Thursday, November 28, 2013

Nickelodeon UK, Nicktoons And Nick Jr. Launch On Freeview HD For £6.99 A Month Via New IPTV Service VuTV

VuTV has announced in a Tweet (post) on their official Twitter profile page, @VuTV, the very exciting Nickelodeon UK News that the brand new Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) service launched today, Thursday 28th November 2013, making a range of pay-TV channels, including Nickelodeon UK, Nicktoons UK, Nick Jr. UK, Comedy Central, and MTV available to homes throughout the UK with Freeview HD!:
Great news! VuTV launches later today!
VuTV, co-owned by interactive TV specialist Strategy & Technology and video streaming operator Simplestream, and run by their joint venture Synapse TV, launched at 12:00pm (midday) GMT on the UK digital terrestrial television (DTT) platform Freeview on channel 238 and enables a range of premium channels from Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN), A+E Networks, and Turner Broadcasting to be watched via their existing Freeview HD Internet-connected TV or box for a monthly subscription of £6.99 (€8.38) – with no long-term contracts.

To sign up to the service and start to receive a great selection of premium television channels, all you need is a compatible Freeview HD TV or box connected to an aerial and the Internet. Then, simply visit the official VuTV website at vutv.com to register a account. Once you've registered, you will be given an unique Activation Code and PIN to start to use the service. Then on your telly go to channel 238. Log in, and channel 238 becomes a portal to choose from various channels. Using the up and down buttons on your regular Freeview HD remote control, you'll be able to pick a channel from VuTV's launch line-up, including Nickelodeon, Nicktoons, Nick Jr.!

Commenting on the Nick News, Arran Tindall, Senior Vice President (SVP), Commercial and Content Distribution, Viacom International Media Networks, UK, Australia, Russia and Eastern Europe, said that Viacom aimed to make its content and channel brands available on whichever platform its audience wants to access them, "so it's great news that Comedy Central, MTV and Nickelodeon will, for the first time, now be accessible via broadband connected digital terrestrial TV in the UK. The VuTV service is an easy, affordable way for suitable Freeview households to sample some of the very best channels that subscription TV in the UK has to offer."

BARB will measure viewing for all VuTV channels, providing broadcasters with an additional platform through which to monetise their content via incremental advertising impacts. VuTV powered by Synapse TV – a joint venture between Simplestream and Strategy & Technology – also offers broadcasters unique granular analytics of their consumers’ viewing behaviour.

December 2013 programming highlights on VuTV include "Witches of East End" (Lifetime), "Beauty School Cop Outs" (MTV), "Sam & Cat" (Nickelodeon), "SpongeBob SquarePants" ("SpongeBob's Cracking Christmas"; Nicktoons), "Dora the Explorer" (Nick Jr.), "South Park" (Comedy Central), and "Fred Dinenage – Murder Casebook" (CI). Consumers will also be able to enjoy a wide range of Christmas specials such as "Pawn Stars" (History) and "A Country Christmas Special", starring Dolly Parton (Lifetime) and Christmas films such as "Tom & Jerry: A Nutcracker Tale" (Boomerang), "The Christmas Tree" with "Bananas in Pyjamas" (Cartoonito), "The Christmas Show" from the "Regular Show" (Cartoon Network).

Below is more information about VuTV, from Advanced Television:
VuTV pay-TV lite package £6.99

Freeview HD TV streaming service VuTV has revealed its launch pricing. For a monthly subscription of £6.99 (€8.38), VuTV gives viewers the opportunity to access a premium range of channels – Comedy Central, MTV, CNN, Lifetime, History, H2, Crime & Investigation Network, Nickelodeon, Nicktoons, Nick Jr., Cartoon Network, Boomerang and Cartoonito via their existing Freeview HD Internet-connected TV or box on Freeview channel 238 – with no long-term contracts.

