GECs
Kagan Research: 59 % of US TV households to be ITV-equipped by 2009
MUMBAI: More than half the TV households in the US, 59 per cent or a projected 69 million digital subscribers to be be more precise, will be equipped with interactive platforms by 2009, Kagan Research has predicted in its latest report.
Growing competition for video customers has focused cable operators, satellite operators and telco carriers on developing interactive services capable of generating revenue, reducing churn and providing differentiation in the marketplace.
“The debate over the future of interactive TV has shifted from if there is a marketplace to what applications should be introduced first and how quickly,” reports Kagan Senior Analyst Ian Olgeirson.
Additional findings from the Kagan Research report, “State of Interactive TV 2005”, include:
Kagan estimates total revenue for electronic transactions conducted via games, television or t-commerce and interactive advertising will reach $2.4 bil. by the year 2009. The interactive services segment will also contribute to the bottom line for cable, DBS and telcos. Kagan estimates interactive services will generate $780 mil. in operator revenue by 2009.
“State of Interactive TV 2005”, provides a comprehensive view of the ITV sector and offers five-year revenue projections for three categories: TV-based gaming, television commerce and interactive or direct response advertising. While the revenue outlook for these types of interactivity is limited when compared to VOD and DVR technologies, the three categories outlined in the report will help drive subscribers to the platform and are expected to generate significant incremental revenue.
The report outlines the enabled universe on three levels, starting with projecting growth of digital subscribers; then delineating the outlook for the installed base of digital set-top boxes; and finally forecasting the potential for interactive software-enabled set-top boxes. The three layers form a complete five-year profile for interactive capability in the U.S. market and define the footprint upon which services can be launched.
The study also includes operator profiles for the major US providers of multi-channel video packages and how they intend to deliver ITV services. Profiled companies include Cablevision, Charter, Comcast, Cox, Insight, Time Warner, DirectTV and EchoStar.
GECs
Samsung TV Plus launches Kings of Comedy channel
New free FAST channel brings iconic Hindi comedy shows to millions of Samsung Smart TV owners.
MUMBAI: Samsung TV Plus has just turned up the laughter volume and it’s completely free. The leading free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) service in India has launched Kings of Comedy, a premium comedy channel featuring some of the country’s most beloved primetime shows. Available exclusively on Samsung TV Plus, the channel delivers back-to-back hits including Comedy Nights with Kapil, Khatra Khatra Khatra, and Comedy Nights Bachao, with no login or subscription required.
The launch marks a milestone for free streaming in India, offering audiences a dedicated comedy destination directly from their Samsung TV home screen. It arrives as Samsung TV Plus India celebrates its 5th anniversary, during which the service has grown its monthly active users by 42 per cent and more than doubled its total viewing hours. The platform now offers over 180 free channels across 14 languages.
Samsung TV Plus India general manager and head of business development Kunal Mehta said, “Comedy is the heartbeat of Hindi entertainment, and Kings of Comedy brings together the shows Indians already love, completely free on their Samsung TV. Our focus remains the same take the content people know and make it effortless to access.”
Globally, Samsung TV Plus has surpassed 100 million monthly active users across more than 4,500 channels, solidifying its position as one of the world’s leading free streaming services.
Kings of Comedy is now available on all compatible Samsung Smart TVs. For viewers seeking non-stop laughter without any cost, this new channel delivers a royal treat proving that sometimes the best entertainment really does come with no strings (or subscriptions) attached.
