Biz Asia News Snippets

Al Jazeera International begins testing on Sky
Al-Jazeera International, the English-language news channel due to launch in May on Sky Digital has begun testing off the EPG. The tests are currently only showing a promo loop of the new channel. Actual programming tests are expected to begin within the next month. An official launch date will also be announced in that time. In the meantime tests can be viewed in the following way:

-> Using your Sky Digi remote, go to Services Menu
-> System Setup (4)
-> Add Channels (4)
-> Enter the frequency: 11.681 (V), FEC 2/3, Symbol Rate 27500
-> Find Channels and Press SELECT
-> Highlight “AJI” service and press Yellow button.
-> Return to Services Menu
-> Other Channels (6) on STB / (8) on Sky+
-> “AJI” should be listed and available

ZEE Carnival success paves way for B’ham Carnival
ZEE Network is currently on cloud 9 after a bumper response at the weekend for its indoor lifestyle exhibition – the ZEE Carnival. The event, which was held at the London Olympia attracted over 30,000 spectators. Insiders at the network gave us hints that another Carnival could be in the offing later this year and possibly be held in Birmingham. ZEE Network’s marketing team have already begun scouring around for venues in Birmingham to finalise the event. If confirmed, ZEE Carnival number two could be taking place in the last quarter of 2006. It�۪s also likely next year’s London event could be moved to a bigger venue like Earls Court to avoid people being turned away, which was the case over the weekend due to a full house.

Vectone2U begins testing on Sky
As revealed exclusively before on Biz Asia, Vectone will be launching two channels over the next four weeks. The first makes its way on Sky Digital this Saturday. Called Vectone2U, the channel is being described as a ‘general entertainment’ service catering for all communities. EPG data testing has begun off the EPG, with audio and visual testing to commence later this week.

Follow the method below to view tests of Vectone2U:

-> Using your Sky Digi remote, go to Services Menu
-> System Setup (4)
-> Add Channels (4)
-> Enter the frequency: 11.224 (V), FEC 2/3, Symbol Rate 27500
-> Find Channels and Press SELECT
-> Highlight “53158” service and press Yellow button.
-> Return to Services Menu
-> Other Channels (6) on STB / (8) on Sky+
-> “53158” should be listed and available

MAX to premiere Gandhi movie next month
After over a couple of month of its theatrical release, Sony TV’s MAX channel will be premiering ‘Maine Gandhi Ko Nahi Maara’ in April. The film starring Anupum Kher as Gandhi also stars Urmila. ‘Maine Gandhi Ko Nahi Maara’ will be shown on MAX on Saturday 8th April at 21:00.