http://www.warunasat.com/ Sun, 20 May 2012 11:45:08 +0000 MyBB http://www.warunasat.com/showthread.php?tid=2254 Wed, 16 May 2012 04:16:39 +0000 http://www.warunasat.com/showthread.php?tid=2254 Mobile Phone Industry In Step With New Technology


  TRCSL Director General Anusha Pelpita.jpg (Size: 15.38 KB / Downloads: 12)

As Sri Lanka entering into speedy development process the usage of phones have become a common feature among the people. Accordingly the usage of mobile phone has become a mandatory requirement since accessing any person in any part of the world can be made within seconds after the development and spread of mobile phone industry in the country.

The end of nearly three decades war has opened the entire country to embrace mobile phones for their communication purposes and this development has contributed to increase the number of mobile phone subscribers in Sri Lanka to a staggering 18,319,447 by the end of December last year. Compared to 3,608,392 fixed phone subscriber the mobile phone industry has shown a rapid increase during the past three years as it has shot up from 142,264,442 in 2009 to reach 18,319,447 subscribers at the end of the year 2011.

Since it is timely for us to look into the mobile phone industry in the country from the people's perspective the Sunday Observer interviewed the Director General of the Telecommunication Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL), Anusha Pelpita to enlighten the public about the usage of mobile phones in Sri Lanka and the way TRCSL is helping the public to access a proper service through the five mobile operators in the country.

Q: Can you explain how mobile phone subscribers increased during the past few years?

A: With the end of the war the increased investment by the Telecommunication sector has shown a rapid progress during the past few years. The mobile phone sector was the fastest growing sector with the increase of mobile phone subscribers to a staggering 18,319,447 by the end of the year 2011.

Q: There is a fierce competition among mobile phone operators in the country. How does the TRCSL intervene in the industry to control this competition and keep the industry alive?

A: If we consider the competition in the mobile sector telecommunication, we have five operators. There is fierce competition among them. As the TRCSL we have assured a level playing field for each and every operator to play in the same field.

There might be a big operator backed by their parent companies to grab the market. We have that aspect also in mind. That is why we have imposed a floor rate because no big company can jump into the market and offer cheaper rate and grab the customers. Therefore time to the Commission intervene and assure that level playing field is there for every operator in the market.

When we think of the mobile phone operators we have to think about two things. One thing is if industry makes losses they will not invest in the industry. We have to make sure that they invest in the industry. Even in last year they have been investing around 400 to 500 million US dollars. If they do not invest in the industry the latest technology does not come to the country.

If the latest technology is not coming to the country, call prices will not go down. TRCSL has the responsibility to protect the industry, protect the customers and protect the government revenue. We are getting big revenue from this industry. Over and above Rs. 30,000 million revenue comes to the Government through this industry. We have to safeguard the Government revenue, the customer and the industry. TRC is trying to balance all these three aspects. At the moment we are trying our best to safeguard all three aspects.

Q: The TRCSL is maintaining a floor rate of Rs. 1.50 for call tariffs?

A: At present call charges are very low. That is why we have made the floor rate as Rs.1.50. Earlier the minimum charge for calls is Rs. 2. Now it has been reduced to Rs. 1.50. Any operator have to submit their tariff proposals over and above Rs.1.50 they should submit a cost estimate for below Rs. 2 charges.

This cost estimate should be certified by an external independent auditor. Then we give approval for their tariff. This was approved in the last budget. We are not approving any tariff below Rs. 1.50. But only thing is between Rs. 1.50 and Rs. 2 they should provide us the cost justification from an independent auditor.

In the future may be in the next year we are hoping to remove the floor rates allowing market competition and allowing them to decide the prices. But at present we maintaining floor rate to maintain a healthy competition among the operators.

Q: What are the difficulties faced by the mobile phone industry in the country at present?

A: Under the world economic conditions, the industry is doing well. But there are some kind of hardships in the industry also. They are facing these situations due to the direct impact of the fuel price, electricity and the foreign exchange. The devaluation of the currency have a direct impact on the industry. Actually most of the companies are importing their products. They are getting loans from their mother companies. The loan interest should be paid in dollar terms. At the end of the day there is a direct impact on the industry.

Q: It seems there is no control over the importation of mobile phones to Sri Lanka. A large number of low quality phones are available in the market. How can TRCSL help the people in purchasing a good quality mobile phone?

A: To import mobile phones they should obtain a vendor license. There is a process mechanism and before importing we should know which phone and which phone they are importing. Lot of people are smuggling phones to Sri Lanka.

The TRCSL cannot put a stop to the smuggling of phones. Only thing the TRC can do is that we can make aware the customer and introduce a system to ensure whether he or she is buying a genuine phone or not. For any person who is purchasing a phone we have a mechanism to identify whether the phone has been approved by the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka as when phones are imported to Sri Lanka each and every brand has to obtain a type approval. Once we give this type approval we have established a mechanism for the consumers to identify whether this brand or phone has obtained a type approval from the TRCL).

Q:How can customers identify whether they are buying a genuine phone or not?

A: A person who is purchasing a new mobile phone at a phone shop should check whether the 15 digit IMEI number is denoted together with the TRCSL reference number on a sticker in the box containing the phone, before purchasing.

The International Mobile Equipment Identity or IMEI is usually found printed inside the battery compartment of the phone. It can also be displayed on the screen of the phone by entering *#06# into the keypad on most phones. The IMEI number is used by a GSM network to identify valid devices and therefore can be used for stopping a stolen phone from accessing that network.

The IMEI number is something like IMEI:355213036062263 and the purchaser can check whether that particular IMEI number is approved by the TRCSL. To verify the IMEI number printed on the box is the IMEI number of the phone, they can check it by entering *#060#. If the IMEI number printed is similar to the number in the phone they can verify whether the mobile phone intended for purchase has been approved by TRCSL after entering letters IMEI ****space**** IMEI No of the phone and send SMS to 1909.

We have a server at the TRCSL and automatically generated SMS will be received within next 30 seconds confirming whether the phone has been approved by the TRCSL or not. Then the particular customer can be satisfied as the phone has been approved by the TRCSL and it is genuine phone.

Q: Can TRCSL guarantee that the phone they are purchasing is genuine through this process?

A: When we are approving any type of mobile phone we will get international standards. From the International Standardise companies we get their certification for the batch and confirm whether it is internationally approved brand and standards of the phone is on par with the international standards.

Then we can assure the general public that the phone they are buying is a genuine phone and it is on par with the international standards. When TRC approve a thing it goes through every aspect of the mobile phones and the responsibility of the phone lies with the TRCSL if it is TRCSL approved phone.

Q: Can we control low quality phones coming to the market through this process?

A: That is why we have established this system. If the consumer is not buying the phones which have not been approved by the TRCSL through that mechanism we can control the flow of low quality phones to the market. We launched a publicity campaign about this mechanism earlier and we are trying to launch another round of campaign in the near future to educate the public about this mechanism. Media also can give publicity to this process so that people are very much enlightened about the phones they are going to purchase.

If people are aware about these factors people will not buy those low quality phones. Vendors are selling all those phones because people are buying those phones. If people are not buying those things they will automatically stop importing those equipment and selling them in the market. The responsibility goes to the consumers also.

Q: What are the standards the people should look into when they are buying mobile phones?

A: If they follow the procedure mentioned above, they can be satisfied with the standards of the phones.

If they are buying a TRC approved phone they are guaranteed on the safety standards of the phone also as TRCSL is going through every aspect of the phone when we are giving approval for the importation of those phones. But they must be smart enough to check that the IMEI number printed in the box is the same IMEI number of the phone. Once we guarantee that it is a genuine phone and the TRCSL staff take the responsibility for the standard of that phone.

Q: There is a tendency among the children to use sophisticated mobile phones and make use of them for various purposes. The usage of phones in schools have been banned. What kind of action is the TRCSL taking to control the usage of mobile phone among schoolchildren?

A: Actually though it is not a responsibility of the TRCSL the parents, families, the society and everybody should be aware of this. At present using a mobile phone has become a necessary.

