LTN® Global, the global leader in broadcast-quality IP video transport solutions, is providing fully managed, IP-based video transport for Circle, a newly launched 24/7 media network dedicated to the country music lifestyle experience. Created by Opry Entertainment Group, a subsidiary of Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. and Gray Television, Inc., Circle relies on LTN for transmission of daily programming to television stations across the country. LTN also gives Circle the flexibility to deliver daily live shows

"LTN enables flexible, highly reliable delivery of video streams in real time to stations that are broadcast into the homes of millions of Americans," said David Burke, CTO and senior vice president at Gray Television. "TV broadcast content distribution is the first step for Circle. LTN has both the experience and technical resources to help us expand our market presence, delivering broadcast content across a wide network of distribution platforms serving content to America's many country music fans."

Bannister Lake announced today that long-time client Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) has enhanced its real-time data offerings to sports fans using Bannister Lake's data management solution. Real-time NBA, NHL, and MLSE-generated in-house data is now being displayed in all the suites located in Scotiabank Arena.

Screens in the suites display real-time game statistics providing fans with a deeper understanding of the game and allowing them to track the performance of their favorite teams and players. MLSE ingests the data directly from the leagues, aggregates and manages the content through Chameleon, and then distributes it to the venue's signage system. Fans are exposed to targeted advertising along with game statistics populated within an overlaid L-Bar graphic.

"Bannister Lake now helps our venue effectively manage real-time data content and make it readily available in Scotiabank Arena," said David August, director of venue technology, MLSE. "Chameleon makes it easy to ingest, aggregate, and customize all kinds of data feeds without the need to write custom code."

Verizon Media has announced that Eros Now, a premier South Asian OTT entertainment platform, is using the Verizon Media Platform to meet global consumer demand for high quality streaming of Indian cinema.

India is home to Bollywood, the world’s largest film industry with an annual output of almost 2,000 films. Global demand for Bollywood content is growing rapidly and Eros Now has attracted over 177 million users to its service by housing over 12,000 movie titles, TV shows, Eros Now Originals, and short-format content – Eros Now Quickie. In order to retain its market leading position in India and also futureproof its ability to penetrate additional markets, Eros Now chose to migrate from its technology-dense streaming stack to a fully managed streaming service.

“As we continue our mission of bringing Bollywood content to a global audience, it’s crucial that we invest in cutting edge technologies to maintain high quality online experiences for the millions of users accessing our service from a range of devices and locations. Verizon Media’s Platform is renowned for its unparalleled streaming capabilities and high performance network, which will play an important role in helping us deliver an unrivalled user experience to our customers around the world,” said Ali Hussein, CEO, Eros Now.

X2X Media Group, the entertainment industry leader in the development of secure communication and content management solutions, has announced the formation of X2X Labs, a highly technical team focused on developing specialised services and workflows in pre-production, on set, and throughout the post process. X2X Labs will help accelerate the adoption of new products and services that brands PIX and CODEX introduce to the market, provide valuable feedback on product direction, and provide tailor-made solutions in the rapidly evolving production landscape.

X2X Labs, will be under the direction of Craig Mumma, a 20-year production industry veteran and his scope is to provide custom solutions including API gateway extensions, third-party integrations, bespoke hardware and software solutions and on-location support.

Gravity Media, the leading global provider of complex live broadcast facilities and production services to content owners, creators and distributors, has appointed former Pac-12 Networks Sr. Director, Content Production Laura Podolak Waddell as its new Director, Strategic Partnership Management for North America. Laura joins the team to enhance brand relationships with a focus on an ongoing studio operations project that Gravity Media is overseeing for a major media and technology brand.

After nearly a decade of local news production for radio stations in Colorado and California, Laura became part of Pac-12 Networks’ launch team in 2012. The considerable amount of broadcasting experience she gained during her time there has led her to join Gravity Media where she will bring teams across the country closer together to streamline production processes and improve content output for clients. As Laura emphasises, the role comprises everything that fascinates her about production; “compelling content, a fast-paced environment and all the unique personalities of content creators.”

Laura’s past seven years at Pac-12 Networks were focused on relationship building, enhancing communication across content teams and implementing production best practices. The biggest challenge she’s seen in the broadcasting industry over that time was engaging a young audience, finding out where the younger viewers are consuming content and what sports they’re most interested in watching to entice the next generation of fans. “Nobody can predict exactly where media consumption is going, but what we do know, is that people want to watch engaging content,” she notes.

PIX and CODEX have announced that the two companies are to be brought under a single unified brand identity with the establishment of the X2X Media Group. This brand consolidation will further strengthen the Group’s offerings to the entertainment industry, leveraging the two companies’ reputation for pioneering innovation and engineering strengths under a single umbrella while maintaining their strong identities and their independent routes to market.

Gravity Media Group was formed in 2000 to purchase leading broadcast solutions provider Gearhouse Broadcast which was founded in 1993. In 2015 the group acquired HyperActive Broadcast, a leading international provider of post-production and live workflow solutions for both film and TV which was established in 1985.

