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19.11.09
HD Quality, Instant Response and Media Analytics'
FilmOn is thrilled to present the FilmOn HD Network. This next-generation video delivery offering is the first platform to deliver HD video at broadcast audience scale to viewers online using Flash or Silverlight or on the iPhone.
FilmOn HD Network supports HD streaming to enable a highly personalized and interactive online experience that matches and complements HD television. Plus it provides in-depth media analytics with actionable intelligence on content usage and audience engagement. The platform is designed and optimized to help broadcasters and film distributors increase audience engagement and expand revenues by complementing traditional media such as TV and DVD with the Internet.
Key features of the FilmOn HD Network include:
EdgePlatform
Highly distributed and high-capacity network supports broadcast audience scale at HD bitrates
HD Adaptive Bitrate Streaming Network and player streaming process means fast video start-up times and uninterrupted playback
HD DVR
Interactive and personalized experience with true DVR capabilities that match HDTV
HDi Player
Standard-based video player supports adaptive bitrate streaming and DVR
4.08.09
DivX Announces Agreements With Multiple European Download-to-Own Stores to Deliver Hollywood Films in DivX(R) Format
SAN DIEGO, Aug 04, 2009 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ -- DivX, Inc. (Nasdaq: DIVX), a digital media company, today announced that it has signed agreements with three European download-to-own (DTO) stores allowing them to sell premium Hollywood content in the DivX((R)) format upon completion of their own studio deals. Under the DivX agreement, DTO sites ERG (Belgium, the Netherlands), FilmOn.com (UK), and Play4film.com (international film portal headquartered in Italy) will be enabled to provide DivX movies from major Hollywood studios directly to consumers throughout Europe.
DivX technology allows movies to be compressed to a fraction of their original size while still maintaining excellent visual quality. With the flexibility of the DivX format, full-length movies can be conveniently downloaded from these new DTO sites and played on any of the 200 million DivX devices that have shipped into the market, including digital TVs, the Sony PlayStation(R)3, mobile phones and portable DVD players. Consumers have the freedom to transfer their DivX movies for playback on other registered DivX Certified devices they own.
'These agreements help make the DivX vision for any content on any device at any time a reality in our key European markets,' said Kevin Hell, Chief Executive Officer, DivX, Inc. 'With the DivX format now approved by four Hollywood studios, we are excited about this next step in helping consumers download premium movies from these storefronts to watch on any DivX Certified device from a wide variety of manufacturers.'
'DivX has a tremendous ecosystem, and we are pleased to partner with them to promote high-quality, secure digital downloading,' said Co Mast, Chief Executive Officer, ERG. 'Offering the latest Hollywood films in the high-quality DivX format is a critical element in developing a strong online business.'
'FilmOn.com considers DivX an important partner in delivering the highest quality films to the more than 200,000 people who visit our site each day,' said Alki David, founder and chairman of FilmOn.com. 'DivX has developed a breakthrough digital media technology that truly enhances the quality and scope of the consumers' viewing experience, and we're delighted to be partnered with them in bringing a unique service to the UK for the first time.'
'Play4film.com is focused on delivering a high-quality film experience,' said Giovanni Ballantini, Chief Executive Officer, Play4film.com. 'Partnering with DivX is a way to differentiate Play4film and to attract more film lovers to our site.'
Products that bear the DivX Certified(R) logo have undergone a rigorous testing program to ensure a high-quality DivX media experience, including reliable video creation and playback, interoperability with other DivX Certified devices and the visual quality users expect from DivX.
For more information about DivX, visit www.divx.com.
About DivX
DivX, Inc. is a digital media company that enables consumers to enjoy a high-quality video experience across any kind of device. DivX creates, distributes and licenses digital video technologies that span the 'three screens' comprising today's consumer media environment--the PC, the television and mobile devices. Over 200 million DivX devices have shipped into the market from leading consumer electronics manufacturers. DivX also offers content providers and publishers a complete solution for the distribution of secure, high-quality digital video content. Driven by a globally recognized brand and a passionate community of hundreds of millions of consumers, DivX is simplifying the video experience to enable the digital home.
About Entertainment Retail Group (ERG)
Since its beginnings in 1996, ERG expanded quickly to become the leading movie site for the Benelux. Originally comprised of two retail brands, 'Movie MAX' and 'Videoland', the company has recently launched an online store.