Therefore this equipment is necessary. Parents want to know whether their children go to school and returned home and whether they have attended the tuition classes and things like that.

There are some newly developed equipment available in the international market. We are ready to approve that particular phones into the market which can dial only two or three numbers.

Q: What are the features of these phones and when can they be introduced in Sri Lanka?

A: This is a basic phone with the GPRS facility and it has still not come to the Sri Lankan market. The technology has so developed and it can be controlled by the parents. The parents can decide what are the numbers they can use and even the operators are willing to bring down those phones and make available in the market.

If the operators bring it immediately we will approve it. Because for each and every phone they have to get the approval from the Commission. We are awaiting the arrival of those phones to the market and be available for the people as this type of thing is needed for the children. The parents can know where they actually are. Most of the schools suspended the usage of phones as those sophisticated phones can be misused for various other purposes. If we can introduce these phones there is no fear about the misuse. There is no risk for unnecessary things to happen through the usage of this phone.

Q: What about the trends of using mobile phones for economic activities?

A: Now a days mobile phones are not being used only for communication purposes. There is lot of tendency among the people for making use of mobile phones various other purposes.

Because we have approved a lot of tariff plans for value added services. Some mobile phone operators are getting the approval from the Central Bank for money transactions through mobiles. Mobile operators have provided a lot of value added services during the past few years. Thanks to the value added service the industry is surviving. The voice market is now dying now and the operators are now depending on these value added services.

Q: There are complaints regarding the loss of phones and phones being stolen. What is the mechanism in place by the TRCSL to help the people in this regard?

A: Actually this is not a job of the TRCSL. But as TRCSL we believe that we have to support the general public also in such occasions though it is mandatory on our part.

When the phone is lost that person should lodge a complaint at the Police station and a copy of the complaint should be sent to the TRCSL. Actually, we can't recover the phones and give that to the customers. Our job is to give some evidence to help the Police investigation. Once we receive this complaint we send it to all operators and they will check whether the same IMEI number is being used by the system. If that IMEI is reconnected to the systems it can be traced. If the operators traced that IMEI number the operators report back to the TRCSL. What we do is to report that to the particular Police station and ask this person is using this phone and it is stolen phone and we are sending the copy of that letter to the particular person. Our action ends there. The TRCSL have no mandate to go beyond that point.

If the particular operator is having that data they can give that data to the Police. After that, the Police has to recover the phone. Even though we get the information and give that information to the Police we have a problem whether the Police are going to search and find that out.

If the phone is not identified in the system even three months after the complaint we will inform the operator to block the IMEI. The particular IMEI number cannot be used in the system. In future after three months if the phone is not found in the systems the particular IMEI number will be blocked automatically so no one will be able to use that phone thereafter.

Q: The number of mobile towers. Is it on the increase with the increased number of mobile phone users in the country or is there any mechanism to restrict the number of the mobile towers?

A: We have National Tower Policy. It has been submitted to the Cabinet and we are expecting the Cabinet approval for this. Particularly we are discouraging any operator to have their own towers and we are encouraging them to share the towers. In future we are trying to get the Ministry of Finance to impose additional taxes for operators who are using the single company towers taxes. We are going to make the sharing of towers mandatory. If they are not willing to share they should pay extra tax for not sharing.

Q: Is there any new technology to replace these communication towers?

A: There is no system at present. The only thing is that there should be some kind of good fiber optic system in the entire country. Then there is no need to have high rising towers. But still they should have some kind of towers but not high rise towers. To go for fiber optic cable it will take another five to six years period.

Q: There is a perception among people that these communication towers are a factor for increased lightening incidents. Have you looked into this phenomenon?

A: These towers are high-rise equipment. If there is proper earth systems approved by the TRCSL there is no problem. It is good for the people living closer to the tower also as it will earth all the lightning that strikes around that area. But some drug addicts and other people have a habit of removnge the copper wires in the earth system for quick money.

The main problem is not the tower; lightening come through the power cables. But people used to think when communication towers are erected all the lightning are drawn to that tower.

By Ranil WIJAYAPALA

http://www.sundayobserver.lk/]]> Mobile Phone Industry In Step With New Technology


  TRCSL Director General Anusha Pelpita.jpg (Size: 15.38 KB / Downloads: 12)

As Sri Lanka entering into speedy development process the usage of phones have become a common feature among the people. Accordingly the usage of mobile phone has become a mandatory requirement since accessing any person in any part of the world can be made within seconds after the development and spread of mobile phone industry in the country.

The end of nearly three decades war has opened the entire country to embrace mobile phones for their communication purposes and this development has contributed to increase the number of mobile phone subscribers in Sri Lanka to a staggering 18,319,447 by the end of December last year. Compared to 3,608,392 fixed phone subscriber the mobile phone industry has shown a rapid increase during the past three years as it has shot up from 142,264,442 in 2009 to reach 18,319,447 subscribers at the end of the year 2011.

Since it is timely for us to look into the mobile phone industry in the country from the people's perspective the Sunday Observer interviewed the Director General of the Telecommunication Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL), Anusha Pelpita to enlighten the public about the usage of mobile phones in Sri Lanka and the way TRCSL is helping the public to access a proper service through the five mobile operators in the country.

Q: Can you explain how mobile phone subscribers increased during the past few years?

A: With the end of the war the increased investment by the Telecommunication sector has shown a rapid progress during the past few years. The mobile phone sector was the fastest growing sector with the increase of mobile phone subscribers to a staggering 18,319,447 by the end of the year 2011.

Q: There is a fierce competition among mobile phone operators in the country. How does the TRCSL intervene in the industry to control this competition and keep the industry alive?

A: If we consider the competition in the mobile sector telecommunication, we have five operators. There is fierce competition among them. As the TRCSL we have assured a level playing field for each and every operator to play in the same field.

There might be a big operator backed by their parent companies to grab the market. We have that aspect also in mind. That is why we have imposed a floor rate because no big company can jump into the market and offer cheaper rate and grab the customers. Therefore time to the Commission intervene and assure that level playing field is there for every operator in the market.

When we think of the mobile phone operators we have to think about two things. One thing is if industry makes losses they will not invest in the industry. We have to make sure that they invest in the industry. Even in last year they have been investing around 400 to 500 million US dollars. If they do not invest in the industry the latest technology does not come to the country.

If the latest technology is not coming to the country, call prices will not go down. TRCSL has the responsibility to protect the industry, protect the customers and protect the government revenue. We are getting big revenue from this industry. Over and above Rs. 30,000 million revenue comes to the Government through this industry. We have to safeguard the Government revenue, the customer and the industry. TRC is trying to balance all these three aspects. At the moment we are trying our best to safeguard all three aspects.

Q: The TRCSL is maintaining a floor rate of Rs. 1.50 for call tariffs?

A: At present call charges are very low. That is why we have made the floor rate as Rs.1.50. Earlier the minimum charge for calls is Rs. 2. Now it has been reduced to Rs. 1.50. Any operator have to submit their tariff proposals over and above Rs.1.50 they should submit a cost estimate for below Rs. 2 charges.

This cost estimate should be certified by an external independent auditor. Then we give approval for their tariff. This was approved in the last budget. We are not approving any tariff below Rs. 1.50. But only thing is between Rs. 1.50 and Rs. 2 they should provide us the cost justification from an independent auditor.

In the future may be in the next year we are hoping to remove the floor rates allowing market competition and allowing them to decide the prices. But at present we maintaining floor rate to maintain a healthy competition among the operators.

Q: What are the difficulties faced by the mobile phone industry in the country at present?

A: Under the world economic conditions, the industry is doing well. But there are some kind of hardships in the industry also. They are facing these situations due to the direct impact of the fuel price, electricity and the foreign exchange. The devaluation of the currency have a direct impact on the industry. Actually most of the companies are importing their products. They are getting loans from their mother companies. The loan interest should be paid in dollar terms. At the end of the day there is a direct impact on the industry.

Q: It seems there is no control over the importation of mobile phones to Sri Lanka. A large number of low quality phones are available in the market. How can TRCSL help the people in purchasing a good quality mobile phone?

