MediaRecall is to represent a collection of more than 1,100 high quality HD clips shot in Beijing for licensing in advance of this summer’s Olympics.
The subject matter of the clips is diverse, ranging from Beijing lifestyle to footage of the venues and is being made available as stock footage for use in news and editorial programmes.
Made by NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation), MediaRecall is to be the only company to represent the footage in the USA.
It has agreed to represent MICO (Media International Corporation), the international distributor for the film-makers, for online stock footage licensing.
Over 90% of MICO’s award-winning documentaries, drama series and animations are produced in HD format.
Taneoka Hiroaki, President of Contents Gate, a Japanese content aggregator and MediaRecall partner for Japan, said the MICO cameramen had created something very special.
“Beijing footage is very rare to begin with, let alone HD,” he said. “We expect these clips to be widely licensed for commercial use by broadcast news outlets and for editorial programs.”
Contents Gate brings Japanese content such as anime, Manga, stock footage and film to the global marketplace.
Robin Rutledge, CEO of MediaRecall Holdings, said the Beijing footage would be available immediately on STOCKMediaRecall.com, its stock footage portal.
“The Beijing Olympics is surrounded with controversy, air quality, human rights issues,” he said. “Now we have HD footage available to support these important stories.”
Rutledge said he expected “explosive growth” in online content sales throughout Asia over the next few years.
He said creating trusted relationships with Japanese partners such as Contents Gate and MICO was the only way to be successful in acquiring quality Japanese content.
“We have a very close relationship with Contents Gate, who now represents MediaRecall in Asia,” he said.
“We expect to open a full digital facility in Tokyo by the end of 2008. Hiro Taneoka, is our key representative and is aggregating unique Asian content for online and mobile monetization, both in the USA and in Asia.
MediaRecall Holdings is a major provider of video archiving digital services and online delivery to TV stations, large video archives and collections and other video content holders.
Author: admin
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US firm signs deal to represent world's largest Beijing HD footage collection in advance of Olympic Games
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Samsung continues re-structuring following management changes
Samsung’s home-theater, DVD and Blu-ray-player businesses will be merged with the TV section as part of moves to change the way it operates.
Samsung Electronics Co, the flagship company of South Korean conglomerate Samsung Group, said the re-organisation within the digital-media division was part of a wider re-structuring.
Earlier this month, the executive who led Samsung Electronics Co to the top of the global electronics industry in the past decade, Yun Jong-yong, resigned as vice chairman and chief executive.
In April, the company’s chairman left abrubtly as part of a broad management shuffle.
Lee Yoon-woo, 62, the former chief of its chip division and a vice chairman, succeeded Mr. Yun. -
Blue Ray Technologies expansion includes Hollywood plant to serve new BD and HD demand
Blue Ray Technologies is planning to open multiple Blu-Ray disc production facilities across the U.S, starting with a facility near Hollywood to be close to the indie and major studios that have now all adopted Blu-ray.
The new facilities are designed to be capable of handling the next generation of movie and game discs, Blue-ray 2.0, which gives an interactive web dimension to the consumer, and offer up to “five layers of entertainment”, according to BRT founder Erick Hansen.
Erick Hansen, founder BRT Hansen, whose Hollywood move puts him closer to the studios he has worked with for years, has also been in negotiations with the major studios through an affiliated company for downloadable high definition content over the Internet.
While being a pioneer in DVD and now championing Blu-ray discs, Hansen also believes in delivering the best in movie and game content in whatever form the consumer wants it.
With the end of the format war, and 70% of the US having bought or buying HD screens (according to Nielsen figures) there is an “overwhelming” demand now for instant products in Blu-ray. Hansen says this is the present and future in the arena.
He said this means multiple production and shipping locations are needed to serve the demand, something never done before at this end of the industry.
Especially for TV shows, ranging from major sports reality TV shows, audiences want the programmes quickly.
