Thursday, April 22, 2010

India to become largest DTH market by 2012: Study

New Delhi, April 21 (IANS) India will become the largest DTH (direct-to-home) market in the world in terms of subscribers by 2012, overtaking the United States, according to a recent study.

According to the report published by Media Partners Asia (MPA), DTH subscribers here will climb from a net installed base of 17 million in 2009 to reach 45 million by 2014 and 58 million by 2020. MPA is a Hong Kong based leading provider of information services covering media and communications markets. By 2009, 15 percent of India's pay-TV homes had at least one set-top box. This will grow to 38 percent by 2014 and almost 50 percent by 2020 with HDTV gaining more traction after 2010, driven by DTH satellite networks, the study said.

The study predicts digital cable will grow to 17 million subscribers by 2014 and 29 million by 2020 while cable broadband, a key driver of future cable sector profits, will grow from 850,000 homes in 2009 to three million by 2014. 'We are more positive on India's DTH opportunity than previously, especially when anchored to consolidation and improved pricing power with continued growth,' MPA executive director Vivek Couto, said in a statement. 'We suspect the DTH market will consolidate from six to four platforms within three to five years, and estimate four will be making money at the EBITDA (Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization) level by FYE March 2013... The major risk to all our growth assumptions is regulation, which continues to commoditise and destroy industry value,' he added.

Projections from the report suggest that pay-TV subscribers will grow from 105 million in 2009 to 149 million by 2014 and 173 million by 2020. This means pay-TV penetration will grow from 78 percent in 2009 to more than 90 percent in the long-term. Cable will retain 70 percent market share by 2014, falling to 64 percent by 2020, while DTH will scale up to almost 35 percent share in the long-term. Total pay-TV subscription revenues will grow at an average annual rate of 14 percent over the next five years and 10 percent over the next decade, reaching $8 billion by 2014 and more than US$12 billion by 2020. Revenues from HDTV and VAS (including VOD, HDTV and PVR) will contribute more than $500 million by 2014, rising to $1.5 billion by 2020.

The report also suggests that a resurgent economy, an expanded pay-TV market and the growth of regional media should help bolster pay-TV advertising growth to an average annual rate of 14 percent over the next five years, and 10.5 percent over the next decade. MPA sees the total pay-TV advertising market reaching US$3.2 billion in 2014 and US$5.1 billion by 2020.

Courtesy - India Interacts website

Sneha at Azhagiya Thamizh Magan

Sneha at Azhagiya Tamizh Magan

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Interview With Anu Haasan: Rediff

Anu Haasan is the darling of Tamil television and deservedly so.

Vivacious, chirpy and enthusiastic, the scion of the Haasan family (she's Kamal Haasan's niece) has many facets -- actress, talk show host, game show host, model, entrepreneur and martial arts expert. And she has a hunger for more.

In a frank interview with rediff.com's Pavithra Srinivasan, she shares insights on life, her way. Excerpts:

Your talk show on Vijay TV, Koffee with Anu made waves right from the very first season, and is going strong. What was your first season like? What is your modus operandi?

My first episode was rather nerve racking. I knew that the shoot could have two outcomes -- I might end up offending the guest, or look foolish. While looking foolish is something I do with considerable panache -- I have had a lot of practice, you see [laughs], the former was a matter of concern.

I was also very clear that my strengths were not glamour, or a generally svelte stylish look. So I started off the shoot with a clear idea of what my advantages were not. As I started doing more shoots, I realised that it was irrelevant how I looked. The guests wanted to talk, and more importantly, to be 'allowed' to talk, which I did. I am very clear who the star on the show is. It is not me; it is the guest I am talking to. That was, and continues to be my 'modus operandi,' if you will.

How different do you find the current season, when compared to your first? Do you think the viewer-ship, audience reaction etc, have changed? If so, how?

The elements in each season were changed by the channel and in all honesty, I liked and disliked some of the ideas. But as an anchor, I can only express a certain amount of reluctance to execute ideas. So, I do the best I can with what I am given. Just like life.

There is a steady following for Koffee with Anu, or so I am led to believe. If the forum on the Internet is anything to go by, people like the show as long as the guests are someone they have not seen before.

Also, in the beginning, I did get a lot of comments about my appearance. But when they realised that I did not put too much importance on looks, and that I refused to conform to public expectations if it was something that I did not like, those comments faded away. They have not completely disappeared, but I think people realised it is a futile task to try and remind me that I am not slim or glamourous.

You were among the first to have a proper talk show of sorts on Tamil TV. What was it like, interacting with guests, on a one-to-one basis?

