Singapore Media Development Authority has set new rules, requiring both pay TV operators to carry each other’s exclusive channels.

This new mandatory cross carriage measure applies to all exclusive agreements signed on or after 12 March 2010, including renewals. It will not apply retrospectively and so will not affect existing agreements such as the 2010 – 2013 Barclays Premier League broadcast rights.

What to look for at IT SHOW 2010 (11-14 Mar 2010)

We have a IT show every quarter in Singapore. In a few days time, we will have the IT SHow 2010. To be held at Suntec, this event will span 5 floors where most of the telcos, IT vendors will showcase and clear their stocks at rock bottom prices.

In fact, IT show 2010 is also a good time for manufacturers to showcase some new products. Sony for example, will be showcasing its 3D TV that is scheduled to launch in the 3rd quarter of this year. (You can read about our coverage of the SONY 3D BRAVIA LCD TV here). iCell, the local wireless@SG operator would also be selling its own brand e-reader at the show. Do watch out for it.

For students, it is also a good time to bring back a cheap netbook or notebook as most vendors will be selling their latest Atom and Core i3/Core i5 Intel notebooks at the show. The best steal would still be the AMD based notebooks which are generally way cheaper than the INtel counterparts.

On the mobile front, the 3 telcos will be fighting one another for customers to expand their user base. We wouldn’t be surprise if they bundle more goodies for mobile broadband, fixed line broadband, IPTV/Cable TV and voice lines for better deals.

So watch out for more news and price list information in our forum at this link http://forums.ocworkbench.com/forumdisplay.php?f=77

Asian broadcaster Tiger Gate, backed by independent studio Lionsgate, will launch its KIX and Thrill channels on Singapore’s StarHub digital cable network.

Details on availability dates, pricing and packaging will be made available in due course. The deal is part of Tiger Gate’s strategy to serve demand for the action and thriller/horror genres among Asia-Pacific’s 300 million pay-TV homes.

William Pfeiffer, CEO of Tiger Gate Entertainment said: “Asia’s entertainment industry has long been recognized as leading the way with innovative, exciting thriller and action content. The region’s audiences are passionate about these genres, and the region’s producers make content of the very highest quality. These channels are all about giving audiences what they want. With the launch of KIX and Thrill, we are very proud to bring the best action and thriller entertainment to StarHub’s growing subscriber base in Singapore.”

Ong Bee Lian, Vice President of Home Solutions at StarHub, said: “Action, thriller and horror programming enjoy a strong following among viewers in Singapore, and we have no doubt that our customers will enjoy the riveting KIX and Thrill channels. Our agreement with Tiger Gate Entertainment to offer these channels is yet another example of our efforts to add value to our cable TV service and continually provide viewers with fresh and compelling content.”

Huawei recently announced that MobileOne (“M1”), a leading mobile communication operator, has selected Huawei as its sole provider of ATCA (Advanced Telecommunications Computing Architecture) based IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) solution. Huawei will help M1 enrich the national bandwidth network service and build its FMC (fixed and mobile convergence) capacities. Based on Huawei’s leading IMS solution, M1 can continue to provide rich multi-media services for its subscribers, including IP Centrex, IPTV and HD video etc.

With the all-round starting of Singapore’s national bandwidth construction, the FTTH based voice and multi-media service will be the key point of development of Singapore’s future network, which brings good opportunity for M1. Through the cooperation with Huawei, M1 will realize smooth transformation from mobile operator to Fixed and Mobile Convergence on an all-round base.

“Based on Huawei IMS solution, M1 will establish a leading future-faced network frame, which will be helpful to improve the network capacity and will at the same time provide various innovative multi-media services for fixed mobile users.” said Mr. Patrick Scodeller, CTO of M1.

Huawei’ s customized ATCA-based IMS solutions allow operators to achieve rapid network deployment and shorten time to market and support M1? s business transformation by providing subscribers with advanced multi-media services,” said Mr. Jin Huang, vice president of Core Network, Huawei.

Sing Your Hearts Out With StarHub

StarHub TV launches Karaoke service with extensive library of up to 30,000 titles

Singapore, 14 January 2010 – Budding singers and karaoke fans will soon have reason to rejoice! On 18 January 2010, StarHub will launch a new service, named KaraOK!, which allows customers to sing their hearts out! This service encompasses an extensive library of up to 30,000 music videos in various languages.

The introduction of KaraOK! underlines StarHub’s commitment to provide quality interactive services that are beneficial and relevant to local consumers’ lifestyles. 5,000 karaoke videos will be made available from launch with about 100 videos being added on a weekly basis. This volume will gradually increase to about six times more, with a database of up to 30,000 songs for customers to select from.

