The Nation Newspaper

Tag: StarTimes

  • StarTimes offerings boost digital TV industry

    StarTimes offerings boost digital TV industry

    Leading digital TV network operator, StarTimes says six years after its entrance into the Nigerian market in 2010, it has completely changed the digital TV industry and viewing experience for Nigerian subscribers especially the masses.

    This, StarTimes has achieved, by forcing down the price of pay-TV to the convenient reach of the masses, introducing for the first time in Nigeria the very mass market friendly DTT (Antenna) pay-TV model and the most affordable content bouquet called Nova, as well as partnering Africa’s largest television network NTA and other terrestrial analogue TV stations, all of which have helped in creating alternative options for viewers, boosting the industry, making digital TV very affordable and rallying the masses to key into Federal Government’s digital TV switch over agenda.

    StarTimes spokesperson, Israel Bolaji, said the digital TV platform has played a significant role in boosting the industry and has set the pace in many areas, including affordable pricing, collaboration and innovation. “For over 20 years, digital television in Nigeria was very expensive and pegged beyond the reach of the middle class and masses until the arrival of StarTimes in 2010 which offered more affordable option for exciting television experience. By pioneering the DTT (antenna) model which is a very mass market friendly and quite affordable, we broke decades of pay TV for the rich jinx. Today, an average Nigerian household can afford both a decoder and monthly subscription.”

  • StarTimes showcases innovations at fair

    StarTimes is showcasing its  products, such as integrated TV sets, Combo decoder, Projector TV and other devices, at the ongoing 35th Lagos International Trade Fair, which will end on Sunday.

    The brand handlers said customers would still enjoy special discounts on its combo decoder and other products, saying its brand ambassadors were on ground to offer give-aways, and interact with subscribers.

    Its Marketing Director, Dare Kafar, said: ”StarTimes was very excited to showcase its innovative products built with cutting edge technology for the benefits of subscribers and public with exciting discounts at the ongoing trade fair.

    ‘’It promises to be an exciting time at the StarTimes stand as there would be special discounts, gifts and fun time throughout the fair. We are happy about this as it offers another opportunity to bring the best of digital TV experience, both for interesting content bouquets and innovative decoders, very close to the people.”

  • StarTimes restates commitment to improved signal coverage

    Leading digital TV network operator, StarTimes,  has reiterated its strategic commitment to ensuring quality nationwide signal coverage and innovative offering for content bouquets and decoders products.

    This, it said, is consistent with its renewed drive to improve digital TV entertainment services.

    StarTimes Head of Public Relations, Israel Bolaji, said the company is particularly interested in building and providing   quality nationwide   signal   coverage   and   innovative   offerings translating to pleasurable hours of digital television viewing with sharp images and stable signal.

    “We remain committed to developing and deploying technological infrastructure and roll out plans that guarantee very clear digital terrestrial and satellite TV signals to Nigerian TV households.

    “In 2010, StarTimes signals covered only four   states.  Today, our   signal   coverage covers 35   states   and extends  to  over   60   cities, including  recent  roll  outs   in some  remote areas  of Badagry, Epe, Ikorodu   and Iyana Iba in Lagos.”

    He added: “Our subscribers have through their consistent patronage fueled us to go the extra miles for their viewing pleasure.

    “We are covering the whole nation with improved signals including all states, FCT, historical cities and even rural areas.”

  • StarTimes unveils combo decoder

    StarTimes unveils combo decoder

    In a move to improve the pay TV landscape in Africa and offer surplus entertainment access to subscribers, StarTimes recently unveiled the 2-in-1 combo decoder in Nigeria.

    Presenting the product and satellite dish to The Nation newsroom, the Head, Public Relations, StarTimes Nigeria, Mr. Isreal Bolaji explained that the decoder is equipped with the world’s latest decoder technology to combine features of both digital terrestrial [DTT] and digital [DTH], television technologies in a single device.

    According to Bolaji, StarTimes will continue to offer subscribers the best in class of pay TV experience with world class channels for drama, sports, kiddies, news, music and religion.

    “We are keen to continuously enhance access and improve digital television experience for our subscribers.”