A: To import mobile phones they should obtain a vendor license. There is a process mechanism and before importing we should know which phone and which phone they are importing. Lot of people are smuggling phones to Sri Lanka.

The TRCSL cannot put a stop to the smuggling of phones. Only thing the TRC can do is that we can make aware the customer and introduce a system to ensure whether he or she is buying a genuine phone or not. For any person who is purchasing a phone we have a mechanism to identify whether the phone has been approved by the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka as when phones are imported to Sri Lanka each and every brand has to obtain a type approval. Once we give this type approval we have established a mechanism for the consumers to identify whether this brand or phone has obtained a type approval from the TRCL).

Q:How can customers identify whether they are buying a genuine phone or not?

A: A person who is purchasing a new mobile phone at a phone shop should check whether the 15 digit IMEI number is denoted together with the TRCSL reference number on a sticker in the box containing the phone, before purchasing.

The International Mobile Equipment Identity or IMEI is usually found printed inside the battery compartment of the phone. It can also be displayed on the screen of the phone by entering *#06# into the keypad on most phones. The IMEI number is used by a GSM network to identify valid devices and therefore can be used for stopping a stolen phone from accessing that network.

The IMEI number is something like IMEI:355213036062263 and the purchaser can check whether that particular IMEI number is approved by the TRCSL. To verify the IMEI number printed on the box is the IMEI number of the phone, they can check it by entering *#060#. If the IMEI number printed is similar to the number in the phone they can verify whether the mobile phone intended for purchase has been approved by TRCSL after entering letters IMEI ****space**** IMEI No of the phone and send SMS to 1909.

We have a server at the TRCSL and automatically generated SMS will be received within next 30 seconds confirming whether the phone has been approved by the TRCSL or not. Then the particular customer can be satisfied as the phone has been approved by the TRCSL and it is genuine phone.

Q: Can TRCSL guarantee that the phone they are purchasing is genuine through this process?

A: When we are approving any type of mobile phone we will get international standards. From the International Standardise companies we get their certification for the batch and confirm whether it is internationally approved brand and standards of the phone is on par with the international standards.

Then we can assure the general public that the phone they are buying is a genuine phone and it is on par with the international standards. When TRC approve a thing it goes through every aspect of the mobile phones and the responsibility of the phone lies with the TRCSL if it is TRCSL approved phone.

Q: Can we control low quality phones coming to the market through this process?

A: That is why we have established this system. If the consumer is not buying the phones which have not been approved by the TRCSL through that mechanism we can control the flow of low quality phones to the market. We launched a publicity campaign about this mechanism earlier and we are trying to launch another round of campaign in the near future to educate the public about this mechanism. Media also can give publicity to this process so that people are very much enlightened about the phones they are going to purchase.

If people are aware about these factors people will not buy those low quality phones. Vendors are selling all those phones because people are buying those phones. If people are not buying those things they will automatically stop importing those equipment and selling them in the market. The responsibility goes to the consumers also.

Q: What are the standards the people should look into when they are buying mobile phones?

A: If they follow the procedure mentioned above, they can be satisfied with the standards of the phones.

If they are buying a TRC approved phone they are guaranteed on the safety standards of the phone also as TRCSL is going through every aspect of the phone when we are giving approval for the importation of those phones. But they must be smart enough to check that the IMEI number printed in the box is the same IMEI number of the phone. Once we guarantee that it is a genuine phone and the TRCSL staff take the responsibility for the standard of that phone.

Q: There is a tendency among the children to use sophisticated mobile phones and make use of them for various purposes. The usage of phones in schools have been banned. What kind of action is the TRCSL taking to control the usage of mobile phone among schoolchildren?

A: Actually though it is not a responsibility of the TRCSL the parents, families, the society and everybody should be aware of this. At present using a mobile phone has become a necessary.

Therefore this equipment is necessary. Parents want to know whether their children go to school and returned home and whether they have attended the tuition classes and things like that.

There are some newly developed equipment available in the international market. We are ready to approve that particular phones into the market which can dial only two or three numbers.

Q: What are the features of these phones and when can they be introduced in Sri Lanka?

A: This is a basic phone with the GPRS facility and it has still not come to the Sri Lankan market. The technology has so developed and it can be controlled by the parents. The parents can decide what are the numbers they can use and even the operators are willing to bring down those phones and make available in the market.

If the operators bring it immediately we will approve it. Because for each and every phone they have to get the approval from the Commission. We are awaiting the arrival of those phones to the market and be available for the people as this type of thing is needed for the children. The parents can know where they actually are. Most of the schools suspended the usage of phones as those sophisticated phones can be misused for various other purposes. If we can introduce these phones there is no fear about the misuse. There is no risk for unnecessary things to happen through the usage of this phone.

Q: What about the trends of using mobile phones for economic activities?

A: Now a days mobile phones are not being used only for communication purposes. There is lot of tendency among the people for making use of mobile phones various other purposes.

Because we have approved a lot of tariff plans for value added services. Some mobile phone operators are getting the approval from the Central Bank for money transactions through mobiles. Mobile operators have provided a lot of value added services during the past few years. Thanks to the value added service the industry is surviving. The voice market is now dying now and the operators are now depending on these value added services.

Q: There are complaints regarding the loss of phones and phones being stolen. What is the mechanism in place by the TRCSL to help the people in this regard?

A: Actually this is not a job of the TRCSL. But as TRCSL we believe that we have to support the general public also in such occasions though it is mandatory on our part.

When the phone is lost that person should lodge a complaint at the Police station and a copy of the complaint should be sent to the TRCSL. Actually, we can't recover the phones and give that to the customers. Our job is to give some evidence to help the Police investigation. Once we receive this complaint we send it to all operators and they will check whether the same IMEI number is being used by the system. If that IMEI is reconnected to the systems it can be traced. If the operators traced that IMEI number the operators report back to the TRCSL. What we do is to report that to the particular Police station and ask this person is using this phone and it is stolen phone and we are sending the copy of that letter to the particular person. Our action ends there. The TRCSL have no mandate to go beyond that point.

If the particular operator is having that data they can give that data to the Police. After that, the Police has to recover the phone. Even though we get the information and give that information to the Police we have a problem whether the Police are going to search and find that out.

If the phone is not identified in the system even three months after the complaint we will inform the operator to block the IMEI. The particular IMEI number cannot be used in the system. In future after three months if the phone is not found in the systems the particular IMEI number will be blocked automatically so no one will be able to use that phone thereafter.

Q: The number of mobile towers. Is it on the increase with the increased number of mobile phone users in the country or is there any mechanism to restrict the number of the mobile towers?

A: We have National Tower Policy. It has been submitted to the Cabinet and we are expecting the Cabinet approval for this. Particularly we are discouraging any operator to have their own towers and we are encouraging them to share the towers. In future we are trying to get the Ministry of Finance to impose additional taxes for operators who are using the single company towers taxes. We are going to make the sharing of towers mandatory. If they are not willing to share they should pay extra tax for not sharing.

Q: Is there any new technology to replace these communication towers?

A: There is no system at present. The only thing is that there should be some kind of good fiber optic system in the entire country. Then there is no need to have high rising towers. But still they should have some kind of towers but not high rise towers. To go for fiber optic cable it will take another five to six years period.

Q: There is a perception among people that these communication towers are a factor for increased lightening incidents. Have you looked into this phenomenon?

A: These towers are high-rise equipment. If there is proper earth systems approved by the TRCSL there is no problem. It is good for the people living closer to the tower also as it will earth all the lightning that strikes around that area. But some drug addicts and other people have a habit of removnge the copper wires in the earth system for quick money.

The main problem is not the tower; lightening come through the power cables. But people used to think when communication towers are erected all the lightning are drawn to that tower.

