BG&A is hiring! Open Account Coordinator Position

January 19, 2017 BG&A Staff
Bob Gold & Associates, a B2B hi-tech PR firm based in the Riviera Village area of Redondo Beach, is looking for a full-time, energetic and talented Account Coordinator to join our team. The...

Bob Gold & Associates Chosen To Spearhead ZoneTV Strategic Communications for Exciting New Pay TV Programmer

January 18, 2017 BG&A Staff
BOB GOLD & ASSOCIATES CHOSEN TO SPEARHEAD ZONETV STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS FOR EXCITING NEW PAY TV PROGRAMMER LOS ANGELES – January 18, 2017 – ZoneTV, an innovative digital entertainment programmer for pay TV with offices in the U.S. and Canada,  announced it has chosen Bob Gold & Associates, a nationally recognized boutique cable TV and telecommunications-focused public relations agency, to lead its PR activities. “Our platform for delivering online content for the pay TV ecosphere is an entirely new model. It’s important that we have an agency that is well established in this industry.  Bob Gold & Associates’ brings a proven track record track record of successfully launching new TV programmers,” said Jeff Weber, CEO for ZoneTV. “They are an invaluable addition to our team, helping to successfully put us in front of the right media, the right video distributors and the right digital content owners.” Led by cable TV veteran Bob Gold, the agency will promote ZoneTV’s expansion of its program offerings and maximize the network’s value to distributors and further its reputation among viewers. Bob Gold’s team will focus on establishing this emerging digital entertainment firm’s programming, highlighting the network’s unique platform and expanding programming mix. Already ZoneTV has successfully introduced a new concept in Pay TV – temporary linear channels – with the successful launch of its Santa Tracker into 30 million pay TV homes. “ZoneTV is led by one of the biggest executive brands in the business – Jeff Weber, who previously served as President of Programming and Advertising at AT&T U-verse.  He and his team are bringing an entirely new concept to pay television, bridging online content with pay TV linear channels. It doesn’t get any more rewarding than to be able to bring forward a new idea, and see it warmly received by operators, programmers and consumers and see it become a reality and successful business,” said Bob Gold, president and CEO of Bob Gold & Associates.  Please visit www.zone.tv for more information.

ZoneTV Scores With BigBalls

January 18, 2017 BG&A Staff
ZONETV SCORES WITH BIGBALLS Programmer Acquires Content from Two Fast-Growing, Digital-First Soccer Networks MIAMI BEACH– NATPE -- Jan. 18, 2016 – ZoneTV, which brings the best in digital-first video to pay TV homes, has penned an agreement with London-based BigBalls Media to carry sports programming from two of its fastest-growing digital-first soccer networks, KICK and Copa90, homes to football fan culture. “BigBalls Media’s digital networks and social platforms will give us a tremendous edge in capturing the attention those who don’t just watch soccer, but are passionate about all aspects of the game they love,” said Jeff Weber, CEO, ZoneTV. “We consider our new relationship to be a win for everyone, including subscribers, MVPD partners and our company.” These digital channels, which bring together soccer fans across multiple online platforms, have become some of the most influential soccer brands in digital. Copa90, launched in 2012, targets the global soccer community while KICK was created to focus on the North American market. “ZoneTV allows us to bring our exciting soccer content to fans via a new and exciting interactive and personal pay TV channel, to expand our reach in the U.S.,” said Gerardo Chapa, corporate development manager of BigBalls Media. ZoneTV licenses the best online content for pay television operators and curates the video into popular genres. ZoneTV programming is accessed by subscribers from the cloud via the electronic program guide (EPGs), providing affiliates a chance to expand video offerings without the need to clear and dedicate a linear channel to accommodate the expansion. ZoneTV turns this difficult-to-find online content into exciting and easy-to-use television. For more information, visit www.zone.tv and www.bigballs.media

These Universal Electronics concept remotes could be the future for streaming boxes

