What ’ s New on TV
10
April 2016
NEWS & VIEWS
A deeper perspective into the evolving consumer experience
The complexity of the video world is growing , and it ’ s compounded by fast-changing technology for both protocols and client devices . With the growing appeal of cord-cutting , there is a clear increase in demand from consumers to watch what they want , when they want , from any device .
However , as operators continue to offer more universal — and flexible — platforms to manage a broader range of delivery technologies , consumers are given a growing number of mediums for accessing video content , inherently creating indecision and overall confusion .
The 4K / Ultra HD ( UHD ) predicament Not long after the highly anticipated introduction of UHD capabilities , consumers already seem to have become disillusioned , just as they did with 3D . But as opposed to the lack of worthwhile improvements 3D had on the user experience , the lukewarm UHD reception results from a conflict between different standards and technologies .
The industry , which has been trumpeting the benefits of the higher resolutions and frame rates of 4K TVs , is now pushing the message that high dynamic range ( HDR ) is the real key to a superior at-home viewing experience . However , it is unlikely that consumers will be quick to trade in their recent “ 4K-ready ” purchases for HDR TVs , especially when they can watch 4K content with higher resolution online via Netflix and Amazon .
Powerless to resolve 4K confusion on their own , operators may be saddled with complex infrastructure integrations . However , they can simplify matters by adopting platforms that support all key technology options and help them establish a common , high-quality experience across multiple services .
A prime example is VCAS Ultra , the latest generation of the Verimatrix Video Content Authority System . By addressing the commercial opportunity for UHD video services throughout the transition to full IP and software-based video delivery , the
Tom Munro , CEO , Verimatrix
comprehensive solution offers a futureproof way to help operators secure and enhance their business .
A personalised spin on video services In order to help consumers be more decisive in their viewing habits , analytic data is quickly becoming one of operators ’ biggest assets by helping them establish more personalised experiences within their existing services .
Analytics help operators understand more about subscribers ’ habits and preferences in close to real time , enabling them to effectively enhance their quality of service . This ultimately makes consumers more compelled to engage with existing services , giving operators a competitive edge in combating churn and driving acquisition .
However , as the potential for analysing data brings forth much excitement , it is critically important that the integrity of this data remains constant through tightly interwoven security and privacy measures .
Behaviour and usage visibility secured by Verimatrix Verimatrix has recognised the potential of data analytics for some time , and it has driven the company to develop the Verspective Intelligence Center . This innovative cloud-based security platform provides a foundation for data collection services and supports a variety of analysis and visualisation tools .
By interconnecting hundreds of service provider headends with client software that secures , collects and reports on video performance and viewer experiences , the global platform connects operators to an unprecedented artillery of new tools , information and insights . To learn more about Verspective , visit www . verimatrix . com / verspective . q
What ’ s New on TV
n KIX and KIX HD fly off the ropes with Lucha Underground
HONG KONG – Premiering this month on the KIX and KIX HD channels , Lucha Underground , a professional wrestling franchise produced by the United Artists Media Group , is wowing audiences with highflying aerial manoeuvres , slingshot moves , dramatic masks , intricate and rapid-fire combinations , as well as distinctive wrestling techniques of lucha libre , a popular sports in Mexico .
Each week , Lucha Underground provides wrestling fans with a visceral and explosive experience , with a focus on the artistry , originality , intense action and over-the-top characters who has come to define the wrestling franchise .
Mark Burnett , producer of Lucha Underground , said : “ We brought together some of the best athletes from lucha libre and wrestling to fight on Lucha Underground . It was fresh , it was compelling and it got the attention and created buzz across the entire wrestling world .”
Also available this month on the KIX channel is Extreme Reality Clips ( XRC ), a must-watch for fans of the extreme , offering footage of amazing rescues , disastrous car crashes , and more .
n StarHub launches DreamWorks Channel
SINGAPORE – Following the DreamWorks Channel inaugural launches in Thailand and Malaysia last year , Singapore becomes the third country in Asia to debut the channel , which launched last month .
Available in HD on StarHub TV channel 606 , an initial programme line-up sees favourites such as Dragons : Race to the Edge , from the How to Train Your Dragon franchise , and Dinotrux , an original series
StarHub TV customers can now watch Dragons : Race to the Edge on the DreamWorks Channel .
n Vikings continues its rampage on History channel
SINGAPORE – Vikings , a scripted drama series from the History Channel , has returned to TV screens with its fourth season , which sees the introduction of the series ’ first Asian character .
Asian-Canadian actress Dianne Doan joins the Vikings cast as Yidu , the mysterious slave who fascinates Viking chieftain Ragnar , who seized victory from the jaws of defeat , but returns to Kattegat dangerously ill in the culmination of season three . Thoughts of his death galvanised the search for Ragnar ’ s successor as king , including his wife Queen Aslaug and his oldest son , Bjorn .
Other additions to the cast include Peter Franzén as King Harold Finehair , a complex character who seeks to be King of Norway and a potential threat to Ragnar ; and Jaspar Pääkkönen as Halfdan the Black , King Harold ’ s violent younger brother .
Available on StarHub TV channel 401 , the finale of season four is set for April 22 .
Going great strides : Season four of Vikings is one of the most watched TV series in Asia .
Blue Diamond Jr is a Mexican professional wrestler starring on Lucha Underground , which premieres this month on KIX and KIX HD .
that welcomes viewers to a world of giant creatures that are half dinosaur , half construction vehicle .
Additional series that will launch on the new channel include : All Hail King Julien , The Adventures of Puss in Boots , Dawn of the Croods , and The Mr Peabody & Sherman Show .
Eric Ellenbogen , co-head , international TV for DreamWorks Animation , said : “ We ’ re pleased to welcome StarHub , one of Asia ’ s leading media groups , to the DreamWorks Animation family . For the first time ever , StarHub will bring our content all together in one amazing place across a variety of platforms so that families in Singapore can watch our series whenever and wherever they want .”
DreamWorks On Demand is also launched as an on-demand channel on StarHub TV Channel 607 , and both channels are also available on StarHub Go , StarHub ’ s online streaming service .