About FilmOn.com
'With roots in the film and television distribution business, FilmOn.com Plc. is a world leader in content creation, distribution and development of content management systems. It operates FilmOn.com, a revolutionary media download portal and online entertainment destination. Founded in 2005, the company recently launched a revolutionary HDi broadband television system and has offices in London, Geneva and Frankfurt.
About Play4film.com
Play4film.com is an international portal where consumers can find and discover a vast catalog of films, shorts, documentaries and TV series that is enriched by an entire section dedicated to the culture and history of cinema, critic reviews, and exclusive interviews. Play4film.com also offers consumers an entire free streaming section on its site with more than 450 free movies.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this press release that are not strictly historical in nature constitute 'forward-looking statements.' Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding DivX's visibility within the investment community. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause DivX's actual results to be materially different from historical results or from any results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to: the risk that customer use of DivX technology may not grow as anticipated; the risk that anticipated market opportunities may not materialize at expected levels, or at all; the risk that the Company's activities may not result in the growth of profitable revenue; risks and uncertainties related to the maintenance and strength of the DivX brand; risks associated with DivX's ability to penetrate existing and new markets; risks regarding the effects of competition; the risk of DivX's dependence on its licensees and partners; risks related to the effect of intellectual property rights claims; and other factors discussed in the 'Risk Factors' section of DivX's most recent report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. DivX is providing this information as of the date of this release and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
SOURCE DivX, Inc.
Copyright (C) 2009 PR Newswire. All rights reserved
26.06.09
FilmOn receives £43 million of funding
LONDON (Reuters) - FilmOn.com <2F0.F>, a company that provides live high-definition broadcast television over mobile phones and laptops, has secured access to 50 million euros (43 million pounds) of funding over three years. FilmOn.com, which touts itself as a virtual cable TV service, said it had funding from investment group Global Emerging Markets (GEM) to help develop its proposition, make acquisitions and pay for advertising.
LONDON (Reuters) - FilmOn.com <2F0.F>, a company that provides live high-definition broadcast television over mobile phones and laptops, has secured access to 50 million euros (43 million pounds) of funding over three years.
FilmOn.com, which touts itself as a virtual cable TV service, said it had funding from investment group Global Emerging Markets (GEM) to help develop its proposition, make acquisitions and pay for advertising.
FilmOn.com provides broadcast channels and video-on-demand programs from international content providers through a platform that works on basic broadband speeds or second generation connections.
The platform can either be branded FilmOn or as other partner companies such as broadcasters or telecoms firms. It can also be embedded in a device.
'This is great news for FilmOn.com as GEM has invested in over 260 companies in over 45 countries,' founder and entrepreneur Alki David told Reuters.
'We've aggregated 42,000 titles, primarily movies, documentaries and special interest shows. And it's all about porn and sports. We really do have a lot of porn,' David said.
The company has the option to draw down up to 50 million euros over a three-year period with the timing and the amount of equity at the company's choosing.
FilmOn has provided user-generated and video-on-demand content for several years and launched a beta trial for the broadcast channels in January.
It has done trials of the new HDi broadcasting service with the number of users increasing. It drew 775,000 unique viewers on one day, with a typical user watching an average of 37 minutes of video. The service will have a full roll-out in July.
The service also has the potential to use targeted advertising. Existing advertising will remain on the channels but through a deal with advertising specialist PacketVision, it could also offer personalised advertising based on user's data.
Some 50 channels including BBC1, Sky News and Dubai TV will be available in real time through the company's use of compression technology and 'cloud computing' which takes pressure off the local connection and increases speeds.
'Where video delivery is concerned, this is all the promise of the Internet,' David said. 'It's a virtual cable network.
David told Reuters the group was debt free and would use the funds for further acquisitions in video-on-demand, portals and for advertising. Companies that could be of interest included the online video service Joost, he said.
(Reporting by Kate Holton; editing by Karen Foster)
(c) Reuters 2009. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by caching, framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters and the Reuters sphere logo are registered trademarks and trademarks of the Reuters group of companies around the world.
25.06.09
Live BBC and Channel 4 HD TV coming to mobile phones - Telegraph
Live BBC and Channel 4 HD TV coming to mobile phones People will soon be able to watch live TV shows from channels such as BBC1 or Channel 4 in High Definition and on their mobile phones, with the launch of new internet player.