    The Marketing Director of the company, Mr. Oludare Kafar had earlier said that the 2-1 combo decoder was a game- changing product deliberately designed to lavish subscribers with unprecedented access to digital television and entertainment.

    Reacting to complaints about signal status, the Company’s PR Manager said it is very important to know your signal levels.

    “Whenever you see No Signal or No Service you need to check your signal levels by pressing Menu on your decoder or on your remote control, Scroll to System settings, press OK, scroll downwards on the next page to find Signal Status,” he stressed.

  • StarTimes boosts content portfolio with FOX Life

    FOX Life, an urban contemporary entertainment channel owned by FOX Networks Group (FNG), and customised for Africa, was launched on StarTimes Channel 071 (Antenna) and Channel 132 (Dish) in Nigeria, on October 1.

    The new channel is expected to boost StarTimes growing entertainment portfolio, spice up viewers experience with flamboyant programming and enrich memorable digital TV moments.

    StarTimes Head of Public Relations Mr. Israel Bolaji said the digital TV network was excited to enrich its entertainment and lifestyle menu for improved viewers pleasure with the launch of FOX Life.

    “The new channel would add a touch of magic to viewers’ experience and enhance memorable TV experience with quality programming including interesting television series, dramas, sitcoms, shows and movies, among others. They include some original programming in Africa. F

    OX Life will showcase latest and compelling Hollywood, Brazilian and African programmes including 2016 blockbuster “Real Housewives of Atlanta”, America’s Next Top Model, Clean House, and other thrilling and emotional dramas such as Empire, and Pitch.

    “FOX Life offers StarTimes subscribers a global entertainment appeal with an interesting blend of lifestyle programmes from local and international scripted and non-scripted content. Asides its array of Hollywood, African and Brazilian series, it is introducing Turkish telenovelas to Nigeria. It also showcases Africa centric programmes and considerations with localised content, focuses on socially relevant positive and local story telling, thereby creating an undisputed perfect home and port of call for young aspirational viewers in Africa, especially female,” said Bolaji.

    The Marketing Director, Mr. Oludare Kafar, added that the new addition is a further step in the digital TV network provider’s quest to continuously enrich its content, grant subscribers more value for their money and offer  refreshing and enjoyable TV experience.

  • StarTimes hosts Chinese cultural festival

    StarTimes, the digital pay television channel, has announced plans to host the first Chinese Cultural Festival in Abuja tagged: “The 2016 Beijing TV Dramas and Movies Broadcasting Season exhibition”.

    Its global Vice President, Ms. Guo Ziqi, in a release, said: “Nigeria is home to the largest subscribers of StarTimes and I believe that this cooperation will further promote the friendship between Nigeria and China.”

    According to him, the event will screen five mega hot series and five star-studded big budget movies such as Chasing After The Love; Woman From The Family of Swordsman; Mazu; Go Away Mr. Tumour; Finding Mr. Right; Beijing Love Story and Back In Time, among others, on StarTimes’ platform.

    He said further: “Beijing leads China in producing TV dramas and movies. It now has more than 3,400 institutions specialising in movie and television production and operation, producing over 3,000 episodes and nearly 300 movies per year.”

    The Beijing Municipal Bureau of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television holds the much anticipated Beijing TV dramas and movies broadcasting season in Nigeria, Rwanda and Tanzania this September initially for three months and lasting till September 2017 to further promote and consolidate inter-cultural relations and promotion, particularly on movies and drama series.

    Speaking at the ceremony yesterday, Deputy Director of Beijing Municipal Bureau, Ms. Yang Peili said: “Historically China has maintained a deep and friendly relationship with African countries and the cultural exchange is a sole means supporting the communication between the two sides. The launch of the Beijing television dramas and movies broadcasting season in African countries aims to bring more Chinese stories into Africa and promote the cooperation in film and television industry between the two sides.”

    Also, StarTimes Head of Public Relations, Mr. Israel Bolaji, said: “After two years of development, Beijing TV Dramas and Movies Broadcasting Season has become an endearing and enduring brand in Africa, which helped popularise Chinese culture while facilitating friendly exchanges between China and Africa. Hit Chinese TV drama series and movies dubbed into English, French and five African languages by StarTimes, were aired over last two years.”