There are now over 20 million Freeview homes, making Freeview the biggest digital TV platform in the UK. VuTV is aimed at the rapidly growing population of Freeview HD Internet-connected homes that currently do not have a pay-TV package. All consumers need is a compatible Freeview HD TV or box connected to an aerial and the Internet; no need for any extra boxes or remote controls. Once subscribers have signed up via vutv.com, they will be provided with their personal Activation Code and PIN for a one-off registration of their Freeview HD TV or box, giving quick and easy access to all VuTV’s channels.

With premium content being provided, VuTV is seeking high levels of interoperability and security. Synapse, a joint venture between TV technology specialist Strategy & Technology and bespoke streaming solutions provider Simplestream, is working closely with a broad range of manufacturers to ensure their existing and future Freeview HD products meet the standards required. Samsung is the first major manufacturer to provide full support for VuTV in their Freeview HD products, with others to follow soon. A full list of compatible devices is available at vutv.com/compatibility.

David Cutts, Director of VuTV, said the platform had been working with manufacturers from across the industry for some years, both to establish the specification for these TVs and to build the system to use them. “We are now finishing off the process of testing and approving the receivers in the market so we can enable more customers to receive VuTV. This is a continuing process and the list of devices that support VuTV will continue to grow”.

Bakori Davis, VP Commercial, A+E Networks UK, said: “We are delighted to see the launch of another multi-channel platform in the UK that offers more viewers a chance to enjoy the great content on our portfolio of channels, including Lifetime, our newest entertainment brand which launched this month.”

Arran Tindall, SVP, Commercial and Content Distribution, Viacom International Media Networks, UK, Australia, Russia and Eastern Europe, said that Viacom aimed to make its content and channel brands available on whichever platform its audience wants to access them, “so it’s great news that Comedy Central, MTV and Nickelodeon will, for the first time, now be accessible via broadband connected digital terrestrial TV in the UK. The VuTV service is an easy, affordable way for suitable Freeview households to sample some of the very best channels that subscription TV in the UK has to offer.”

According to Anthony Lukom, MD and VP general manager, Turner Broadcasting, UK, the broadcaster demonstrates an ongoing commitment to be where its audiences are, and ensure multiple ways for them to engage with its channels and content. “We are delighted that through this great new service our multiplex of channels will be available via broadband connected digital terrestrial TV, a great opportunity for us and our audiences.”

BARB will measure viewing for all VuTV channels, providing broadcasters with an additional platform through which to monetise their content via incremental advertising impacts. VuTV powered by Synapse TV – a joint venture between Simplestream and Strategy & Technology – also offers broadcasters unique granular analytics of their consumers’ viewing behaviour.

December highlights on VuTV include Witches of East End (Lifetime), Beauty School Cop Outs (MTV), Sam & Cat (Nickelodeon), SpongeBob SquarePants (Nicktoons), Dora the Explorer (Nick Jr), South Park (Comedy Central), and Fred Dinenage – Murder Casebook (CI). Consumers will also be able to enjoy a wide range of Christmas specials such as Pawn Stars (History) and A Country Christmas Special, starring Dolly Parton (Lifetime) and Christmas films such as Tom & Jerry: A Nutcracker Tale (Boomerang), The Christmas Tree with Bananas in Pyjamas (Cartoonito), The Christmas Show from the Regular Show (Cartoon Network).

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Nickelodeon Launches The Nick App In The UK And Ireland

'Tis the season to be a finger! Nickelodeon UK, the number one commercial kids TV network in the UK, has announced in the following Press Release the exciting news that Nickelodeon UK has today, Thursday 28th November 2013, released a localised version of the popular Nick App in the UK and Ireland! 'Appy 'Appy Joy Joy!


