GECs
NTT DoCoMo and Nippon TV in mobile TV partnership
MUMBAI: Japan’s NTT DoCoMo Inc. and Nippon Television Network Corporation (NTV) have inked a business tie-up to develop content and related services that combine mobile communications and conventional TV programs.
Under the agreement, the companies will form a seven-year limited liability partnership, D.N. dream partners LLP, on 3 April 2006 (tentative), with DoCoMo investing five billion yen and NTV five billion yen. The partnership will invest in content and also develop content itself, including TV programs that can be viewed with mobile phones, states an official release.
In addition, the two companies will jointly study new business opportunities, including a service that combines so-called “One-segment” terrestrial digital broadcasting that will begin in Japan this spring, and i-mode services, as well as content developed by NTV for DoCoMo’s conventional services such as V-Live video streaming and i-motion video clip distribution services. NTV entertainment events with special activities for users of “Osaifu-Keitai” phones equipped with IC chips are also planned.
The mobile communications company NTT Docomo offers leading-edge mobile multimedia services. In addition to wholly owned subsidiaries in Europe, North America and Asia, the company is expanding its global reach through strategic alliances with mobile and multimedia service providers in Asia-Pacific and Europe, the release adds.
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.