  • Funke Akindele bonds with irokoworld fans on Startimes

    Funke Akindele bonds with irokoworld fans on Startimes

    Popular movie actress and iROKOWORLD TV ambassador, Funke Akindele aka Jenifa just concluded a 3-day tour across StarTimes business offices in Lagos where she met with scores of teeming fans and subscribers.

    The multiple award winning movie star during the visits interacted with fans and subscribers, took pictures, signed autographed and rewarded the lucky subscribers with various gift items including one-month free Unique bouquet subscription tickets to enjoy the premium package on StarTimes digital TV. The free tickets gave opportunities for the lucky subscribers to access over 90 television channels including iROKOWORLD TV.

    Kehinde Adetayo, one of the lucky winners expressed delight at the opportunity of meeting Funke Akindele in person for the first time. An elated Kehinde said, “Funke Akindele is a movie star I love to watch on the TV screens anytime. I have been watching her films since she starred in the popular I Need To Know Series and for me, it was a great honour to have met her personally at StarTimes office. I have enjoyed many of her films like Jenifa, Apaadi, Maami and Married But Living Single. Thank you StarTimes for creating this opportunity for customers like me to meet our beloved actress.

    For John Omene who met Funke at the Victoria Island office, “It was a dream come true.” John noted that “Since I watched her in Omo Ghetto, I have not stopped seeing her movies, both as actress and producer. She gives us very good stories and she’s one of the best actresses in Nollywood as far as I know. I am also happy for the free subscription ticket and I really enjoy Nigeria films and entertainment generally. Now that my children are on holiday, they will definitely enjoy different programs on StarTimes with the free subscription I received.”

    Uloma Onuma, Group Legal, iROKO Partners said “iROKOWORLD is excited to partner with StarTimes to connect Funke Akindele Jenifa with her teeming fans on Pay TV and further bring the ambassador closer to the viewers.

  • UNAIDS partners StarTimes on anti-AIDS programmes in Africa

    UNAIDS and StarTimes are discussing a roadmap targeted at delivering anti-HIV/AIDS TV content for increased awareness and positive reorientation to Africans through the StarTimes network on the continent.

    UNAIDS Executive Director and Under Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), Michel Sidibé, said UNAIDS may establish  a deal with StarTimes to build a new bridge between Africa and China during a meeting with China-Africa Business Council in Beijing.

    Sidibé said: “I can just confess that all the interventions were so pertinent and relevant. Collaborating with StarTimes is also for me very important because what we are going to project is a new vision, which is to reach more people and create social reorientation, which will also ensure that everybody can benefit from the digital revolution. StarTimes technologies, innovations, creativity and international stature can help expand access to information and aid Africans to live healthier.”

    He continued: “For me, this is the only way to build a new bridge between Africa and China, through our partnership for the future to come.”

    UNAIDS Director  for Communications and Global Advocacy, Annemarie Hou said UNAIDS and StarTimes could work together to deliver anti-HIV/AIDS TV content to Africans.

    “We are working with OAFLA (the Organisation of African First Ladies against HIV/AIDS) and First Ladies and we are doing an excellent work on content, and they are also asking for more TV content. So, if we can work together, let’s think about things that will really help their message to be delivered to everyone in Africa.”

    “At a high-level meeting in New York in June, global leaders committed through a Political Declaration to double the efforts to end AIDS by 2030,” said GuoZiqi, Vice President of StarTimes Group, adding that StarTimes is ready to join the campaign of anti-HIV/AIDS and StarTimes would contribute its efforts to help achieve the goal of zero-AIDS in 2030.’’

    StarTimes is the leading digital-TV network operator and content provider in Africa, covering 90 per cent of the continent’s population and having 8 million subscribers in Africa. As a responsible media group, StarTimes has made great efforts through various initiatives to support the African people in areas including management of epidemics and deadly diseases like Ebola Virus in 2014.

