Flat Panel Display revenues forecast to fall in 2015

Flat Panel Display Revenues Forecast to Fall in 2015, IHS Says

• TFT LCD revenues expected to decline sharply this year, and OLED is the only display technology with an expected revenue increase

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Led by declining thin-film-transistor liquid-crystal display (TFT LCD) revenues, global flat panel display (FPD) industry revenue is forecast to fall 2 percent, from $131.4 billion in 2014 to $129 billion in 2015. Dwindling TFT LCD display revenues, declining panel demand in the PC sector, along with ongoing panel-price erosion are the primary reasons for overall FPD revenue declines this year, according to IHS Inc. (NYSE: IHS), the leading global source of critical information and insight.

After growth last year, global TFT LCD display revenue is expected to decline 3 percent, from $120 billion in 2014 to $115.8 billion this year. However, IHS expects a return to TFT LCD market revenue growth in 2016. Plasma, cathode-ray tube (CRT), passive-matrix liquid crystal display (LCD) and electronic paper display (EPD) are also facing revenue declines, as some technologies become obsolete and others lack new applications. Organic light-emitting diode (OLED) is the only display technology expected to grow in 2015, according to the latest IHS Display Long-Term Demand Forecast Tracker.

TFT LCD display revenues grew 5 percent last year, from $114.4 billion to $120 billion, due mainly to strong growth in LCD TV panel shipments and higher panel prices. However this year the TFT LCD market is expected to decline for the following reasons:

• Falling demand for panels used in tablets, notebooks and desktop monitors
• Price erosion for smartphone panels in 2015, due to sharp increases in production for low-temperature polysilicon (LTPS) TFT LCD panels, which provide higher resolution and lower power consumption
• Declining open-cell LCD TV panel prices, including 4K UHD TV panels

Even as revenues decline in 2015, area demand for TFT LCD is still expected to grow nearly 4 percent, from 165.5 million square meters in 2014 to 172 million square meters in 2015. This shows that the revenue decline is being driven by average selling price (ASP) erosion.

“Panel prices are eroding for several reasons, including the swing in LCD TV panel inventory from limited supply to over-supply, which began in the second quarter of this year,” said David Hsieh, senior director of display research for IHS. “Other reasons include falling demand in the PC sector, and panel-capacity expansion pressure on smartphone displays, especially in LTPS panels. The entire FPD supply chain now must shift focus from growth to cost reduction, in order to maintain profitability.”

Active-matrix OLED (AMOLED) display revenues are projected to reach $11.8 billion in 2015, up 36 percent from 2014. Passive-matrix OLED (PMOLED) revenues are projected to reach $450 million this year, up 22 percent from last year.

“AMOLED growth is based on several factors, including soaring smartphone OLED display shipments, growth in OLED TV panel shipments, the expansion of OLED into tablet PCs and increased use in wearable devices, like Apple Watch. Flexible OLED is a key feature driving AMOLED revenues, especially given its higher ASP, attractive features and great value,” Hsieh said.

TFT LCD revenues in 2016 are expected to grow just over 1 percent, year over year, to reach $117.4 billion. The main reasons for the growth are further expansion of LCD TV features, such as larger display size, wider color gamut and further penetration of 4K UHD TV. These features will keep ASP rising; meanwhile, the emergence of the 4K displays for tablets, smartphones and desktop monitors will further increase ASP. Newer automotive displays, smart watches, public displays and other new applications will also add to TFT LCD revenue growth in 2016.

The IHS Display Long-Term Demand Forecast Tracker covers worldwide shipments and forecasts for all major FPD applications, including information from more than 140 FPD producers, covering more than ten countries.

Zambian pay TV revenues to rise with advent of new DTT bouquet

Dataxis research analizes the FTA and Pay-TV markets in Zambia

MAURITIUS — The Zambian Pay-TV market saw subscriber revenues total approximately US$21.13 million in 2014, growing in value by 121% since 2008. Dataxis forecasts that revenues will grow to US$53.26 million by end-2018 with Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) taking an increasing proportion of the total following the licensing of a new player in 2015/16.

MultiChoice Africa launched the GOtv DTT platform in partnership with Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) in June, 2011, and is currently the only DTT provider in the country. However, tender for a private digital signal distributor will be held soon to operate in tandem with the state-owned signal distributor – ZNBC, according to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services.

Star Software Technology (a subsidiary of Chinese DTT provider, StarTimes) won Phase I of the digital migration tender for ZNBC in April, 2014, which includes 12 digital transmitters valued at US$9.55 million. Contracts for a further 72 sites in Phase II and III, to be installed in all districts and remote parts of the country respectively, have not yet been awarded.

A new report from Dataxis – Pay-TV/ FTA Broadcasting in Zambia – shows DTH accounted for 62% of total pay-TV subscribers end-2014 – an increase of 20% on end-2013. There are currently four pay-DTH providers – DStv, Zuku, My TV and Muvi TV. Muvi TV is an analogue broadcaster which launched pay-DTH services in December, 2014. Zuku also launched in December, while a fifth provider – StarSat, the StarTimes-owned DTH platform, is currently looking for distributors to start selling its service.
DStv had the largest installed base of the four platforms end 2014 with a 94% market share, followed by Zuku with 3%.

