News

Discover Networks AP Appoints VP, Research

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DISCOVERY NETWORKS ASIA-PACIFIC APPOINTS VICE PRESIDENT, RESEARCH
– Julie Petersen joins senior management team at regional headquarters in Singapore –

Singapore, January 30, 2012 – Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific (DNAP), a division of the number one non-fiction media company Discovery Communications, today announced the appointment of Julie Petersen as vice president, research. She will be based at DNAP’s regional headquarters in Singapore, reporting to Kevin Dickie, senior vice president, content group.

Heading up the research department for DNAP in Asia Pacific, Petersen will oversee all broadcast, marketing, brand and internet research for DNAP in the region to maintain the network’s competitive position and profitability. Additionally, she will plan and direct policies, objectives, and initiatives across the region, working closely with the various country managers and the senior management team to support local market needs. Petersen is also tasked with developing methodologies and tools which will further leverage DNAP’s content to drive revenue and enhance the network’s portfolio of brands.

“Julie is a veteran of the media industry, and with her vast experience we are certain that she will be instrumental in helping shape the strategy for our business in the region. We are very pleased to welcome Julie to the Discovery family,” said Dickie.

Petersen comes to Discovery with more than 30 years of experience in the media industry. Prior to joining Discovery, she was working in Hong Kong with Media E2E, a media services company that she co-founded. Prior to which, she was vice president of strategic planning and research with Star TV in Hong Kong, and before that with ITV in the UK.

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About Discovery Communications

Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) is the world’s #1 nonfiction media company reaching more than 1.5 billion cumulative subscribers in 210 countries and territories. Discovery empowers people to explore their world and satisfy their curiosity through 142 worldwide networks, led by Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Discovery Science and Discovery HD World, as well as leading consumer and educational products and services, and a diversified portfolio of digital media services including HowStuffWorks.com. In Asia Pacific, seven Discovery brands reach 528 million cumulative subscribers in 38 countries with programming customized in 14 languages.

Contact:
Charmaine Huet/Stephanie Tan
charmaine_huet@discovery.com/stephanie_tan@discovery.com
DID: +65 6510 7545/+65 6510 7699

TV’s latest frontier is internet TV

January 28, 2012 – AFTER years of experimenting, the top video destinations on the web are suddenly flush with original programming: documentaries, reality shows and scripted series.

Over the next few months, YouTube, Netflix and Hulu will roll out their most ambitious original programming yet – a digital push into a traditional television business that has money, a bevy of stars and a bold attitude of reinvention.

The long-predicted collision between internet video and broadcast television is finally under way.

To view the complete article, please visit http://www.news.com.au/technology/tvs-latest-frontier-is-internet-tv/story-e6frfro0-1226256985850#ixzz1kvHAONDg

Hollywood unions blast Google and urge Senate support for PIPA

January 19, 2012 – As political support for the SOPA and PIPA anti-piracy bills is waning in Washington, unions representing Hollywood talent urged congressional supporters to hang tough and took aim at Google and other backers of Wednesday’s massive Internet blackout.

“We know the pressure that you are getting to renege on your commitment,” the guilds wrote in a letter to Democratic senators from New York, Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, co-sponsors of the Protect Intellectual Property Act, which will be taken up by the Senate next week. “We are the voice of thousands of individuals who thank you for your standing steadfast against this barrage and in support of the jobs of our members.”

To view the complete article, please visit http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2012/01/hollywood-unions-google-sopa-pipa.html

Cartoon Network HD to Premiere in SEA

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Cartoon Network HD Set to Premiere in South East Asia
Available first in the Philippines on SKYcable from January 20, 2012

HONG KONG (January 18, 2012) Cartoon Network is set to launch the first high-definition kids’ entertainment channel in South East Asia this week, illuminating screens with awesome animation in vivid audio and visual detail.

The first market to switch on to this exciting new era in kids’ television is the Philippines, with Cartoon Network HD broadcast from January 20 on leading platform, SKYcable. The launch marks the first time an HD kids’ channel will be included in a premium HD subscriber pack in the region.

“HD is the future of television, and with the launch of Cartoon Network HD, kids across South East Asia can now enjoy cinema-quality entertainment from the comfort of their own homes. Cartoon Network HD is just one more way that we animate kids’ lives, and we’re thrilled to be partnering with SKYcable, an industry trailblazer in the Philippines, to deliver such an awesome HD destination,” said Sunny Saha, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific, Inc.

