India will launch its indigenous Oceansat-2 satellite, along with six European nano satellites, next month, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) said Wednesday.

"Oceansat-2, weighing around 970 kg, is an in-orbit replacement to Oceansat-1, which has completed 10 years of service. It will carry an Ocean Color Monitor and a Ku-band pencil beam Scatterometer. In addition, it will carry Radio Occultation Sounder for Atomospheric studies developed by the Italian Space Agency," , ISRO Spokesperson S. Satish told the media.

Among the six satellites are Germany-made Rubin 9.1 and Rubin 9. 2, and all would be launched from the southern spaceport of Sriharikota, he said.

Apart from pinpointing fishing zones, Oceansat-2 will aid in coastal zone studies and in understanding surface temperature and winds.

However, the date of the launch has not yet been fixed.

Videocon Group, the Rs 5,000-crore conglomerate, has embraced a new brand identity. The brand has shed its solid steel 'V' for a more fluid, lava like 'V', coupled with a new proposition – 'Experience change'.

Prior to this, the brand has banked on other propositions, such as 'Technology for health and pleasure', 'Bring Home the Leader', 'New Improved Life', 'The Indian Multinational', 'Whatever role life gives you, play it big', as well as the most recent one, 'Eco Logic for sustainable life'.

The company unveiled its new tagline recently, at an event promoting the 2009 chapter of the IIFA awards. The new logo was unveiled in San Francisco, by the Videocon brand ambassador, Shah Rukh Khan.

From static to flexible

Conceived by Interbrand, Singapore, the 'V' in the new logo is representative of the new identity of the brand – an identity that is fresh, dynamic, and has been provided a life of its own. The new 'V' is composed of two animated green, lava-like shapes called Chouw and Mouw, both of which have distinct identities.

Chouw and Mouw are 'live' characters, and will be used through a series of short videos to tell simple stories, each depicting a positive dimension of Videocon's new tagline, 'Experience Change'.

Both have certain personality traits, based on their physical attributes. The bigger one, Chouw, is slow but earnest; strong and silent; he is patient, good natured, kind, and maybe a little romantic too. The smaller one, Mouw, is quick witted, energetic bordering on restless, curious, and funny.

Physically, they can coerce their bodies into rudimentary shapes that help them to get on with tasks at hand. The colour palette has been chosen to reflect the philosophy of the Videocon Group, that is, the green colour is symbolic of the company's ecology drive.

Prasoon Joshi, executive chairman, McCann Erickson India, and regional executive creative director, Asia Pacific, McCann Erickson, says, "The task at hand was challenging, keeping in mind the brand equity and recall Videocon already enjoys. So, keeping in mind that the brand was getting into new age categories, it was decided to get rid of the static nature of the brand and getting it to move on. Hence, the new identity will bring energy into the brand."

Joshi, along with Vineet Mahajan, senior creative director, led the team from T.A.G., McCann Worldgroup's second agency, which was recently handed over the duties for the brand.

As far as the characters are concerned, Joshi maintains that they will help to create buzz and visibility around the transformation and establish the new logo in the consumer's mind effectively.

What prompted the change?

The brand, which has been in existence for more than two decades, has managed a fair share in the entry/middle product segment. It is perceived as a brand for the Indian middle class -- no frills, no glamour, simple, reliable and hassle-free.

However, in the high-end products segment, Videocon is way behind Samsung and LG. For example, it does well in the conventional CTV category but not in the LCD category. Again, while the window air-conditioner category is doing well, not much is happening for the brand in the split air-conditioner category.

With the present generation of consumers moving fast towards the premium segment, even for their first buys, the brand is not being seen as the preferred one. As a result, it is not able to cash in on the high growing segment, which is the premium category of products.

This prompted Videocon to opt for a change. It has decided to focus on the premium segment and would now diversify into other related high-growth categories with the launch of its mobile services, handsets business and IDTV/D2H (in-built set-top box with single remote). Videocon expects to double its turnover in the next couple of years, and a large part of the increase is expected to come from these high-growth segments.

The brand will also be positioned to make a connect with the hearts and minds of young-at-heart consumers.

Adds, K R Kim, vice-chairman and CEO, Videocon Group, in a communiqué, "The rationale behind Videocon's brand evolution comes from our constant endeavour to listen and respond to the changing market dynamics in India and overseas."

Executing the change

The re-branding comes after a major review of the brand's advertising and media planning and buying duties. The group had put up the account, estimated to be in the region of Rs 200 crore, for a pitch. For the media duties, it appointed ZenithOptimedia.

