Monday, November 25, 2013

Synapse TV Planning To Launch VuTV On Freeview HD This Week

The broadband media industry news website Advanced Television is reporting the very exciting Nickelodeon UK News in the following article that VuTV, the brand new Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) service which will make a range of pay-TV channels, including Nickelodeon UK, Nicktoons UK, Nick Jr. UK, Comedy Central, and MTV available to homes with Freeview HD, is scheduling to launch later this week (week beginning Monday 25th November 2013)!

VuTV, co-owned by interactive TV specialist Strategy & Technology and video streaming operator Simplestream, and run by their joint venture Synapse TV, will launch on the UK digital terrestrial television (DTT) platform Freeview on channel 238 and will enable a range of premium channels from Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN), A+E Networks, and Turner Broadcasting to be watched via Freeview HD boxes, through pay-as-you-go monthly payments.

The article also reports that Mike Alexander, the Business Development Manager at Strategy & Technology (S&T), has announced that VuTV is planning to add more new channels in 2014:
VuTV targets pay-TV lite market

Prior to its consumer launch later this week, executives behind TV streaming service VuTV have revealed further details of the operation’s positioning and strategy.

Speaking exclusively to advanced-television.com, Mike Alexander, Business Development Manager at Strategy & Technology (S&T), confirmed that the service would be available on Channel 238 on UK DTT Platform Freeview and deliver linear channels over-the-top to Freeview HD boxes.

A+E Networks, Viacom International Media Networks and Turner Broadcasting are the first major broadcasters to sign up to VuTV, featuring channels such as Lifetime, Comedy Central, MTV, CNN, History, H2, Crime & Investigation Network, Nickelodeon, Nicktoons, Nick Jr., Cartoon Network, Boomerang and Cartoonito.

“We believe it will be a great value proposition with the channels we have at launch and we have more channels we plan to add in 2014,” he said, adding that by using consumers’ existing Freeview HD boxes, no extra boxes, remotes or power supplies were required.

The service is powered by Synapse, a joint venture between Strategy & Technology and bespoke streaming solutions provider Simplestream, and leverages their respective technology and expertise to provide a comprehensive and fully-integrated solution for OTT delivery of linear and on-demand services to a range of connected platforms.

“We worry about all the technology, and if someone has content that they want to get onto one of these platforms, they can give us access to that content, and we can do everything else that is needed to be done to deliver that to consumers,” explained Alexander.

Noting Freeview research that suggests there are some 7.6 million Freeview HD TVs and boxes in the marketplace which have some form of Internet connectivity, Alexander estimated that there are currently between 0.7 and 1.5 million compatible and connected receivers, with that number set to grow rapidly in 2014.

Alexander said that VuTV is targeting a rapidly-growing population of Freeview HD Internet-connected homes that don’t currently have a pay-TV package, suggesting that that there are lots of people out there that would like premium TV, but are not willing to pay the levels of monthly subscriptions required by existing platforms.

For channels, Alexander suggested that VuTV was a very cost-effective way to reach the large audience of Freeview consumers compared to using a traditional over-the-air channel which could cost millions.

David Cutts, Managing Director of S&T, said the service would grow and evolve from its launch technologies and capabilities, “just as fast as we can evolve the software” while still trying to keep it simple for consumers. “We have a road map of things we are going to do to add channels and features to the service … the service can evolve from here on in; this is Step One. We think we’ll be able to extend this ‘pay-TV lite’ on Freeview quite extensively.”

While this week’s launch will confirm pricing points, VuTV plans more of a consumer push in 2014, when further channels are set to be added to the service.

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Nickelodeon And Amazon.com To Launch 'Day of Deals' On Tuesday 26th November 2013

Nickelodeon, the number-one entertainment brand for kids and families, and Amazon.com, the world's largest online retailer, have announced in the following press release, from Broadway World's TV World, the exciting news that, just in time for the holidays, Nickelodeon and Amazon.com will ignite the holiday shopping season with the launch of "Nickelodeon Day of Deals" on Tuesday 26th November 2013 at www.amazon.com/nickelodeon, where, for one day only, a online extravaganza will treat customers to a full day of lightning deals on their favorite Nickelodeon products across numerous categories including toys, board games, home goods, apparel and more. Fans and holiday shoppers everywhere will be able to enjoy deals up to 40% off, until supplies last!

Original Press Release:

Nickelodeon & Amazon.com Launch 'Day of Deals', 11/26

Just in time for the holidays, Nickelodeon and Amazon.Com ignite the holiday shopping season with the launch of "Nickelodeon Day of Deals" on Tuesday, November 26, at www.amazon.com/nickelodeon, for one day only. The online extravaganza treats customers to a full day of lightning deals on their favorite Nickelodeon products across numerous categories including toys, board games, home goods, apparel and more. Fans and holiday shoppers everywhere can enjoy deals up to 40% off, until supplies last.


About Nickelodeon

Nickelodeon, now in its 34th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in more than 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 18 consecutive years. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIA.B). Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIA.B).