BSkyB adds 113,000 TV subscribers in 2Q 2015

SKY plc has announced results for the twelve months ended 30 June 2015.

Across its five territories – BSkyB (UK, Ireland), Sky Deutschland (Germany, Austria) & Sky Italia (Italy) – Sky added just under a million new customers at 973,000. This was 45% more than the prior year and included 158,000 new customers in Q4. At the same time, Sky increased its paid-for subscription products by 4.6 million for the year, reflecting strong demand across the breadth of its offering. This included 829,000 new paid-for products in Q4.

In its results presentation, Sky confirmed that, from the end of 2017, it is planning to deploy a unified set-top box to cover all of its five territories.

UK and Ireland (BSkyB)

Quarterly TV growth increased by 49% to 113,000, while broadband additions of 96,000 were up 92% year on year.

In the UK and Ireland, Sky connected more than one million set-top boxes to the internet to surpass 7 million households.

Dish TV Q1 profits reach INR542 million

Dish TV India, the direct-to-home arm of the Essel Group, reported a net profit of INR542 million for the quarter that ended June, 2015. The growth during the period was attributed to HD channels uptake as well as expansion of Dish’s regional offering, Zing.

“Zing contributed around 22 per cent of our total sales and HD channels 20 per cent. Zing is the acquiring new markets for us in DAS Phase 3 & 4 markets. It helped us in increasing in volumes and revenue growth,” Dish TV CEO RC Venkateish told the Press Trust of India.

The company had posted INR150 million loss during the corresponding quarter of last year. Its consolidated operating revenue for the current quarter was at INR7.36 billion, up 19.2% from INR6.18 billion in 2014. Average Revenue per User (ARPU) at Rs. 173 vs. Rs. 172 (in Q4 FY15, reports Exchange4media.

Dish TV added 390,000 net subscribers during the quarter that ended June, 2015. Most of the new subscribers were from digital addressable system or DAS Phase 3 and 4 areas. According to the company, its total subscriber base currently stands at 13.3 million, reports Business Standard.

“The impending DAS Phase 3 & 4 markets have an 80 million household potential, a large part of which is expected to be lapped up by the prominent DTH players in the country,” said Subhash Chandra, Dish TV chairman. “It (Dish TV) has been at the forefront when it comes to gaining incremental subscribers in the highly competitive DTH industry in India.

The DTH service provider recently entered the Sri Lankan TV market.

Bulgaria’s top cableco Blizoo sold

Telekom Austria’s Bulgarian subsidiary Mobiltel has acquired 100% of blizoo, the country’s leading cable operator, from EQT V for an undisclosed fee.

The deal will be financed via existing cash flow and is expected to close in Q4 2014, subject to merger control clearance.

Commenting on the acquisition, Alejandro Plater, CEO Telekom Austria Group, said: “The acquisition of blizoo is another step to further develop our challenging Bulgarian market. We see a huge growth potential together with Mobiltel in the strongly rising fixed-line segment, which will be ultimately beneficial for our Bulgarian customers”.

Thanasis Katsiroumpas, CEO Mobiltel Bulgaria, added: “This move opens a broad range of exciting opportunities for Mobiltel and strengthens our fixed-line portfolio. We are looking forward to a positive decision of the authorities as the acquisition would contribute to a better market environment and higher investments in the Bulgarian economy”.

Harald Rösch, CEO blizoo Bulgaria, said: “The majority of our customers take advantage of blizoo’s multi-play offering already today; but in combination with Mobiltel, we will be able to offer the full four-play service spectrum to our customer base and this also offers great opportunities for further growth”.

blizoo is the second largest fixed-line operator in Bulgaria and has an 8% share in the fixed broadband market and an 11% share in the TV market, according to Telekom Austria Group estimates.

Furthermore, the company currently has approximately 373,000 subscribers who obtain fixed voice, broadband and TV products via DOCSIS 3 technology. In total blizoo covers 1.3 million households.

In 2014, revenues and EBITDA amounted to approximately €47 million and €19 million respectively.

Telefónica doubles pay-TV subs and profits

Telefónica nearly doubled its pay-TV subscriber base in its home market in the year to June 30.

Latest results published by the company show that it ended the second quarter with 2.2 million customer, or 1.8 times more than at the same time last year. Meanwhile, Movistar Fusión had 3.9 million customers as of the end of June, and of these 52% had signed up for pay-TV services, a 25 percentage points increase year-on-year.

Telefónica as a whole saw its net profit double year-on-year to €3,693 million in the first half of 2015. It has also raised its revenue growth guidance for the full year to over 9.5% from a previous 7%+.

Separately, El Pais reports that Telefónica has sold the rights to La Liga and Copa del Rey to Vodafone and Orange for a combined total believed to be around €100 million. The rights do not include the Champions League, which have been secured by Mediapro.

Sky Deutschland takes OTT service to LG smart TV sets

German pay-TV broadcaster Sky Deutschland has made its OTT service Sky Online available to the owners of smart TV sets from LG (all WebOS models) in Germany and Austria.