The company is upgrading its Spokane, WA, plant and the new facilities will be closer to Hollywood studios and networks.
“We are looking for additional facilities in Southern California for the overwhelming demand for Blu-ray,” said Hansen.
He added: “We will be looking to add additional capacity in the Mid-West and East Coast.”
BRT’s expansion plans extend beyond the US: “By the end of the year, we will be working with strategic partnerships in Europe to build a world-class global digital distribution system.” -
Results shows global LCD TV sales outstripped plasma TV by 8:1 for Q1 of 2008
Over 21 million LCD TVs were sold in the first three months of 2008 compared to 2.8 million plasma sets, according to a data compiled by research firm DisplaySearch.
The total number of TVs sold during the period was 46.1 million, up only 1% compared to sales in 2007.
The slow-down in sales is largely attributed to a weaker US economy.
Overall revenue rose 8%, however, to $24.8 billion USD, thanks to increasing sales of larger, more expensive LCD and plasma displays.
Aging CRT TVs were still the best selling, with 22.1 million sold, with LCD closely behind at 21.1 million.
Plasma and rear projection televisions had sales of 2.8 million and 134,000 sold respectively.
Year-over-year CRT sales were down 21%, LCD up 45%, plasma up 20% and RPTV down 79%.
In terms of brands, Samsung led in revenue for the 9th straight quarter, with an impressive 39% year-over-year growth
Flat panel TV demand is expected to be strong overall in 2008 and manufacturers are to use smaller screen sizes and low-cost models to stimulate demand among price conscious consumers.
This strategy is also expected to be adopted to maintain growth in mature markets, particularly as many consumers look to buy their second or third flat panel TV.
In terms of brand, Samsung was the global brand share leader in revenues for the ninth straight quarter, improving to more than 20% for the first time on robust 39% year-on-year growth.
Samsung also had the top ranking on a unit basis. Sony was ranked second on a revenue basis for the third straight quarter, declining about a point to 13.2% revenue share after a very strong Q4 performance.
LGE remained in third place, leveraging a second place unit share position to offset lower ASPs. -
Chinese manufacturers given approval to produce Blu-ray discs
Eleven Chinese disc manufacturers, including TCL, Malata and Desay, have been authorized by Blu-ray Disc Association to produce Blue-Ray discs, CDs, and disc players next year.
According to president of Blu-ray Disc Association, each of the manufacturers have now turned to BD development since Toshiba’s withdrawal from the HD DVD camp in February this year and BDA’s member number has increased to 187 while that of International DVD Forum has decreased to 163 from 240.
It is estimated that the demand for consumer electronics and computers adopted with BD technology will reach 5.3 million this year and top 11 million by 2009.
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Consumers in emerging markets favour smaller-screen models or TV-viewing PC monitors over large flat-panel LCDs
TV screens sized 32 inches or smaller and high-definition TV-viewing PC monitors are proving to be a popular option for many price-conscious consumers in emerging markets, such as China, India and Russia.
This goes against the forecasts of LCD screen-makers who had expected premium 40-inch sets to be the biggest sellers and spent heavily in a race to build larger factories suited for larger panels.
However, it is 32-inch TVs that have proved to be the most popular model for those replacing conventional cathode-ray tubes, whose market size was around 100 million units in 2007, according to Lehman Brothers.
High-definition monitors adopting the wider TV screen format are increasingly sold for TV viewing, as new technology such as broadband TV has blurred the line between monitors and TVs.
Champ Shin, vice president in charge of TV screen sales at LG Display,
“As of now, 32-inch is almost one third of the market,” he told the Reuters Global Technology, Media and Telecoms Summit.
“Up to now most LCD makers had focused on large screens only. But the growth rate of larger screens seems to be a bit slow.
“And there’s big demand for … TVs using monitor panels or smaller TV panels.”
This has led LG Display to switch some of its TV panel capacity to computer screen production, building a new line for smaller panels and strengthening ties with Chinese TV makers.