The creative duties for its consumer electronics and appliances business went to T.A.G. Videocon's five group brands -- Sansui, Electrolux, Akai, Hyundai and Kelvinator -- as well as Kenstar, were awarded to Saatchi & Saatchi. Other than that, among the brand's new verticals, its DTH venture, D2H+, is with Publicis Ambience; while the telecom venture, Datacom Solutions, is with T.A.G.

To communicate the change in identity, the brand will engage in strong marketing initiatives and promotional campaigns across all the media, including print, electronic, radio and various BTL and on-ground activities, marketing collaterals and visual merchandising.

The present campaign that announces the change comprises five TVCs, of which one is already on-air. Each commercial is a short story of someone in need of help. Chouw and Mouw come to the rescue and spread happiness and joy through their charm, kindness and efforts.

Joshi adds that apart from this, digital, outdoor and sponsored events are also being used, while the Chouw-Mouw jingle will be leveraged for radio. The present endorser of the brand, Shah Rukh Khan might take a backseat, while Chouw and Mouw create the buzz.

Anybody changing?

Demographically, the Indian consumer is getting younger -- it is predicted that by 2010, half of the country's population will be below the age of 25. Godrej, the 112-year-old consumer durable major identified this in 2008, when it went for a makeover. Though its typography and logo remained the same, a few colours were added to the logo to make it look more vibrant. Godrej had also relied on Interbrands for its makeover duties.

Brand consultants believe that legacy brands have to constantly reinvent themselves to be relevant to their consumers. Their positioning should be such that they are equally aspirational to the next three generations, as they are to those generations that grew up using the brand.

Jagdeep Kapoor, chairman and managing director, Samsika Marketing Consultants says that the 'Videocon Washing Machines...' jingle still runs at the back of his mind, while he glances through the new campaign and logo. According to him, there can be three situations when a brand goes for a makeover -- mergers and acquisitions; the brand not performing well or just putting some new clothes on. For Videocon, he feels it could have been a fear of a disconnect between the brand and the consumer.

"The brand has changed its positioning quite a few times. Now, with the old Videocon jingle and the previous Shah Rukh Khan adverts, coupled with the new green logo, I feel a bit confused; the consumer might feel confused too. And if the consmer is confused, the brand is refused," he remarks. However, he likes the idea of the two new characters to spread the brand message.

However, what with Vodafone's Zoozoos and Virgin's unique characters, the success rate of Chouw-Mouw is being doubted by some. The characters may also end up as a 'me-too' phenomenon, especially since all three brands are present in the telecom space.

Sudhir Sharma, independent brand consultant and designer, talks about the logo and typography: "I found the lava-logo to be rather weak and not very pleasant and graphic, though the typography was done quite nicely, keeping in mind appliance brands."

According to him, the consumer will be looking more at the service and quality, rather than the logo colour or fonts. So, given the fact that Videocon is marching towards newer categories such as DTH and mobiles, the change will marry well with the concept.

However, keeping in mind the brand has existed for quite some time now, it would be disastrous if the consumer has had any bad experiences previously with, say, its washing machines or conventional CTVs, which will, in turn, put him off the newer line-up of products as well. "Unlike most PSU banks, which change their logos and identity from outside and offer the same sloppy service inside, Videocon has to offer the consumer something truly rewarding and fresh," he says.

However, unlike Godrej, he feels that Videocon's transformation is quite visible, especially with the two new characters.

© 2009 afaqs!

As part of its new content and creative model, MTV Networks International (MTVNI) is refreshing MTV with a single look and feel to be rolled out across the network’s 64 ex-US channels beginning 1st July 2009. The new look and feel will carry MTV’s signature world class design and production values and further solidify the channel’s position at the dynamic intersection of music, creativity and youth culture.

Through a new system of World and Regional Design Studios, the effort aims to establish greater creative consistency across platforms and geographies, while still maintaining the local relevancy and irreverence at the heart of MTV’s success. The “refresh” is a collaboration between MTV’s creative directors from around the world and its World Design Studio team based in Milan, who partnered with UK-based multidisciplinary studio Universal Everything to execute against their collective vision.

