Asia-Pacific News

Federal Court Justice Steven Rares has found in favour of Optus in the copyright litigation regarding its TV Now service. The finding concluded that the service did not infringe on the copyright of the NRL, AFL and Telstra, the rightsholders in the matter.

Allowing customers to record free-to-air TV and storing them on Optus’ cloud platform, the TV Now service the streams the program at a later time. Theses recordings were argued to be unauthorized by Telstra and the sports organizsations. Optus argued that it was their users making the recordings, not Optus itself, and that playback of these did not infringe copyright because they fell within the section 111 exception for recording broadcasts for private or domestic use.

Justice Rares considered seven separate issues. His findings included that the individual users were the ones that committed the act that brought about the recording and that such a recording did fall within the section 111 exception.

“The Copyright Act was amended in 2006 to allow this type of innovation and we are very pleased the Court has confirmed this,” said, Clare Gill, Optus general manager of corporate and government affairs. “Convergence is upon us and we needed to ensure Australians have the choice, convenience and flexibility to access content when and where they want.”

Telstra and both the NRL and AFL are expected to appeal the decision to the Full Federal Court.

Gencom Technology has announced exclusive distribution of JVC Professional products and JVC’s award winning D ILA projector series for the Australian and New Zealand markets.

Commenting on the new product lines, Ray Sanders, Gencom Technology CEO stated, “We are very pleased to broaden our relationship with JVC Kenwood to now cover distribution of these products in the Australian market also. Having exclusively distributed the JVC Professional products line in New Zealand for the past 12 years, I see this expansion as an excellent partnership fit, bringing additional scope to grow market opportunities and offer enhanced services to our clients in both countries.” 

Sanders continued, “We are equally pleased to have secured the services of several ex JVC Pro Australia staff, including Noel Oakes, Martin Scott and Nick Critelli bringing a wealth of experience and adding continuity to the operation for existing JVC customers and dealers.”

Mr. Lindsay Nolland, National Manager, Communications Division, JVC Kenwood Australia commented, “We are very happy to be working closely with Gencom in both markets for these product lines. Gencom Technology has an excellent industry reputation for customer focus and advanced technical service capability. I am confident this appointment will benefit not only our two companies but more importantly our valued customer base in the Australia and New Zealand markets.”

Visit http://www.gencom.com

UK based Adstream Holdings, which wholly owns Adstream Australia, has announced signing a joint venture agreement with Samba Tech, the market leader in online video streaming in Brazil.

The newly created AdstreamSamba, will consolidate the integration of technologies from both companies in order to offer complete digital logistics involving the whole advertising chain: Agencies, Video Producers and Broadcasters, making it the largest chain of online advertising transmission in the continent. In addition, the joint venture will offer management, production tools and digital distribution for print, workflow solutions and platforms to deliver to mobile devices and connected TV.

To manage the integration, both companies have named Celso Vergueiro as the Managing Director of AdstreamSamba with headquarters located in Sao Paulo and a subsidiary in Rio de Janeiro.

Celso will be supported by Ricardo Parravicini, International Business Development Director, James Douglas formerly General Manager of Adstream Australia and now Head of Implementation, Emerging Markets and Emmelie Forsyth who will lead Adstream’s commercial expansion into Latin America.

Gustavo Caetano, founder and CEO of Samba Tech said, “Samba has built a close relationship with the major broadcasters in the country and had already started negotiations even before the establishment of a joint venture with Adstream. Thus, the installation of servers and interfaces to receive the company’s solutions were already underway. What we did was bring together the strengths of Samba Tech’s networks with Adstream’s expertise in solutions for advertisers, agencies and producers, in order to create this new company and business model”

Gerard Barron, Adstream’s CEO added, “Expansion into Latin America is part of our strategy and it was natural to look to the Brazilian market. When we arrived in the country we found out that Samba Tech had solutions that were part of our supply chain performance. Our union as a single company will be much more positive than a possible competition in the market. The Adstream and Samba Tech know-how and technology, along with the knowledge of local business, will ensure benefits to the market of advertising and marketing in Brazil

Visit http://www.adstream.com.au

Videocraft have announced that they are now an official Canon Cinema EOS dealer. Videocraft will also handle the sales, rental, service support and integration for the EOS C300/C300 PL and related lenses. The company also recently held demonstrations of the new Canon Cinema EOS C300 camera in its Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra offices.

Videocraft NSW State Manager and one of the few Australian industry professionals to be invited to the EOS C300 launch in LA Andy Liell said, “Videocraft Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra are now very much ‘one stop shops’ for the Canon Cinema range of products. The EOS C300 open days we had attracted over 150 people to our Sydney office and over 70 to Canberra – big numbers for our industry and the buzz was very much evident. The new range of Canon Cinema products means we now offer our clients even more products and solutions than we ever have before.”
 