The Sky Online app enables viewers to receive Sky Deutschland’s movie, series and live sports lineup – including the football Bundesliga – without a conventional subscription. A satellite dish, cable or IPTV subscription is not necessary as the signals are distributed to the TV screen through the internet.

As part of the partnership with LG, every buyer of a new LG smart TV set between August 1 and September 30, 2015 will receive three Sky Starter one-month tickets and three Sky Supersport day tickets forSky Online free of charge.

Sky Online launched in October 2014 and is accessible via web, iPad, iPhone, Android smartphones and tablets, Xbox One, Samsung smart TV sets and the Roku-powered Sky Online TV Box.

The offering which is available from €9.99 per month can be cancelled monthly.

New landmark for 4K sales

Worldwide 4K TV shipments are expected to exceed 30 million units this year.

According to a report by Futuresource Consulting, this will represent an increase of 147% despite an overall fall of 2% in TV sales.

Global TV sales rose in 2014 by 3% to reach 235 million units, with
trade value up to $94 billion. However, the TV market landscape remained varied across the globe, with Latin America and Europe enjoying growth, the latter by 3%, and APAC a reduction despite still account for the most shipments (37%). With saturation in many countries in APAC relatively low, growth is expected to return in coming years.

Looking specifically at 2015, Futuresource expects global trade to fall by 3% to $91 billion, due mainly to economic problems in China and Russia, as well as in many European markets. It nevertheless adds that the decline will not last, with strong growth in curved screens predicted this year, helped by growth in the 4K market, and smart TV continuing to increase its market share, though not at the pace previously anticipated.

Jack Wetherill, senior market analyst, Futuresource Consulting, said: “Although we expect to see a decrease in worldwide shipments in 2015, Futuresource expects the TV market to recover well in the longer term.

“In the coming years Futuresource believes that replacement demand will increase with sets bought at the start of flat panel boom being upgraded. Also, the shift in consumer preference to larger screen sizes will help the performance of 4K sets.”

German WISI Group takes over majority in Inca Networks

WISI Group, a German provider of broadband reception and distribution technologies, has acquired the majority stake in Inca Networks, a Canadian provider of multiscreen video delivery solutions.

Following the strategic move of which financial details have not been disclosed, both companies now want to work together on the global development and delivery of linear IP video and over-the-top (OTT) multiscreen solutions, including project focus on HEVC video compression and transcoding, network DVR, confidence monitoring and personalised ad insertion.

“We are very pleased to announce this partnership with WISI,” Jeff Campbell, CEO of Inca Networks, said in Vancouver. “With WISI, we have found a partner with the history, scale and worldwide presence, to make Inca a truly global player in intelligent video delivery. This relationship will allow us to accelerate our growth, serve an increasingly diverse international client base and deliver comprehensive and innovative new solutions to our customers around the world.”

WISI will become the exclusive distributor for Inca’s video transcoding and multiscreen products in Europe, Asia, South America, Africa and the Middle East while Inca Networks will become the exclusive North American partner for WISI’s modular RF/IP platforms, Chameleon and Tangram as well as the Optopus FTTH product range.

“As the cable TV business evolves from RF to a more IP-centric model, this investment in Inca solidifies WISI’s position as a leader at the crossroads of next generation video,” said Axel Sihn, CEO of WISI Group. “The reception, processing and transmission capabilities of the WISI products, combined with Inca’s powerful VidiOS software and linear and multiscreen hardware will enable video operators to deploy complete systems to meet the demands of today’s highly mobile and technology-savvy video consumer.”

Inca products are now available globally via existing WISI sales channels. WISI products are now in field trials with a number of North American operators and are available via existing Inca sales channels.

Videocon d2h releases Direct To Mobile TV app

Videocon d2h Strengthens OTT Commitment With Launch Of Direct To Mobile TV App

• Gives Viewers Mobile Access to 70+ Live TV Channels and 3000+ Movies and Videos

MUMBAI, India — Videocon d2h Limited (NASDAQ:VDTH) (“Videocon d2h”), India’s most valued company on the NASDAQ, has reinforced its investment in over-the-top (OTT) services with the launch of a mobile TV app. The new app, called Direct to Mobile TV, will make it possible for Videocon d2h subscribers to watch television anytime, anywhere on their mobile phones.

Easily downloadable from the App Store (for iPhone users) and the Google Play Store (for Android users), the Direct to Mobile TV app will give viewers instant access to a wide range of news, entertainment, sports and movie channels. Videocon d2h subscribers can watch more than 70 select live TV channels and more than 3000 movies and videos available in the library. The offerings to keep viewers entertained on the go includes popular channels, such as Sony TV, Sony MAX, Sony Music, Sab TV, AajTak and many other regional language channels. The existing Videocon d2h subscribers can view these channels using the Direct to Mobile TV app for Rs. 60 per month. This service also features a program guide, show reminders and social media integration, besides the What’s Hot section.

Mr. Saurabh Dhoot, Executive Chairman, Videocon d2h, said: “We are happy to be on the leading edge of India’s OTT revolution with the launch of our Direct to Mobile TV app. This is an important move for Videocon d2h, as we strengthen our commitment to introducing new technologies to our subscribers, allowing them to have a robust and enhanced experience while viewing our content. We are confident that an increasing number of consumers will enjoy this offering in the days to come.”