By Ranil WIJAYAPALA

http://www.sundayobserver.lk/]]> http://www.warunasat.com/showthread.php?tid=2251 Tue, 15 May 2012 13:21:41 +0000 http://www.warunasat.com/showthread.php?tid=2251


  1.jpg (Size: 111.76 KB / Downloads: 64)


  2.jpg (Size: 118.62 KB / Downloads: 60) ]]>


  1.jpg (Size: 111.76 KB / Downloads: 64)


  2.jpg (Size: 118.62 KB / Downloads: 60) ]]> http://www.warunasat.com/showthread.php?tid=2213 Tue, 08 May 2012 03:49:44 +0000 http://www.warunasat.com/showthread.php?tid=2213
  SRI LANKA Wonder Of Asia.png (Size: 55.47 KB / Downloads: 26)

Sri Lanka

Set in the Indian Ocean in South Asia, the tropical island nation of Sri Lanka has a history dating back to the birth of time. It is a place where the original soul of Buddhism still flourishes and where nature’s beauty remains abundant and unspoilt.

Few places in the world can offer the traveller such a remarkable combination of stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, captivating cultural heritage and unique experiences within such a compact location. Within a mere area of65, 610 kilometres lie 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 1,330 kilometres of coastline - much of it pristine beach - 15 national parks showcasing an abundance of wildlife, nearly 500,000 acres of lush tea estates, 250 acres of botanical gardens, 350 waterfalls, 25,000 water bodies, to a culture that extends back to over 2,500 years.

This is an island of magical proportions, once known as Serendib, Taprobane, the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, and Ceylon. Discover refreshingly Sri Lanka!

http://www.srilanka.travel/]]>
  SRI LANKA Wonder Of Asia.png (Size: 55.47 KB / Downloads: 26)

Sri Lanka

Set in the Indian Ocean in South Asia, the tropical island nation of Sri Lanka has a history dating back to the birth of time. It is a place where the original soul of Buddhism still flourishes and where nature’s beauty remains abundant and unspoilt.

Few places in the world can offer the traveller such a remarkable combination of stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, captivating cultural heritage and unique experiences within such a compact location. Within a mere area of65, 610 kilometres lie 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 1,330 kilometres of coastline - much of it pristine beach - 15 national parks showcasing an abundance of wildlife, nearly 500,000 acres of lush tea estates, 250 acres of botanical gardens, 350 waterfalls, 25,000 water bodies, to a culture that extends back to over 2,500 years.

This is an island of magical proportions, once known as Serendib, Taprobane, the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, and Ceylon. Discover refreshingly Sri Lanka!

http://www.srilanka.travel/]]> http://www.warunasat.com/showthread.php?tid=2211 Sat, 05 May 2012 11:35:41 +0000 http://www.warunasat.com/showthread.php?tid=2211
  wesak 2012.jpg (Size: 47.79 KB / Downloads: 53)
Happy Wesak Day !!!]]>
  wesak 2012.jpg (Size: 47.79 KB / Downloads: 53)
Happy Wesak Day !!!]]> http://www.warunasat.com/showthread.php?tid=2210 Sat, 05 May 2012 01:32:22 +0000 http://www.warunasat.com/showthread.php?tid=2210 Rupert Murdoch Owned Star To Go Solo, Buy ESPN From JV

MUMBAI/NEW DELHI: Broadcast major Star Group's 16-year-old equal joint venture with sports broadcaster ESPN is being dissolved with Star buying out ESPN's stake in the JV, three people familiar with the development said.

Once the transaction is complete, Rupert Murdoch-owned Star will become the owner of ESPN's India business, the people said. Two of them said the companies were finalising details of the deal and an announcement was likely to be made shortly. They declined to disclose details.

ESPN Software India, which operates ESPN Star Sports' India operations, generates revenues of about 2,500 crore through channels that include Star Sports, ESPN and Star Cricket.

ESPN Star Sports owns television broadcast rights for the ICC World Cup Cricket and T20 Champions League.

ESPN's Singapore office said they did not comment on speculation. A spokesperson for ESS said, "We do not comment on speculations and rumours. ESPN Star Sports continues to run the business as usual. Two partner companies frequently discuss business plans and both the companies, ESPN and News Corp, are proud of the success ESS has made since its inception, and the relationship it shares with fans and business partners. They extend complete assurance for delivering value to our partners as committed by ESS."

Star India Chief Executive Officer Uday Shankar did not respond to an email and text messages sent to his mobile.

"Star wants a bigger play in the sports broadcasting space," one of the people quoted earlier said.

Sign of Star's Growing Ambitions

"Star's recent 4,000-crore acquisition of the rights to Indian cricket from the Board of Control for Cricket in India, beating rival Sony, are indications of its ambitions in this space," one of the people quoted earlier said.

It is not yet clear how many of the 200 employees of ESPN, who work for the joint venture, would be retained by Star. An ESPN official, requesting not to be quoted, said employees were uncertain about their future after the deal.

A deal between the two companies could potentially be a complex one as they have a bouquet of advertising deals and cross-sponsorships. But senior executives at two leading media-buying companies, who deal closely with both broadcasting networks, said they did not foresee any impact on advertising deals and sponsorships.

ESPN, Star Sports and Star Cricket either sell airtime and sponsorship inventory independently or as bulk package deals, they said. An analyst from one of the big four audit firms said the battle for the rights to various cricket events will now be fought out between Star and Sony, with the latter holding the rights for Indian Premier League, the 20-overs cricket tournament. ESPN Star Sports was formed as a 50:50 JV between two of the world's leading cable and satellite broadcasters - Walt Disney, the owner of ESPN, and Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation - in 1996 for Asia.

It has offices in China, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Taiwan and Singapore, and employs more than 650 employees across the region. Star is fast changing gears in India. In the past two months, the broadcaster has launched its second Hindi movie channel under its new brand 'OK', called Movies OK. It recently exited its television news business and dissolved its JV with the ABP Group. It also purchased the broadcast rights to Indian cricket for around 4,000 crore.

Star seems confident of making money from its cricketing ventures. Speaking to reporters a few days ago, Shankar said the deal for cricket rights would not affect the JV with ESPN. However, the market has been abuzz with the latter's exit. "Many permutations and combinations of the deal have been worked out, which has taken this long, but ESPN is now fully exiting," said an official from a firm with knowledge of the deal.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/]]> Rupert Murdoch Owned Star To Go Solo, Buy ESPN From JV

MUMBAI/NEW DELHI: Broadcast major Star Group's 16-year-old equal joint venture with sports broadcaster ESPN is being dissolved with Star buying out ESPN's stake in the JV, three people familiar with the development said.

Once the transaction is complete, Rupert Murdoch-owned Star will become the owner of ESPN's India business, the people said. Two of them said the companies were finalising details of the deal and an announcement was likely to be made shortly. They declined to disclose details.

ESPN Software India, which operates ESPN Star Sports' India operations, generates revenues of about 2,500 crore through channels that include Star Sports, ESPN and Star Cricket.

ESPN Star Sports owns television broadcast rights for the ICC World Cup Cricket and T20 Champions League.

ESPN's Singapore office said they did not comment on speculation. A spokesperson for ESS said, "We do not comment on speculations and rumours. ESPN Star Sports continues to run the business as usual. Two partner companies frequently discuss business plans and both the companies, ESPN and News Corp, are proud of the success ESS has made since its inception, and the relationship it shares with fans and business partners. They extend complete assurance for delivering value to our partners as committed by ESS."

Star India Chief Executive Officer Uday Shankar did not respond to an email and text messages sent to his mobile.

"Star wants a bigger play in the sports broadcasting space," one of the people quoted earlier said.

Sign of Star's Growing Ambitions

"Star's recent 4,000-crore acquisition of the rights to Indian cricket from the Board of Control for Cricket in India, beating rival Sony, are indications of its ambitions in this space," one of the people quoted earlier said.

It is not yet clear how many of the 200 employees of ESPN, who work for the joint venture, would be retained by Star. An ESPN official, requesting not to be quoted, said employees were uncertain about their future after the deal.

A deal between the two companies could potentially be a complex one as they have a bouquet of advertising deals and cross-sponsorships. But senior executives at two leading media-buying companies, who deal closely with both broadcasting networks, said they did not foresee any impact on advertising deals and sponsorships.