Available for free and featuring over 200 pieces of exclusive Nickelodeon-themed content, the Nick App is available for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch - exclusively on the App Store! Today's launch marks the first availability of the Nick App outside of the US where it launched in February 2013 and amassed five million downloads. The Nick App has also received the prestigious Award for Outstanding Creative Achievement in Interactive Media - User Experience And Visual Design at the 65th Emmy® Awards and has been nominated for the 'Best Streaming Video Platform' award in the 2013 iKids Awards.


An immersive branded experience, the Nick App will allow British and Irish NickHeads to explore a laughter and slime-filled world that showcases content from hit Nickelodeon and Nicktoons shows such as "Sam & Cat", "The Haunted Hathaways", "SpongeBob SquarePants", "House of Anubis" and "Sanjay and Craig". Kids will be able to interact with the Nick brand through a moveable tile layout that can be swiped in any direction, promoting discovery and exploration and offering fans instant and on-demand access to Nickelodeon content. From launch the App will be a destination for short-form videos, behind-the-scenes clips, and comedic sketches. Photos from Nick stars and animated characters are also available as are specially created polls, blogs and games as well as two full-length Nickelodeon episodes. New content will be added to the Nick App every day. More information on the Nick App can be found at nick.co.uk/app.

The launch of the Nick App will be supported on Nickelodeon's online and social media channels as well as on air through the 'Appy Christmas competition, where kids will have the chance to win a iPad Mini everyday from Sunday 1st to Tuesday 24th December 2013, making it a very Appy Christmas! Special promotional spots to introduce the app and its content will also be broadcast on air.

The Nick App is available free from the UK App Store on iPhone, iPad or iPod touch or here.

Original Nickelodeon UK Press Release:

THE NICK APP LAUNCHES IN THE UK

First International Launch for Emmy-Winning App Downloaded 5M Times in U.S.

London, UK – 28th November, 2013 – Available for free and featuring over 200 pieces of Nickelodeon-themed content, the Nick App is available from today for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch - exclusively on the App Store. Today’s launch marks the first availability of the Nick App outside of the US where it launched this February and amassed five million downloads. The Nick App has also received the Award for Outstanding Creative Achievement in Interactive Media - User Experience And Visual Design at the 65th Emmy® Awards.

"We know from our research that kids expect to access content wherever they are. The Nick App, through its layout, navigation and ever-refreshing content is an excellent way to serve our audiences with the Nick content that they want as well as offer a sample to the uninitiated to what Nick has to offer," said Tina McCann SVP, Managing Director, Nickelodeon UK.

An immersive branded experience, the Nick App will allow Nickelodeon fans to explore a laughter and slime-filled world that showcases content from hit Nickelodeon and Nicktoons shows such as Sam & Cat, The Haunted Hathaways, SpongeBob SquarePants, House of Anubis and Sanjay and Craig. Kids will be able to interact with the Nick brand through a moveable tile layout that can be swiped in any direction, promoting discovery and exploration and offering fans instant and on-demand access to Nickelodeon content. From launch the App will be a destination for short-form videos, behind-the-scenes clips, and comedic sketches. Photos from Nick stars and animated characters are also available as are specially created polls, blogs and games as well as two full-length Nickelodeon episodes. New content will be added to the Nick App every day. More information on the Nick App can be found at nick.co.uk/app.

The launch of the Nick App will be supported on Nickelodeon’s online and social media channels as well as on air through the ‘Appy Christmas competition. Special promotional spots to introduce the app and its content will also be broadcast on air.

The Nick App is available free from the App Store on iPhone, iPad or iPod touch or here.

Available in 14 million homes, Nick is the place where kids rule and features top shows such as Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards, Victorious, SpongeBob SquarePants and iCarly. Launched in 1993, Nickelodeon brings hit international and locally-produced entertainment content to audiences in the UK and Ireland. Viewers can also watch Nick in high definition through Nick HD and have the opportunity to catch up with the schedule through Nick +1. Exclusive games, behind the scenes clips, show information and more are available on nick.co.uk Nick is on Sky 604, Virgin 712, TalkTalk channel 315 and through BT Vision.