Launched in November 2011, the EOS C300/C300 PL Interchangeable-Lens Digital Video Camcorder and 4K Cinema Lenses form part of the new Cinema EOS System – a professional digital cinematography system that spans the lens, digital video camcorder and digital SLR camera product categories.

“The launch of the Cinema EOS System is a historic event for Canon and marks our full-fledged entry into the film and TV production industry,” said Canon Australia’s Managing Director Taz Nakamasu. “Given the significance of this opportunity and the specialised needs of the market, it was critical to partner with recognised leaders in providing solutions for cinema, TV, and broadcast fields. Videocraft distinguished themselves and we are proud to be partnering with them.”

Videocraft’s Sales Director James Taylor said, “The image quality of the EOS C300 is simply stunning, particularly in low light. This together with the compact, lightweight form factor and the flexibility of the modular design will make Cinema EOS a popular solution across the gamut of TV and motion picture production applications. We’re proud to be working with Canon to bring this solution to the Australian market and to be part of this next phase of growth in the industry.”

Visit http://www.videocraft.com.au

ZSPACE has created the complete new look for Nine Network Australia’s Today. ZSPACE designed the new graphics and logo as well as the set, creating an integrated on-air brand.

Nine came to ZSPACE wanting a complete refresh of the Today brand: a bold new look for 2012 that would be warm, inviting and modern. ZSPACE Senior Designer Leigh Newman worked with the news and current affairs team at Nine to create a look for Today that breaks the barriers between the Today family and its audience.

The set was designed by ZSPACE Executive Creative Director, Jean-Christophe Danoy, with Mark Dyson. Jean-Christophe used his extensive television experience to ensure camera angles, furniture and layout create an intimacy between the presenters and provide a seamless connection with viewers.

“Having the set and graphics designed by the same company ensures integrated marketing of the brand. With Today the set works in conjunction with the whole broadcast bringing a sense of harmony,” said Jean-Christophe.

Mark Calvert, Nine’s Director of News and Current Affairs, said, “Working with ZSPACE has been a real creative partnership. The process is a pleasure, they’re sensitive to the needs of our inhouse creative teams, and the end results have exceeded our expectations. Nine will certainly be working with ZSPACE again, and I’d recommend them to any other broadcaster looking for bright ideas.”

Visit http://www.zspace.com.au

Sky News, Australia and New Zealand’s leading multi-platform 24-hour news supplier has recently ordered their 7th LiveU LU60-HD Cellular Video Backpack from OnAir Solutions’ the local partner of LiveU.

General Manager of OnAir Solutions Chris Dredge said, “Being able to send live pictures from just about anywhere, with minimum operating cost, has dramatically changed the speed with which Sky News can get stories to air. The combination of short delay “Interview” presets and extended delay “maximum quality” settings enables Sky News to execute Live Crosses or extended Press Conferences in real time with minimal dropout and picture interruption, an ideal for a 24 hour, dynamic news service.”

A key element in the success of LiveU for Sky News is the built-in, proprietary antenna solution in the LiveU LU60. The antenna array leverages highly advanced RF technology for exceptionally resilient transmission, beyond the capabilities of off-the-shelf modems. With the recent integration of the Telstra 4G Modems, poor coverage areas that are considered “no-go” zones can be transformed into HD transmission opportunities for news gatherers.

LiveU’s LU60 has an abundantly rich feature set for Mobile ENG over multiple wireless networks. The LU60 bonds up to 14 cellular (3G/4G), WiMAX and Wi-Fi modems to provide a resilient, broadcast-quality video uplink, packing the capabilities of an HD Satellite truck into a compact backpack. The LU60 adds features such as 1080i HD video resolution and super performance even at ultra-low sub-second latency.

Visit http://www.liveu.tv

Lexus has become the first Australian luxury automotive vehicle to introduce DAB+ digital radio as standard. The all-new Lexus GS range will feature DAB+ as part of a new advanced audio and navigation system.

Commercial Radio Australia chief executive officer, Joan Warner said, “The announcement by Lexus to include Digital Radio DAB+ as standard in the GS is an exciting start to 2012 for digital radio. It is the first luxury vehicle to offer digital radio as standard and I know Lexus drivers will enjoy the digital sound quality and additional stations available.”

Digital radio is now standard in the 2012 Toyota Camry Atara SL and in all new Hino 300, 500 and 700 series trucks and is available as an option in a number of BMW and Audi models. Nielsen radio ratings data shows that in 2011,  34% of radio listening took place in the car and that there are around 1 million people listening to digital radio.

Visit http://www.digitalradioplus.com.au

Continuing its commitment to foster creativity and nurture talent, ASTRA, the subscription TV (STV) industry’s peak body, has announced the student placements for the 2012 ASTRA Graduate Program. Through an industry partnership with Australian Film, Television & Radio School (AFTRS), nine Foundation Diploma graduates have been awarded short term work contracts with some of the leading names in STV.

