GECs
Optibase and Time expand IPTV services for MTNL India
MUMBAI: Optibase Ltd. and its partner Time Broadband Services Pvt Ltd, broadband content services operator, are expanding their IPTV solution to India’s state-owned telecom service provider, Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd (MTNL).
MTNL recently launched IPTV services through Time Broadband, utilising Optibase’s IPTV MGW 5100 platforms for its digital IPTV head-end operation at the company’s network operating centre.
Time Broadband is all set to deploy IPTV services on both TV and PC delivery through network and internet service providers across India. Following the initial deployment of Optibase MGW 5100 IP video head-ends providing 26 channels of telco-grade streaming, Optibase has now supplied an additional 74 channels, totaling 100 MPEG-4 Part 10 H.264/advanced video coding (AVC) channels, asserts an official release.
Together with Time Broadband, Optibase is enabling the launch of their IPTV services in Delhi – one of the affluent areas in terms of average revenue per user (ARPU), with high sign-on rates for broadband internet services.
Time Broadband Services managing director Sujata Dev said, “During the initial deployment, Optibase demonstrated their extensive IPTV know-how relating to H.264 AVC. We decided to select the Optibase MGW 5100 integrated digital head ends for the full-scale commercial launch. We are confident that this productive relationship with the high level of commitment from Optibase will continue into the future with our plans for further growth of our IPTV services in prominent locations of the Indian market through multiple telecom operator relationships.”
Optibase CFO Danny Lustiger added, “We are delighted with the success of our first installation of Time Broadband at MTNL Delhi network and look forward to a long-term collaboration with our globally eminent CDN partners, driving the large scale deployment of IPTV in India. Optibase combines high quality products with world-class services, providing MTNL with a carrier-grade IPTV solution required for the expansion of triple-play services in the Delhi metropolitan high growth potential market.”
GECs
Vikram and Ajinkya Gandhe win Masterchef India season finale
Chef Sanjeev Kapoor joins judges for emotional MasterChef finale
MUMBAI: The latest season of MasterChef India concluded on a high note, with brothers Vikram Gandhe and Ajinkya Gandhe crowned winners in the grand finale aired on Sony Entertainment Television.
The duo from Nagpur lifted the coveted trophy and donned the show’s signature golden apron after a season that celebrated India’s diverse culinary traditions under the theme “Pride of India”.
This edition of the popular cooking reality show introduced a new jodi format, with 50 pairs from across the country competing in the Masterchef kitchen. Contestants brought personal stories, regional flavours and family bonds to the competition.
The grand finale featured the final three pairs: Vikram and Ajinkya Gandhe (brothers), Saisree and Chanda (mother and daughter), and Anju and Manju (sisters).
The finale was attended by celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor, who joined the show’s judging panel comprising Vikas Khanna, Ranveer Brar and Kunal Kapur.
Kapoor said the show has long served as a platform to celebrate India’s rich culinary heritage and provide passionate home cooks with a national stage. He noted that the current season reflected a confident India that takes pride in its roots while embracing new culinary ideas.
Judge Vikas Khanna said the contestants’ journeys and the memories created during the season would remain with the team long after the show’s conclusion. Ranveer Brar described the show as a family that continues to grow with every season, while Kunal Kapur praised the contestants’ creativity and determination.
With the finale now concluded, the latest season of MasterChef India once again highlighted how food can reflect identity, heritage and storytelling, inspiring home cooks across the country to pursue their culinary ambitions.