By Emma Barnett, Technology and Digital Media Correspondent Published: 8:04PM BST 22 Jun 2009 Live BBC and Channel 4 HD TV coming to mobile phones: Live BBC and Channel 4 HD TV coming to mobile phones All TV channels currently on Freeview are signed up and will be streamed live. This means subscribers can watch their favourite TV shows, such as Skins on Channel 4, in real-time on their mobiles as they would on their TV sets.
FilmOn HDI, (High Definition on the internet), is launching a mobile phone version of its player on Monday July 20.
Fifty channels, including BBC1, ITV, Channel 4, Five and Sky News, will be available on any mobile handset with enabled internet access, starting from the monthly subscription fee of £3.95.
Related Articles * TV shows coming to BlackBerry handsets * BBC launches Radio Times app for iPhone and iPod touch * Adobe Flash platform coming to televisions and set-top boxes * BlackBerry App World application store launched * TECHBYTE
The downloadable application will be available worldwide and function on all mobile operating systems, including on Apple's iPhone 3GS and Blackberry handsets. A specific iPhone app has also been developed.
All TV channels currently on Freeview are signed up and will be streamed live. This means subscribers can watch their favourite TV shows in real-time on their mobiles, as they would on their TV sets.
In addition to the Freeview channels, there are bespoke FilmOn branded channels, including FilmOn Movie and FilmOn Oldies, which will offer premium shows and films.
'However, these channels will show static content, whereas content from the Freeview channels will be streamed live. FilmOn will also stream more than 2,500 'world channels', taking content from third parties.'
FilmOn HDI launched the player in beta in January 2009. It is compatible with both Mac and PCs and subscription will cover both mobile and computer devices.
On channels where the content is streamed live, existing advertisement breaks will remain in place. However, FilmOn has signed a deal with PacketVision, an Internet Protocol TV (IPTV) advertising specialist, to serve personalised adverts, based on user data submitted on sign-up.
Alki David, FilmOn's chairman, said: 'We are providing TV channels another platform where they can have a direct relationship with viewers.'
01.06.09
FilmOn hits L.A. for 'virtual HD cable'
Alki David builds on New York office for Internet portal
LONDON — Billionaire entrepreneur Alki David is opening a Los Angeles outpost as part of an aggressive North American expansion of FilmOn, his patented live-streaming Internet business.
David told The Hollywood Reporter that he will set up shop in Los Angeles to complement the existing New York offices of FilmOn, his Internet portal that allows access to live HDTV streaming via PCs, televisions and cell phones.
He has struck a deal with Edgecast, a California-based content-delivery network provider, to handle bandwidth requirements in conjunction with FilmOn's in-house European technicians in Switzerland. The company also is targeting Scandinavian countries because 'they are the most advanced users of computers and Internet content in Europe,' David said.
London-based FilmOn is listed on the Frankfurt stock exchange and has a market cap of about €630 million ($893.5 million). It has struck a host of pay-for-content deals across Europe, including ones with Paramount Digital Entertainment International and such indie distributors as CBC, Playboy and Cinetel Films.
FilmOn offers a free downloadable media player that allows PC users to stream live television from such broadcasters as BBC1, ITV, CNN and Bloomberg and gives consumers the option of downloading movies for individual payment. Its biggest marketplace rival is Microsoft's Web-based streaming operations.
The FilmOn business model is under patent, as is its management and content digital services, and can't be mimicked in North America, David said. Founded as a VOD business, David said he is moving away from that model of revenue generation and instead trumpeting HDi Web services tailored for operators and consumers.
The uptake for the HDi — dubbed virtual HD cable -- has been sizable. At launch in January, the data collection recorded about 200 beta users. Since then, it has recorded compound growth of 10%-15% daily. At its peak, it grabbed 775,000 unique users in one day worldwide; it currently garners about 350,000 a day.
David said the growth means established players and indies will benefit from 'furthering their reach and influence' with consumers and users.
'The new service is the culmination of years of technological development and challenges the established cable and satellite providers because it's cheaper and mobile and no set-top box is required,' David said. 'FilmOn.tv is what the Internet has promised for so long and heralds a new dawn in how the public will access television content.'