This truly unique and international exchange of creative talent was driven by three primary directives:
* Align creative output with the brand’s content and establish an international brand language that is relevant and enticing for a new generation of users.
* Re-evaluate and re-establish the iconic MTV logo and the way in which it is applied.
* Cement the brand’s reputation as a powerhouse in the youth oriented content and creative space.
Key words such as love, joy and desire – feelings which resonate across borders, cultures and languages around the world – were identified as the project’s common threads and inspiration. The result is a contemporary and gravitational look and feel providing consistency among the network’s on-air, off-air and online platforms through:
* A refreshed logo and interface supported by a selection of newly commissioned innovative idents and promos.
* A flexible navigational typographic system, including elements such as speech bubbles, on-screen editorial, download bar and electronic program guide, that takes its cues from the latest technologies and alleviates the need for information-laden promos.
* A punchy colour palette that conveys subtle yet distinct on-screen messaging to create a visually stunning and digitally fluent identity that speaks to today’s multi-tasking audience.

For more than two decades, MTV has evolved, reinvented itself, challenged the norm and detonated boundaries, giving each new generation a creative outlet and voice that entertains, informs and unites on every platform and screen. The brand stands for so much more than music and ultimately remains the #1 entertainment destination for young people around the world. The intent of the refresh is to embrace change and express what MTV means today. While the brand holds considerable equity and heritage, the past is no reference to the future.

Nick, the undisputed leader in the kids’ category, adds yet another winner to its vast bouquet of shows with the launch of a new comedy series – Ata-shin-chi. After the successful and exhilarating response to Little Krishna and Chibi Maruko Chan, Nick introduces its viewers to the ace animation series Ata-shin-chi, which airs Monday to Friday at 8 pm from July 06, 2009! Having won the hearts of kids and parents worldwide, Nick brings to the Indian viewer a taste of what has been keeping the world comically enthralled.

Ata-Shin-chi which literally means ‘My Family’ is a simple and heart warming series about a family comprising of the father, mother, daughter and son. The episodes revolve around their daily lives, their interactions with each other and their friends… but with an addictive comic glaze! The show takes its viewers into a parallel universe where the world seems like a happier place, everything seems fuller with hope.

On the launch of the new show, Nina Elavia Jaipuria – Senior Vice President & General Manager, Nick India says, “We at Nick have always believed in providing a wide array of content to our viewers. Ata-shin-chi is pure undiluted entertainment that is sure to touch a chord with the viewers. The series has seen much success world over and now we hope that our Nicksters in India will forge a bond with the lovable characters of the show and enjoy its humour.”

Social networking tool Twitter is all set to be listed in the 30th anniversary edition of the Collins English Dictionary.

The name of the micro-blogging website, which boasts of 1.8 million users, will appear as a noun as well as a verb in the edition to be published later this year.

"Hardly a day goes by when you don''t see some Twitter-related article. Hence I find it entirely unsurprising that this year we have not one Twitter-related entry in the dictionary, but three," the Telegraph quoted Elaine Higgleton, Collins editorial director, as telling the Daily Mail.

The entry under noun will read: "A website where people can post short messages about their current activities" and under verb it will read: "to write short messages on the Twitter website".

The word Twitterati, referring to website members, will also gain entry along with Twitterverse, which refers to the website and its users.

Twitter's user list includes names like Barack Obama, Britney Spears, Stephen Fry, Lily Allen, and Andy Murray. (ANI)

NEW DELHI: The Information and Broadcasting Ministry has issued warnings to two more channels. India TV and the Rupert Murdoch-owned music Channel [V] have been told not to commit repeated violations of the Programme and Advertising Codes.

While India TV – which had received a warning for another reportage just ten days earlier – has been pulled up for reportage about Jhanvi Kapur on 7 May 2007, Channel [V] has come under the scanner for the reality beauty show Get Gorgeous 5 last year.

The warning has been given under Section 20 of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act 1995 and under provisions of the Uplinking Guidelines.

Both channels have been asked to ensure strict compliance to the Programme and Advertising Codes and told that "any further violation may entail stringent action including prohibition of broadcast."

India TV has been asked to carry the scroll: "Ministry of Information and Broadcasting warned India TV for telecast of a news item in form of Exclusive and Special Report which was based on distorted facts which was found in violation of the Programme Code."

The scroll is to be carried in legible large font and at normal speed and without any interruption/mixing of any type of advertisement round-the-clock for three days from noon 10 July to noon 13 July.

A recording of the scroll has to be submitted to the Ministry in VCD format. The channel has been asked not to telecast/re-telecast the report, which was alleged to have been based on distorted facts about the character of Kapur and was telecast to mislead the public and defame her.

The Ministry had issued a show cause notice in July 2007 to which the channel had replied in August 2008, also contending that the matter was sub judice as it was pending before Delhi High Court.

