PRONEWS
Times Now deploys Amagi for Middle East ad insertion Times Now, a 24-hour English news channel based in India, has deployed Amagi’s STORM, a cloud-based ad insertion solution, to monetise the channel in the Middle East. With a growing viewer base in the Middle East, Times Now wanted a solution for delivering targeted advertisments in the region, with total control over the process. K.A. Srinivasan, Co-founder of Amagi. “When expanding into new regions, it’s important for us to be able to deliver content in which our viewers and advertisers find value. Amagi’s STORM platform takes CAPEX out of the equation, providing us with a flexible, scalable and reliable ad insertion platform that increases our revenue,” said Naveen Chandra, head of international business at Times Now. Previously, the channel operated a single feed originating from India for the entire Asia region. The
traditional approach of using DTMF or SCTE-35 cue tonebased content insertion triggers at operator headends has wellknown limitations, including an increased likelihood of missed cue tones, workflow changes and dependency on the local operator to insert content. “STORM utilises Amagi’s patented content watermarking technology for triggering ad replacement, delivering superior and frame-accurate splicing compared with traditional triggers such as DTMF and SCTE35 cue, without changing existing workflows,” said K.A. Srinivasan, Co-founder of Amagi. “This approach, combined with no CAPEX and low OPEX, was a win-win situation for Times Now, enabling them to successfully monetise content in the Middle East.”
Ooredoo readies for 4K service
Hongkong firm expands to Dubai
Plura fortifies MEA presence with office
Qatar telco Ooredoo has launched Ooredoo TV, a replacement for the IPTV service Mozaic TV. The new service combines apps, on-demand and live television in one box, claiming to be the first commercial ultra HD/4K service in the region. With one set-top box delivered by fibre-to-thehome and using Wi-Fi for multiscreen options, the company says the service has no upfront charges, no equipment costs and no ongoing contracts.
Hong Kong-based Ideal Group will extend its footprint outside of Asia Pacific with a new office in Dubai. The Dubai office, which is due to open in Q2 of 2016 in Dubai Media City will offer support for the Middle East, East and North African regions. “Dubai is a natural progression from our existing regional coverage of APAC. It will not only enable us to service existing customers, but also increase our presence in new verticals,” said Guillaume Mauffrey, Chief Operating Officer of Ideal Group.
Plura Broadcast Inc, a global manufacturer of digital broadcast and video production solutions, has announced the formation of Plura MEA. The new branch is a core part of the company’s growth strategy across international regions, bringing the company closer to its customers and dealers in the Middle East and North Africa. Ray Kalo, President and CEO of Plura Broadcast, has been appointed Managing Director of Plura MEA. The company will announce a second executive appointment soon.
job TrAck
SAM has appointed Naresh Subherwal as Managing Director, Middle East, effective immediately. based in SAM’s new Dubai office, Subherwal will assume responsibility for sales and business development across the Middle East region. He brings 25 years of experience to SAM, including several years with Snell, where he most recently held the position of President, Asia Pacific & Middle East. Prior to his last role with Snell, Subherwal held the post of Vice President, business Development at AmberFin Ltd. Subherwal also worked as Global Sales Director at Snell and chairman for Applied Media Group. Subherwal holds a degree in Pure and Applied Physics from Queen’s University belfast.
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