GECs
Two-way Internet services suite on television launched
Canadian cable operator Vidéotron has launched its new iLLICO service. This will allow subscribers to send messages using PowerTV’s email, surf the Internet, chat, and take advantage of Vidéotron’s local content. This has been made possible thanks to the Scientific-Atlanta digital interactive network, its scalable network software, Explorer® digital set-tops, and PowerTV’s operating system.
The apparent aim of iLLICO, Scientific-Atlanta and PowerTV technology is to make television the medium through which customers can communicate with the operators. Over 100,000 subscribers of the cable operator’s system in Quebec will be given the privilege of using the facility first. This is because they are already using Scientific-Atlanta Explorer digital interactive set-tops. The services are available across the entire system that the operator has in place in Quebec and the broadband system features will expand and touch new levels.
Speaking on this Dr Allen Ecker, president of Subscriber Networks, Scientific-Atlanta said: “The network software and operating system are capable of handling the two-way traffic as the use of interactive services grows, with scalability that provides the operator with a high degree of flexibility as they expand their digital footprint. Together, they manage the traffic, deliver the services and enable the cable operator to provide the interactive services that subscribers want, when they want them.”
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.
