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Features

Eight out of 10 users prefer iTunes In less than a week, iTunes will be 10 years old and, according to recent research, Apple still rules the digital music downloads roost. According to the latest information from The NPD Group, Apple had a 63% unit share of that market in Q4 last year. The closest follower, AmazonMP3, got 22%. Eight out of 10 digital music buyers downloaded their tracks and albums from Apple’s iTunes store in Q4 2012. And one in three still believe that owning music is important, even with various free streaming services.

Second screeners avoiding specialist apps Surprise statistics: PCs are the most common second screen device, and specialist apps like Viggle and zeebox are not appealing to the majority of TV viewers. According to The NPD Group, second-screening consumers are not widely using those applications designed by broadcasters for specific programs. NPD figures show that 88% US households own at least one device that can be used as a second screen, with 87% of US entertainment consumers reported to be second-screening while watching television. However, of TV viewers who use second-screen devices, only 47% have participated in second-screen activities.

A hive of social media activity Not long ago, Motorola reported that 2nd screen activity “continues to be popular among the 16-24-year-olds”. That’s as may be, but this year’s Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards garnered a record-breaking 387 million votes cast around the world in 22 categories. According to Rentrak’s TV Viewing Engagement & Broadcast/Cable Series Social Media Metrics report for that week, the KCA had by far the highest ‘2nd Screen Activity Score’, giving it the highest social media rank.
Ericsson strengthens IPTV position The recent move by Ericsson to acquire Microsoft’s TV solution Mediaroom business will, say analysts, not only not make Ericsson the leading player in the market for IPTV set-top box middleware, it also will be able to expand its IPTV offering into a complete, integrated solution that will give the company a competitive advantage over its rivals. The global IPTV market is estimated to reach 76 million subscribers in 2013 with revenues of $32 billion, growing to 105 million subscribers and $45 billion in 2015.

D2D News

BDA goes with MESA Europe

The BDA (Blu-ray Disc Association is to come under the wing of the newly-formed MESA Europe industry body, MESA Europe head Jim Bottoms told D2D. Speaking at the pre-PEVE reception, Bottoms said that the BDA joins the CDSA and 2nd Screen Society, both of which will benefit from an exciting program of events and initiatives administered by MESA Europe. Continue reading »

Lionsgate announces The Hunger Games Explorer

Tying into the just-released global online trailer of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Lionsgate and Internet Explorer have announced a multi-faceted partnership, kicking off with the debut of The Hunger Games Explorer, an online destination where fans can access Hunger Games content. Continue reading »

Unlikely boost to music industry

Pubs, hairdressers and even oil rigs have given an unexpected boost to the music industry, according to UK national newspaper the Telegraph. “More and more businesses turn to pop to keep the cash ringing in their tills,” reports Katherine Rushton, Media, Telecoms and Technology Editor. Continue reading »

SPT launches Hannibal second screen app

Sony Pictures Television (SPT) Networks has unveiled a custom second screen viewing app to accompany the premiere of Hannibal, starring Mads Mikkelsen pictured) in the title role, and co-commissioned for SPT's global portfolio of channels. The app will synchronize to each episode as it airs live, and also use audio watermarking technology that will trigger it to synchronize during any DVR and VOD playback. Continue reading »

MESA launches Europe affiliate

US-based entertainment trade association MESA (Media & Entertainment Services Alliance) has announced the launch of a European affiliate headed by newly appointed Executive Director, and long-standing industry specialist, Jim Bottoms. Continue reading »

Ericsson to acquire Microsoft Mediaroom

Ericsson has reached an agreement with Microsoft to acquire its TV solution Mediaroom business, with closing expected during the second half of the year. Mediaroom is situated in Mountain View, California and employs more than 400 people worldwide. “We are proud of the number one IPTV market position that we have achieved with Mediaroom. Ericsson’s complementary portfolio of TV and networking services will help drive the future growth and development of Mediaroom,” said Tom Gibbons, Corporate Vice President of Microsoft Corporation. “Ericsson is positioned to be a valuable strategic partner for operators and TV service providers around the world as the IPTV market evolves.” Continue reading »

Saffron Digital launches UV solution

Saffron Digital, which recently joined Akamai’s NetAlliance Partner Program, has announced its launch of a comprehensive end-to-end UltraViolet (UV) solution. The new solution will enable retailers, content owners, operators and device manufacturers to take advantage of the business opportunities presented by UV. Continue reading »

Deluxe and Cinegy strengthen collaboration

Deluxe and Cinegy have announced the further strengthening of their existing strategic collaboration, having agreed to a deeper exclusive agreement that will support Deluxe MediaCloud. Launching at NAB2013, Deluxe MediaCloud offers a next generation, cloud-based service platform using tightly integrated Cinegy components. Continue reading »

HIlco throws HMV a lifeline

UK music retailer HMV will be given a lifeline after a rescue deal which could save 2,500 jobs and 141 stores, 25 of which had previously been slated for closure. The deal, struck with restructuring specialist Hilco, will ensure that the famous brand remains on the nation’s high street following the announcement that it would go into administration in January. Paul McGowan (pictured), CEO of Hilco, said: “We have spent a number of weeks negotiating revised terms with landlords and the key suppliers to the business, all of whom have been supportive of our plans to maintain an entertainment retailer on the High Street. Continue reading »

EIDR at NAB

The Entertainment ID Registry Association (EIDR) will be at this year’s NAB show to demonstrate how EIDR participation is improving and helping to grow the content delivery industry. Sessions, to be hosted by EIDR member companies, will provide a brief presentation on the benefit of EIDR participation to prospective members. Continue reading »

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