Mr. Anil Khera, CEO, Videocon d2h, said: “With our new Direct to Mobile TV app, Videocon d2h’s subscribers will never have to miss their favorite shows while on the move. We believe it affirms our continuous focus on innovation and our ability to deliver high quality solutions and services. We are sure that this mobile TV app will be of great interest to our viewers and will ensure our prominent presence in the OTT space.”

Videocon d2h has always strived to bring the latest innovations to its consumers, keeping in sync with India’s leading edge in technology. The Direct to Mobile TV service targets an increasing number of working professionals, shoppers and students spending time outside their homes with round-the-clock access to TV, films and other desired programs regardless of location.

Orion Express growth continues

The Russian DTH platform Orion Express grew its subscriber base by 5% in the first half of this year.

According to results published by AKTR and the company, it amounted to 2.7 million as of the end of last month, or 119,000 more than as of December 31 last year.

The strongest growth was seen in St Petersburg and the Leningrad region (15% each), followed by Moscow (14%).

Significantly, ARPU also increased in the first six months of this year, up to R79 (€1.24) for the budget package and R249 on average.

Orion Express’s good performance comes against the backdrop of a slowdown in the Russian pay-TV market and crisis in the economy.

It has recently added to its channel offer without increasing subscription fees.

Technicolor to acquire Cisco STB business for €550m

Technicolor has entered into an exclusive agreement with Cisco to acquire its customer premises equipment (CPE) business for €550 million in a cash and stock transaction.

The acquisition includes all of Cisco’s cable modem and set-top box businesses. The move underlines further consolidation in the STB business following the recent acquistiion of Pace by Arris.

Cisco already considered a sale of the set-top box division it purchased from Scientific-Atlanta in 2012 as the company became disenchanted with the market which has changed dramatically since the $7 billion purchase.

In the same year, Technicolor CEO Frederic Rose also said that he was in talks with a number of companies to take a stake in its loss-making set-top box business.

Technicolor and Cisco will also enter into a strategic partnership that will allow both companies to develop and deliver next generation video and broadband technologies, with cooperation on Internet of Things (IoT) solutions and services.

Technicolor and Cisco also have signed a long-term patent cross-licensing agreement that covers specific intellectual property and patents from both companies. As part of the strategic agreement and after the transaction has closed, Hilton Romanski, SVP and Chief Strategy Officer of Cisco, will join Technicolor’s Board of Directors.

“We know that video expertise is essential to the future of creating outstanding network and home infrastructure products and services,” said Frederic Rose, CEO of Technicolor.

“Through this acquisition and strategic agreement, Technicolor can immediately bring its unrivalled experience and innovation in video creation, delivery, and display to more customers in more geographies, while strengthening our position as a technology leader.”

“The strategic relevance of video to every consumer, business, city and country around the world is only growing, and the market is moving rapidly,” said John Chambers, chairman and CEO of Cisco.

“This is the right time and we have the right company in Technicolor to drive the future of the CPE business to deliver what our customers and partners need, today and into the future. At Cisco, we are prioritizing our investments to deliver on our strategy of video in the cloud, and will partner with Technicolor to position the CPE business and employees for future success.”

In a company blog, Cisco ‘s Hilton Romanski wrote: “Ten years ago we entered the set-top box business because of the role it played in our service provider customers’ business. Connected devices have delivered $27 billion of aggregate revenue to Cisco since then. This technology continues to be critical for these customers. We are proud of the contribution this business and its people have made to Cisco over many years. This includes providing new innovations, expanding important markets, and deepening our service provider relationships. We now believe that the time is right, and Technicolor is the right partner, to take this business to the next stage of evolution and growth.”

The acquisition should result in Technicolor’s Connected Home segment reaching adjusted EBITDA in excess of €200 million by year-end 2016 and best-in-class profitability (i.e.8-9% adjusted EBITDA margin) by 2017.

Cisco will receive approximately €413 million ($450 million) in cash and approximately €137 million ($150 million) in newly issued Technicolor shares.

The transaction is expected to close by the end of the fourth quarter of 2015 or during the first quarter of 2016, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

Broadband TV Views. Consolidation in the STB segment of the business is moving fast. No wonder, as these ‘old school’ devices are set to make room for cloud-based and software driven services.

Arris acquired its competitors Motorola and Pace, but also laid its hands on ActiveVideo Networks, a company that is ahead in the business of cloud delivered interactive services and STB virtualisation.

LIkewise, Irdeto has now partnered with CAM munifactirer SMiT and Samsung to deliver direct-to-TV services to Indonesia’s Transvision pay TV platform, pointing the way to a STB-less future.

In 2012, Samsung also pioneered with Estonia’s Telia with a direct-to-TV service.

SMiT is also working to launch an IPTV version of its CAM using the CI Plus 1.4 standard.

At the same time, TV Everywhere is developing fast with streaming channels and on-demand content becoming available on a variety of devices, including tablets and smart phones. Meanwhile, these mobile devices are now also talking to smart TV sets making a move away from traditional STBs inevitable.

Rapid growth for OTT TV in Germany and Austria

Connected television in Germany and Austria has now passed the threshold into rapid and sustained growth, qaccording to a new report by Deadline Media.

