCPD”), the Group’s property development and investment business; core EBITDA refers to consolidated EBITDA excluding PCPD; earnings for the core business refers to consolidated profit attributable to equity holders of the Company excluding the Group’s share of PCPD’s profit after tax and effects of eliminations.

About PCCW Limited

PCCW Limited (SEHK: 0008) is a Hong Kong-based company which holds interests in telecommunications, media, IT solutions, property development and investment, and other businesses.

The Company holds a majority interest in HKT, Hong Kong’s premier telecommunications service provider. HKT meets the needs of the Hong Kong public and local and international businesses with a wide range of services including local telephony, local data and broadband, international telecommunications, mobile, and other telecommunications businesses such as customer premises equipment sale, outsourcing, consulting, and contact centers.

PCCW also owns a fully integrated multimedia and entertainment group in Hong Kong, which includes a highly successful IPTV operation, now TV. As the provider of Hong Kong’s first quadruple-play experience, PCCW offers a range of innovative media content and services across four delivery platforms – fixed-line, broadband Internet access, TV and mobile.

Also wholly-owned by the Group, PCCW Solutions is a leading information technology outsourcing and business process outsourcing provider in Hong Kong and mainland China.

In addition, PCCW holds a majority interest in Pacific Century Premium Developments Limited, and overseas investments including the wholly-owned UK Broadband Limited. To learn more about PCCW, please visit www.pccw.com.

For media inquiries, please call:

Stella Wong
Group Communications
Tel: +852 2888 2253
Email: stella.wm.wong@pccw.com

Ivan Ho
Group Communications
Tel: +852 2883 8747
Email: ivan.wy.ho@pccw.com

For investor inquiries, please call:

Marco Wong
Investor Relations
Tel: +852 2514 5084
Email: ir@hkt.com

Cartoon Network Toons into Thailand With its First Themed Waterpark in the World

BANGKOK (February 28, 2012) Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific today announced plans for the world’s first Cartoon Network-themed waterpark, to be located in idyllic Bang Saray, near Pattaya, on the East Coast of Thailand.

Scheduled to open in 2013, and named Cartoon Network AMAZONE, the waterpark is a nod to the lush Amazon Rainforest while infusing the world’s most popular animated series and cartoon heroes including Ben 10, The Powerpuff Girls, Johnny Bravo and The Amazing World of Gumball.

From serene to extreme splash-tastic thrills, Cartoon Network AMAZONE waterpark will feature exciting signature attractions including a gigantic family wave pool, a winding adventure river, speed-racing slides, family raft rides and one of the world’s largest interactive water play fortresses for kids.

“Cartoon Network is all about the fun and energy of the playground, and the addition of Cartoon Network AMAZONE means that families can literally step into our vibrant world of animation and vacation with their favourite characters like never before,” said Sunny Saha, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific, Inc.

“We are very proud to have Thailand as the spectacular backdrop for the world’s first Cartoon Network-themed waterpark. Thailand’s reputation as the Land of Smiles and perfect weather will ensure a memorable visit for guests of all ages.”

Cartoon Network AMAZONE is being developed in conjunction with Amazon Falls Co. Ltd, an attractions and resorts developer in Thailand. Phase one of the waterpark is already underway and when completed will cover 14 acres of coastal plains in Bang Saray, just 15 minutes from Pattaya Beach City. Cartoon Network AMAZONE is set to attract up to 800,000 visitors a year when fully operational.

Liakat Dhanji, Chairman, Amazon Falls Co. Ltd said, “Thailand has excellent tourism credentials, a vibrant culture with a vast history and also the most welcoming people in the world. The addition of Cartoon Network AMAZONE marks Thailand’s very first internationally branded water theme park.

Cartoon Network is a global household name, and with this strategic alliance, we have no doubt that by welcoming our guests to meet their favourite Cartoon Network heroes, it will be a great draw for our park.”

Atchaka Sribunruang, Secretary General of Thailand Board of Investment added, “Apart from offering substantial foreign investment, Cartoon Network AMAZONE will create numerous training and employment opportunities for Thai people on all professional and skill levels and create many jobs both directly and indirectly for the local economy.

“Our famous tourism market offers some of the most exciting and exotic attractions in the world and we are confident that Cartoon Network AMAZONE will be a premiere family destination for all ages. The Thailand Board of Investment is very supportive of this project and will offer as much assistance as required.”

Bang Saray is an undiscovered gem just 16km from Pattaya. It retains its charm as a fully functioning fishing port yet is in close proximity to leading golf courses and resorts, and is home to some of the best seafood restaurants in Thailand. The idyllic location has been chosen for Cartoon Network AMAZONE because of its natural, unspoiled beauty, accessibility and the richness of its local culture. With over five million tourists a year to the Chonburi province, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand. Last year, Pattaya was voted “Golf Destination of the Year 2012 for Australasia and Asia” by IAGTO.”