January 9, 2017 BG&A Staff
Universal Electronics has been making remote controls since 1984, and supplies remote hardware and technology to major TV operators such as Comcast and Charter. So when the company starts showing off concepts for the remote control of the future, it’s worth paying attention. At CES, Universal Electronics had a couple of these ideas on display. Pictured above is the rather grim-sounding Laser-Etched Dead Front remote, which only lights up the buttons that are needed at any given time. For instance, you might want number keys when surfing through cable channels, but probably wouldn’t need to see them in an on-demand streaming app such as Netflix. And you might not want to see the voice search button if the app you’re in doesn’t support it. Universal Electronics says it’s already seeing interest in the Laser-Etched Dead Front concept from streaming set-top box makers, though the company declined to name any potential clients. The company’s other concept is a bit more ambitious, and calls for a low-power E-Ink display underneath the buttons, so that each button’s functionality could change based on what users are doing. Imagine a remote that lets you set your own quick-launch shortcuts for streaming apps, or that allows each app to have its own set of buttons. We’ve seen E-Ink concept remotes before—TV solutions provider Nagra was showing one off at last year’s CES—but Universal Electronics’ concept seems more likely to find its way into real products, if only because providing remote technology is the company’s bread and butter. (Fancier touchscreen remotes with adaptable buttons are already becoming a reality today, but these are pricier, aftermarket products for home theater enthusiasts.) That said, the demos on display at CES weren’t connected to any actual televisions, and the technology is different enough that it probably won’t see wide adoption any time soon. But maybe in a few years, we’ll start seeing a breed of home theater remotes with smarter buttons. This story, "These Universal Electronics concept remotes could be the future for streaming boxes" was originally published by TechHive.

Universal Electronics’ Quickset® Powers IR Control in Porsche-Designed Huawei Mate 9

January 9, 2017 Chris Huppertz
UNIVERSAL ELECTRONICS’ QUICKSET® POWERS IR CONTROL IN PORSCHE-DESIGNED HUAWEI MATE 9 New Infrared-Equipped Smartphone Enables Effortless Control of Home Entertainment Devices Universal Electronics Inc. (UEI)(NASDAQ: UEIC), the worldwide leader in universal control and sensing technologies for the smart home, today announced that its QuickSet® solution has been integrated in the new Porsche-designed Huawei Mate 9, transforming the cutting-edge smartphone into a universal remote control for home entertainment devices. The Porsche-designed Mate 9 is one of the latest high-end smartphones from Huawei to integrate UEI’s market-leading universal control technology. The phone utilizes numerous technologies from UEI, including infrared blaster firmware technology along with UEI’s critically acclaimed QuickSet and the world’s most comprehensive database of entertainment device control codes. Leveraging these solutions, the Mate 9 offers consumers an enhanced TV viewing experience with seamless automated setup and universal control of nearly any home entertainment device using their smartphone, as well as control of air-conditioning systems throughout their home. “Smartphones have quickly become an essential tool in controlling the connected home, and the continued adoption of entertainment control confirms the demand and potential for UEI technology in the mobile space – namely QuickSet,” said David Chong, EVP of Asia for UEI. “Huawei is at the forefront of this growing market, and we’re confident Mate 9 users will enjoy the enhanced features and functionality this state-of-the-art phone provides.” QuickSet is UEI’s most advanced software solution for entertainment devices, enabling effortless setup and control of devices for an unmatched and simplified TV viewing experience. The solution is deployed in millions of devices worldwide, including televisions, stereos, set-top boxes, OTT players, game consoles, smartphones, tablets and more. In addition to entertainment control capabilities, the new Mate 9 features an unmistakable Graphite Black design, as well with the latest cutting-edge smartphone technology – such as a 5.5 inch, 1440x2560 pixel AMOLED touchscreen; dual 20 MP camera; 6GB of RAM and a 4000mAh battery. The Porsche-designed Mate 9 is expected to be released globally in December, 2016.

Universal Electronics’ New TV Remote Clicks With WOW!

January 9, 2017 Chris Huppertz
UNIVERSAL ELECTRONICS’ NEW TV REMOTE CLICKS WITH WOW! Cutting-Edge Remote to Include Dedicated Netflix® Button For Easy Access to Streaming Service Universal Electronics Inc. (UEI) (NASDAQ: UEIC), the worldwide leader in sensing and control technologies for the smart home, today announced that it has been selected by WOW! Internet, cable & phone (WOW!) to develop and manufacture a cutting-edge remote control optimized for WOW!’s ULTRA whole-home DVR services. “UEI is helping us deliver exciting new user-friendly features in a remote control design that simplifies the way viewers interact with video content,” said Cash Hagen, COO of WOW!. “We know our customers will love the look and feel, and find it’s a powerful touchpoint for their video experience.” The most notable new feature of the remote is a dedicated Netflix key, which enables the user to easily and efficiently access the popular streaming service with the single push of a button.  This feature eliminates the need to change inputs on the television or change devices to access the streaming service, avoiding some of the common challenges consumers face when accessing alternative home entertainment sources. “The way consumers navigate and consume video is shifting rapidly, so we’ve invested heavily to develop new features and design options to deliver an elegantly-designed remote that fits in with today’s content-rich video services,” said Steve Gutman, SVP, Subscription Broadcast Business Unit - Americas at UEI. “We’re confident that WOW! subscribers will benefit tremendously from the enhanced features provided in their new remote control.” The new remote will include a range of enhanced capabilities and elegant design features, including: embedded RF4CE technology, enabling superior control without the need for line-of-sight between the remote and STB; laser-etched keys and backlighting for enhanced visibility in both well-lit and dark settings; optimized number of keys for intuitive “any user” application; and a simplified 3-key set up process for universal television control. The new remote is slated for availability to WOW! ULTRA whole-home DVR subscribers beginning in early 2017.  

