IT was at last year’s Asia TV Forum that the announcement was made of MediaCorp’s intention to commercially launch a free-to-air HDTV channel before the end of 2007. This followed an extensive HDTV trial, initiated from June 2006 which saw 1000 households, community clubs and retail outlets experience HD programmes – including popular imported fare such as CSI and Smallville; MediaCorp’s locallyproduced productions; as well as co-productions with China.“Since we … [Read more...] about MediaCorp’s HD5 goes ‘free to- air’
Content
Game On for STAR
ANTICIPATING a worldwide boom in gaming, STAR has formed joint ventures with DirecTV in the US and with sister company BSkyB in the UK to invest in and broadcast the first international professional video gaming league.Launched this year, the Championship Gaming Series (CGS) gives players the chance to turn professional and to win prize money totaling $US1 million.Aiming to cater for a wide variety of interests, participants play games such as racing (PGR 3), soccer (FIFA 2007), martial arts … [Read more...] about Game On for STAR
Judgement Day
“WHAT gets me hooked on TV these days are episodic content that packs enough interesting plot twists and character development into each installment, making for highly engaging viewing. Ugly Betty is a good yardstick,” explains Danny Chan, Editor, Asia Image. As for what a Superpitch 2.0 entry needs to capture Chan’s attention, he says he’s looking for a well researched business proposal that is pitching a novel idea/ concept. “Of course, we’re also looking … [Read more...] about Judgement Day
AXN – Evolution
“AXN is an international brand born in Asia,” explains Michael Grindon, President, Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI), which is responsible for all of SPE’s television, mobile and digital distribution businesses outside of the US.“We knew that action and adventure was popular in this region; we obviously wanted movies to be an important part of the mix, and we also wanted to screen new series from the US and elsewhere. The anime component now has a channel of … [Read more...] about AXN – Evolution
Producers look to new kids on the block
THE annual Asia Television Forum which kicks off on Nov. 28 in Singapore looms as a crucially important event for producers and distributors of children’s programming.And not just as a venue to close or announce deals that were initiated at MIPCOM 2007.Generating revenues in Asia from the established channels as well as the IPTV, VOD and mobile TV ‘new kids on the block,’ has become even more vital as the BBC and ITV and some other European broadcasters have cut back on … [Read more...] about Producers look to new kids on the block
Battle over content code rages in India
THE Indian Government’s Ministry of Information andBroadcasting has drawn up a Content Code after several TV channels were taken off air this year for periods ranging from 30-60 days.The Code sets out principles to which broadcasters and advertisers are expected to adhere, with the aim of ensuring program content “is suitable for the viewing or listening experience of the public at large.”Moreover, the Code will introduce classification of programs and advertisements as U … [Read more...] about Battle over content code rages in India