Cartoon Network HD’s programming line-up will feature award-winning shows such as The Amazing World of Gumball, Tom & Jerry, The Looney Tunes Show and Chowder. It will also premiere TV specials including the first CG-animated movie from the popular Ben 10 series, Ben 10: Destroy All Aliens, in March.

“Cartoon Network is a big part of many Filipino families,” said Claudia G. Suarez, Head – Program Packaging & Merchandising, Skycable Corporation. “Its brand of humor and fun can only get better with the addition of its new, ground-breaking HD channel, Cartoon Network HD. We are very proud to introduce Cartoon Network HD to the Filipino audience as part of SKYcable HD’s most varied collection of high definition entertainment.”

Cartoon Network’s new HD format enables a brighter and bolder viewing experience due to the rich use of texture and detail inherent in the animation genre. The enhanced effects are evident in The Amazing World of Gumball where the use of different textures, including CGI, photo-realistic artwork and live action combine to create an eye-popping wow factor.

Cartoon Network HD will be broadcast on SKYcable’s channel 178 and complements the existing standard definition offering on channel 43.

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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.

About SKYcable

SKYcable is the largest cable company in the Philippines, and pioneered the commercial cable TV business in the country in 1992. With constant innovations in the cable broadcasting industry – from digital and high definition cable to highly customizable options with SKYcable Select – SKYcable has grown to become the best cable TV service provider in the country.

For media enquiries:
James Moore
Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific, Inc.
Tel: (852) 3128-3720
Email: James.Moore@turner.com

MTV and Nickelodeon Finish 2011 with Increase

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MTV AND NICKELODEON FINISH 2011 WITH DOUBLE DIGIT QUARTERLY VIEWERSHIP INCREASE
“MTV Hits,” “OK Karaoke” and “MTV Hip Hop” Capture CA12-24 Audiences
Nickelodeon achieves highest viewership in 2011

Singapore 16 January 2011: Overall performance for MTV and Nickelodeon in Southeast Asia increased by double digits in Singapore, Malaysia and Philippines in the fourth quarter of 2011. Nickelodeon’s viewership was the highest in all of 2011 in key markets, and MTV increased in reach in Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines.

In Malaysia, MTV saw the best quarterly performance in both reach and average time spent, and in the Philippines MTV had the biggest increase in reach amongst all entertainment channels for CA12-24. “MTV Hits,” “OK Karaoke” and “MTV Hip Hop” were the top rated programs in the three Southeast Asian markets. MTV’s global phenomenon, Jersey Shore was the most watched long form MTV program in December 2011, reaching out to 100,000 viewers aged 12-34 years in Singapore and the Philippines. Market highlights include:

Singapore – While all entertainment channels saw a downward trend in overall reach, MTV had a 5.3% increase, which reached over 156,000 viewers aged 12-34

Malaysia – MTV saw the best quarterly performance in both reach and average time spent. The increase in reach at +24.5% reached over 436,000 viewers aged 12-24 years.

Philippines – MTV had the biggest increase in reach amongst all entertainment with 18.8%.The channel reached more than 1.12 million viewers aged between 12-24 years.

Nickelodeon experienced ratings increase for CA 4-14 and CA2-6 in Singapore and the Philippines respectively. In all three markets, Nickelodeon achieved its highest viewership for 2011 in the fourth quarter. Market highlights include:

Singapore – Nickelodeon saw a 30% increase in ratings driven by CA 4-14, the highest monthly ratings and average time spent achieved in the past six months. By reaching over 96,000 viewers, Nickelodeon was the only channel to see an increase in monthly ratings in December. Top programs included “The Fairly OddParents Special,” Nick OK, “True Jackson” and “House of Anubis.”

Malaysia – Nickelodeon had a 9% increase in reach of over 1,200,000 kids aged 4-14years in the quarter, the highest achieved in 2011 and the highest reach amongst all kids channels this year. Top programs included “SpongeBob SquarePants,” “The FairlyOddparents,” “Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius,” and “Dora the Explorer”.

Philippines – The increase was driven by CA 2-6 where Nickelodeon saw a 31.3% rise in ratings, reaching more than 650,000 viewers. Top programs watched by this age group were “Dora’s Christmas Carol Adventure,” “Wonder Pets,” “Dora The Explorer,” and “Bubble Guppies.”