From 18 January, KaraOK! will comprise more than 10 song categories such as ‘Latest Songs’ and ‘Cantonese Songs’ featuring original karaoke hits by leading singers like international stars Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift, Chinese artistes A*Mei, Jacky Cheung and Emil Chau, as well as our own local talents Stefanie Sun and Tanya Chua. Six additional categories including Tamil/Hindi, Japanese, Thai and Filipino songs will be progressively introduced.

StarHub TV customers can choose to subscribe to KaraOK! either on a monthly or daily basis. For just $10 ($10.70 with GST) per month, StarHub TV customers can access a library of songs which include Mandarin and English latest hits, evergreens, kids as well as various ethnic group songs. Occasional singers can opt for the “Day Pass” option for just $4.50 ($4.82 with GST) to enjoy the entire library of songs over a 24-hour period. They can simply tune in to Channel 888 to purchase either subscription options to gain instant access to KaraOK! via the remote control.

“We are really excited about bringing our new KaraOK! service with extensive songs selections which is only available at karaoke lounge to home. Our customers will certainly be thrilled to know that they will soon be able to enjoy the comfort and greater convenience of a ‘karaoke at home’ experience. This translates to hours of karaoke fun with thousands of songs for the entire family, both young and old. Since we’ll be adding new songs regularly, our customers will also enjoy great conveniences at thief finger tips as they no longer have to deal with the hassle of purchasing karaoke videos of new song releases,” enthused Ms Ong Bee Lian, StarHub’s Vice President of Home Solutions.

StarHub’s KaraOK! will offer a unique feature that enables customers to repeat, forward or rewind their chosen songs. This will give them greater freedom and convenience to practice their favourite songs for as long as they desire.

Users can also set their own playlists easily with the use of the remote control, as well as toggle between audio and karaoke modes with just a simple press of a button to enjoy the option of singing with or without the original vocals.

StarHub TV customers must have either the HubStation or HubStation HD set top boxes, in order to enjoy the KaraOK! service. Those who wish to experience a more complete karaoke experience will require a simple set-up by connecting the set top box to either a mixer or a home theatre system.

Those interested to try out KaraOK! can visit StarHub’s roadshow at Plaza Singapura from 25 January to 28 January. Existing StarHub TV customers who wish to upgrade their set-top boxes to a HubStation or HubStation HD can bring their boxes to StarHub’s Customer Service Centres located at Plaza Singapura, Tampines Mall, UOB Centre and VivoCity or visit any of StarHub’s Exclusive Partners outlets.

To find out more about StarHub TV’s KaraOK!, visit www.starhub.com/karaok from 18 January.

According to posters on facebook and twitter, Starhub TV services went offline this morning around 10am. Subscribers were no longer able to watch their cable channels other than Mediacorp’s free to air channels carried on the cable network.

Subscribers are calling 1633 service line and been in queue for more than 1 hour to no avail.

Read comments here.

now TV becomes available on PlayStation^®3

HONG KONG, December 24, 2009 – PCCW, Hong Kong’s premier telecommunications operator, today announced that they are to offer a new entertainment experience by making now TV available on PlayStation^®3 (PS3™)^*

Announced at the Asia Game Show 2009 exhibition for the computer games industry, this collaboration between now TV and Sony Computer Entertainment Hong Kong Limited (SCEH) is the first of its kind in Hong Kong.

A brand new TV-viewing experience will become available to gamers in Hong Kong, thanks to synergies identified between the expertise and market leadership position enjoyed by the two partners in their respective markets. PS3™ users will soon be able to watch a selection of now TV channels via an embedded now TV decoder application in the popular gaming console. A significant aspect of this move is that now TV broadcasts will broaden the reach of PCCW’s existing quadruple-play capability, by which infotainment and communications are extended to customers via TV, mobile, broadband internet and fixed-line platforms.

Rollout is planned for the first quarter of 2010, when promotional now TV trailers will be extended to Hong Kong-registered PlayStation Network (PSN) users for free. They will get access to now TV channels by contacting now TV for fast and easy subscription.

Ms. Janice Lee, PCCW’s Executive Vice President of TV & New Media, said: “In this era of digital entertainment convergence, we see a growing demand from consumers for seamlessly-integrated and readily available TV services via game consoles. We are very glad to be able to work with Sony Computer Entertainment Hong Kong Limited and believe the synergies we have identified between PCCW and SCEH will benefit both PS3™ game players and now TV viewers alike.”

Mr. Tetsuhiko Yasuda, President of Sony Computer Entertainment Asia, said, “We’re excited to connect now TV service, the leading pay TV operator in HK, with PS3, enabling players to watch TV programs by using PS3™. Beside existing functions such as enjoy high-definition Blu-ray movies, groundbreaking games and online services etc, very soon, PS3™ users will be able to enjoy fascinating TV programs of now TV. We will continue to deliver fun entertainment experiences for many years to come.”