ESPN, Star Sports and Star Cricket either sell airtime and sponsorship inventory independently or as bulk package deals, they said. An analyst from one of the big four audit firms said the battle for the rights to various cricket events will now be fought out between Star and Sony, with the latter holding the rights for Indian Premier League, the 20-overs cricket tournament. ESPN Star Sports was formed as a 50:50 JV between two of the world's leading cable and satellite broadcasters - Walt Disney, the owner of ESPN, and Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation - in 1996 for Asia.

It has offices in China, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Taiwan and Singapore, and employs more than 650 employees across the region. Star is fast changing gears in India. In the past two months, the broadcaster has launched its second Hindi movie channel under its new brand 'OK', called Movies OK. It recently exited its television news business and dissolved its JV with the ABP Group. It also purchased the broadcast rights to Indian cricket for around 4,000 crore.

Star seems confident of making money from its cricketing ventures. Speaking to reporters a few days ago, Shankar said the deal for cricket rights would not affect the JV with ESPN. However, the market has been abuzz with the latter's exit. "Many permutations and combinations of the deal have been worked out, which has taken this long, but ESPN is now fully exiting," said an official from a firm with knowledge of the deal.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/]]> http://www.warunasat.com/showthread.php?tid=2208 Wed, 02 May 2012 05:41:43 +0000 http://www.warunasat.com/showthread.php?tid=2208 http://www.warunasat.com/showthread.php?tid=2207 Sat, 28 Apr 2012 08:22:23 +0000 http://www.warunasat.com/showthread.php?tid=2207
  සිංහ FM.jpg (Size: 43.56 KB / Downloads: 33)

Singha FM is the latest radio launched with the vision of bringing back the true flavour of Sri Lankan Music for the patriotic Lions of Sri Lanka.

You can now listen to Singha FM on the following frequencies

Western Province - 107.9 FM
Southern Province - 100.7 FM
Central Province - 104.8
North Central North East - 104.8 FM
Island wide - 102.9 FM

Listen to us online on http://www.singhafm.com

Call for requests & dedications on our hotline - 2741741
info@singhafm.com]]>
  සිංහ FM.jpg (Size: 43.56 KB / Downloads: 33)

Singha FM is the latest radio launched with the vision of bringing back the true flavour of Sri Lankan Music for the patriotic Lions of Sri Lanka.

You can now listen to Singha FM on the following frequencies

Western Province - 107.9 FM
Southern Province - 100.7 FM
Central Province - 104.8
North Central North East - 104.8 FM
Island wide - 102.9 FM

Listen to us online on http://www.singhafm.com

Call for requests & dedications on our hotline - 2741741
info@singhafm.com]]> http://www.warunasat.com/showthread.php?tid=2202 Sat, 14 Apr 2012 01:14:42 +0000 http://www.warunasat.com/showthread.php?tid=2202 Dolby, Philips Unveil 3D HD Format

Dolby Laboratories and Royal Philips have unveiled Dolby 3D, a 3D HD format and suite of technologies designed to deliver full HD 3D content to 3D-enabled devices, including glasses-free displays. The two leading companies have undertaken the joint project to improve the 3D viewing experience on displays of all sizes, including smartphones, tablets, PCs, and televisions. Dolby 3D is a complete system designed to work throughout the chain to deliver clear glasses-free 3D content that operates over existing distribution systems.

“Philips has a long history in 3D technologies and video innovation, and Dolby has a proven track record of enabling technologies to enhance entertainment experiences. Together, we identified a business need where we could bring a unique offering to the market that improves the end-user experience,” said Ruud Peters, Chief Intellectual Property Officer at Philips. “By unveiling Dolby 3D, we introduce a 3D HD format capable of powering glasses-free 3D displays of any size, enabling broadcasters, operators, content aggregators, and device manufacturers to deliver HD-quality 3D on any device.”

Ramzi Haidamus, Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Dolby Laboratories, said the company believed that Dolby 3D could help drive the adoption of 3D, creating a comfortable, customisable, truly enjoyable glasses-free 3D viewing experience while enhancing 3D display performance. “Armed with the innovative glasses-free 3D display technology from Philips, based on years of extensive research and development in the field, we plan to bring the same philosophy to 3D that Dolby has brought to the audio space—integrating our technologies and strengths throughout the entire content chain. Consumers will know that when they see Dolby 3D content on a 3D-enabled device, it will look its very best,” he claimed.

“Dolby and Philips are committed to taking the 3D experience to the next level and delivering a high-quality solution for all 3D display devices, including today’s glasses-based devices and tomorrow’s glasses-free displays. Working on cutting-edge technology with two leading companies is very exciting, and I’m thrilled to lead this unique joint effort,” said Guido Voltolina, General Manager of the joint project.

The focus of the project will be to work with original equipment manufacturers of display panels and entertainment devices to enhance the performance of 3D consumer devices to make viewing of 3D content just as convenient and appealing as viewing of 2D content on a high-quality screen is today. This project is uniquely positioned to enable the industry’s adoption of 3D by working on standardisation and licensing of the technology.

The Dolby 3D experience will seamlessly integrate into the use cases and viewing patterns of consumers on the go and in the home, making the use of 3D devices an enjoyable daily experience. Content owners and broadcast operators have the unique opportunity to differentiate their offerings by encoding 3D titles in Dolby 3D for maximum fidelity on Dolby 3D enabled devices while maintaining compatibility with existing 3D products. The system will enable a 3D HD format, including tools for 3D content creation and real-time 3D content conversion.

http://advanced-television.com/]]> Dolby, Philips Unveil 3D HD Format

Dolby Laboratories and Royal Philips have unveiled Dolby 3D, a 3D HD format and suite of technologies designed to deliver full HD 3D content to 3D-enabled devices, including glasses-free displays. The two leading companies have undertaken the joint project to improve the 3D viewing experience on displays of all sizes, including smartphones, tablets, PCs, and televisions. Dolby 3D is a complete system designed to work throughout the chain to deliver clear glasses-free 3D content that operates over existing distribution systems.

“Philips has a long history in 3D technologies and video innovation, and Dolby has a proven track record of enabling technologies to enhance entertainment experiences. Together, we identified a business need where we could bring a unique offering to the market that improves the end-user experience,” said Ruud Peters, Chief Intellectual Property Officer at Philips. “By unveiling Dolby 3D, we introduce a 3D HD format capable of powering glasses-free 3D displays of any size, enabling broadcasters, operators, content aggregators, and device manufacturers to deliver HD-quality 3D on any device.”

Ramzi Haidamus, Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Dolby Laboratories, said the company believed that Dolby 3D could help drive the adoption of 3D, creating a comfortable, customisable, truly enjoyable glasses-free 3D viewing experience while enhancing 3D display performance. “Armed with the innovative glasses-free 3D display technology from Philips, based on years of extensive research and development in the field, we plan to bring the same philosophy to 3D that Dolby has brought to the audio space—integrating our technologies and strengths throughout the entire content chain. Consumers will know that when they see Dolby 3D content on a 3D-enabled device, it will look its very best,” he claimed.

“Dolby and Philips are committed to taking the 3D experience to the next level and delivering a high-quality solution for all 3D display devices, including today’s glasses-based devices and tomorrow’s glasses-free displays. Working on cutting-edge technology with two leading companies is very exciting, and I’m thrilled to lead this unique joint effort,” said Guido Voltolina, General Manager of the joint project.

The focus of the project will be to work with original equipment manufacturers of display panels and entertainment devices to enhance the performance of 3D consumer devices to make viewing of 3D content just as convenient and appealing as viewing of 2D content on a high-quality screen is today. This project is uniquely positioned to enable the industry’s adoption of 3D by working on standardisation and licensing of the technology.