The total number of sVoD subscriber grew by 46% in the first six months of 2015. This is without any noticeable cord cutting.

“The primary challenge of OTT TV is to advertising-funded broadcasters as the market becomes increasingly dominated by big US internet platforms, notably Google,” said Roger Stanyard, author of the report Connected TV in Germany and Austria.

“We believe that the advertising-funded broadcasters are now living on borrowed time, despite an expected increase in advertising revenues of 1.9-2.8% in 2015.”

Conventional linear scheduled low and premium pay television will continue to grow in importance, not least because Sky Deutschland has hedged its bets against online delivery of content. Germans are now rapidly taking pay television. Subscriptions to pay-TV are currently growing at 12% a year.

Neither German nor Austrian broadcasters can, any longer, rely on the peculiarities of their domestic markets to protect them from the winds of change. That is the internationalisation of television led by immensely powerful global players. It is a matter of deep political concern at the highest political levels in Germany and the European Union.

Connected Television in Germany and Austria shows that Amazon Prime Instant Video is currently market leader in the sVoD market place with 1,234,000 subscribers as at end of June 2015. Maxdome and Netflix were level pegging, each with 600,000 subscribers and Watchever with around 100,000.

The total number of sVoD subscriber grew by a very healthy 46% in the first six months of 2015.

Catchup TV (using HbbTV) has undoubtedly been a big success in Germany and Austria but its use by the average consumer is generally below that seen in other Western countries.
Some 16% of consumers used it within the last week compared to 26% in the USA, 36% in France and 48% in the UK.

The OTT TV environment in Germany and Austria is now very benign. By year-end 2015 58% of households are expected to own a smart TV by the end of 2015. At least 75% of these are expected to be connected to broadband, cheap streaming media dongles and boxes also make physical connection an irrelevant issue.

More information about the report Connected TV in Germany and Austria. can be downloaded from our website; the report can also be ordered from the Broadband TV News webshop.

MTS to launch OTT service

Russia’s MTS will launch an OTT service in August aimed at LG connected TV users.

According to ComNews, it has been developed by the company SPB TV and will not require customers to use any additional equipment such as STBs or to enter into new contracts.

Quoting Dmitry Solodovnikov, a spokesman for MTS, it adds that the OTT service, known as MTS TV, will offer 130 TV channels, as well as 100 full-length feature films from Miramax and series from the BBC.

Additional packages will be available for a subscription fee and the service will be accessible on smartphones, tablets, laptops and PCs.

Solodovnikov also said that MTS TV should be available on all smart TV models by the end of the year.

The company is the final stages of negotiations with Samsung.

Data produced by J’son & Partners Consulting indicates that TV sales in Russia were 5.1% higher in 2014 than the previous year, with smart models accounting for around 39% of the total.

The total number of smart TVs in Russia is expected to reach 29.8 million, or 22% of the total TV installed base, by 2017.

Q1FY2016: Videocon d2h adds 460,000 net subscribers

Videocon d2h added 460,000 net subscribers in Q1FY16. The company reported an increase of 23.3% in revenue from operations year on year) for the period that ended 30 June, 2015.

According to the direct-to-home service provider, subscription revenue has reached INR5.99 billion, up 32.2% year on year. Revenue from operations currently stands at INR 6.63 billion. The average revenue per user or ARPU is at INR205. Net loss for the year was at INR244 million.

“We are pleased to declare a strong set of results for the quarter ended June 30, 2015 and are on track to achieve the guidance provided for fiscal 2016. With a strong subscriber growth outlook, DTH sector gaining market share over cable and an improving ARPU scenario; we believe we are just at the beginning of a multi-year strong growth opportunity,’ said Videocon d2h executive chairman Saurabh Dhoot.

Anil Khera, CEO of Videocon d2h said that the third leg of TV digitisation in India- the phase III of Digital Addressable System- will give the company more room to grow. “We believe around 100 mn homes will be up for grabs by digital cable and DTH operators in the next 4-5 years,” he said, according to a press release from the company.

Videocon d2h added over 610,000 gross subscribers this year. Churn was at 0.46% per month.

ACTV launches Nigeria's first CAM-Card for Smart TVs

African Cable Television (ACTV) the newest entrant into the pay TV market in Nigeria seems not to be resting on its oars. With their brand promise of innovation and affordability, the company is raising the bar and redefining Nigerians’ experience in the pay TV sector.

First was the introduction of Nigeria’s first card-less HD/PVR decoder and now, just a few months after, they have launched the ACTV CAM-Card for satellite Smart TVs.

The Conditional Access Module (CAM) Card is an electronic device which equips an integrated digital television or what we call satellite Smart TVs to be able to capture and view satellite video channels directly without the need for a set-top box or decoder as it is popularly known.

African Cable television (ACTV) in order to bring this product to as many Nigerians as possible has entered into a partnership with LG, the global giant in audio and visual electronics and have sold 5,000 already in just a few months.

Speaking with Mr. Joseph Chitanta, Vice President and COO of African Cable Television on why this new move? He stated that globally all over the world, new ways of delivering quality video contents are being deployed and Nigeria cannot be left out. He said that since they have promised to give Nigerians the best TV experience, using innovation as driver, the ACTV CAM-Card is just one of the many innovative services they are bringing for Nigerians.

