iWorld
Flamingo helps smartphones show multiscreen channels
MUMBAI: Anevia, one of the leading companies in OTT and IPTV software for the delivery of live TV and video-on-demand (VOD), has announced the launch of features for its Flamingo head-end. It will be presented at ISE – Integrated Systems Europe tradeshow in Amsterdam, UK.
Flamingo is able to deliver new services as multiscreen channels for smartphones, tablets and other connected devices as well as on-demand services such as Replay TV and Pause TV. Furthermore, an enhanced cloud monitoring service provides additional configuration possibilities for the Flamingo.
Transcoding for downscaling and multiscreen
The new Flamingo transcodes HD sources to SD channels compatible with legacy video players that do not support HD. The Flamingo can convert HD channels from any source (satellite, cable, terrestrial) to SD channels for broadcasting over an IP or coaxial networks.
In addition to this embedded transcoder, the Flamingo includes the Anevia OTT packager. The Flamingo can now natively serve multiscreen live channels to smartphones, tablets and other connected devices that would be brought by the guests. The Flamingo handles the formatting of the live feeds in order to deliver them using different streaming protocols on the market such as Apple HLS, MS Smooth Streaming, Adobe HDS, MPEG-DASH.
Time-shift and replay TV
The Flamingo head-end is able to record the channels that are received and offers on-demand services. With embedded storage and recording capabilities, it is now very easy to provide Pause TV, Replay TV or other time-shift services.
Cloud monitoring configuration
The cloud monitoring service offers the possibility to configure and customise the TV head-end. One can manage the license and configuration files of the Flamingo directly through our cloud monitoring interface. Adding an option or changing the configuration of your Flamingo has never been this easy.
The new features enhance cloud monitoring service, a web-based application that provides source for a pro-active, easy and efficient global maintenance of enterprise TV sites.
iWorld
Bill Ackman’s Pershing Square makes $64 billion bid to acquire Universal Music Group
Ackman pitches NYSE relisting plan as UMG board weighs unsolicited offer
The hedge fund has proposed a business combination that values UMG at €30.40 per share, representing a hefty 78 per cent premium to its current trading price. The offer includes €9.4 billion in cash alongside stock in a newly formed entity, with shareholders set to receive €5.05 per share in cash and 0.77 shares in the new company for each UMG share they hold.
Under the proposal, UMG would merge with Pershing Square SPARC Holdings Ltd and re-emerge as a Nevada-based entity listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The move is designed to boost investor visibility and potentially secure inclusion in major indices such as the S&P 500.
Pershing Square Capital Management ceo Bill Ackman argued that while UMG’s operational performance remains strong, its market valuation has lagged due to external factors. “UMG’s stock price has languished due to a combination of issues that are unrelated to the performance of its music business,” Ackman said, pointing to concerns ranging from shareholder overhang to delayed US listing plans.
Ackman also flagged what he sees as untapped potential in UMG’s balance sheet and a lack of clear capital allocation strategy. He added that the market has not fully recognised the value of UMG’s €2.7 billion stake in Spotify, alongside gaps in investor communication.
The proposed transaction would also result in the cancellation of around 17 per cent of UMG’s outstanding shares, while maintaining its investment-grade balance sheet. Pershing Square has said it will fully backstop the equity financing, with debt commitments secured at signing. The deal is targeted for completion by the end of the year.
UMG, however, has struck a measured tone. The company confirmed that its board has received the non-binding proposal and will review it with advisers. It reiterated confidence in its current strategy and leadership under Lucian Grainge, signalling no immediate shift in stance.
The proposal comes at a time when global music companies are navigating evolving investor expectations, streaming economics and capital allocation pressures. For Pershing Square, the bet is clear: sharpen the financial story, relist in the US, and let the music play louder in the markets.
Whether UMG’s board is ready to change the tune remains to be seen, but the spotlight on its valuation just got a lot brighter.