Serving some 992,000 subscribers, now TV is currently delivered to customers via TV sets, the now.com.hk portal, mobile phones, the PCCW eye Multimedia Service and eye2.

The now TV decoder application will become available for PS3 TM users to download from the PlayStation Network (PSN) service via PCCW’s Netvigator broadband network during the first quarter of 2010. Details of pricing will be announced at a later stage.

*The new service requires users to subscribe to now TV service from PCCW, and to download and install now TV decoder application which enables PS3™ to function as a now TV decoder for service provisioning.

?”PlayStation” is a registered trademark, and PS3 is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

About PCCW Limited

PCCW Limited (SEHK:0008) is the holding company of HKT Group Holdings Limited (HKT), Hong Kong’s premier telecommunications provider and a world-class player in Information and Communications Technologies. PCCW also holds a majority interest in Pacific Century Premium Developments Limited, and overseas investments including the wholly-owned UK Broadband Limited.

As the provider of Hong Kong’s first quadruple-play experience, PCCW/HKT offers a range of innovative media content and services across four platforms – fixed-line, broadband Internet access, TV and mobile. In addition, the Group meets the sophisticated needs of the local and international business community, while supporting network operators with cutting-edge technical services and handling large-scale IT outsourcing projects for public and private sector organizations. To learn more about PCCW and HKT, please visit www.pccw.com.

About now TV

now TV is one of the world’s largest commercial deployments of IPTV and Hong Kong’s largest pay-TV provider. It is delivered by PCCW Media, an operating division of HKT Group Holdings Limited (HKT). HKT is a wholly-owned subsidiary of PCCW Limited and holds the PCCW Group’s telecoms services, media and IT solutions businesses. PCCW/HKT is Hong Kong’s premier telecommunications provider and a world-class player in Information and Communications Technologies.

now TV serves Hong Kong with more than 170 channels of local, Asian and international programming, including exclusive content such as coverage of the top Spanish soccer league La Liga for three seasons commencing 2009/10. In addition, now TV is both a leading producer of news, sports and infotainment programming and a provider of a wide range of interactive services. now TV can be enjoyed on PCCW eye2, a portable media center with an embedded now TV decoder, and select now TV content and interactive applications can also be accessed via the Group’s 3G mobile network and broadband service. To learn more about now TV, please visit www.now-tv.com.

For more information, please contact:

Photo 1 & 2: Ms. Janice Lee, PCCW’s Executive Vice President of TV & New Media and Mr. Tetsuhiko Yasuda, President of Sony Computer Entertainment Asia, announced at the Asia Game Show 2009 that now TV will be available on PlayStation®3, offering a new entertainment experience.

A joint SingTel-Starhub bid has failed to secure them the rights to the 2010 Fifa World Cup; a joint press statement from them said.

Recently, SingTel and StarHub put in a joint offer that would provide FIFA with an increase in value from four years ago for the rights to the 2010 FIFA World Cup, while ensuring that it would remain affordable to the broadest number of our customers.

Due to FIFA’s confidentiality provisions, we are unable to disclose any other details. We will continue to negotiate with FIFA in an attempt to reach an agreement.

As joint bid means both did not get the rights to telecast the FIFA World Cup 2010, the only possibility is that Singapore will get to watch the 4 most important matches on Free to Air channels. That is the opening game between host South Africa and Mexico on June 11, the semi-finals on July 6 and 7, and the final on July 11 will be available for free.

Asian Debut On Mio For Sundance, WE

Singapore – Singapore Telecommunications Limited (SingTel) today announced that Sundance Channel and WE tv will be available for the first time in Asia on its mio TV platform on Channel 51 and 24 respectively. The channels will be available to mio TV customers from December 7 in both standard and high definition with Mandarin subtitles, with both 24/7 linear and SVOD offerings available.

Under the creative direction of Robert Redford, Sundance Channel brings viewers the best of independent films, documentaries, original series and more. With award-winning programming, this innovative channel consistently represents the best in smart, emerging culture, offering dynamic multi-platform stories that provide audiences with a new way of seeing and experiencing the world.

“Sundance Channel is a valuable addition to mio TV’s suite of channels and will most certainly cause a buzz among lovers of independent films and the Sundance brand’s unique programming,” said Mr Tim Carmichael, VP of mio TV, SingTel. “We are very pleased and excited about being the first platform to carry this well-respected channel in Asia.”

Sundance delivers programming drawn from categories such as independent or art-house film and other entertainment and culture, fashion, intriguing people, pop culture and/or leisure, and the world of art. Programming on the channel is a mix of the best of independent films and series focusing on celebrities, ecology, music, fashion and travel all presented in a unique way.

