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Carly Barnes

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Idols Top 3: It’s a man’s world

Carly Barnes
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The Idols Spectacular at the Moreleta Park Church Auditorium in Pretoria on Sunday 17 November will see the remaining three contestants perform a song of their choice as well as one song selected by the Idols judges, and another selected by musical director RJ Benjamin.

Brenden Ledwaba was given Justin Bieber’s Beauty and a Beat by the judges and will perform Locked Out of Heaven by Bruno Mars, as selected by Benjamin. As his own song choice, he will perform Miguel’s Do You.

Judges selected Meropa, by Oskido and Brothers of Peace, for Musa Sukwene to perform in round one and Love by Musiq Soulchild selected by Benjamin for the second round. For his own song, he will perform local hit, Inkomo, by The Soil.

Sonke Mazibuko will sing Turn Me On by David Guetta as selected by judges, DeBarge’s Rhythm of the Night chosen by RJ and Burn Out, from Sipho Hotstix Mabuse as his song choice.

Tickets for the Top 3 Spectacular taking place Friday, 15 November are now available from Computicket at: http://online.computicket.com/web/

Tickets for the season Finale on Tuesday 26 November, when South Africa will crown the next winning Idol, will open next Monday, 18 November.

Idols airs on Sundays at 17h30 and Tuesdays at 19h30 on M-Net and Mzansi Magic.

DStv subscribers react to blocked content

Carly Barnes
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On Tuesday 12 November, DStv introduced the MGM channel to its bouquet of programs, however, to the frustration of DStv Premium subscribers, the channel will only be available to lower DStv packages.

The satellite pay-TV platform claimed the decision was made to avoid showing repeats, an issue they had previously received complaints about from customers.

Says MultiChoice: “As MGM contains library content that has already been seen by our Premium customers, a decision was made not to include this channel on the Premium package.”

The unprecedented decision has left Premium subscribers, who pay a more expensive fee and therefore feel they have a right to all available channels, up in arms.

“Will this now become a norm where DStv will block certain channels from DStv Premium subscribers? This was never the case in the past, so I do not see why it has to be now. I am a DStv Premium subscriber like many others and expect the very best DStv has to offer,” said DStv subscriber Gerald Umraw.

Another customer, Neldri Rabe, added: “Sorry but I don’t agree with this. If we don’t get all the channels as per what it should be – we are after all paying the premium rate – then you are going to start losing customers.”

SA TV star receives kidnapping threats

Carly Barnes
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Third season winner of South Africa’s So You Think You Can Dance reality dance competition, Sibahle Tshibika, is yet to celebrate her achievement after being targeted by kidnappers, just a few days after the show finale took place in Johannesburg.

On returning to her Khayelitsha home in Cape Town, the 23-year-old was warned by family and community members that kidnappers were in pursuit of her R250 000 prize money and had threatened to hold Tshibika and other family members, including her daughter, at ransom for the winnings.

On Tuesday 12 November while in hiding, the family’s home was invaded by burglars, who stole a pair of shoes and a DVD player.

Still recovering from the sudden death of her grandmother, who died while watching the young dancer being announced as the show’s winner, Tshibika says: “I’m supposed to be at home, seeing that there’s been a death in the family, but I can’t even pay my respect to my grandmother. I am scared of attending prayer meetings at my own home. What if they come for me then?’

Show producers, Rapid Blue, are evaluating the circumstances as to provide security for the star and her family.

SSL Broadcast Equipment Demonstration Vehicle feature at CCW 2013

Carly Barnes
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Solid State Logic, a leading manufacturer of advanced tools for audio professionals, has announced that its Broadcast Equipment Demonstration Vehicle will be a featured attraction at Content & Communications World 2013.

The custom-designed mobile production vehicle features SSL’s C10 HD Compact Broadcast Console and associated routing and I/O solutions in conjunction with the key audio and video monitoring and communications systems required for a modern broadcast production facility.

In addition, two new product releases will be showcased in the vehicle: The “LMS-16’ Multi-Channel Loudness and True Peak Metering System and the MADI-Dante Bridge.

The SSL Broadcast Equipment Demonstration Vehicle was designed by SSL’s Project Engineering team and crafted by leading mobile vehicle specialist Shook Mobile Technology. Russ Berger Design Group (RBDG) provided the acoustic design for the space. The vehicle is presented in association with SSL’s technology partners: Genelec, Miranda and RTS.

