Broadcasting
Ericsson Unveils Live Broadcast Captioning Platform
Ericsson has unveiled its real-time platform that supports live captioning in various languages for broadcasters around the world using speech-to-text, newsroom integration, and rapid offline content preparation.
The live platform makes its IBC debut this year, and is a key part of Ericsson’s Broadcast and Media Services portfolio following the acquisition of leading media services company Red Bee Media in July.
The enterprise-level, schedule-driven software platform, which was developed in-house, uses the best possible speech recognition and stenography technologies to power Ericsson’s live captioning services.
It allows multiple captioners to prepare and deliver real-time services for clients while maximizing re-use of the caption data after it has been broadcast – for example, by helping to power content discovery and enrich archive search.
The platform is currently being used to deliver live captioning services for major broadcast clients, including the BBC.
Simon Smith, head of Broadcast & Publication Operations at BBC Television, said: “The drive for technical innovation and operational efficiency has underpinned Ericsson’s approach to the design and development of this platform from the outset.
“They have delivered a system that is uniquely tailored to meeting our demanding requirements. We are already seeing a step change in live subtitling accuracy as a result of using this platform, and we view its ongoing development as a vital tool in delivering ever-greater access to live programs for the BBC’s deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers.”
David Padmore, director of Access Services at Ericsson Broadcast and Media Services, also said, “Our ongoing investment in technology and innovation really demonstrates our commitment to delivering the highest levels of service and quality to both our customers and their audiences. We’ve received really positive feedback so far from all areas – viewers, deaf and hard-of-hearing groups, captioners and broadcasters.
:Our aim is to continue to work with these groups to ensure we meet the high standards of live captioning that audiences expect. This is a platform we’ll be using to build our captioning future, and we feel that the innovation has only just begun.”
Ericsson will showcase the live captioning platform by appointment at IBC 2014.
Ericsson’s access services division is the largest in Europe and has been providing captioning services for over 25 years.
Using industry-leading solutions, Ericsson delivers 200,000 hours of captioning every year, 80,000 of which is delivered live.
Ericsson is also the world’s largest provider of TV audio description and sign language translation.
Broadcasting
How to Beat DStv Price Increase with ‘Price Lock’ Feature
In today’s fast-paced world, where every penny counts, finding ways to save on essential services is more important than ever. And as part of its commitment to customer satisfaction, DStv has reiterated its “Price Lock” feature.
This is in response to the upcoming tariff increase, which the company understands may impose some financial strain on its valued customers.
What exactly does the “Price Lock” feature entail? The “Price Lock” feature offers customers the opportunity to retain their subscriptions at the current rate for 12 months.
To use the “Price Lock” feature, customers simply need to renew their subscriptions before the due date each month, ensuring uninterrupted access to their favourite DStv content at the current rate for the next 12 months.
But here’s the catch: only customers with an active subscription by the 30th of April qualify for this offer, when the tariff adjustment comes into effect.
Make sure you don’t miss the price lock offer! Simply download the MyDStv or MyGOtv app or dial *288# to subscribe, upgrade, or set up Auto-Renewal.
Broadcasting
OJI Demands Ban on Netflix, TikTok, Others over Same-Sex Content
Civil Society Organisation (CSO) under the auspices of Open Justice Initiative (OJI), has threatened to drag the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to court if it fails to ban Netflix, TikTok, and others over the alleged broadcast of offensive same-sex content on Nigeria’s airwaves.
The CSO, also urged NBC to ban other social media platforms, including X, formerly known as Twitter, Facebook, etc with regard to the subject matter.
Donald Ayibiowu, lawyer and programme officer of OJI, gave the warning in a letter addressed to Mr. Charles Ebuebu, director-general of the NBC.
The certified true copy of the letter titled: “Need to ban and bar the continuous broadcast of offensive same-sex contents on Nigeria’s airwaves by Netflix and other specialised broadcast outlets”, made available to newsmen in Abuja, was received by the Commission on April 23, 2024.