The Dolby 3D experience will seamlessly integrate into the use cases and viewing patterns of consumers on the go and in the home, making the use of 3D devices an enjoyable daily experience. Content owners and broadcast operators have the unique opportunity to differentiate their offerings by encoding 3D titles in Dolby 3D for maximum fidelity on Dolby 3D enabled devices while maintaining compatibility with existing 3D products. The system will enable a 3D HD format, including tools for 3D content creation and real-time 3D content conversion.

http://advanced-television.com/]]> http://www.warunasat.com/showthread.php?tid=2201 Sat, 14 Apr 2012 01:12:02 +0000 http://www.warunasat.com/showthread.php?tid=2201 Research Boost For U-HDTV

A French research consortium - 4EVER – has been established to advance the technologies supporting the production and delivery of Ultra-HDTV.

Compression solutions specialist ATEME has confirmed its participation in the ambitious, three year multi-million Euro research programme seeking to reduce the bandwidth required for the delivery of Ultra High Definition Television (U-HDTV) using High Efficiency Video Coding.

HEVC is the latest compression standard developed jointly by ISO/MPEG (Motion Picture Experts Group) and ITU-T/ VCEG (Video Coding Experts Group). Currently a draft, it is expected to be submitted for final standardisation approval in January 2013 as MPEG-H Part 2.

The primary goal of the 4EVER program is to pave the way for the delivery of an enhanced high-definition television experience to viewers regardless of the viewing context (in the home, on the go, in public places and cinemas…), in a practical and inexpensive way. Initially a large part of the research effort will be invested in the evaluation of the television experience enhancement that can be offered from not just higher resolutions, but also higher frame rates, increased colour depth, surround sound, and more.

ATEME’s objective beyond the programme is the development of an industrial, efficient, affordable, deployable implementation of HEVC. An encoding system that broadcasters and service providers can rely on for large scale field trials all the way to commercial deployments of U-HDTV.

4EVER programme members include Orange Labs, ATEME, france télévisions, GlobeCast, TeamCast, Technicolor and Doremi, as well as the Télécom ParisTech and INSA-IETR University labs.

The consortium expects to demonstrate a first complete Ultra HD production and transmission chain within one year, and several field trials are planned throughout the 4EVER project for sports events, music concerts and other live shows.

http://advanced-television.com/]]> Research Boost For U-HDTV

A French research consortium - 4EVER – has been established to advance the technologies supporting the production and delivery of Ultra-HDTV.

Compression solutions specialist ATEME has confirmed its participation in the ambitious, three year multi-million Euro research programme seeking to reduce the bandwidth required for the delivery of Ultra High Definition Television (U-HDTV) using High Efficiency Video Coding.

HEVC is the latest compression standard developed jointly by ISO/MPEG (Motion Picture Experts Group) and ITU-T/ VCEG (Video Coding Experts Group). Currently a draft, it is expected to be submitted for final standardisation approval in January 2013 as MPEG-H Part 2.

The primary goal of the 4EVER program is to pave the way for the delivery of an enhanced high-definition television experience to viewers regardless of the viewing context (in the home, on the go, in public places and cinemas…), in a practical and inexpensive way. Initially a large part of the research effort will be invested in the evaluation of the television experience enhancement that can be offered from not just higher resolutions, but also higher frame rates, increased colour depth, surround sound, and more.

ATEME’s objective beyond the programme is the development of an industrial, efficient, affordable, deployable implementation of HEVC. An encoding system that broadcasters and service providers can rely on for large scale field trials all the way to commercial deployments of U-HDTV.

4EVER programme members include Orange Labs, ATEME, france télévisions, GlobeCast, TeamCast, Technicolor and Doremi, as well as the Télécom ParisTech and INSA-IETR University labs.

The consortium expects to demonstrate a first complete Ultra HD production and transmission chain within one year, and several field trials are planned throughout the 4EVER project for sports events, music concerts and other live shows.

http://advanced-television.com/]]> http://www.warunasat.com/showthread.php?tid=2199 Thu, 12 Apr 2012 02:26:10 +0000 http://www.warunasat.com/showthread.php?tid=2199 Wishing all friends happy and joyful Sinhala & Tamil new year!]]> Wishing all friends happy and joyful Sinhala & Tamil new year!]]> http://www.warunasat.com/showthread.php?tid=2198 Wed, 11 Apr 2012 02:17:18 +0000 http://www.warunasat.com/showthread.php?tid=2198 Afghanistan Announces Satellite Tender

International partner sought to put Afghanistan's first satellite in orbit to improve the country's television and internet coverage

Monday 9 April 2012 17.08 BST - Less than two decades ago, the Taliban made bonfires of film reels outside Kabul's cinemas, banned television and condemned weather forecasting as sorcery. Now, the government that replaced them is seeking a partner to take the country's communications industry into space.

Afghanistan hopes its first satellite will improve television coverage in rural areas and internet access across the country, a project that is political as much as commercial as insurgents and the government vie for influence and support.

"We will start the installation process of the satellite very soon," Amir Zai Sangin, the minister of communication and information technology, was quoted as saying by Afghanistan's Tolo television. "It's our priority to solve broadcasting issues and bring all our districts under coverage."

Kabul's crowded media scene today is a far cry from the days when a ban on photography and TV meant few even knew what their Taliban leaders looked like.

Now, Afghanistan's press is among the region's most free, and dozens of channels compete for audiences, showing everything from hard news to cooking programmes and religious discussions. Dubbed Indian and Turkish soap operas are among the most popular programmes, with flashes of cleavage and bare midriff, shoulder or leg pixelated out to meet local sensitivities.

There are so many competing channels, many believed to be funded by powerful Afghan leaders or the country's various international allies and supporters, that the country is facing a shortage of frequencies for them, Sangin said.

The satellite launch, in tandem with a shift to digital broadcasting from analogue transmission, should resolve the problem, he added.

It should also help with internet access. Three decades of war have torn apart Afghan infrastructure. Telephone cables and broadcasting antennae have been destroyed along with roads and power lines. Internet access is largely via satellite, but it is slow and expensive, and fewer than one in 10 Afghans are online.

The Taliban has embraced modern communication since its fall from power, but an insurgent spokesman declined to comment on the plans for a satellite.

The progress of television and the internet in Afghanistan will be limited by the progress of other government departments. Many rural areas have little electricity, few tarmac roads, and few jobs for villagers to earn money.

But telecommunications officials say that the satellite will not be a drain on Afghanistan's already fragile finances, because the country has been awarded an orbital slot that should attract commercial partners.

"We would like to make a partnership with an international satellite company to launch an Afghan satellite," said Abdul Malak Nazari, a board member on Afghanistan's telecoms regulator, which is handling the tender process.

"The company will be selected through a process of procurement … they will surely pay for the satellite," he told the Guardian.

He declined to say how much investment would be needed, but the cheapest satellites sell for hundreds of millions of dollars, and putting them into orbit costs tens of millions more.

Emma Graham-Harrison in Kabul

http://www.guardian.co.uk/]]> Afghanistan Announces Satellite Tender

International partner sought to put Afghanistan's first satellite in orbit to improve the country's television and internet coverage

Monday 9 April 2012 17.08 BST - Less than two decades ago, the Taliban made bonfires of film reels outside Kabul's cinemas, banned television and condemned weather forecasting as sorcery. Now, the government that replaced them is seeking a partner to take the country's communications industry into space.

Afghanistan hopes its first satellite will improve television coverage in rural areas and internet access across the country, a project that is political as much as commercial as insurgents and the government vie for influence and support.

"We will start the installation process of the satellite very soon," Amir Zai Sangin, the minister of communication and information technology, was quoted as saying by Afghanistan's Tolo television. "It's our priority to solve broadcasting issues and bring all our districts under coverage."

Kabul's crowded media scene today is a far cry from the days when a ban on photography and TV meant few even knew what their Taliban leaders looked like.

Now, Afghanistan's press is among the region's most free, and dozens of channels compete for audiences, showing everything from hard news to cooking programmes and religious discussions. Dubbed Indian and Turkish soap operas are among the most popular programmes, with flashes of cleavage and bare midriff, shoulder or leg pixelated out to meet local sensitivities.

There are so many competing channels, many believed to be funded by powerful Afghan leaders or the country's various international allies and supporters, that the country is facing a shortage of frequencies for them, Sangin said.

The satellite launch, in tandem with a shift to digital broadcasting from analogue transmission, should resolve the problem, he added.