The truck demonstrates the capabilities of all of these systems and the integration that is possible between them. The SSL Broadcast Equipment Demonstration Vehicle visits US broadcasters, houses of worship, systems integrators and key sports and entertainment events, as well as being showcased at trade exhibitions such as CCW.

The new “LMS-16’ Multi-Channel Loudness and True Peak Metering System, which can be used with SSL’s Digital Broadcast Consoles or as a stand-alone product, will be showcased on the truck. Created through a strategic partnership with NUGEN Audio, the LMS-16 offers NUGEN’s new “MultiMonitor’ software as part of a turnkey system that is applicable in any situation where loudness compliance for broadcast playout and production is required.

The software is pre-installed and configured on a dedicated industrial strength 1RU PC, fitted with SSL’s “MadiXtreme 128’ 2 x 64 channel optical MADI audio interface, a GPIO interface card and with metering information displayed on virtually any connected video monitor. An optional monitor arm is available to facilitate convenient side mounting of a screen on C100 HDS or C10 HD consoles.

The SSL MADI-Dante Bridge is the world’s first broadcast specification MADI-Dante interface, allowing expandable audio routing between SSL consoles or any MADI device and Dante IP Audio networks.

With 64 channels per Bridge (@ 48kHz) and up to 512 channels per 1GB network link, Dante is fully scalable and capable of providing routing channel counts from tens to thousands and beyond using standard IT infrastructure. Redundant PSU, MADI ports and Dante ports mean the Bridge is built for uninterrupted operation, keeping critical devices and audio paths functioning throughout the broadcast facility.

In addition to the in-built clock redundancy options in Dante controller, the MADI-Dante Bridge also includes a pair of redundant sync inputs for use as a self-redundant Dante Grand master clock. Intended for use with Dante controller and third-party Dante products, the MADI-Dante Bridge shows commitment to interoperability while understanding broadcasters’ critical needs.

Eutelsat innovations at AfricaCom

Carly Barnes
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Until Thursday 14 November, satellite provider Eutelsat will showcase resources and services at AfricaCom, an exhibition catering to digital brands, leading media and telecoms players in Africa, held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

Satellites with Africa at the core of their footprint

Eutelsat brought three new ground-breaking and dynamic satellites designed to provide ISPs, telecom and mobile phone operators, video companies and government service providers into operation during the past 12 months.

EUTELSAT 21B, EUTELSAT 70B and EUTELSAT 3D not only provide national, regional and continental coverage but are able to expand connectivity to Europe, the Middle East, the Americas and the Asia-Pacific region.
Launching in early 2015: EUTELSAT 3B(1), EUTELSAT 8 West B, EUTELSAT 36C(2) will take resources for Africa to a new level.

IP Easy broadband service across sub-Saharan Africa

For residential and home office users as well as small- and medium-sized enterprises, IP Easy is a reasonably priced and easy-to-install two-way broadband access solution.

It delivers downlink speeds of up to 4Mbps and can support VOIP and reception of TV channels in triple play mode by combining Ku-band capacity with Newtec’s Sat3Play® technology.

IP Easy is now available across sub-Saharan Africa via the EUTELSAT 10A satellite.

Continued growth of Eutelsat’s leading video neighbourhoods

Over 720 TV channels in Africa and the Indian Ocean are broadcast from one of Eutelsat’s market-leading video neighbourhoods.

The majority of video activity is concentrated at the 36° East neighbourhood (DStv, operated by MultiChoice; and ZAP, operated by ZON), occupied by the EUTELSAT 36A and 36B satellites and the 16° East neighbourhood (Canal+ Overseas; Orange; Parabole Reunion; and France Televisions), occupied by EUTELSAT 16A.

A new star for Africa

The sub-Saharan Africa impression of EUTELSAT 7A has been selected by Azam Media Ltd. to air its new TV venture, AzamTV, launching on 29 November in East Africa. The channel, based in Tanzania, will offer more than 55 African and international channels, including three local channels, and Tanzania Premier League matches

Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) roll-out

Eutelsat will showcase a full range of solutions including the primary transport of DTT and DTH broadcasting as well as on-ground solutions including encoding, multiplexing, uplink services, implementation of on-ground stations and training programmes at AfricaCom.

