MAM
Imagine Communications Demonstrates Practical Evolution Towards Advanced Technologies at CABSAT 2019
MUMBAI: Imagine Communications experts will be on hand at CABSAT 2019 (12 – 14 March, Dubai World Trade Center, stand D2-10) to demonstrate the latest practical solutions to key issues including playout, advertising monetization and the managed transition from traditional architectures to software-defined, IP-connected infrastructures. These proven solutions allow broadcasters and media companies in the MENA region to move forward without compromising existing investments.
“The Middle East has long been a dynamic and forward-looking media market,” said Anas Hantash, head of MESA and North Africa for Imagine Communications. “Today broadcasters and media companies are facing the challenge of developing powerful and agile infrastructures which are at the same time highly reliable and extremely cost-effective. This means taking a reasoned look at the migration from technical architectures built on dedicated appliances towards a fully virtualized, IP-based, cloud-ready strategy, which can deliver the flexibility to respond to changing demands.
“We led the market towards software-defined solutions, and we have unrivalled experience in addressing the complex issues of integrating hybrid environments, scaling IP networks, and tailoring software solutions to broadcasters’ specific requirements,” Hantash added. “Our CABSAT presence gives us the chance to discuss how we can support customers, no matter where they are in the transition process, and do so at their chosen pace.”
Visitors to the Imagine stand will be able to see real-world demonstrations in key areas including playout and automation, IP connectivity and networking, and advertising technology. These demonstrations will show how rich functionality is now implemented in microservices software for installing on premises or in the cloud, and show how media businesses can migrate without risk to software-defined, microservices-based virtualization and IP connectivity.
A key demonstration will be built around Versio™, the industry’s first cloud-native, microservices-based playout solution, which supports a range of functionality including high-availability playout, storage, powerful graphics and multiformat delivery. The inherently scalable nature of the microservices architecture means that not only can it grow as the channel count and online delivery requirements grow, but functionality can also be added, including new resolutions like Ultra HD, as these are needed.
Central to the future shape of media architectures is IP connectivity. In action at CABSAT will be the award-winning Selenio™ Network Processor (SNP), a high-density, all-IP-capable processing platform that enables media organizations to simplify operations and reduce costs associated with supporting SDI and hybrid SDI-IP workflows in their studio and mobile facilities. Working in conjunction with the Magellan™ SDN Orchestrator software control, the SNP demonstration will showcase how customers can easily manage and control their legacy infrastructure, while seamlessly incorporating next-gen technologies, switching and interworking between HD, Ultra HD and uncompressed real-time SMPTE ST 2110 streams.
Proven in many implementations in the MENA region and worldwide, the Platinum™ IP3 router offers the highest integration of facilities in a single, compact device: video processing, multiviewers and synchronization, plus IP gateways, while switching digital audio, video and IP streams in the same frame. This integrated solution saves power, space and cabling. Alongside it will be the software-based EPIC™ MV multiviewer. Scalable to thousands of PiPs and hundreds of displays, EPIC MV enables operators to monitor mixed signal types on a single canvas and offers media organizations a high-quality, low cost of ownership monitoring solution for both hybrid and all-IP environments. Its flexibility will be demonstrated with HD, Ultra HD and IP inputs into a single, synchronized display.
Optimizing revenues is the final critical element of future media businesses, and Imagine is hosting a demonstration of its advertising technology at CABSAT 2019. This is a range of uniquely powerful software applications including inventory management, data analytics and targeted advertising delivery, which give media companies the platform to increase revenues and decrease costs across multiple channels and multiple delivery platforms.
The Ad Tech demonstration will include xG GamePlan™, the only cloud-based application available that leverages battle-tested (AutoBook™) inventory optimisation. In additional Imagine will showcase its Targeted Delivery solutions, including Dynamic Ad Insertion, Packaging and an industry leading HTTP – UDP gateway. Imagine’s set of Targeted Delivery solutions drive enhanced monetisation and operational efficiencies for video service providers and networks across a range of use cases for both linear and OTT.
Also part of the demonstration will be Broadcast Master™, Imagine’s comprehensive suites of modular and scalable rights, sales, scheduling and media management solutions and Landmark™ Sales, which provides for sophisticated campaign planning and control in order to help manage the challenges of this multifaceted selling environment.
For more information, please see Imagine Communications at CABSAT 2019, stand no. D2-10, or visit https://www.imaginecommunications.com
Brands
Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI:Â Jubilant FoodWorks Limited has landed in a tax tussle after receiving a GST demand of Rs 47.5 crore from the office of the additional commissioner of CGST and central excise in Thane, Maharashtra.
The order, issued under the provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, relates to an alleged incorrect classification of certain services under the category of restaurant services. According to the tax authorities, this classification resulted in a short payment of goods and services tax for the period between the financial years 2019-20 and 2021-22.
The demand includes Rs 47.5 crore in GST along with an equal amount as penalty, in addition to applicable interest. The order was received by the company on March 13, 2026.
In a regulatory filing to the BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited, the company said it disagrees with the order and believes its arguments were not adequately considered.
The company is preparing to challenge the decision and plans to file an appeal. It added that once the redressal process is complete, the demand is likely to be dropped.
Despite the sizeable figure attached to the notice, the company said it does not expect any material impact on its financials, operations or other activities.
The disclosure was signed by Suman Hegde, EVP and chief financial officer, who confirmed that the company received the order at 19:06 IST on March 13 and has already initiated steps to contest it.
The development places the quick service restaurant major in the middle of a tax debate that could hinge on how certain restaurant-linked services are classified under GST rules. For now, the company appears ready to take the matter from the tax office to the appeals desk.