  • StarTimes redefines pay TV with 2-in-1 Combo Decoder

    StarTimes redefines pay TV with 2-in-1 Combo Decoder

    Digital television company, StarTimes, has launched the first of its kind 2-in-1 combo decoder in Nigeria, in an unprecedented move to change the Pay TV landscape in Africa and offer surplus entertainment access to subscribers.

    The new innovative product is equipped with the latest decoder technology to combine effectively for the first time the features of both digital terrestrial (DTT) and digital satellite (DTH) digital television technologies on a single device.

    StarTimes Nigeria Marketing Director, Mr. Oludare Kafar, while unveiling the new decoder in Lagos, said: “The 2-in-1 combo decoder is a game changing product from StarTimes and it was deliberately designed with latest global technology to lavish subscribers with unprecedented access to digital television and entertainment. Interestingly, this new combo decoder works with both antenna and dish and offers channels on both for the price of one. It also grants our esteemed customers access to over 100 channels across the genres with an enhanced high definition (HD) picture quality.”

    Kafar noted that the digital television company’s desire is to “offer multiple access to subscribers to enjoy both digital terrestrial and digital satellite television channels and offerings on the same decoder and grant ease of access to switch between the options conveniently because our customers deserve utmost comfort and convenience. We strive to ensure that with a single decoder customer enjoys access to all digital television channels and contents available and this new decoder is expected to replace the traditional single decoder model.

    By default, both the DTT and DTH have comparative advantages but with combo, StarTimes subscribers enjoy the combined strength of both.

    DTT is embraced as a model for its affordability, low weather interference, portability, more local channels, easy to set up and mobile friendly while DTH is desired for its sharper and clearer images, higher number of international channels, resilience and widespread strength in remote areas.

    Mr. Israel Bolaji, StarTimes Head of Public Relations, added that StarTimes will continue to offer subscribers the best in class of pay TV experience with world class channels for drama, sports, kiddies, news, music and religion. We are keen to continuously enhance access and improve digital television experience for our subscribers.

    “As a digital TV company, StarTimes’ desire and commitment is to ensure Nigerians continue to enjoy the best of digital television entertainment and experience with a plethora of enjoyable programs in higher definition (HD) images at very pocket-friendly bouquet rates. On StarTimes, Nigerians can enjoy fantastic movie channels like ST Yoruba, irokoworld, irokoplay Amc movies, ST Zone, Orisun, ST Yoruba, and Bollywood channels like Star Plus and Zee Cinema. Music channels like ST music, Nigezie and MTV Base; documentary channels like IDX, Nat Geo Gold and Discovery science; news channels – Al Jazeera and Bloomberg; ST Novela, Wazobia, Fox; Jim Jam, Nickelodeon, Baby TV, Fine Living and many more, Bolaji concluded.

     

     

     

  • StarTimes gets licence to show Chinese League

    StarTimes gets licence to show Chinese League

    in an effort to acquire a larger market share in the pay TV market against competing brand, Dstv, StarTimes has secured a two-year media right to cover exclusively the Chinese Super League (CSL), in sub-Saharan Africa.

    The right, which was signed during a press conference in China, is expected to give African and Nigerian audiences the opportunity to watch their adored football players like Shanghai Greeanland Shenhua forward Obafemi Martins, Senegalese’s Demba Ba and Zambia’s Jacob Mulenga, among others, on their StarTimes channels.

    The General Manager, Media Divisions, StarTimes Group, Mr. Michael Dearham, said: “We understand that football is like a religion in Africa and that is why we are bringing exclusive matches to the living room or offices of our subscribers in Africa and Nigeria. Chinese Super League has excellent and amazing football players with a strong presence of African stars.

    He assured Nigerians that the company would help to popularise CSL in English, French, Portuguese and African native languages in the next three years.“Our vision is equal access to every one at affordable price. StarTimes is set to provide “free to air” signals, delivering CSL to all people.”

    Also, the President of China Sports Media, who manages broadcast rights of CSL, Zhao Jun, said: “I know CSL now has a new road in the future.”

    She said CSL would take more African football stars to China in the future, which would help spread of CSL in Africa.