About Amazon

Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN), a Fortune 500 company based in Seattle, opened on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection. Amazon.com, Inc. seeks to be Earth's most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they might want to buy online, and endeavors to offer its customers the lowest possible prices. Amazon.Com and other sellers offer millions of unique new, refurbished and used items in categories such as Books; Movies, Music & Games; Digital Downloads; Electronics & Computers; Home & Garden; Toys, Kids & Baby; Grocery; Apparel, Shoes & Jewelry; Health & Beauty; Sports & Outdoors; and Tools, Auto & Industrial. Amazon Web Services provides Amazon's developer customers with access to in-the-cloud infrastructure services based on Amazon's own back-end technology platform, which developers can use to enable virtually any type of business. Kindle Paperwhite is the world's best-selling and most advanced e-reader. It features new display technology with higher contrast, the next generation built-in light, a faster processor, the latest touch technology, and exclusive new features designed from the ground up for readers. Kindle, the lightest and smallest Kindle, features improved fonts and faster page turns. The new Kindle Fire HDX features a stunning exclusive 7" or 8.9" HDX display, a quad-core 2.2 GHz processor, 2x more memory, and 11 hours of battery life, as well as exclusive new features of Fire OS 3.0 including X-Ray for Music, Second Screen, Prime Instant Video downloads, and the revolutionary new Mayday button. The all-new Kindle Fire HD includes an HD display, high-performance processor and dual speakers at a breakthrough price. Amazon and its affiliates operate websites, including www.amazon.com, www.amazon.co.uk, www.amazon.de, www.amazon.co.jp, www.amazon.fr, www.amazon.ca, www.amazon.cn, www.amazon.it, www.amazon.es, www.amazon.com.br, www.amazon.in, and www.amazon.com.mx. As used herein, "Amazon.com," "we," "our" and similar terms include Amazon.com, Inc., and its subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise.
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Nickelodeon And Sprayground Team Up For Limited-Edition SpongeBob SquarePants Deluxe Backpacks

Nickelodeon, the number-one entertainment brand for kids and families, has today, Monday 25th November 2013, announced in the following press release, from PRNewswire, the exciting news that Nickelodeon and Sprayground, a graffiti-inspired fashion brand, have teamed up to release the Sprayground x SpongeBob: SpongeBob SharkPants Deluxe Backpack! The limited-edition brightly-hued unisex backpack has a 360 degree print design, featuring elements of SpongeBob SquarePants' Bikini Bottom pals including Mr. Eugene Krabs, Patrick Star and Sandy Cheeks. The Sprayground x SpongeBob: SpongeBob SharkPants deluxe backpack retails for US$65, and is available to buy now exclusively at SprayGround.com!

On the Sprayground x SpongeBob: SpongeBob SharkPants Deluxe Backpack's front panel is a wide-eyed SpongeBob face with Sprayground's iconic shark mouth. Made of canvas, the backpack features cushioned shoulder straps with SpongeBob's iconic knee-high sock design, two side pockets, organizing pockets in the front compartment, and a laptop compartment in the main internal compartment. It's the perfect Christmas present for all SpongeBob fans!

The collaboration marks Sprayground's first-ever co-brand with an animated character.

Original Nickelodeon Press Release:

Nickelodeon And Sprayground Team Up For Limited-Edition SpongeBob SquarePants Deluxe Backpacks

Collaboration Marks Sprayground's First-Ever Co-Brand with an Animated Character

NEW YORK, Nov. 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Nickelodeon and Sprayground, a graffiti-inspired fashion brand, team up to release Sprayground x SpongeBob: SpongeBob SharkPants Deluxe Backpack. The limited-edition brightly-hued unisex backpack has a 360 degree print design, featuring elements of SpongeBob's Bikini Bottom pals including Mr. Krabs, Patrick and Sandy Cheeks. The Sprayground x SpongeBob: SpongeBob SharkPants deluxe backpack retails for $65, and available now exclusively at SprayGround.com.



(Download Image - Photo - Nickelodeon and Sprayground Team Up for Limited-Edition SpongeBob SquarePants Deluxe Backpacks. (PRNewsFoto/Nickelodeon): http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131125/NY22726 )

"SpongeBob is an iconic and versatile brand that lends itself to be reimagined through innovative products," said Julie McKenzie, Senior Vice President, Softlines and Packaged Good, Nickelodeon Consumer Products. "Our Sprayground collaboration is a creative expression of all of the attributes that have made SpongeBob beloved around the world, mixed with cutting-edge style that both of our brands' fans will love."

The Sprayground x SpongeBob: SpongeBob SharkPants Deluxe Backpack's front panel is a wide-eyed SpongeBob face with Sprayground's iconic shark mouth. Made of canvas, the backpack features cushioned shoulder straps with SpongeBob's iconic knee-high sock design, two side pockets, organizing pockets in the front compartment, and a laptop compartment in the main internal compartment.

Since its launch in July 1999, SpongeBob SquarePants has become one of the most beloved animated characters in TV history and a global pop culture phenomenon. Currently in its 14th year, the series continues to be one of the most-watched animated series with kids, with one third of its audience 18-49. SpongeBob SquarePants is one of the most 'liked' animated series on Facebook, with more than 84 million fans. As the most widely distributed property in Viacom history, SpongeBob is seen in over 170 countries and translated in more than 35 languages. Over the past several years, SpongeBob has averaged more than 100 million total viewers every quarter across all Nickelodeon networks.

About Sprayground

Founded by street artist DBD in 2006, Sprayground (sprayground.net) originally started as a blank bag company aiming to offer street artists a new medium for expression. Since then, Sprayground has expanded its range of street-inspired bags and accessories for style-savvy creatives. Now an established street wear brand, Sprayground maintains its devotion to street art through a fashion-focused aesthetic, innovative designs, and collaborations with internationally known artists.
Based in New York, Sprayground is available nationwide at retailers like Kitson, Goliath, Atmos, Vault, Bodega, Food Soldiers, and more.

About Nickelodeon

Nickelodeon, now in its 34th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in more than 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 18 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIA.B). [...]

SOURCE Nickelodeon

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