It should also help with internet access. Three decades of war have torn apart Afghan infrastructure. Telephone cables and broadcasting antennae have been destroyed along with roads and power lines. Internet access is largely via satellite, but it is slow and expensive, and fewer than one in 10 Afghans are online.

The Taliban has embraced modern communication since its fall from power, but an insurgent spokesman declined to comment on the plans for a satellite.

The progress of television and the internet in Afghanistan will be limited by the progress of other government departments. Many rural areas have little electricity, few tarmac roads, and few jobs for villagers to earn money.

But telecommunications officials say that the satellite will not be a drain on Afghanistan's already fragile finances, because the country has been awarded an orbital slot that should attract commercial partners.

"We would like to make a partnership with an international satellite company to launch an Afghan satellite," said Abdul Malak Nazari, a board member on Afghanistan's telecoms regulator, which is handling the tender process.

"The company will be selected through a process of procurement … they will surely pay for the satellite," he told the Guardian.

He declined to say how much investment would be needed, but the cheapest satellites sell for hundreds of millions of dollars, and putting them into orbit costs tens of millions more.

Emma Graham-Harrison in Kabul

http://www.guardian.co.uk/]]> http://www.warunasat.com/showthread.php?tid=2197 Wed, 11 Apr 2012 01:57:24 +0000 http://www.warunasat.com/showthread.php?tid=2197 MSM Launches Sports Channel SIX On 7 April


  sony_six_in.jpg (Size: 10.61 KB / Downloads: 7)

MUMBAI: Multi Screen Media’s sports channel will start its journey from 7 April, attempting to carve out a space particularly among the youth who are looking at diversified sporting properties.

Six, a sports entertainment channel, will still have the Indian Premier League (IPL) as its main property. However, the live telecast of the IPL, cricket’s hottest property, will only move from Max to Six next year, allowing distribution to settle down for MSM to exploit maximum revenues.

Failing to bag the BCCI rights to international cricket, Six will rely on UFC Martial Arts as its driver property in the initial stage. It has signed a partnership with Ultimate Fighting Championship to broadcast UFC programming in India and the rest of the subcontinent.

“Six’s key driver property will be UFC Martial Arts and the best of the first four seasons of IPL. We will air live UFC events, taped specials and exciting bouts from the vast UFC library,” says Multi Screen Media chief executive officer Man Jit Singh.

Priced at Rs 35 a month, Six will also show soccer, badminton and basketball. MSM has telecast rights for the FA Cup, NBA (Western Conference while Ten has Eastern Conference and Playoff) and New Zealand Cricket that expires this September.

“We would have liked to have the BCCI to complement our IPL property. But we put up a bid we thought would have made commercial sense for us. We want to run a profitable channel,” says Singh.

MSM bid Rs 37 billion for the six-year broadcast and digital rights till 2018, lower than Star’s Rs 38.51 billion.

Singh believes the channel can operationally break even after three years as subscription revenue will grow in a digitised environment. “The distribution game will change after we move towards digitisation. The timing of the launch is such that we want to move HD to mass market. The HD feed of Six will go live around 20th May,” says Singh.

Won’t high acquisition costs make sports broadcasting business unviable in India? “Advertising and subscription revenues will overcome the higher acquisition costs,” avers Singh.

While chasing big-ticket properties, Six will invest in new sports and look at telecasting local leagues including football and hockey. “Even Kustee (traditional Indian wrestling) can be converted into a league form,” says Singh.

Six will differentiate itself from the other sports channels through its mix of sports and entertainment. “We are already seeing that in IPL. We will create a cross-over by the way we present and package the channel. We will do a lot of back stories. We want to draw in female audiences as well,” Singh says.

http://www.indiantelevision.com/]]> MSM Launches Sports Channel SIX On 7 April


  sony_six_in.jpg (Size: 10.61 KB / Downloads: 7)

MUMBAI: Multi Screen Media’s sports channel will start its journey from 7 April, attempting to carve out a space particularly among the youth who are looking at diversified sporting properties.

Six, a sports entertainment channel, will still have the Indian Premier League (IPL) as its main property. However, the live telecast of the IPL, cricket’s hottest property, will only move from Max to Six next year, allowing distribution to settle down for MSM to exploit maximum revenues.

Failing to bag the BCCI rights to international cricket, Six will rely on UFC Martial Arts as its driver property in the initial stage. It has signed a partnership with Ultimate Fighting Championship to broadcast UFC programming in India and the rest of the subcontinent.

“Six’s key driver property will be UFC Martial Arts and the best of the first four seasons of IPL. We will air live UFC events, taped specials and exciting bouts from the vast UFC library,” says Multi Screen Media chief executive officer Man Jit Singh.

Priced at Rs 35 a month, Six will also show soccer, badminton and basketball. MSM has telecast rights for the FA Cup, NBA (Western Conference while Ten has Eastern Conference and Playoff) and New Zealand Cricket that expires this September.

“We would have liked to have the BCCI to complement our IPL property. But we put up a bid we thought would have made commercial sense for us. We want to run a profitable channel,” says Singh.

MSM bid Rs 37 billion for the six-year broadcast and digital rights till 2018, lower than Star’s Rs 38.51 billion.

Singh believes the channel can operationally break even after three years as subscription revenue will grow in a digitised environment. “The distribution game will change after we move towards digitisation. The timing of the launch is such that we want to move HD to mass market. The HD feed of Six will go live around 20th May,” says Singh.

Won’t high acquisition costs make sports broadcasting business unviable in India? “Advertising and subscription revenues will overcome the higher acquisition costs,” avers Singh.

While chasing big-ticket properties, Six will invest in new sports and look at telecasting local leagues including football and hockey. “Even Kustee (traditional Indian wrestling) can be converted into a league form,” says Singh.

Six will differentiate itself from the other sports channels through its mix of sports and entertainment. “We are already seeing that in IPL. We will create a cross-over by the way we present and package the channel. We will do a lot of back stories. We want to draw in female audiences as well,” Singh says.

http://www.indiantelevision.com/]]> http://www.warunasat.com/showthread.php?tid=2196 Wed, 11 Apr 2012 01:46:53 +0000 http://www.warunasat.com/showthread.php?tid=2196 Russia Plans To Bind Satellite To Apophis Asteroid

Russia plans to send a satellite with a radio beacon to near-Earth asteroid of 99942 Apophis for finding out how big is a threat of its collision with Earth, the country's Academy of Sciences said in its report on Saturday.

The asteroid is considered by the Russian scientists as the most serious threat to Earth as for now.

In 2029, Apophis will be at a distance of only about 36,000 miles to our planet, at the height of the orbits of geostationary satellites. The asteroid could change its orbit and cannon Earth in 2036.

The core target of the possible mission will be to clarify the exact trajectory of Apophis for up to 2036. The satellite will be equipped with a radioisotope power source with a buffer battery.

"From technical point of view the mission could be started for implementation from 2015," the Academy said in the report.


  asteroid_hight.jpg (Size: 43.3 KB / Downloads: 9)

http://en.ria.ru/]]> Russia Plans To Bind Satellite To Apophis Asteroid

Russia plans to send a satellite with a radio beacon to near-Earth asteroid of 99942 Apophis for finding out how big is a threat of its collision with Earth, the country's Academy of Sciences said in its report on Saturday.

The asteroid is considered by the Russian scientists as the most serious threat to Earth as for now.

In 2029, Apophis will be at a distance of only about 36,000 miles to our planet, at the height of the orbits of geostationary satellites. The asteroid could change its orbit and cannon Earth in 2036.

The core target of the possible mission will be to clarify the exact trajectory of Apophis for up to 2036. The satellite will be equipped with a radioisotope power source with a buffer battery.

"From technical point of view the mission could be started for implementation from 2015," the Academy said in the report.


  asteroid_hight.jpg (Size: 43.3 KB / Downloads: 9)

http://en.ria.ru/]]> http://www.warunasat.com/showthread.php?tid=2189 Thu, 05 Apr 2012 09:10:57 +0000 http://www.warunasat.com/showthread.php?tid=2189
The Metronic Zapbox HD-Z3 IP incorporates a DVB-T MPEG-4 tuner for terrestrial SD and HD reception as well as a connection to the internet.