The FilmOn founder recently was ranked 40th on the Sunday Times Rich List with an estimated fortune of $2.47 billion, mostly derived from his family's Athens-based Leventis-David group, which owns Coca-Cola bottling plants worldwide.
David also runs production shingle 111 Pictures with producer Elliott Kastner and modeling agency Independent Models.
By Stuart Kemp
18.05.09
HDi streaming technology could open up 'virtual cable television'
http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/25/hdi-streaming-technology-could-open-up-virtual-cable-television/
FilmOn.com, the UK's leading video-on-demand provider (FilmOn's words!), has expanded its repertoire this week, and announced a new service dedicated to TV — FilmOn.tv.
FilmOn.com may not have the name recognition in America as does YouTube and Hulu, but its creator could be making a name for himself with the online video portal's underlying technology. Alki David founded FilmOn some three years back, and has since developed an advanced streaming protocol dubbed HDi (no, not that HDi). The technology could eventually be used to deliver high-definition cable TV programming and other video-on-demand options around the globe without any lag or stutter; we're even told that Britons could catch the local news in Iowa if the ideal scenario comes to fruition. So far, David has inked deals with a number of content providers, though only Turner Network Television was specifically named. FilmOn is expected to showcase its 'virtual cable television' tech to BT next month, which could certainly accelerate the expansion of HDTV by enabling it to flow over existing internet delivery pipes. Consider our interest markedly piqued, especially for HD-deprived souls overseas.
12.05.09
UK launch for FilmOn TV service
2,500 worldwide TV channels available online now
FilmOn.com, the UK's leading video-on-demand provider (FilmOn's words!), has expanded its repertoire this week, and announced a new service dedicated to TV — FilmOn.tv.
Created by by FilmOn.com's founder and CEO, Alki David, the new portal offers 2,500 channels of live video streams and is said to bring 'virtual cable TV' to the masses.
Advanced search
Do not worry if you have a piddly broadband connection, as FilmOn.tv works in a number of different variations and is compatible with players such as Windows Media Player and Mac's Flip 4 Mac.
Speaking about his new venture, Alki David, said: 'Perhaps your Latvian in-laws are visiting and don't want to miss their favourite soap or you are a huge fan of Latin American football? Our advanced search engine trawls the web looking for publicly available world channel TV which is then streamed and indexed in a simple and efficient way that means whatever your tastes you are guaranteed to find your thing on FilmOn.com.'
Mainstream channels that you can now get on VOD include Sky News and the BBC World Service.
Top that lot off with a free HDi player delivering you HD resolution channels, and that should suitably have the rest of the streaming bunch registering more than an envious glare.
HD available
As well as a standard TV service, some of the channels are available in HD, through FilmOn.com's new free proprietary HDi Player.
'All consumers have to do to take advantage of the amazing technology is click and download the software for free,' says David. 'Forget Project Kangaroo, Project Canvas and a host of other antiquated and uncompetitive models for accessing TV content online and get ready to sample the future.'
'This new service means the public's viewing experience will be radically changed forever and this time the revolution will be televised.'
'UPDATE: this article was amended to attribute he UK's leading video-on-demand provider' as FilmOn's words and not TechRadar's. Thanks to 'lth' below.'
By Marc Chacksfield
News
05.03.09
Filmon.com Strikes Content Deal With Paramount Digital Entertainment International
London, England / Los Angeles, CA — Furthering its rapid emergence as a global leader in the digital distribution arena, Filmon.com, the revolutionary new full-scale media download portal and online entertainment destination, announced today that it has signed a content distribution deal with Paramount Digital Entertainment International to distribute Paramount Pictures' titles throughout the United Kingdom. The announcement was made by Filmon.com Chairman & CEO Alki David and John Robson, VP Paramount Digital Entertainment.
Movies from Paramount Pictures' catalogue, as well as new release titles are included in the deal. Paramount Pictures' movies will be available to buy on Filmon.com the same day that they hit retail shelves.
04.03.09
Filmon.tv — live international telly for your viewing pleasure
Watching Latvian Wife Swap has never been so easy
No longer shall those extended Eastern European relatives need stare endlessly at an Ian Beale hissy fit in the middle of Walford Square as Filmon.tv now delivers the freedom of television from across the world.
