Tokyo - Almost 10 million people, or about 10% of Japanese cell phone users, will be watching One Seg distribution of digital terrestrial TV signals by this summer as sales of 3G cell phones capable of receiving digital signals more than doubled in February over January, totaling about 5 million, according to Japan Electronics Information and Technology Association (JEITA). One Seg, meaning one of the 13 segments of digital terrestrial broadcasting frequencies used for distribution to cell … [Read more...] about Digital broadcasts to cell phones on the rise in Japan
people and appointments
Focus Media makes major online acquisition
Beijing—Focus Media, China’s largest overseas listed advertising firm, has acquired online advertising service firm Allyes for US$300 million, comprising US$70 million in cash and nearly 20 million newly issued Focus shares. Allyes, a provider of Internet advertising technology that allows advertisers to control creative production, tracking, targeting and performance analysis, will become a subsidiary of Focus Media. Shanghai-based Focus Media expects total revenues this year to hit $390 … [Read more...] about Focus Media makes major online acquisition
China to launch High Def broadcasts in October
Beijing—China Central TV will start broadcasting high-definition programmes in October, and the Chinese standard on terrestrial digital broadcasting will be implemented in August, according to Zhang Haitao, deputy director of the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT). Zhang said SARFT had formed six working groups in cooperation with several other ministries to implement the terrestrial digital broadcasting standard. Du Baichuan, chief engineer of SARFT, said China will … [Read more...] about China to launch High Def broadcasts in October
China’s first DBS system under construction
Beijing—China Direct Broadcasting Satellite Co., Ltd., a joint venture between China Satellite Communications Corporation and SINO Satellite Communications Co. Ltd., has begun building China’s first direct radio and television broadcasting system. China plans to use the SB4000 commercial satellite platform developed by France’s Alcatel Alenia Aerospace to launch its Chinasat 9 satellite in 2007, and the Chinese-made Dongfanghong IV satellite platform to launch SinoSat-4 in 2008. The … [Read more...] about China’s first DBS system under construction
Celestial Pictures reaches for the sky
Hong Kong- Celestial Pictures plans to produce between 120 and 150 hours of big budget drama series this year and to invest in and distribute 150 hours as a third party. Between its own output and acquisitions, the company aims to handle about 300 episodes annually, according to Chie Executive William Pfeiffer. On the slate are two co-productions with mainland China, including Empress Feng of Northern Wei Dynasty, a 40-episode series about the rise of Empress Feng during her reign over the … [Read more...] about Celestial Pictures reaches for the sky
Nat Geo Adventure to debut in 40 countries from May
Washington- National Geographic Channels International (NGCI) will launch the Nat Geo Adventure channel in more than 40 countries worldwide including Italy, Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Australia, Israel, Africa and the Middle East on May 1. Nat Geo Adventure programmes focus on the signature themes of National Geographic of adventure and exploration, which appeal to the younger audience. The channel aims to balance localized content with overarching story lines … [Read more...] about Nat Geo Adventure to debut in 40 countries from May