The company anticipates that the popularity of small-size TVs will continue for the next few quarters as the US economy stutters and the Chinese TV market takes off ahead of the Olympics.
And HB Chen, CEOof Taiwan’s AU Optronics Corp, said sales of monitor panel TVs – so-called “moniTVs” – sales could more than double in 2009 to top 50 million units.
“All these monitors can still provide very good TV performance. MoniTVs are a new segment to grow,” he said.
The entry-level 15-inch models are for students or emerging market consumers, while 19-inch is becoming a mainstream in the moniTV market.
However, Nigel Lee, a fund manager at Taiwan’s National Investment Trust, said he didn’t expect the popularity of the small-size TVs to last long.
He said aggressive price-cutting by TV makers would soon spur up demand for larger sets.
“Do you want to have that (a moni-TV) in your living room? I don’t think so. Large-size TVs will still be king in the future,” he said.
A looming panel oversupply in 2009 will only help make bigger TVs affordable sooner than expected.
After an industry-wide spending curb last year, new capacity from top makers such as Samsung and LG Display is set to hit the market early next year.
Analysts expect prices of 40-inch grade TVs in the US to fall below $1,000 by the 2008 fourth quarter, boosting demand.
Jeff Kim, analyst at Hyundai Securities, said: “Forty- and 42-inch TVs, along with the 32-inch model, will become the mainstream in the global market by 2010,” he said.
The phase-out of analog broadcasting in the US in early 2009 is also expected to speed up TV replacement demand.
," Mike Splinter, CEO of Applied Materials Inc, said: “In the US, the sweet spot is quickly moving to 40 inches.
“It (TV size) is going to continue to move up for the next few generations. I don’t know where the limit is.”
Research firm iSuppli forecasts worldwide LCD TV sales volume to top 100 million this year and reach 194 million in 2012. LCD TV shipments were at 78.5 million units in 2007. -
Young adults aged between 16-27 are driving demand for HDTV, according to Motorola study
Research by Motorola shows that young adults have a huge influence on their parents’ buying decisions for HDTV sets and programming packages.
The “always-on” generation are hungry for more control over when and where they access rich content such as high-definition (HD) programming and cable TV, the study found.
The ability to time-shift with DVRs and have access to HD programming were both highly desirable features.
In fact, data from Motorola’s study demonstrates the growth opportunity for service providers in bringing these services to the so-called Millennial generation (young adults aged 16-27) who don’t already have them.
The survey of 1,000 young adults found they are not only looking for more rich media, they are also greatly influencing the buying decisions for the services and technologies in the home and on the go.
The research found that 62 per cent of Millennials have influence over which HDTV set and programming package to buy.
And 70 per cent feel their expectations and demands are far greater than their parents’ for rich media experiences (such as mobile TV or video) and on-the-go broadband access.
Eduardo Conrado, corporate vice president, global marketing and communications, Motorola Inc., said the study explores how the preferences and habits of today’s Millennials are shaping the future of content consumption.
“With the Millennial generation, connectivity is an absolute must-have, as they’ve grown up with technology and the Internet,” he said.
“Millennials are now looking to make their connectivity more personalized and take experiences from ‘primetime’ to ‘my time.’
“This study provides a clear barometer to share with our customers that shows the changes in demand and growth opportunities as these critical users continue to
Other findings were that: * 46 per cent of Millennials already have HDTV, while 43 percent indicate they would like to have it.
* 73 percent of Millennials with HDTV access “love” current HD programming, while 35 percent of those with HDTV are looking forward to having a broader selection of HD programming offered in the future. -
Samsung reveals first ultra HD 82-inch LCD panel
Samsung has unveiled the first ultra HD 82-inch LCD panel at the Society for Information Display (SID) 2008 International Symposium in the US.
The company rolled out the monster with an ultra definition (UD) resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels with a 120Hz refresh rate – double the pixel count of Full HD, which stands at 1920 x 1080 pixels.