Starting in February 2012, each graduate will work for three months with one of the following STV channels/platforms: Premiere Media Group (FOX SPORTS), FOXTEL, BBC Worldwide Australia, TVSN/Expo Channel, World Movies & STVDIO, ESPN and Disney Channel. Work contracts have been awarded in different areas of STV including marketing, promotion, programming, production and broadcasting.

The ASTRA Graduate Program was initiated in 2011 to create employment pathways for creative talent in a fiercely competitive subscription TV industry which saw a 6% growth in employment from 2009 – 2010.    

“The 2011 program was extremely successful with 7 out of 10 participants continuing to work in the STV industry either full time or casually,” said ASTRA CEO Petra Buchanan. “The ASTRA Graduate Program is just one of many ways that the STV industry invests, with the direct economic contribution to the Australian economy estimated at over $5 billion since its inception. In 2010, the sector employed 7,410 people.”

The short-term positions will provide invaluable experience in the Australian STV industry which is now in its 16th year and continues to advance the television experience for viewers.

“Our students began asking about this program within the first month of their course. The ASTRA Graduate Program, while only in its second year, has already made a mark and is highly regarded for the unprecedented opportunity which is being offered — essentially much needed experience in a competitive industry,” said AFTRS CEO Sandra Levy.

Operations Development Manager for FOXTEL, Bobby Louca said of the program, “FOXTEL is thrilled to be involved in the ASTRA Graduate Program for the second year, contracting with two students to perform a variety of roles. The AFTRS graduates come to us very well prepared and enthusiastic about the opportunity.”

Visit http://www.astra.org.au and http://www.aftrs.edu.au

Australian iPhone-based ordering system NoQ has extended its market reach by agreeing to develop self-branded versions of the intuitive ordering system for customers. NoQ’s developer, Hub IT, founded by former Adelaide Crows ruckman Brad Moran, has already sold eight self-branded versions of NoQ Plus to customers including Bean Bar and Aroma Café.

Launched in August last year, NoQ allows customers to use an iPhone app to order and pay in advance for coffee or food orders to avoid queues at the counter when they reach a store. The vendor issues an online receipt and confirms a time to collect the order. Payment occurs automatically via credit card using the secure CTEL payment gateway.

Hub IT founder and director Brad Moran said NoQ had worked so well that some vendors wanted their own version of the ordering app. “After a number of requests, we decided it would benefit both NoQ and vendors who want this deeper engagement with the system,” he said. “Vendors who choose the self-branded NoQ Plus version of the system get all the benefits of NoQ without having to share the app with other vendors. These businesses are willing to pay an upfront development cost in order to ‘own’ the convenience of NoQ packaged in their own brand.”

Visit http://www.noqapps.com.au

In a significant international acknowledgment for Australia’s digital sector, five Australian projects have been selected as finalists for the SXSW Interactive Awards 2012. Founded in 1997, the SXSW Interactive Awards identify the best new digital works from around the world, from mobile and tablet apps to websites, kiosks and installations, while celebrating those who are building tomorrow’s online trends.

Two Australian projects are finalists in the Film/TV category including Goa Hippy Tribe, a social media documentary about a hippy reunion in Goa from filmmaker Darius Devas and production company Freehand. The project was supported by SBS and was selected for INPUT 2011. In the same category is The Gradual Demise of Phillipa Finch, an interactive experience, animated series and iPhone game. The project features the voice of Toni Collette, was produced by Rachel Okine of Hopscotch, based on the works of creator Emma Magenta and was supported by ABC TV.

Producer and creative director Martin Potter and producer Anna Grieve’s Big Stories, Small Towns is an Australian finalist in the Community category. The project is an evolving multi-platform documentary featuring collaborations between small-town communities and filmmakers in residence who have created stories full of love, humour, family and belonging.

In the Art category is Curious Creatures, an interactive installation exposing users to strange encounters with inquisitive and beautiful creatures from the surrounding woods at a festival site. A large-scale augmented reality projection project combining animation, sound design, gaming, installation art and electronic music, the work has been installed to date at locations such as the Lismore Lantern Parade and Splendour in the Grass festival. The project is a collaboration between creative director Jimmy McGilchrist, executive producer Craig Walsh and producer Carli Leimbach.

The Dragon Children from SBS Online has been nominated in the Educational Resource category. The project is an interactive multimedia website exploring the success of Chinese-Australian students within Australia’s education system, as part of SBS’s continuing commitment to Chinese-Australian audiences and the SBS Chinese Virtual Community centre project. The key creative team includes news reporter and producer Johnny Lu, online creator Matt Smith, online developer Ken Macleod and online producer Nicole Redenbach.

The winners in each category will be revealed at the 15th Annual SXSW Interactive Awards Ceremony presented by HP on the evening of Tuesday 13 March at the Hilton Austin Downtown.

Visit http://sxsw.com/interactive/awards