Source: AGB Nielsen (Malaysia); Kantar Media (Singapore, Philippines). Period: January – December 2011

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About Viacom International Media Networks

Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) is home to the world’s premier entertainment brands, including MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, BET, non-premium Paramount branded channels, VH1, VIVA, MTVNHD, Tr3s: MTV, Musicá y Mas, TMF (The Music Factory), COLORS and Game One. Viacom brands are seen globally in more than 600 million households in 160 territories and 34 languages via 166 locally programmed and operated TV channels and more than 550 digital media properties. VIMN’s diverse holdings also include interests in television syndication, publishing, home video and licensing & merchandising.

Media Contact:

Shazliana Heron
Communications Manager
Viacom International Media Networks
Tel: +65 6420 7142
Mobile: +65 9844 2775

Malaysia: IPTV a relatively new business for TM

January 14, 2012 – SECURING exclusive content to differentiate themselves from their competitors can be a challenge for broadcasters and Internet protocol TV (IPTV) operators as it can also mean investing top dollar for the content.

Telekom Malaysia Bhd’s (TM) venture into the IPTV market has not come easy, it is a new area of business, and though it has hired some experienced people, it still doesn’t have the coveted content that would make people rush to watch the content.

It is offering some content, but getting into the big boys’ game of bidding for content like the English Premier League (EPL) football can be costly. Although TM has deep pockets, for now it is not justified to make the move.

To view the full article, please visit http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/1/14/business/10255624

New Appointments at MEASAT

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NEW APPOINTMENTS

Kuala Lumpur, 11 January 2012 – MEASAT Satellite Systems Sdn. Bhd. (“MEASAT”) is pleased to announce the following two appointments:

Zainudin bin Abdul: Vice President – Satellite Engineering and Operations

In his new role, Zainudin will be responsible for overseeing the management of the fleet of MEASAT satellites.

Zainudin has been with MEASAT since 1993. Since joining the company, he has taken on a number of roles related to the design, implementation and operation of the MEASAT fleet. Prior to his new appointment, Zainudin was MEASAT’s Director for Fleet Planning and Special Projects.

Zainudin holds Bachelor of Science Degrees from St. Louis University, Missouri, U.S.A, in Aerospace Engineering; and in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering.

Yau Chyong Lim: Vice President – Business Development and Strategic Planning

In his new role, Yau will be responsible for identifying and developing opportunities for the growth of the business.

Yau has been with MEASAT since 1996. With more than 15 years experience in the satellite communication industry, Yau brings experience in both space and ground segments; video broadcasting and DTH; VSAT and mobile trunking services. Prior to assuming this role, Yau was MEASAT’s Senior Director of Sales and Marketing.

Yau holds an MBA (finance) from Keele University, Staffordshire, UK and a BSc from Campbell University, Buies Creek, North Carolina, USA in Microelectronics & Physics.

About MEASAT

MEASAT is a premium supplier of satellite communication services to leading international broadcasters, DTH platforms and telecom operators. With capacity across a fleet of five communications satellites, MEASAT is able to provide satellite services to over 145 countries representing 80% of the world’s population across Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa, Europe and Australia.

The MEASAT fleet includes the state of art MEASAT-3/3a satellites at 91.5°E which support Asia’s premium DTH and video distribution neighborhood. The MEASAT fleet will be further strengthened with the addition of AFRICASAT-1a at 46°E in Q4 2012 and MEASAT-3b at 91.5°E in Q4 2013.

Leveraging facilities at the MEASAT Teleport and Broadcast Centre, and working with a select group of world-class partners, MEASAT also provides a complete range of broadcast and telecommunications solutions. Services include standard definition, high definition and 3D video playout, video turnaround, co-location, uplinking, broadband and IP termination services.

For more information, please visit www.measat.com.

Contact:
Chan Ming Yang
MEASAT
+60 (3) 8213 2154
mingyang@measat.com

Celestial Classic Movies to launch on mio TV

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Celestial Classic Movies to launch on SingTel’s mio TV in February

Screen legend Cheng Pei Pei to visit Singapore for launch event

HONG KONG (January 13, 2012) – Celestial Tiger Entertainment (CTE), an independent Asian media company, announced today that its pay-TV channel Celestial Classic Movies (CCM) will be carried on SingTel’s mio TV service starting February 1st, 2012, marking the second platform to carry the channel in Singapore. To celebrate the channel’s launch, CTE is bringing the award-winning actor and iconic Shaw Brothers star Cheng Pei Pei to Singapore to attend a launch event organized by SingTel on 14th January.