For more on Cartoon Network AMAZONE, please visit

www.CartoonNetworkAsia.com/CartoonNetworkAmazone

— END —

About Cartoon Network Asia Pacific

Cartoon Network, the number one kids’ channel in the Asia Pacific region, offers the best in original animated entertainment while drawing from the world’s most iconic cartoon library of Warner Bros., MGM and Hanna-Barbera titles. Original series showcased on Cartoon Network include the globally popular series Ben 10, Ben 10 Alien Force, Ben 10 Ultimate Alien, The Amazing World of Gumball, Generator Rex, Chowder, The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy, The Powerpuff Girls and The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack. Cartoon Network is available in 23 territories throughout the Asia Pacific region and is currently seen in over 63 million cable homes. Online, Cartoon Network Asia Pacific reaches nearly five million unique visitors a month.

Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific, Inc., a Time Warner company, is a major producer of multiplatform news and entertainment content around the world and the leading provider of programming for the basic cable industry.

www.CartoonNetworkAsia.com

About Amazon Falls Co Ltd.

Amazon Falls Co. Ltd. “AFCL,” is developing the world’s first Cartoon Network water theme park located in Bang Saray, 15 minutes from Pattaya Beach City, Thailand. The property it has chosen for creating CN AMAZONE has views of the ocean and is easily accessible by car on the main Sukhumvit Highway and located only 90 minutes from the Bangkok international airport. AFCL has a world class team of designers along with top water attraction specialists to work on this project.

For more information please contact:

Thailand: DC Consultants and Marketing Communication Ltd.

Danai Chanchaochai
Chief Executive Officer
Direct Line: (662) 610 2364-5
E-mail: Wutthiyo@dcconsultants.co.th

Chonthicha Ungkanungdecha (Mui)
Deputy Consulting Director
Direct Line: (662) 610 2380 Mobile: (668) 1684 5188
E-mail : chonthicha@dcconsultants.co.th

Panisara Palas (Bow)
Consulting Manager
Direct Line: (662) 610 2370 Mobile: (668)9 857 0117
E-mail : panisara@dcconsultants.co.th

International:Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific

Jennifer Doig
Regional Public Relations Director,
Tel: +852 3128 3540
E-mail: jennifer.doig@turner.com

Singapore/Hong Kong, 27th February 2012: In a move to further strengthen TV5MONDE’s expanding audience share in Asia Pacific, TV5MONDE – the number one global network for TV entertainment in French announced the renewed appointment of Green Worldwide, a pan-regional Marketing, Business and Communications TV consultancy for the Singapore market.

Debbie Lee, Managing Director of Green Worldwide brings her 15-year media experience and deep understanding of pan-regional pay-TV business to this appointment. Lee earlier saw through the successful launch marketing and inception of Li (Life Inspired), DW-TV ASIA+ and DW-RADIO across South Asia and South East Asia footprint.

Says Alexandre Muller, Managing Director for Asia-Pacific at TV5MONDE: “When it comes to marketing specialists for pay-TV networks, Green Worldwide is top of our list as the default choice, one with a strong proven track record of marketing success across APAC footprint. Debbie has earlier done a sterling job on TV5MONDE’s launch of local subtitles in Vietnam last year and I look forward to having her on board again to bring TV5MONDE’s amazing 360 brand experience to Singapore viewers.”

“Investing in viewer experience is critical for any international TV networks to stay ahead of the curve in the dynamic APAC pay-TV market. TV5MONDE is in an excellent position as a forerunner of multi-screen experiences to offer the best-inclass French movies, dramas, lifestyle and sports entertainment to Singapore viewers,” Debbie Lee, the Founder and Managing Director of Green Worldwide comments. “I look forward to developing effective strategies that will excite local audience and propel growth for the channel.”

TV5MONDE is the #1 global network for TV entertainment in French and offers a wide variety of subtitled prime-time films, world news, live sports events, quality documentaries, cartoons and exciting lifestyle programming. With a network of 10 channels reaching 220 million homes in 200 territories on all platforms, and localized programming subtitled in 13 languages, we are able to reach not only the large global French-speaking community but the world’s business and cultural elite. 

Green’s appointment is effective immediately.

==============================end===============================

About Green Worldwide:

Green Worldwide is a marketing, business and media consultancy outfit working with companies in the media sector to better enable their business growth by harnessing the brand power and communications arsenal of these companies across an APAC footprint covering South East Asia, Greater China and South Asia. Clients include Deutsche Welle, TV5MONDE, LI TV ASIA and others.

Green provides strategic business and marketing diagnostics, counsel and implementation recommendations that include pre-go-to-market equity funding advice and launch planning.

Green’s approach to business is dynamic, entrepreneurial and resonates in a practical, workable industry context with both insight and foresight to the industry leveraging the 15-year industry experience of its founder – Debbie Lee.

We are strong proponents of new media technologies that enable and promote multimedia integration from broadcast through to digital streams across the 4-screen-engagement into the emerging 5th screen technology of tomorrow; as well as green values, creativity and innovation.

For media enquiries please contact:

Debbie Lee
Green Worldwide
M: +65 9851 5488
E: greencomm.consult@gmail.com