The warning was issued after the Inter-Ministerial Committee constituted to look into such complaints previewed the reportage and held that the channel had violated Rule 6(1)(d) of the Programme Code.

Along with this latest violation, India TV has been sent show cause notices ten times since March, 2005 and warnings or advisories have been issued six times. While the matter has been treated as closed in all other cases, one matter is under consideration while another is pending in Delhi High Court.

In the case of Channel [V], notice has been issued on 8 October last year for telecast of Get Gorgeous 5 as a content "appeared to be offending good taste and decency, as foul and unparliamentary language and gestures were used in the show. The content of the show appeared obscene and suggestive and could malign public and moral life of society and was not suitable for unrestricted public exhibition."

Star India had replied on 21 November last taking the plea that freedom of speech and expression was one of the key fundamental rights granted by the Indian constitution. Thereafter representatives of the channel were given personal hearing, and they submitted that the programme was a talent search that had been premiered in 2004.

The Inter-Ministerial Committee, constituted to look into such complaints thereafter, previewed the recordings of the programme. The Competent Authority, after examining the report of the Committee and hearing the channel, felt the channel had violated Rule 6(1)(a) and 6(5) of the Programme Code.

The channel was accordingly warned and told that any further violation may entail stringent action including prohibition of telecast.

The channel has earlier run foul of the Ministry twice in October 2004 and July 2006 for telecasting certain songs. In the former case, the channel had been asked to run an apology scroll.

Winning the hearts of Kannadigas with entertainment programmes has always been the hallmark of Suvarna TV. Taking forward this spirit, Suvarna is now adding another dimension with a new reality show called ‘Katheyalla…Jeevana’. The show will be hosted by the well-known South Indian actress Lakshmi, who is known for her versatility and her popularity across borders. Suvarna also takes pride in introducing the evergreen actress Lakshmi to the Kannada Television Industry for the first time.

The talk show will bring to the fore various real life stories that are not only engrossing but also connect with the audience; stories of people who have faced dire situations and have won the battle; stories of broken hearts and homes; stories of families that need solace; souls looking for consolation in life. Lakshmi seeks to help and counsel them in an interactive way and help overcome the challenges that they face. This show aims to do all this and more.

Lakshmi asserts that “Such delicate issues should be heard with patience and with a humanitarian approach. Since I have witnessed and interacted with people facing such complex problems for past few years, I feel that there should be an ideal platform to console broken hearts and address their immediate concerns. This show is not limited in showcasing only problems but it also brings stories of people who have been successful in overcoming their problems without losing their confidence and determination to move on in achieving their goals”
“Through this show, we believe that we can empower such individuals and families who have become a victim of anxiety, separation and have lost hope in their lives. This will be a whole new experience for the viewers who have been watching the mundane, monotonous serials and reality shows until now”.

“STAR network has always set standards for innovative programming and thought provoking entertainment. We are very pleased to partner with Lakshmi and present to Kannada television viewers human interest stories that will emotionally tug at their hearts. Lakshmi is our first choice to breathe life into the show and we are confident that KATHEYALLA JEEVANA will be loved by our viewers. We will continue to innovate and bring superlative content to keep our audiences enthused with the shows on Suvarna” says Mr. Jagadish Kumar, President, Star Network, South India.

The show will be telecast from Monday to Friday between 8 pm and 9 pm from June 22nd.

“The main objective of this program is to evoke social responsibility among the audience than just entertaining. The viewers will be able to relate to the various issues discussed in this program. And thus find answers. In the history of Kannada Television Industry, this will surely be a milestone leap. The main objective of our channel is to convey a moral message to our viewers”, adds Mr. K Madhavan, Managing Director, Asianet Communications Limited.

Recently, Symantec rolled out its beta versions of the upcoming 2010 releases, to the public. A novel protection model codenamed Quorum is featured in the new version, which will put a heavier focus on reputation-based malware detection.

Going by a Norton statement, the reputation model can detect zero-day malware that's never been seen before, although it won't replace the existing signature-based detection for known threats.

Rowan Trollope, Symantec senior vice president, Consumer Business Unit, said: “Our new approach changes the rules by both enhancing traditional security techniques to make them more aggressive and by making it dramatically more difficult for attackers to evade detection by simply changing their malware.”

Among the other significant feature, of the reputation model, is an overhauled parental control and spam filtering program, which can identify programs for faster scanning.

It also includes an exclusive feature dubbed Autopsy, which is created to help the user understand what happens when Norton automatically removes an infection.