Celestial Classic Movies brings viewers some of the best Chinese films ever produced 24 hours a day in digitally remastered video quality. CCM features titles from the world-renowned Shaw Brothers Film Library including Kung Fu classics such as The One-Armed Swordsman, The 36th Chamber of Shaolin, Come Drink With Me and Blood Brothers. Besides iconic Kung Fu films, CCM also features classics in other genres such as comedy, drama, horror, musicals and even Huangmei opera. Fans of master directors like Chang Cheh and King Hu and stars such as Gordon Liu, Cheng Pei Pei, Ti Lung, and John Chiang will find some of their best work on CCM.

“We are delighted that Celestial Classic Movies is joining its sister channel Celestial Movies on SingTel’s mio TV. With both channels and Celestial Movies On Demand on the Jingxuan Pack, subscribers will get a complete package of Chinese movie offerings, from the latest blockbusters to iconic classics, and through both scheduled programming and on demand,” said Ofanny Choi, Executive Vice President, TV Networks, Celestial Tiger Entertainment.

To commemorate the launch of Celestial Classic Movies, screen legend Cheng Pei Pei will attend a mall event organized by SingTel. Cheng is an iconic actor who carved herself a reputation as the “Queen of Swords” in Chinese classics such as Golden Swallow, Dragon Swamp, Come Drink with Me and The Lady Hermit. Cheng is also known for her award-winning performance as Jade Fox in Ang Lee’s Oscar®-winning Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Cheng most recently starred in the Jackie Chan-produced movie Legendary Amazons.

Cheng will appear at the Causeway Point shopping centre event from 2:30pm on Saturday, 14th January. Fans will get up-close and personal with the screen legend as she shares her memories and experiences working on countless movies and with other legendary movie stars.

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For enquiries, please contact:

Pauline Poon
Public Relations Manager
Tel: +852 2626 8131
pauline.poon@celestialtiger.com

About Celestial Tiger Entertainment

Celestial Tiger Entertainment (CTE) is a diversified media company dedicated to entertaining audiences in Asia and beyond. The company focuses on the operation of branded pay television channels, content creation and content distribution targeted at Asian consumers.

CTE operates a powerful bouquet of distinct pay television channels including: Celestial Movies, the most broadly distributed 24-hour Chinese and Asian movies channel in the world; Celestial Classic Movies, the gateway to an unparalleled array of Chinese movie masterpieces; Celestial Movies On Demand, Celestial’s subscription video on demand service; KIX, the ultimate in action entertainment; Thrill, Asia’s only horror and suspense movie channel; and KIX HD, featuring the best of action with a late-night dose of thrillers in high definition.

As one of Asia’s largest vertically integrated entertainment companies, CTE produces original content which complements its channels business. CTE is also the exclusive sales agent of content in all media in Southeast Asia and China from independent Hollywood studio Lionsgate.

Headquartered in Hong Kong, CTE is a joint venture among Saban Capital Group, a leading private investment firm specializing in the media, entertainment and communications industries; Celestial Pictures, a major Asian entertainment company wholly-owned by Astro, the owner and operator of the leading DTH platform in Malaysia; and Lionsgate, the world’s largest independent filmed entertainment studio.

For more information, please visit www.celestialtiger.com.

About Celestial Classic Movies

CELESTIAL CLASSIC MOVIES presents some of the best Chinese movies ever produced! From the most iconic Kung Fu films to the most memorable dramas, CELESTIAL CLASSIC MOVIES brings you masterpieces from Chinese cinema history including movies from the world-famous Shaw Brothers Film Library. All Shaw Brothers movies featured have been digitally restored to bring viewers sound and picture quality matching the original cinematic prints. Broadcasting 24 hours a day, CELESTIAL CLASSIC MOVIES also showcases the best work of many legends of Chinese cinema, including master directors like Chang Cheh, King Hu, Li Han-hsiang and Liu Chia-liang and stars such as Cheng Pei-pei, Ti Lung, John Chiang, Gordon Liu, Leslie Cheung and Maggie Cheung.