Truly Nigerians are in for exciting times with ACTV and we can only wait to see the next product they are bringing to the Nigerian public.

OTT services hurting cable TV industry; AICDF says

All India Digital Cable Federation, lobby group for the multi-system operators, wants broadcasters to keep a level playing field for over-the-top and cable TV services.

The AIDCF has written to Star India, Multi Screen Media and IndiaCast Media Distribution, saying that broadcasters are releasing content for free on OTT platforms, but cable TV companies are made to pay for the same content. The difference in pricing is hurting MSOs as they end up paying more for content that is already available for free on OTT platforms, according to Indiantelevision.com.

“Some of our subscribers have started complaining saying, ‘Why should we pay you for the content, which is available free of cost via say hotstar or Sony Liv,’” a source aware of the talks told Indiantelevision.com.

According to the group, several broadcasters are using OTT platforms to simulcast content, which is eroding cable TV companies’ profits.

“Star India, on one hand offers simulcast or immediate transmission of fresh popular content completely free of cost to its OTT subscribers on hotstar and on the flip-side, it charges the MSOs huge sum for the same set of content,” the source added.

According to AICDF, cable TV industry pays broadcasters subscription fees as well as content fees. The body wants broadcasters to either make their OTT platforms a paid service or distribute the same content free-of-cost to other players, according to Indiantelevision.

In related news, AIDCF has opposed the recent entertainment tax hike in Delhi, saying that the increase in tax will adversely affect cable TV industry.

New player in Ukrainian digital transition

Ukraine’s Broadcasting, Radiocommunications & Television Concern (BRT) plans to become a digital TV operator.

According to Mediasat and Unian, it has applied to the National Council (Rada) for a licence and will be ready to construct digital broadcasting networks as soon as it receives one.

They add that the regulator is expected to issue licences this autumn, with BRT set to become an operator or service provider of a multichannel digital network.

Ukraine’s transition to digital broadcasting has been plagued with difficulties and in January BRT called for its postponement.

This is something that the regulator subsequently did in early June.

BRT is a state-owned operator of TV and radio broadcasting, radio and satellite communications.

It lists the National Television Company of Ukraine, National Radio Company of Ukraine (NRCU), regional state and local broadcasters, independent commercial broadcasters and telco operators among its customers.

Moscow HD take-up grows

MTS-owned Moscow City Telephone Network (MGTS) saw its HD subscriber total increase 3.5 times in the last 12 months.

As of the beginning of this month, 35% of its digital TV customers received TV channels in the format, up from 10% in July 2014.

Its most popular HD packages – ‘Nothing in excess’ and ‘Clear HD’ – both offered over 20 channels and were received by 30% of all MGTS subscribers.

Meanwhile, the number of subscribers to 11 thematic packages with HD channels doubled in the last year.

The most popular channels were Channel One HD, Sport 1HD and Rossiya HD.

The significant increase in HD take-up is attributed to the fibre-optic network in Moscow, which now covers over 3.5 million households.

Top Russian TV head to step down

NTV’s director general Vladimir Kulistikov is set to leave after 10 years in the post.

Although not officially confirmed, his departure is being reported widely in the Russian press, citing several sources.

According to Kommersant, Kulistikov’s contract expires at the beginning of next year and he has decided not to stay on due to health reasons.

However, he is likely to be offered an “honourable position” at Gazprom Media, NTV’s owner, or in another large holding “for his services to the management of the TV channel (NTV) and the state”.

Kulistikov first joined NTV in 1996 but left four years later. He left again in 2002 to join RTR, only to return to NTV in 2004.

NTV is one of the leading commercial channels in Russia and Gazprom Media’s other interests include the DTH platform NTV-Plus.

Irdeto and SMiT launch CAM for Transvision in Indonesia---USB CAM

Irdeto Partners with Samsung and SMiT to Launch the First Set-Top Box-free System for Transvision in Indonesia

• Irdeto to provide Keys & Credentials and Conditional Access System in support of groundbreaking pay TV service that is integrated directly to the TV

SINGAPORE — Irdeto today announced, in partnership with Samsung and SMiT, the launch of the first broadcast Direct-2-TV (D2TV) system for the Indonesian market that does not require a set-top box. With this innovative solution, Indonesian consumers can enjoy Transvision TV packages easily through the integration of Irdeto’s Keys & Credentials service and Conditional Access System (CAS) with SMiT’s USB Conditional Access Module (CAM) and a range of Samsung TVs that do not require IP connectivity.

Through this partnership, Transvision (formerly known as TelkomVision), one of Indonesia’s most innovative pay TV operators, can provide a unique experience for consumers – a STB-free pay TV service. Not only will it take up less space in a consumer’s home, it also provides a superior viewing experience that allows consumers to access both TV and USB CAM through a single remote control. Consumers can simply purchase one of the following Samsung TV models; 32J4120, 40J5120 and 48J5120 – to enjoy this service. Transvision is now offering special packages with favorable installment schemes to allow consumers to enjoy this innovative service.