Video is refreshed at 120Hz – currently the highest refresh rate on LCD TVs – which makes fast-moving video less blurry.
Kim Sang-soo, executive vice president of Samsung’s LCD Technology Center, said: “I personally hope the next-generation ultra-high definition level in the LCD panel market will open soon, with increasing consumer demand for clear viewing in households and public spaces, he said.
Samsung also exhibited an 82-inch LCD e-Board using Ultra-HD technology. -
WealthTV's HD channels will continue to be broadcast via Intelsat's Galaxy 13 satellite
19 May 2008
WealthTV’s HD channels will continue to be broadcast via Intelsat’s Galaxy 13 satellite
WealthTV, the luxury lifestyle and entertainment network, has signed a long-term extension of its transponder service agreement with Intelsat, Ltd., the world’s leading provider of commercial satellite services.
Under the terms of the agreement, Intelsat’s Galaxy 13 satellite will continue to deliver WealthTV’s digital and high definition feeds to US cable, telco, and direct broadcast satellite (DBS) providers across North America.
Charles Herring, president of WealthTV, said Intelsat’s Galaxy fleet offered the premier high definition neighborhood for cable networks transmitting into the North American region.
“Our extension with Intelsat will let our distribution partners know that our feeds will remain available for years to come and the additional satellite capacity secured allows for future expansions,” he said.
WealthTV uplinks directly to Galaxy 13 from its headquarters and high definition production studios located in San Diego, California.
The on-site uplink of WealthTV provides direct control and avoids possible signal integrity loss associated with compression or transmission of the signal terrestrially over long distances.
Kurt Riegelman, Intelsat’s Senior Vice President, Global Sales, said WealthTV was one of Galaxy’s original HD networks when it launched its services in June 2004. He said the extension demonstrated WealthTV’s continued confidence in the Galaxy fleet as the premier HD platform.
“As high definition programming services continue to grow, the Galaxy fleet is the source for efficient, high value satellite distribution across North America,” he said.
Intelsat’s Galaxy neighborhood offers satellite transmission services for HD and standard definition programming being distributed via cable, video, and DBS providers across North America.
Located at 127 degrees west in the US cable arc, Galaxy 13 is the premier HD neighborhood, featuring many of the top HD cable programming networks in the United States. -
US cable network leads the HD revolution
Innovation and focusing on the customer is ensuring the US cable network leads the digital and high-definition revolution, according to the president and CEO of the National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA).
Speaking on the eve of the 2008 Cable Show in New Orleans, Kyle McSlarrow said that in the space of a few years US viewers had gone from having just nine HD networks to more than 75 today.
“You realize that in the space of literally three years, this industry has positioned itself to lead with relentless innovation,” he said.
“Our entire industry is leading the digital and high definition revolution.”
McSlarrow said that by the time the association met next year the US would have completed the broadcasters’ digital transition.
Mr. Kyle McSlarrow He said he was confident the cable industry will have played a key role in the success of that change and added: “But we are also going through our own transition. When one considers that just a few years ago, most customers watched analog television…that there were only nine high definition networks and more than 75 today.
“That this year will see both the introduction of the tru2way platform and interactive televisions sold at retail, creating a national and open platform for innovation.”
As well as HDTV, McSlarrow pointed to the growth in broadband and digital phone services offered by NCTA’s members.
He said it was the industry’s willingness to listen to its customers and to the communities it served, to invest, to innovate, and to compete, that would drive and grow members’ businesses for years to come.
Even in the face of an uncertain economy and the most intense competition ever experienced, the cable industry was growing – and growing in a way that sets it apart.
“The value proposition we offer consumers is extraordinary and it gets better, not worse, year after year,” he said.
“Cable networks invest in better content and more high definition and consumers watch more of it.
“Cable operators invest in better platforms with faster speeds and more services, and consumers want more of it.”