In 2016 the group secured substantial investment from TowerBrook Capital Partners and in 2017 it took over leading sports production company Input Media and Australian communications solutions company Stranger Designs. In 2018 Gravity Media bought Germany-based Genesis Broadcast Services to meet the needs of the production markets of Northern Europe and acquired Proshow Broadcast, a leading supplier of mobile production solutions to broadcasters, producers and rights holders throughout North America. In September 2019, Gravity Media acquired Chief Entertainment, a leading Sydney, Australia-based provider of live studio and production services.

Gravity Media worked with Superunion, the leading global brand agency, to develop its new brand strategy and visual identity which is now being rolled out across the business world-wide.

John Newton, CEO at Gravity Media, commented:

“At Gravity Media we are driven by client service excellence, and we never stand still. We’re always looking and listening, keeping up with the latest broadcast innovations – or pioneering them. Above all, we channel our energy into maintaining our reputation for flawless execution, deep technical expertise, and efficient delivery.

“We use the collective pull of our people and resources to capture, craft and create world-class content that inspires and excites. Gravity Media is a brand-new company with a 30-year pedigree, a force to be reckoned with formed by the coming together of four well known broadcast and production houses: Gearhouse Broadcast, HyperActive Broadcast, Input Media and Chief Entertainment.

“We are confident that this change and our new modern branding will make it easier for our clients to recognise Gravity Media as the leading provider of live broadcast facilities and production services.”

KitPlus Show, MediaCityUK, Manchester 5 November: A record number of exhibitors, ready to demonstrate leading products, services, and technologies from more than 100 brands – many for the first time - will be on hand at the ninth annual KitPlus Show MediaCityUK.

Simon Tillyer, KitPlus Show says, “Having recognised that people are increasingly less able or willing to travel long distances to shows, we decided a long time ago to take KitPlus Show to regional media hubs such as Glasgow, Bristol and Manchester. The concept is to give visitors the opportunity to see the very latest in new kit without having to travel far in a friendly, relaxed environment, and it doesn’t cost a thing.

“As well as getting hands on with new kit and speaking directly with manufacturers, there are workshops, training sessions and seminars throughout the day together with excellent networking opportunities. The emphasis is on creating quality time, and the exchange of quality information, both of which are far more readily available at these regional shows than during the crush of major trade shows.”

These free-to-attend events host many of the top names in the business, including Editshare, Blackmagic Design, Canon, JVC, NewTek, Panasonic, and many more.

Boy band BTS have sold over 15 million albums worldwide, making them South Korea’s best-selling artist of all time. They are continuing their world domination by thrilling fans around the globe with their ‘Love Yourself: Speak Yourself’ World tour.

Gravity MediaRiedel Bolero wireless intercom systems for its burgeoning Event Communications business. This significant kit investment is in response to the growing market demand for the Bolero system that is capable of supporting 10 beltpacks per antenna and up to 100 antennas in a single deployment. It also highlights Gearhouse’s vendor agnostic approach, with it now able to offer its customers a choice of either the Bolero or fellow class-leading solution, Clear-Com’s FreeSpeak II, alongside its in-house expertise and support.

Deal creates premier provider of live and fast-turnaround programming with studios and post-production facilities

Gravity Media, the leading global provider of complex live broadcast facilities and production services, has completed the acquisition of Chief Entertainment Pty Limited, a leading Sydney, Australia-based provider of live studio and production services, from Telstra Corporation Limited, Australia’s leading telecommunications and technology company. Gravity Media already operates in Australia under the Gearhouse Broadcast, HyperActive Broadcast and Input Media brands and this acquisition will complement the existing Input Media production centres in the UK as well as its Melbourne production and Sydney post-production facilities. The transaction completed on Friday 30th August 2019.

Gravity Media, the leading global provider of complex live broadcast facilities and production services, has agreed to acquire Chief Entertainment Pty Limited, a leading Sydney, Australia-based provider of live studio and production services, from Telstra Corporation Limited, Australia’s leading telecommunications and technology company. Gravity Media currently operates in Australia under the Gearhouse Broadcast, HyperActive Broadcast and Input Media brands and this acquisition will complement the existing Input Media production centres in the UK as well as its Melbourne production and Sydney post-production facilities. The transaction has not yet completed and is expected to complete by the end of August, subject to certain conditions being satisfied.

SMPTE®, the organization that is defining the future of storytelling, today announced the full event lineup for the Society's annual technical conference and exhibition, the world's premier forum for the exploration of media and entertainment technology. SMPTE 2019 will be held Oct. 21-24 at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites in downtown Los Angeles. Complete information about SMPTE 2019, including a detailed schedule and registration, is available at 2019.smpte.org.

The IP Showcase announced today that it will make its first appearance in Australia at METExpo (Media + Entertainment Tech Expo) 2019 in Sydney, 17-19 July. The IP Showcase will feature a full slate of theatre presentations covering all aspects of the industry transition to IP, with an emphasis on technology tutorials and case studies.