The box can be connected to the TV set with either a SCART plug or via HDMI. Connection with the home network is via Ethernet.

The device can access any locally stored content, such as videos, movies as well as content from the web. It is not known if the company also supports its own portal, as is the case with major CE manufacturers such as Philips, Samsung and Sony.

By adding a hard disk to the unit, the box can also serve as a PVR.

  Metronic-HD-Z3-IP-300x140.jpg (Size: 12.01 KB / Downloads: 12) ]]>
The Metronic Zapbox HD-Z3 IP incorporates a DVB-T MPEG-4 tuner for terrestrial SD and HD reception as well as a connection to the internet.

The box can be connected to the TV set with either a SCART plug or via HDMI. Connection with the home network is via Ethernet.

The device can access any locally stored content, such as videos, movies as well as content from the web. It is not known if the company also supports its own portal, as is the case with major CE manufacturers such as Philips, Samsung and Sony.

By adding a hard disk to the unit, the box can also serve as a PVR.

  Metronic-HD-Z3-IP-300x140.jpg (Size: 12.01 KB / Downloads: 12) ]]> http://www.warunasat.com/showthread.php?tid=2184 Sat, 31 Mar 2012 02:29:38 +0000 http://www.warunasat.com/showthread.php?tid=2184
  Apstar 7 Coverages.jpg (Size: 87.25 KB / Downloads: 30) ]]>
  Apstar 7 Coverages.jpg (Size: 87.25 KB / Downloads: 30) ]]> http://www.warunasat.com/showthread.php?tid=2182 Sun, 25 Mar 2012 15:37:05 +0000 http://www.warunasat.com/showthread.php?tid=2182 Mysterious Giant Titanium UFO Fragment Falls In Siberia

The Russian Federal Space Agency and NASA are saying that this mysterious titanium structure is not a part of any of their satellites, rockets or spacecraft. The Russian agency seized it and they are trying to determine its origin.

According to the villagers of Otradnesnky, in Siberia, Russia, the 440-pound (200-kilogram) titanium object with a ridged dome fell in a nearby forest on March 18. While local journalists claim it may be part of a fallen Meridian satellite or a ballistic missile, the Russian Federal Space Agency says it is not:

The object is not a rocket or a spacecraft, but final conclusions can only be drawn once it is examined.

There was no radiation near or inside the mysterious object.

NASA agrees with their Russian counterparts. Nick Johnson—who directs NASA's orbital debris office—says that "the object almost certainly is not related to a spacecraft. It also does not look like part of a launch vehicle which has fallen from orbit. However, we cannot be definitive in our judgment without better photos and other data. For example, the date the object fell is vitally important, but I did not see reference to it."

This is not the first weird object that these villagers have found. Russia Today reports that they found a similar object two years ago—with a bear living in it. Space bear!

Perhaps this is part of a failed military experiment, although not necessarily space related. You rarely find this kind of structures out there, which are made with a massive amount of titanium and a very high level of precision. If it's not from a spacecraft, could this be part of a secret weapon?


  Space Junk in Siberia (Med edt)- March 2012.jpg (Size: 48.53 KB / Downloads: 24)

http://www.rt.com/]]> Mysterious Giant Titanium UFO Fragment Falls In Siberia

The Russian Federal Space Agency and NASA are saying that this mysterious titanium structure is not a part of any of their satellites, rockets or spacecraft. The Russian agency seized it and they are trying to determine its origin.

According to the villagers of Otradnesnky, in Siberia, Russia, the 440-pound (200-kilogram) titanium object with a ridged dome fell in a nearby forest on March 18. While local journalists claim it may be part of a fallen Meridian satellite or a ballistic missile, the Russian Federal Space Agency says it is not:

The object is not a rocket or a spacecraft, but final conclusions can only be drawn once it is examined.

There was no radiation near or inside the mysterious object.

NASA agrees with their Russian counterparts. Nick Johnson—who directs NASA's orbital debris office—says that "the object almost certainly is not related to a spacecraft. It also does not look like part of a launch vehicle which has fallen from orbit. However, we cannot be definitive in our judgment without better photos and other data. For example, the date the object fell is vitally important, but I did not see reference to it."

This is not the first weird object that these villagers have found. Russia Today reports that they found a similar object two years ago—with a bear living in it. Space bear!

Perhaps this is part of a failed military experiment, although not necessarily space related. You rarely find this kind of structures out there, which are made with a massive amount of titanium and a very high level of precision. If it's not from a spacecraft, could this be part of a secret weapon?


  Space Junk in Siberia (Med edt)- March 2012.jpg (Size: 48.53 KB / Downloads: 24)

http://www.rt.com/]]> http://www.warunasat.com/showthread.php?tid=2181 Fri, 16 Mar 2012 04:19:51 +0000 http://www.warunasat.com/showthread.php?tid=2181
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SLBC Times Radio:
87.6 MHz (Colombo)]]>
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SLBC Times Radio:
87.6 MHz (Colombo)]]> http://www.warunasat.com/showthread.php?tid=2172 Wed, 29 Feb 2012 08:24:54 +0000 http://www.warunasat.com/showthread.php?tid=2172 Warunasat,
Best wishes for your activity. / see www.warunasat.com.
May triple gems bless you all....!!!!]]> Warunasat,
Best wishes for your activity. / see www.warunasat.com.
May triple gems bless you all....!!!!]]> http://www.warunasat.com/showthread.php?tid=2170 Thu, 23 Feb 2012 12:51:43 +0000 http://www.warunasat.com/showthread.php?tid=2170 Commentator Ranil Abeynaike Dies


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Ranil Abeynaike, the Sri Lankan commentator and former first-class cricketer, has died in hospital in Colombo after a heart attack. He was 57.

Abeynaike played 14 first-class matches and six List A games for Bedfordshire and Sinhalese Sports Club between 1973 and 1990. He was better known for his work as a television commentator, though, and completed 25 years in the profession during the second Test between Sri Lanka and West Indies at the Premadasa Stadium in November 2010.

A left-arm spinner from St Thomas' College, Mount Lavinia, whom he captained in 1973, Abeynaike was also a qualified cricket coach and curator. He played for Sri Lanka in the unofficial Test against Tony Greig's MCC side in 1977 and played minor county cricket in England. He returned to Sri Lanka to play matches for the Sri Lanka Board President's XI against West Indies (1979) and Australia (1983).

http://www.espncricinfo.com/]]> Commentator Ranil Abeynaike Dies


  Ranil Abeynaike.jpg (Size: 35.12 KB / Downloads: 11)

Ranil Abeynaike, the Sri Lankan commentator and former first-class cricketer, has died in hospital in Colombo after a heart attack. He was 57.

Abeynaike played 14 first-class matches and six List A games for Bedfordshire and Sinhalese Sports Club between 1973 and 1990. He was better known for his work as a television commentator, though, and completed 25 years in the profession during the second Test between Sri Lanka and West Indies at the Premadasa Stadium in November 2010.

A left-arm spinner from St Thomas' College, Mount Lavinia, whom he captained in 1973, Abeynaike was also a qualified cricket coach and curator. He played for Sri Lanka in the unofficial Test against Tony Greig's MCC side in 1977 and played minor county cricket in England. He returned to Sri Lanka to play matches for the Sri Lanka Board President's XI against West Indies (1979) and Australia (1983).

http://www.espncricinfo.com/]]> http://www.warunasat.com/showthread.php?tid=2169 Sun, 19 Feb 2012 19:44:38 +0000 http://www.warunasat.com/showthread.php?tid=2169
,hope these pictures interesting !

i will upload signal jamming truks and transmitters tom marrow

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,hope these pictures interesting !

i will upload signal jamming truks and transmitters tom marrow

  DSC00210 (1).JPG (Size: 51.13 KB / Downloads: 55)

  DSC00208 (1).JPG (Size: 75.74 KB / Downloads: 53)

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