“We are pleased to be working with partners like Irdeto, Samsung and SMiT, to bring the world’s first set-top box-free broadcast D2TV system to consumers in Indonesia, a promising market that is rapidly growing and highly competitive and where its population’s income per capita is constantly rising. This partnership provides operators like ourselves excellent mobility to introduce a pay TV service to customers who want a simple to use solution and still receive great content,” said Hengkie Liwanto, CEO, Transvision. “From an operator’s point of view, this solution allows us to maintain a low cost in order to stay competitive, since USB sticks are more economical to manufacture compared to STBs, and need virtually no maintenance. We are confident that we will set a new benchmark for the industry and revolutionize the way content is viewed.”

Transvision has been working closely with Irdeto since 2011, using Irdeto CAS to protect the operator’s content and revenues. With this renewed partnership, Irdeto will be able to support the integration of SMiT modules in Samsung’s range of TVs without any need for IP connectivity, providing additional cost efficiency for Transvision, by removing the need for STB hardware and installation costs. Transvision will also gain value addition through subscription acquisition from consumers who purchase selected Samsung TVs.

“As consumer viewing habits are constantly changing, it is important for pay TV operators to have a flexible and innovative end-to-end solution aligned to their business offerings,” said Bengt Jonsson, Vice President Sales, APAC, Irdeto. “We are excited to work with Transvision in delivering the first pay TV service that is integrated directly to the TV and we believe that through a strong integrated partnership with Samsung and SMiT, Transvision will be one of the leading providers in the industry. They are not just first in Indonesia but first in the world to offer something as unique as this.”

Irdeto’s security solutions comprising its Keys & Credentials service and CAS will help cover the security management for Transvision’s managed device ecosystem. In particular, the Keys & Credentials service helps simplify the processes associated with managing the security of Transvision’s platform and relieves it of the day-to-day interface with a complex ecosystem of suppliers and partners. Being completely technology-agnostic, it also enables Transvision to retain full flexibility in selecting partners and vendors that best align with their business goals.

VTVCab, SmarDTV and Samsung deploy Conax-certified CAM in Vietnam

VTVCab, SmarDTV and Samsung deploy first Conax certified CI Plus Instant
Access conditional access module solution in Vietnam

• Combining Samsung’s latest generation integrated Digital TV (iDTV) with SmarDTV CI Plus Instant Access conditional access module (CAM).
• Co-promotion and branding between Vietnam Cable Television (VTVCab) and Samsung designed to facilitate access to VTV services without a STB.
• SmarDTV CI Plus Instant Access conditional access module (CAM) is based on Conax content security

HANOI, Vietnam, SEOUL, Korea and CHESEAUX, Switzerland — VTVCab, Vietnam’s leading cable operator, SmarDTV, a Kudelski Group (SIX:KUD.S) company and Samsung Electronics, announced today that they will combine to bring to market an innovative solution to provide access to VTVCab PayTV services. VTVCab subscribers can now enjoy high quality content directly on their new Samsung Cable TV model without using a set-top box by simply inserting the newly developed CI Plus Instant Access conditional access module (CAM) from VTVCab. This CAM replaces the role of a traditional set-top box and provides an attractive alternative to new subscribers as they migrate to digital services.

“We hugely appreciate the trust and support shown by VTVCab to promote and deploy our CAM solution. SmarDTV Instant Access modules ensure that channels are directly accessible on integrated Digital Televisions (iDTVs) using one single TV remote control and that neither extra cables nor additional power is required,” commented Gregory Laloy, APAC Sales Director of SmarDTV. “We are delighted also to partner with Samsung to promote this product which has been highly successful in enabling analog to digital migration in the Europe market.”

“VTVCab is pleased to work with Samsung and SmarDTV, two world leaders in the Digital TV industry. Using this integrated digital TV + CAM combination gives us more flexibility to promote our attractive content in High Definition (HD) and future 4K compression,” said Nam Bui, CTO of VTVCab.

“Samsung is delighted to work with VTVCab the leading Cable Operator in Vietnam, to bring users the best experience in HD quality picture in the country. Customers buying a Samsung DVB-C iDTV Model J5520 will get a voucher which will entitle them to obtain a CAM from VTVcab containing a smartcard and a free 6-month subscription of HD package which provides them with instant access to the VTVCab services when installed in the TV,” said My Nguyen, Head of Samsung Vietnam AV Marketing Communication.

Large fine for M7 in Czech Republic

The Czech Telecom Office (CTU) has fined M7 Group, which operates the DTH platforms Skylink and CS Link, CZK9.5 million (€350,660) for failing to inform the regulator about the commencement of its activities in the country.

In a statement, the CTU says that: “the amount of the fine reflects the seriousness of the offence in the length of time during which the company carried out its communication activities without authorisation”.

It adds: “the long-term illegal status significantly negatively affected the statistical data for the years 2013 and 2014, which was dealt with not only by the CTO but also other government authorities, the judiciary and by international organisations and the European Union”.

The CTU also says that M7 Group had operated in the Czech Republic since the beginning of 2013 but only fulfilled its obligations on May 28 this year.

M7 Group’s DTH services in the Czech Republic are distributed by Astra and received by a tenth of the country’s population.