Launched today, FilmOn.com purveyors of the UK's leading video-on-demand service looks set to conquer the channel hopping universe by delivering you the opportunity to peruse over 2,500 television channels from across the globe.
Without the need of a power-mongering broadband connection (just a 1MB should be suffice) you can watch Australian Deal Or No Deal in real time effortlessly from the comfort of your laptop.
Feeding through standard players such as Windows Media Player and Mac's Flip 4 Mac, there is also no need to add to your current desktop icon overload.
Top that lot off with a free HDi player delivering you HD resolution channels, and that should suitably have the rest of the streaming bunch registering more than an envious glare.
Filmon.tv is live and now ready to cater for all your international channel surfing needs.
16.02.09
FilmOn floats on Frankfurt exchange
LONDON — U.K. video-on-demand website FilmOn has floated on the Frankfurt stock exchange in a bid to fund its expansion into the U.S., Germany, France and Australia. The company, which put 20% of its stock on the market, estimates its market capitalization to be around £300 million ($433 million).
The site, which launched in January 2008, inked its first deal with a Hollywood major earlier this month with a distribution pact with Paramount Digital Entertainment Intl.
Par titles, including "Iron Man," "Transformers," "Cloverfield," "No Country for Old Men" and "Mission: Impossible III," will be available for download in the U.K. on the same day they hit retail shelves.
FilmOn already has deals with several indie distribs, including Granada, CBC, Playboy, Screen Media, Revelation Films and Cinetel Films. The site, which claims more than 200,000 unique visitors a day, has more than 3,500 titles available for download. It enables content owners to sell pics direct to the consumer via the site, allowing them to control price and availability territory by territory. FilmOn also produces its own content, including comedy shows and documentaries.
Advertising on the site is marketed by 4DS, a subsidiary of U.K. broadcaster Channel 4.
FilmOn is owned by filmmaker and actor Alki David, who was ranked as the U.K.´s 47th richest person last year by London newspaper the Times. It estimated his wealth at $2.2 billion, mostly derived from his family´s Athens-based Leventis-David group, which owns Coca-Cola bottling plants in 23 countries.
David also runs production shingle 111 Pictures with producer Elliott Kastner and modeling agency Independent Models.
22.12.08
Coming to a PC near you: a world of film and television in high definition
As you read this, audiences in Britain could be watching CBS from Miami on their computers, while in America, others get their first taste of MTV Europe... and if the transatlantic exchange goes ahead, it will be thanks to a billionaire media entrepreneur and his team, who have devised a new technology that allows people to stream high-definition videos over the internet even if they have a slow broadband connection.
Alki David, founder and chairman of FilmOn.com, an online video streaming website, and Rich Crosby, a television engineer from Miami, have developed what they call HDi, a turbo-charged streaming technology that they say will transform the broadcasting industry.
Thanks to services such as BBC iPlayer, Hulu.com and YouTube, Gartner, the technology analysts, predict that almost 20 million people will be subscribing to internet TV platforms by the end of this year, a rise of 64 per cent in 12 months. READ MORE >>
08.04.08
C4´s 4DS wins sales contract for FilmOn.com
LONDON — Channel 4´s in-house digital advertising sales agency 4DS has been appointed to handle third party online advertising for FilmOn.com, the video-streaming website where visitors can legally download films.
Under the terms of the deal, 4DS will manage third party online advertising for the website, including onsite media and sponsorship opportunities. The newly launched website, which went live in January, has already reported 8m unique users and more than 100m page impressions in the first month alone.
The website, which is part of the independent film and production company 111Pix Group, was founded by Alki David, a billionaire businessman. David has appeared in a string of films and TV shows, including BBC One hit "Spooks" and more recently gangster movie "The Bank Job". READ MORE >>
27.12.07
Alki David comes to Cambridge´s aid in effort to tackle local Goliaths
This is the time of year for rich men bearing gifts in the east, even if the east in question was hardly the fenlands of England. Nevertheless, Cambridge, the National Division Two club, will go into the new year with ambition renewed after establishing an association with Alki David, the Greek billionaire.
From next month their playing field at Wests Renault Park on the Grantchester Road will bear the logo of filmon.com, the video-on-demand business, which is only one of David´s interests in the entertainment industry. It is not, when all is said and done, a sponsorship that will transform the club overnight but it has the potential for growth that has brought club and businessman together. READ MORE >>