Dolby Leads Towards Providing Content Any Time, Anywhere on Any Device

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Dolby Leads Industry’s Transition Toward Providing Immersive Content Anywhere, Any Time, on Any Device

Dolby Digital Plus is the ideal audio solution for an ever-growing, rapidly evolving world of high-definition content and devices

LAS VEGAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)– At the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Dolby Laboratories, Inc. (NYSE:DLB) is highlighting Dolby® Digital Plus as an essential part of high-definition (HD) entertainment and the preeminent way to deliver and enjoy high-quality sound across a range of devices. Dolby Digital Plus is the ideal audio solution for artists, operators, carriers, and device makers worldwide and is now available on more than 430 million products, including HDTVs, smartphones, tablets, PCs, game consoles, and Blu-ray™ players.

“Billions of devices are in the marketplace today, and Dolby is in a unique position to provide platforms that ensure people get the best entertainment experience,” said Ramzi Haidamus, Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Dolby. “Global adoption of Dolby Digital Plus demonstrates the industry’s confidence in Dolby’s ability to address a rapidly growing demand for HD content delivered across a wide range of products.”

Whether entertainment is delivered through broadcast, broadband, or wireless networks, Dolby expertise and technology help preserve and maintain the integrity of the artist’s content.

Showcasing Leadership in the HD Living Room

Located at booth 8153 in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention and World Trade Center, Dolby is demonstrating the widespread use of Dolby Digital Plus in home entertainment, including its presence on connected TVs and the world’s most popular and innovative video-on-demand (VOD) services.

Today, Dolby is announcing that HBO Go® will adopt Dolby Digital Plus to deliver content to connected TVs and Blu-ray™ players.

Additionally, Samsung™ will use Dolby Digital Plus to support its Acetrax™ application for Smart Blu-ray players and Smart Bluray home theater systems in Europe.

Chris Moseley, AV Product Manager, Samsung Electronics UK, stated: “With video on demand becoming increasingly popular, consumers are enjoying the convenience of pay-as-you-go services and the depth of choice of content on offer. We are delighted to announce that consumers no longer have to compromise sound quality to enjoy the convenience of streamed movies on demand when using a Samsung Smart Blu-ray product with Dolby Digital Plus.”

Both announcements underscore Dolby’s major role in providing high-quality sound for home entertainment and add to established VOD partnerships with CinemaNow®, Netflix®, and Vudu™.

Game consoles are one of the most popular and accessible ways to enjoy streaming content, and Dolby Digital Plus is the multichannel audio solution for Xbox 360® and PlayStation®3, providing people more access to HD content in surround sound.

Enhancing Broadcast Content Worldwide

Dolby Digital Plus is widely supported by the world’s leading content creators, distributors, and broadcast operators and has become an essential part of next-generation products from leading TV and set-top box manufacturers. In addition, Dolby Digital Plus is a part of broadcast standards for HDTV services throughout the world, including terrestrial broadcast specifications in France, Italy, Poland, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

Operators in emerging markets such as China and India are rapidly adopting Dolby Digital Plus, which is an optional audio technology for the Digital Terrestrial Multimedia Broadcasting (DTMB) Receiver Specification in China and enjoys support from direct-to-home (DTH) operators in India.

Defining the Sound of HD Entertainment on Portable Devices

As more people use portable devices for entertainment, Dolby is extending its home entertainment leadership to support outstanding HD entertainment on smartphones, tablets, and PCs. Major mobile operators, four of the top five mobile-phone makers, and six of the top 10 PC companies are using Dolby technologies to dramatically improve audio. Additionally, LG®, Motorola®, and Nokia® are using Dolby Digital Plus to create smartphones that can deliver the HD experience the artist intended.

Portable devices with Dolby technologies—including tablets from Acer®, Samsung, and ZTE®, and Ultrabook™ devices from Acer, HP®, and Toshiba®—are shipping into major markets. For a higher-quality movie experience on iPad®, iPhone®, and iPod® devices, Dolby is showing the first mobile application with Dolby Digital Plus, the CineXPlayer video player from NXP®.

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. S12/25212 DLB-G

Dolby Laboratories
Sean Durkin, 415-645-5176
sean.durkin@dolby.com

Source: Dolby Laboratories

News Provided by Acquire Media

China’s government warns notorious websites

January 11, 2012 – Widely used domestic video portals UUSee, VeryCD and Xunlei were recently warned by the National Copyright Administration of China (NCAC) because they failed to supply required copyright documentation for many of the online movies and TV dramas offered on their websites.

The warnings were issued after the NCAC launched a copyright examination campaign last April asking 18 national video websites to hand in lists of their 50 most popular movies and top 50 TV dramas, along with proof of authorization from copyright owners.

Source:
http://www.china.org.cn/business/2012-01/11/content_24380184.htm