Sky Deutschland to move to DVB-S2 on Astra

German pay-TV broadcaster Sky Deutschland wants to optimise the usage of its transponder capacities on the Astra satellite system at 19.2° East to create more space for new channels.

In the night from November 17 to 18, 2015 all Sky transponders will be switched from DVB-S to the more efficient DVB-S2 modulation and all SD channels will be signalised in MPEG-4 for this purpose. At the same time, some channels will be transferred to other transponders.

Cable operators directly receiving the Sky channels on their head-ends from Astra will benefit from the move as it enables them to distribute more HD channels on their networks in QAM 256 modulation.

Network operators have to adapt their head-ends to the new configuration on the transition day. Sky currently informs the companies about the changeover.

Globecast Australia powers Australia Channel’s VoD platform

Australia Channel which was launched in November 2014, installs an online video platform from Globecast Australia. This deal enables the channel to have an integrated paywall for subscription video-on-demand and live streaming.

Globecast provides a reliable payment handling and flexible billing periods while retaining complete control over the channel’s content and packages.

“By diversifying our clients content delivery options and creating further opportunities to monetise their assets, Globecast Australia continues to provide innovative solutions, tailored to our clients and their consumer’s needs,” said Simon Farnsworth, CEO of Globecast Australia.

Australia Channel offers international audiences live and catch-up Australian news, sport and business content.

Airtel Digital TV unveils locally manufactured STBs

Airtel Digital TV has launched domestically manufactured set-top-box to expand its presence in the Indian television market.

The Bharti Enterprises’ Direct-to-Home wing has said that it is supporting the government Make in India initiative. The company added that it will reduce its dependency on imports.

The locally manufactured STBs will be available in high definition.Airtel’s STBs come with full HD support as well as MPEG-4 video with Dolby Digital Plus surround sound, unlimited recording and even Wi Fi connectivity, reports PTI.

“We are proud to partner with the government’s Make in India initiative and launch indigenous set—top—boxes made in the country. With this, we aim to reduce our imports and thus help drive employment and growth within the country,” Bharti Airtel CEO for DTH/Media, Shashi Arora said in a statement, according to Press Trust of India.

Hero Elotronix’s MyBox Tech as well as semi-conductor company, ST Microelectronics have contributed to the set-top box production. Hero Group promoters Munjal family recently bought a majority stake in set-top box maker Mybox Technologies Pvt. Ltd to expand its presence in the STB market.

“It is great that Airtel Digital TV is aligning itself with our Make in India vision as this will certainly pedal the fast gaining momentum of the initiative further. We wish the company the very best as they step ahead towards transforming the DTH industry,” Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Rathore said, according to PTI.

The rollout of digital addressable system or DAS in Phase III and IV regions is expected to increase the demand for STBs. Airtel Digital TV, which is the DTH wing of Bharti, added 1.06 million new subscribers and has a total of 10.7 million subscribers. Media reports had earlier suggested that Bharti Enterprises is trying to expand its presence in the digital TV market by entering into the set-top box segment.

Tele Columbus to take over Primacom

Kicking off a new consolidation round in Germany’s cable market, Tele Columbus, the third largest German cable operator, has entered into an agreement to acquire Primacom, the fourth largest market player, for €711 million.

The combination of both companies will lead to a strong third force in the German cable market after Kabel Deutschland and Unitymedia serving a total of 2.8 million households. The transaction is expected to be closed on July 31, 2015.

“This is a transformational transaction for Tele Columbus, strengthening our position as the number three player in the German cable market,” Ronny Verhelst, CEO of Tele Columbus, said in Berlin. “Strategically and economically, this is a highly logical combination with significant network overlap between the two businesses and complimentary housing association customer bases. Primacom has shown impressive financial and operational performance over recent years and we look forward to further successes going forward.”

Joachim Grendel, CEO of Primacom, added: “Combining Tele Columbus and Primacom will build an excellent basis for the future competition with the global media and telecommunications corporates. This merger will be to the benefit not only of consumers and our partners in the housing industry, but also of Germany as a media and high-tech country.”

PrimaCom currently serves around 1.2 million households. In 2014, the company acquired cable operator Deutsche Telekabel and generated total revenues of €132 million and adjusted EBITDA of €55 million, resulting in a margin of 42%. Primacom currently employs around 450 people with corporate headquarters in Leipzig.

Tele Columbus which serves around 1.7 million households will finance the acquisition through a combination of cash on balance sheet, a fully underwritten financing including both a senior and junior tranche and a €125 million equity bridge loan. The transaction does not need regulatory approval and is not subject to merger control review, according to Tele Columbus.

A spokesman of federal cartel office Bundeskartellamt confirmed toBroadband TV News that the deal is not subject to review by the competition authority as the companies’ combined turnover in 2014 didn’t exceed the €500 million threshold stipulated in the German anti-trust law.

With the move, Tele Columbus and Primacom which used to be connected through their former joint parent company Orion Cable will be brought together again. In the past years, there have been several unsuccessful takeover attempts. In 2013, the planned purchase of Tele Columbus by Kabel Deutschland was blocked by Germany’s federal cartel office.

Industry experts expect the consolidation in the German cable market to continue. Tele Columbus could, for example, acquire Pepcom as the next step to strengthen its market position.