“Sundance Channel is a destination to discover new voices, new points of view, and new personalities; it also strives to be uniquely entertaining. Through the power of popular culture, Sundance Channel programming can provoke thought and foster understanding of worlds apart from our own,” said Sundance founder Robert Redford. “All of this makes the launch of Sundance Channel in Singapore particularly exciting and important to me,” he added.

WE tv is Singapore’s first lifestyle channel exclusively dedicated to women. Currently available in nearly 74 million homes in the US, WE tv is the source for progressive, confident women looking to satisfy their curiosity with fascinating original stories that entertain, inform and give women something they can’t help but talk about.

“We have always said that mio TV aims to plug the gaps in the pay TV market with compelling content, and this channel is a prime example of us doing just that,” said Mr. Carmichael. “With so many lifestyle channels available, WE tv really stands out because it talks directly to women and addresses the issues that matter most to them”.

WE tv’s programming gives viewers compelling perspectives on women’s lives that range from provocative to extraordinary, including signature series like Bridezillas and critically-acclaimed original documentary series such as High School Confidential.

Below is a video [HD] demonstration showing how you could toggle wide screen and standard format on your Starhub hubstation.

StarHub Inks Chinese Content Deal With Xinya Media

Singapore – StarHub and Xinya Media today announced a strategic partnership to bring in new Chinese content and productions to the local market.

StarHub’s digital TV platform offers the capacity to introduce more new content that were never before seen in Singapore. On the supply side, China is an emerging content provider which offers programmes that cater to first-generation Chinese immigrants as well as local Singaporeans in the areas of general entertainment, children’s education, travel, lifestyle and elderly’s programming.

Given that Chinese content export is still in its infancy stage, StarHub’s partnership with Xinya Media will tap on the latter’s connection and expertise to undertake the task of selecting, aggregating and packaging content from China that is suitable for the local audience.

These new branded channels exported from Greater China will be internationalised through original content production & packaging based out of Singapore, tapping on regional talent and expertise brought in by Xinya, focused on genres such as music shows, performances from top Mandarin artistes and teen idol dramas.

Mr Yeo Chun Cheng, Director Broadcast and Music of MDA, said: “This partnership represents the continuous development of Xinya media over the last year. This partnership with StarHub is a further step in the continuous development of Xinya. StarHub is a key player in Singapore and Asia and I am confident that such a partnership will bring about the continuous growth of Xinya Media.”

Mr Tan Tong Hai, Chief Operating Officer of StarHub Ltd said: “There is a growing interest for content from the Greater China in recent years. Being the leading Chinese entertainment provider in Singapore, we are delighted to collaborate with Xinya Media to bring in new Chinese content of various genres and repackage them to suit local viewers. Additionally, we also look forward to work with Xinya Media on co-productions with an emphasis to infuse local elements which will allow us to further engage and interact with our local audience.”

Mr Wee Ah Kee, Chairman of Xinya Media Pte Ltd, expressed great enthusiasm to be part of this initiative and to be able to contribute to the local media scene. “While China’s rapidly expanding market has created a lot of innovative content for domestic audience, most of them have never been properly packaged for overseas audience. Singapore is an important reference market to create new branded pan-Asian channels that could then be exported to internationally. “

China’s media industry has been growing exponentially in recent years and the potential for exporting Chinese content is tremendous. China’s TV dramas output has experienced 10 percent compound growth over five years to reach 15 000 hours; movies output has quadrupled to 400 per year over five years and animation has multiplied almost ten-fold over five years to over 100 000 minutes per year.

If you are not used to watching squashed images on your LCD wide screen TV, you can now choose the option to display the programmes for wide screen LCD TV. There is an option on the Hubstation which which you can choose to change the setting.

Once that is done, you get the full screen display in the correct aspect ratio of 16:9. So far, we have only spotted BBC NEWS and DW-TV broadcasting in the wide screen format. Do check it out.

Granada TV joins StarHub

ITV Global Entertainment’s Asian channel Granada TV is set to go live on Singapore’s StarHub pay-TV platform, making it available on every subscription TV service in the country.

Granada TV will be available free via StarHub until March 31, 2010, when it will become part of a yet-to-announced pay package.

The channel currently airs across much of East Asia, most recently securing a distribution deal on SK Broadband’s IPTV platform in Korea.

The channel offers entertainment programmes, talkshows, dramas and reality series from UK-based commercial broadcaster ITV’s back-catalogue, and currently offers a slate including The Jeremy Kyle Show, The Friday Night Project, Ballroom Bootcamp and Airline.

The December line-up will include seasons three and four of cop drama Prime Suspect, a contemporary update of the festive fable A Christmas Carol, The Springer Show (UK version) and seasons one and two of prison series Rough Diamond, starring David Jason.

ITV Studios Global Entertainment regional director James Ross said the deal was a “milestone” for Granada TV, and added that further distribution deals would be announced soon.