Seoul - Microsoft Korea is to develop a global media hub (GMH) service with KT and SBSi that will enable both content providers and content service providers to trade and deliver digital content. KT Future Technology Laboratory, SBSi (digital media subsidiary of the Seoul Broadcasting System) and Microsoft Korea will jointly develop and test the pilot service. Microsoft Korea will provide the platform solution; SBSi will provide available content, including Korean and international TV shows and … [Read more...] about Microsoft Korea, SBSi and KT to pilot digital service
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James Packer steps down as PBL Media chairman
Sydney- James Packer has stepped down as chairman of PBL Media, owner of the Nine network and ACP magazines, after the Packer-controlled PBL reduced its stake from 50% to 25%, ceding control to its joint venture partner CVC Asia Pacific. CVC partner Adrian MacKenzie becomes chairman of PBL Media, with the Packer-appointed Ian Law continuing as Chief Executive. Packer will remain on the PBL Media board. PBL sold the 25% stake to CVC for A$515 million (US$426 million). PBL also agreed to sell its … [Read more...] about James Packer steps down as PBL Media chairman
SICAF draws big crowds, hundreds of buyers and production companies
Seoul- The 11th Seoul International Cartoon & Animation Festival (SICAF), which ran May 23-25 at SETEC, drew 130,000 visitors and copious entries for the SICAF Promotion Plan (SPP) Project Competition, the animation festival and the international digital cartoon sidebar. The SPP attracted 360 companies and 270 buyers from 21 countries including the U.S., Canada, Spain, France, Japan and China; last year there were around 100 buyers and 220 companies participated. Prize-winners in the SPP Project … [Read more...] about SICAF draws big crowds, hundreds of buyers and production companies
Jupiter companies to merge to boost subscribers
Tokyo- Jupiter Telecommunications, Japan's largest MSO with 2.67 million subscribers, is merging with Jupiter TV, which operates 17 cable and satellite channels, effective Sept. 1. First, Jupiter TV is being reorganized into a new entity, New Jupiter TV, housing 16 channels, by July 2. This new company will then merge with Jupiter Telecommunications, in which Sumitomo and Liberty own a 63% stake through a joint venture, LGI/Sumisho Super Media. "We will make maximum use of our management … [Read more...] about Jupiter companies to merge to boost subscribers
Broadcast Australia hosts new DVB-H trial
Sydney- Broadcast transmission services provider Broadcast Australia is hosting a new trial of digital video broadcasting to handheld (DVB-H) mobile TV services at its Gore Hill site in Sydney. The three-month trial which began May 7 is a collaboration between Broadcast Australia, digital video solutions group Thomson Grass Valley and digital content protection specialist Irdeto, the trial license-holder. Broadcast Australia provides the RF transmission infrastructure for the trial broadcast on … [Read more...] about Broadcast Australia hosts new DVB-H trial
New producers’ tax rebates in Australia certain to pump production
Sydney- The new producers' tax rebates of 40% of Australian spending for feature films and 20% for TV drama, children's drama and documentaries will generate "a great deal of new production activity," according to leading entertainment lawyer Ian Robertson. He said the TV rebate will chiefly benefit the bigger production companies which have a solid track record and can achieve significant through-put, and thus help the industry become a real business, moving away from project-to-project … [Read more...] about New producers’ tax rebates in Australia certain to pump production