GECs
USVO files suit against ISP movielink
CONNECTICUT: Sony Pictures Entertainment had an incredible 2002. This year could be a touch different if USA Video Interactive (USVO) has its way.
USVO’s subsidiary USA Video Technology Corporation has filed a suit against internet movie service provider (ISP) Movielink regarding the rights to the technology that can deliver movies over the Internet. In India of course we are still some way off from this becoming a reality due to broadband constraints.
The suit identifies Warner Brothers, Paramount Pictures Corporation, Metro Goldwyn-Mayer, Universal Studios, and Sony Pictures Entertainment as members of the limited liability company that owns and operates Movielink and the www.movielink.com website service. Movies made by these studios — including the Oscar nominated My Big Fat Greek Wedding, The Bourne Identity are presently available for download on a fee basis from the movielink.com site. The complaint states that rights to the technology being used by the studios on the site belong to USA Video Technology.
USVO president Edwin Molina has been quoted in an official release saying that the patented technologies represent an advance in home movie entertainment. The days of video rental stores could be fast numbered as it is possible for Internet users to secure almost any movie, any time, from any location with online access all from their comfort of their homes.
The plaintiff is asking the Delaware federal court for a declaratory judgment of both infringement and willful infringement, permanent injunctive relief, compensatory and treble damages, interest, legal costs, as well as a jury trial on all appropriate issues.
An unfavourable verdict against the studios could affect millions of movie fans across the globe. The suit alleges that Movielink has infringed and continues to infringe on the patented online movie delivery system.
USA Video Technology Corporation is a developer, supplier and owner of the patent-in-suit that covers media delivery services that allow Internet users to request and receive digitised movies online.
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.