The letter said, “We write to draw the esteem attention of your commission to some obnoxious and repugnant same-sex contents being aired or transmitted by some broadcast outfits operating within the Nigeria broadcast space, which platforms includes Netflix and some social media entities.
“These abhorrent contents being campaigned about borders on the promotion of amorous relationships between persons of same sex on the said platforms.
“We received complaints on this topic from well-meaning Nigerians and religious organisations and further discovered that the broadcast contents/materials on these platforms are laced with embedded scenes/episodes where same-sex relationships are practically being propagated.
“We also conducted research on some social media platforms like TikTok, Twitter (X), Facebook (Meta), etc with regards to this subject, and found same hazardous and illegal same-sex content being promoted and transmitted.
“It is clear that there is an agenda to surreptitiously lure the unsuspecting young population of this country to this satanic habit/lifestyle of same-sex practice in Nigeria by subtly introducing same through entertainment and showbiz industry, albeit through the airwaves.
“It is now commonplace to see some of these illegal contents being conveyed on social media and specialised platforms in Nigeria.
“We wish to point out that these contents are clearly being aired or transmitted in contravention of our extant laws such as Sections 4(2) and 5(2} of the Same-Sex Mariage (Prohibition) Act, 2013,” he said.
The lawyer said the act being subtly propagated and promoted via the mediums was targeted at destroying the moral fibre and rectitude, erode, dislodging and polluting the society with unacceptable inhuman values.
He said it was also to erode the age-long cultural practices and sacred religious belief system of male and female gender only as created by God Almighty.
Ayibiowu said, that if the commission failed to block, restrict or scrap the same-sex promotional material/contents from Nigeria airwaves, “we shall proceed to seek further redress in pursuit of our goal of saner Nigeria airwaves”.
Broadcasting
FCCPC to Review Multichoice’s Tariff Hike
Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has promised to review recent price increases in MultiChoice cable subscriptions to ensure subscribers in Nigeria get value for their money.
Recall that the leading pay TV operator, recently announced increase in the subscriptions for its DStv and GOtv packages by at least 25 per cent.
Multichoice announced the increase in tarrifs in a message sent to subscribers on Wednesday and said that the new regime will be effective May 1.
The company stated this in the statement signed by John Ugbe, chief executive officer was titled, ‘Price Adjustment on DStv and GOtv Packages.’
The pay-TV firm cited the rise in the cost of business operations as the rationale behind the price increase.
The company said, “We understand the impact this change may have on you – our valued customer, but the rise in the cost of business operations, has led us to make this difficult decision.
“It remains our mission to provide the best entertainment and viewing experience to you and are committed to continue to deliver high-quality content and unparalleled service. So, from Wednesday, 1 May 2024, the price adjustment will take effect.”
But Adamu Abdullahi, acting chief executive officer, FCCPC, in a chat with Channels Television on its Dateline Abuja programme on Thursday, provided an update on the summons issued to the owner of a Chinese store in Abuja accused of discriminatory and sharp practices.
He also commented on the adherence to the order given to the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, stating that sanctions are imminent for all verified infractions identified by the agency.
- Telecom3 days ago
World Earth Day: Kuda Partners with Wecyclers to Clean up Communities in Lagos
- Telecom3 days ago
Airtel Boosts NIPR Public Relations Week with Onsite Unlimited Data Connection
- News3 days ago
UK Pledges €1Bn to Fight against Malaria in Nigeria
- Broadcasting3 days ago
NCC Seeks Media Collaboration on Copyright Infringement
- Editorial3 days ago
Telcos Ask NCC to Allow Them Hike Tariff
- Broadcasting3 days ago
FCCPC to Review Multichoice’s Tariff Hike
- News2 days ago
Legit.ng, Shade of Life Foundation Partner to Advance Autism Awareness in Nigeria
- News2 days ago
President Tinubu Appoints Jim Ovia as Student Loan Fund Chairman