Visit www.eutelsat.com for more information.

Kenyan president refuses to sign controversial media bill

Carly Barnes
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The International Press Institute (IPI) welcomed indications that Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has refused to sign a controversial media bill approved by parliament last month.

According to IPI and Kenyan media organisations, the draft law would give a government-appointed panel the authority to regulate who can work as journalists and the power to impose fines if a new code of conduct is violated.

The IPI also advised lawmakers to stop other attempts to assert more government control over the media.

Commented Alison Bethel McKenzie, IPI executive director: “President Kenyatta must stand firm against legislation that would give the government unconstitutional influence over journalists.

“Part 2 of the Constitution specifically bans state interference in the news media or state-imposed penalties for reporting the news. The next step is for parliament to scrap its plans to insert political control over decisions that properly belong in newsrooms or in Kenya’s independent media organisations.’

Joseph Odindo, chairman of the Media Council of Kenya and editorial director of the Nation Media Group, said: “The president is right to reject the bill. When he returns it to parliament, we hope the MPs will consult the industry and draw up a law that promotes open government and free expression. Every law should be consistent with the Constitution.”

Industry-first hybrid video transmission solution

Carly Barnes
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Integrated Microwave Technologies, LLC (IMT), a business unit within the Vitec Group’s Videocom Division, and a leader in advanced digital microwave systems serving the broadcast, sports & entertainment and MAG markets, will host live demos of its Dejero + Nucomm Connect Live transmitter at Content & Communications World 2013.

Dejero + Nucomm Connect Live transmitter is a highly portable and versatile camera-mount transmitter that enables broadcasters to transmit over cellular, COFDM, WiFi hotspots and satellite connections through Ethernet. The bonded cellular mode is enabled with four internal cards and highly optimised integrated antennas.

If the network capacity deteriorates, the operator can switch between cellular to microwave (COFDM) mode from a 5′ LCD touchscreen interface, which doubles as a live video monitor. COFDM mode covers the entire 2GHz and license-free 5.8GHz frequencies; in the microwave mode, latencies below 150ms are achievable. Depending on the type of video shoot, the latency can be set at 1.5 seconds, 3 seconds and 8 seconds to produce the most versatile live wireless video transmission solution available on the market.

On the studio side, the Dejero LIVE+ Broadcast Server receives video transmissions from the Dejero + Nucomm Connect Live transmitter and integrates into the user’s current workflow. The server is designed to fit directly into the rack mount area at a broadcast facility and connect seamlessly to existing equipment. The server outputs real-time genlocked HD or SD video from multiple Dejero + Nucomm Connect Live devices. Transmitting files directly to the server saves time and provides the user with access to files from the field quicker.

The Dejero + Nucomm Connect Live system also comes with the Dejero LIVE+ Portal, an intelligent online management system that can be used in all Dejero + Nucomm Connect Live units. The Dejero LIVE+ Portal is a cloud-based virtual router that provides a powerful dashboard controller to connect the Dejero + Nucomm Connect Live transmitters to the server. The Dejero LIVE+ Portal provides real-time statistics, monitoring and video switching capabilities, and is accessible from a range of browsers and handheld devices with appropriate Internet access.

“The Dejero + Nucomm Connect Live system has received rave reviews since its launch earlier this year, and we are thrilled to bring it to those in attendance at CCW 2013,’ says Integrated Microwave Technologies divisional chief executive Stephen Shpock. “The Connect Live is a unique solution that allows broadcasters to cover live breaking news, to receive the video in the studio on the server, and to monitor and control their devices from the portal, including connection and location analysis, transmission health and more.’

The Dejero + Nucomm Connect Live transmitter is manufactured by IMT under its Nucomm brand and is fully integrated with the Dejero LIVE+ platform.

Q-Ball camera system showcased at CCW 2013

Carly Barnes
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Camera Corps, a Vitec Group Company, and a leading innovator of specialty remote cameras, tracking systems and camera support systems, showcases its Q-Ball robotic camera system at Content & Communications World (CCW) 2013 this week. Q-Ball offers a robust, high-level mini-cam system with excellent performance in the most demanding remote-camera applications.

“Camera Corps is excited to highlight Q-Ball’s extensive feature set at CCW 2013,’ says Shaun Glanville of Camera Corps. “We look forward to demonstrating how the Q-Ball enhances productions.’

