(25 September 2007 3:00 pm)

MUMBAI: Broadband internet and video-on-demand (VoD) service TinselVision and Star India have entered into a content licensing and online distribution alliance to deliver Star television programming globally via TinselVision’s web video service.

Through the terms of this agreement, TinselVision obtains rights to distribute, via its online service, thousands of hours of broadcast and archival production content ranging from Bollywood films to contemporary Indian television shows.

This marks the second major broadcaster alliance TinselVision has announced among India’s leading television content providers, following its tie-up with Zee TV. TinselVision begins its invitation-only service in October.

Star India SVP strategic planning and commercial Sameer Rao said, "Having seen the eyes only list of TinselVision’s launch partners, there is little question of our involvement. Star is very excited about this partnership. We look forward to expanding our overseas audiences and increasing our global footprint with this premier online channel."

TinselVision chairman and CEO Chase Weir added, "We are very honored to count Star India among our most trusted content partners. This alliance further demonstrates our differentiated path as we build the premier online destination for South Asian households around the world. We look forward to a long and rewarding relationship with our friends at STAR and, fully monetizing their content assets within our service offerings."

TinselVision's VP content and legal Saad Shervani said, "Star India plants firmly the second cornerstone of our television content strategy foundation. This news comes at the moment our content commitments accelerate across providers and, just before we announce several agreements with leading film producers and other broadcasters."

TinselVision (TV) is a trademarked service of Tinsel Cinema, LLC, is a Washington, DC and Mumbai, India-based premium VoD provider scheduled to launch its niche service in October. TV will deliver Bollywood and south Asian movies, TV series and sporting events via IPTV to PCs, laptops, TVs and mobile devices to South Asian households in the US, UK, Canada, and globally.