Universal Electronics Delivers New Advanced Voice Control Remote For AirTV Player

January 9, 2017 Chris Huppertz
UNIVERSAL ELECTRONICS DELIVERS NEW ADVANCED VOICE CONTROL REMOTE FOR AIRTV PLAYER Universal Electronics Inc. (UEI) (NASDAQ: UEIC), the worldwide leader in sensing and control technologies for the smart home, announced today at CES 2017 that it is supplying a new Bluetooth Low-Energy (BLE) advanced voice remote for the newly launched AirTV Player introducing exciting new features and control for the OTT marketplace experience. For Universal Electronics, this turnkey control experience for Android TV, including an advanced remote control along with the integration of its QuickSet Cloud™ in the AirTV Player, represents an important milestone in the adoption of its technologies by Over-The-Top programmers and distributors. “No other streaming device has so many unique features, including a full-featured remote control. We celebrate the strong consumer focus in the dynamic feature-rich AirTV Player. Our QuickSet Cloud™ solution enables the remote to recognize any brand of connected audio and video equipment, and the voice control offers consumers the most powerful and easy-to-use content search technology. The look and feel of this device truly makes it stand out,“ said Paul Arling, Chairman and CEO of Universal Electronics. The remote features dedicated buttons for Sling TV, Netflix and Google as well as a programmable “hot button” to program favorite channels. “The remote is the first touch point in any customer’s viewing experience and we want it to be simple, easy to use and highly intuitive. Universal Electronics has the experience and know-how to deliver the advanced technology along with the fit and finish to make a remote that meets evolving consumer expectations,” said Mitch Weinraub, director of product development for AirTV. QuickSet® is powered by the world’s most comprehensive cloud services for device discovery, QuickSet Cloud, to ensure that nearly any device can be recognized and controlled -- empowering consumers with seamless control of the entire home theater using a single remote. The AirTV remote includes a new control function called One Touch View™, enabling users to automatically power on devices and switch inputs in the AV system for instant access to AirTV channels with one touch of a button. The Android TV integration powered by UEI’s connectivity solution (UAPI) extends the user interface into the remote itself, including a unique “finder” feature, designed to help users locate the remote if it’s lost, and reliable in-field firmware updates for future feature releases. “Our company has invested heavily in end-to-end technologies to deliver an innovative new control experience, like advanced voice navigation, that simplify the way consumers operate their home entertainment systems. Building the new remote for AirTV Player is a testament to the breadth of our capabilities and our success in delivering on the consumer’s growing appetite for this type of enhanced functionality,” added Paul Arling.  “We’re confident that consumers will love their new AirTV Player and appreciate how easy it is to find and watch content with this new remote.”

Viamedia and Blue Ridge Communications Renew Long-Term Ad Sales Agreement

January 9, 2017 Chris Huppertz
VIAMEDIA AND BLUE RIDGE COMMUNICATIONS RENEW LONG-TERM AD SALES AGREEMENT Viamedia, the television industry’s largest independent cable TV ad management company, announced today that it has renewed its longstanding agreement with Blue Ridge Communications to represent local cable TV advertising sales throughout the Wilkes Barre - Scranton, and Harrisburg-Lancaster-Lebanon-York  Pennsylvania DMAs and New York City, NY DMA. “Blue Ridge Communications is one of the country’s oldest and top independent service providers. Best of all, our companies share the same values,” said Viamedia CEO Mark Lieberman. “Blue Ridge is expanding its range of innovative services, its involvement in local charities and its dedication to helping local businesses, and we couldn’t be more confident that our ad sales efforts will complement and empower their community value.” A subsidiary of Pencor Services, Inc., Blue Ridge Communications is a leading provider of high-speed internet, phone, television and home automation services to more than 170,000 homes across northeastern and central Pennsylvania. “Viamedia is the clear choice to represent our cable ad sales,” said Mark Masenheimer, VP of Operations at Pencor Services, Inc. “Viamedia has proven itself a leader in local advertising, dedicated to providing the highest quality services for cable TV and  advanced innovations our customers need to reach their consumers on every screen.” Viamedia’s representation of the Blue Ridge Communications system in the New York DMA also now includes being part of the NY Interconnect. In addition to Blue Ridge Communications, Viamedia also represents Service Electric Cablevision and Windstream Communications in the Wilkes Barre, PA market.  
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