Camera Corps’ Q-Ball offers a robust, exceptionally high-level mini-cam system with excellent performance in the most demanding remote-camera applications. An ultra-compact, weather-resistant HD / SD remotely controlled camera, it features an integral 10-times-zoom optical lens and smooth-accelerating pan / tilt motors.

Housed in a robust 115-mm diameter aluminium sphere, the Q-Ball camera has a two-megapixel CMOS sensor and is capable of operating in daylight or with infrared illumination. It delivers 1080i / 720p high definition or 625 / 525 standard definition imagery at 50- or 59.94-Hz refresh rates. In addition, its ease of use makes for prompt on-location installation.

Q-Ball is designed to go places where camera operators typically cannot, enabling them to capture B-roll beauty shots with ease. Beyond the standard camera shots, it can provide much-needed close-ups for out-of-the-box, unique broadcast shots, making viewers feel like they are a part of the action.

As the camera blends into the background, it does not impact on-camera behavior, giving broadcasters the added ability to capture more realistic interviews / reactions from those that tend to be camera shy on-air.

Users can mount the camera upright or in an inverted position from a ceiling, post, scaffold rig, wall, cabinet, floor, backboard, tree or virtually anywhere, allowing the system to discreetly capture new angles.

Revitalising Africa’s lost content

Carly Barnes
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Cote Ouest, Africa’s leader in the distribution of content, announces a special partnership with L’Organisation de la Francophonie (OIF), which will see the two parties collaborate in a major operation aimed at reviving more than 3,000 audiovisual programmes.

As part of the project, these documentaries and archive content, which were originally backed by the OIF Film Fund and constitute an important part of the African cultural heritage, will be fully digitalised. The project’s goal is “to select the finest gems, to retrace the identity of the rights’ holders, and to ultimately distribute and promote the content’.

The project will cover 20 African countries and is set to take place over three years – from 2014 to 2016. Cote Ouest will be responsible for the marketing, distribution and rights management of the newly digitised archives.

Mike Dearham, senior vice president of Cote Ouest, commented: “In the face of a serious African content deficit, the advancement of this project will provide much-needed relief to the pan-African audiovisual sector. This project is incredibly important for Africa as it will revitalise and preserve the memories and history of the continent.’

Managed by OIF, the project involves several partners such as Conseil International des Radios et Televisions d’Expression Française (CIRTEF); Institut National de l’Audiovisuel, France (INA); Union Economique et Monetaire Ouest-Africaine (UEMOA); Institut Imagine, Burkina Faso; and Soon, Senegal.

Pierre Barrot, programme specialist in charge of audiovisual, OIF, said: “The supply of hundreds of hours of archived content, that will come about as a result of this project, in addition to the current production of African TV series and documentaries will stimulate the demand from TV channels for African content. This will also encourage production.’

Wildlife Warzone: On the frontline of conservation

Carly Barnes
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The final episode of Wildlife Warzone airs on Al Jazeera English on Wednesday 13 November and Thursday 14 November respectively. The series closes with six graduated rangers adapting to a new lifestyle in which they risk their lives and make personal sacrifices to protect rhinos from poachers.

“When bullets are flying, you know, one of us could be killed,’ says Freddie, who was able to ambush a poacher with Chrisjan after being scared initially to take on one of the most dangerous jobs in the world.

“We’re giving everything, 110%, living, eating in the bush, 24 hours a day, sacrificing our social lives, our families, our girlfriends, whoever it may be waiting for us back home. We’re literally living in the bush, to try and save the rhinos,’ adds Chrisjan who says he won’t regret his decision to take part in the war against a $17 billion a year industry.

“Animals are for white people, black people only walk around the fence. They never see wild animals, so why would they care about them?’ says Tumi, who believes the tourism industry excludes surrounding communities from wildlife, which could potentially be contributing to the problem.

“At the moment, it doesn’t seem like the situation is getting any better,’ admits Chrisjan. “But you know we’re not going to stop; no one’s going to go quietly; we’re going to keep fighting until the very end.’

“What keeps me going is my friends, they are always there for me. We are living as a family. They are the ones who keep me motivated and loving this job,’ comments Gerald, one of the other rangers.

The show repeats on Wednesday, 13 November at 03h30, and Thursday, 14 November at 16h30.

Watch the final episode at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNzE5_SJWr8.

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