The Nickelodeon Network brings the best in kids’ content to the UK and Ireland with Nickelodeon channels available in over 14 million cable and satellite homes. Having launched in 1993 Nickelodeon UK comprises seven dedicated entertainment channels for kids aged 4-15 and their families, and is a joint venture between Viacom International Media Networks and BSkyB.

- Ends -

Below is more information about Nickelodeon UK's brand new Nick App from the iOS applications' official page on Apple's App Store:
Nick
By Nickelodeon

Description

The Nick app puts the best of Nickelodeon at your fingertips... hilarious original videos, animated shorts, games, full episodes, and more! It's jam-packed with amazing awesomeness.

So have fun, play around, and prepare to laugh until you snarf milk from your nose.

Explore endless Nick amazingness in this app for kids and kids-at-heart...

* FUN OVERLOAD: Swipe to explore, zoom in and out, and let your fingers point the way to fun.

* LAUGH-OUT-LOUD ORIGINAL VIDEOS: Hungry for funny? Get ready for tons of brand new wild and wacky videos from your favourite Nick characters and stars, like Ariana Grande, Jennette McCurdy, Lucas Cruikshank, Jerry Trainor, and the guys from Big Time Rush. New videos are added all the time!

* GAMES: Whether you’re replaying your favourite Nick games, or checking out all new games, prepare to be entertained for hours. Play on!

* ANIMATED SHORTS: Watch all-new and rarely-screened animated shorts featuring SpongeBob, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Fairly Odd Parent and more.

* SAVE YOUR FAVOURITES: Got a video or game you want to find again? Just drag it into your favourites folder. That way, you can go back and see it again, whenever!

* POLLS: Would you rather have Patrick’s brains or Squidward’s mood? Take these fast and funny polls and cast your vote. See how your pick measures up to other Nick app kids!

* SURPRISING SURPRISES: Keep exploring every day to discover new, hilarious surprises from Nick. A word to the wise: look out for SLIME!

* DIRECT ACCESS: If you know exactly what you want to do, pull the Nick string on the upper left and switch over to the main menu where you can access characters or categories.

* A WORLD OF NICK: The whole Nick gang is waiting for you – Sam & Cat, SpongeBob, Victorious, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Haunted Hathaways, Sanjay and Craig, iCarly, Monsters vs. Aliens, Fairly Odd Parents, Korra, Robot & Monster, Marvin Marvin, Wendell & Vinnie, Big Time Rush, and more.

Download now – let's get APPIN’ already!

**************************************
This app only works with iOS devices running iOS 6.0 and above. Be sure to update your device to the latest operating system.
**************************************

The Nick app collects non-personal aggregated user data. As needed, Nickelodeon and/or a third party may generate an identifier that is unique to the application as downloaded to a specific device, known as the Core Foundation Universally Unique Identifier (CFUUID). User data may be used, for example, to respond to user requests; enable users to take advantage of certain features and services; personalize content and advertising; and manage and improve Nickelodeon’s services. Nick’s collection of user data is in accordance with applicable law, such as COPPA.

For more information regarding Nickelodeon’s use of user data, please visit the Nickelodeon Group.

Nickelodeon’s Privacy Policy is in addition to any terms, conditions or policies agreed to between you and Apple, Inc., and Nickelodeon and its affiliated entities are not responsible for Apple's collection or use of your user data and information.

Privacy Policy
http://www.nick.com/info/privacy-policy.html

End User License Agreement:
http://www.nick.com/info/eula.html

This app is designed for both iPhone and iPad

Free

Version: 1.2

Size: 47.1 MB

Language: English

Developer: Viacom International Inc.
© 2013 Viacom International Inc.

Rated 4+

Compatibility: Requires iOS 6.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. This app is optimized for iPhone 5.

[Nick App on iPhone Screenshots]


[Nick App on iPad Screenshot]


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