It is a pleasure to get to know someone who has achieved something in life. I have always maintained that I am very fortunate to be able to be in a position where I can get a synopsis of their life lessons. I have learnt many things from my guests -- humility, pride, patience, how to live life and how not to take life seriously. People assume that simply because I was born a Haasan, I automatically know everyone in the industry. My world has always been outside the film industry, so it was actually a novel experience getting to know the people I was 'supposed' to know!

In addition to the talk show, you've hosted a game show on Jaya TV and acted in several soaps as well. Could you share your experiences about those?

The game show was a quiz and it was lot of fun. I interacted with run-of-the-mill people and it was great to see how affectionate they were to me because they liked Koffee with Anu. And when they realised that I am about as normal as the next person, they become even warmer.

My favourite TV serial was Rekha [ Images ] IPS. I loved it because I was a tough police officer beating up the baddies, doing stunts, car and bike chases. The other serials and movies were good at the time because they taught me what little I know about the technical side of shooting and film making.

You've started a cookery show as well -- En Samayal Araiyil. Could you tell us about that? The show seems to be modelled loosely on Nigella Lawson's show. Is it true?

We have finished the series of En Samaiyal Araiyil. At least that is what the director leads me to believe. I loved doing the show; I don't think I will ever pass up the opportunity to do a cookery show. But modelled on Nigella Lawson? Really? I always thought she was stylish and sensuous. You are actually paying me a compliment!

Jokes apart, I don't think it was modelled on Nigella Lawson's show. It was the channel trying to piggy back on the Koffee anchor's popularity and entwine it with the anchor's love for food and cooking. It was a great idea and it really worked while it was on air. I have only had positive feedback about the show.

You started your career as the heroine in Indra (directed by Suhasini Mani Ratnam). How do you think life has changed, since then? What are the roles you're currently working on, in movies?

First off, I don't have a career truly. I just do what I feel like doing. I enjoy acting, so I act if the roles interest me. I enjoy anchoring, so I do that as well, if the concept interests me. I did a series of roles in movies last year for the simple reason that I was dying in all of them. Now that was fun!

Currently, I am playing a role in Maanja Velu as Karthik's wife, and in Erandu Mugham as Sathyaraj sir's wife. I am usually cast in the 'traditional but strong, firm but loving woman' mould and I suppose I do a fairly decent job of fitting in.

You're a successful media icon. What advice would you offer aspiring youngsters?

The three words -- 'successful media icon' -- are the very definition of transience. To aspiring youngsters I would say, 'Do not work for success. Work so you can do the best you can do.' Fame is so fickle and the happiness from that will never last. Also when you attribute your happiness to external factors, your happiness is always nebulous. Feel happy for the accolades, use the criticism as feedback and improve yourself, but bottom line -- 'don't care too much.'

What ae your future plans?

I never plan. After all, life is what happens when you are busy planning. I might do anything. The whole world is your oyster, is it not? I am not afraid of failure. I am not enamoured by success. Life has to be fun and fulfilling, and that is all I look for. If at all I have any plans, I would say I plan on being very happy and contented indeed.

Register for Super Singer 3 here..



Register for Super Singer 3 here ..

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Vijay TV's Super Singer is back


Third season soon to hit your Television screens

The run-away success of the first two seasons of Vijay TV's Super Singer show was phenomenal. Nikhil Mathew and Ajeesh have become house-hold names across Tamilnadu. Following the footsteps of Nikhil Mathew, Super Singer 2008 winner Ajeesh also had rendered his voice to Yuvan Shankar's music. He has sung 'Ithuvarai ilaatha unarvidhu' duet song pairing with Andrea for the film GOA.

The sensational victory of the first two seasons has paved way to the launch of the third season. Bigger promises, better prize money and eminent personalities as Judges, Season 3 of Super Singer is all set to be back on Vijay TV. All interested and aspiring singers across Tamilnadu above 16 years of age group can participate in Super Singer - Season 3. The only qualification to participate in this reality hunt would be zeal to learn music and the motivation to perform.

Procedures to participate:
Boys & Girls those who hold a passion for singing above 16 years of age, can record their voice in a CD / Cassette and send it to VIJAY TV Pvt. LTD, THE EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, Super Singer Season 3, P.O.Box no. 8484, Nungambakkam, Chennai - 600 034. Also one can log onto www.vijay.indya.com and register their voice drop after filling in their complete biodata.

Super Singer 3 is sure to set new records than the first two seasons.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Kadhal Unplugged - Video, 18-04-2010, Part 2

Kadhal Unplugged - Video
April 18, 2010, Part 2











Kadhal Unplugged - Video, 18-04-2010, Part 1

Kadhal Unplugged - Video
April 18, 2010, Part 1









 
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