• Latest
  • Trending
  • All
  • News
  • TV/Radio Deals
  • Film partnerships
  • New appointments
  • Production
  • TV Channels
Mohamed Youssif

Mohamed Youssif

September 13, 2012
EditShare to boost connectivity and workflows at NAB

EditShare to boost connectivity and workflows at NAB

March 21, 2023
HOT commissions romantic drama from MoviePlus Productions

HOT commissions romantic drama from MoviePlus Productions

March 21, 2023
Shahid streams Ramadan series ‘Kamel El Adad’

Shahid streams Ramadan series ‘Kamel El Adad’

March 21, 2023
African American Film Critics Association announces recipients of Special Achievement Awards

African American Film Critics Association announces recipients of Special Achievement Awards

March 21, 2023
Omantel ties with Wingu Group to expand into African market

Omantel ties with Wingu Group to expand into African market

March 21, 2023
Ramadan series ‘El Kateeba 101’ to air on ON TV

Ramadan series ‘El Kateeba 101’ to air on ON TV

March 21, 2023
Global Media Congress launches white paper on future of media industry

Global Media Congress launches white paper on future of media industry

March 21, 2023
­­Evertz expands features of 12G-SDI solutions

­­Evertz expands features of 12G-SDI solutions

March 21, 2023
Grass Valley inks multi-year deal with Globo

Grass Valley inks multi-year deal with Globo

March 21, 2023
Virtual Production: Another Buzzword?

Virtual Production: Another Buzzword?

March 20, 2023
Saudi Film Festival announces details of ninth edition

Saudi Film Festival announces details of ninth edition

March 20, 2023
Arabic show ‘Ahlan Simsim’ returns for seventh season

Arabic show ‘Ahlan Simsim’ returns for seventh season

March 20, 2023
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
  • Magazine Archive
  • Directory
  • Contact
Wednesday, March 22, 2023
BroadcastPro ME
  • News
    • All
    • Podcasting
    • Cinema Theatres
    • Esports
    • TV/Radio Deals
    • Film partnerships
    • New appointments
    • Production
    • Mergers/Acquisitions
    • Satellite/Comms
    • AV
    • OTT/Video Streaming
    • International News
    • Analyst Reports
    • Satellite/Broadcasting
    HOT commissions romantic drama from MoviePlus Productions

    HOT commissions romantic drama from MoviePlus Productions

    Shahid streams Ramadan series ‘Kamel El Adad’

    Shahid streams Ramadan series ‘Kamel El Adad’

    African American Film Critics Association announces recipients of Special Achievement Awards

    African American Film Critics Association announces recipients of Special Achievement Awards

    Omantel ties with Wingu Group to expand into African market

    Omantel ties with Wingu Group to expand into African market

    Ramadan series ‘El Kateeba 101’ to air on ON TV

    Ramadan series ‘El Kateeba 101’ to air on ON TV

    Global Media Congress launches white paper on future of media industry

    Global Media Congress launches white paper on future of media industry

    Grass Valley inks multi-year deal with Globo

    Grass Valley inks multi-year deal with Globo

    Saudi Film Festival announces details of ninth edition

    Saudi Film Festival announces details of ninth edition

    Arabic show ‘Ahlan Simsim’ returns for seventh season

    Arabic show ‘Ahlan Simsim’ returns for seventh season

    Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub start second phase of Dubai Helipark

    Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub start second phase of Dubai Helipark

    Trending Tags

    • broadcast
    • MENA broadcast
    • ConnecTech2019
  • Tech Features
    • All
    • CASE STUDIES
    • Virtual Production Series
    • REVIEWS
    • TV/Radio Deals
    • New Media
    Why intercom should be part of the audio-overrip network

    Why intercom should be part of the audio-overrip network

    Real-time recap: What to prepare for when going virtual

    Real-time recap: What to prepare for when going virtual

    What to expect in 2023?

    What to expect in 2023?

    From talent to telcos, CEOs discuss industry challenges

    From talent to telcos, CEOs discuss industry challenges

    Key trends shaping the broadcast media landscape

    Key trends shaping the broadcast media landscape

    Tried and Tested: Real techniques of working with a virtual world

    Tried and Tested: Real techniques of working with a virtual world

    Technologies that should be on a broadcaster’s roadmap

    Technologies that should be on a broadcaster’s roadmap

    Magic buttons & busting myths: Debunking the mysteries of virtual prodution

    Magic buttons & busting myths: Debunking the mysteries of virtual prodution

    How VFX and CG can take brands to the next level

    How VFX and CG can take brands to the next level

    Tradition & Tech: Shedding some light on lighting with game engines

    Tradition & Tech: Shedding some light on lighting with game engines

    Trending Tags

    • Videos
      Exclusive: Video of the construction of the AlUla studio complex

      Exclusive: Video of the construction of the AlUla studio complex

      Protecting your content – Devising a multi-pronged strategy

      Protecting your content – Devising a multi-pronged strategy

      Gearing up for a FAST audience

      Gearing up for a FAST audience

      Planning Your Hybrid Cloud Playout Journey

      Planning Your Hybrid Cloud Playout Journey

      Qvest on “The cutting edge of Cloud Editing”

      Qvest on “The cutting edge of Cloud Editing”

      Said Bacho on Editshare’s Middle East plans

      Said Bacho on Editshare’s Middle East plans

      Rami Moussawi, Product Manager at ST Engineering iDirect speaks about SKYFlow

      Rami Moussawi, Product Manager at ST Engineering iDirect speaks about SKYFlow

      ASBU BroadcastPro ME Awards Footage

      ASBU BroadcastPro ME Awards Footage

      CEO Panel – Thriving in the New World Order

      CEO Panel – Thriving in the New World Order

    • Opinion
      Virtual Production: Another Buzzword?

      Virtual Production: Another Buzzword?

      New normal inspires fresh storylines and alternative filming strategies

      Watch out for Shofha

      The role of standards in the hybrid era

      The role of standards in the hybrid era

      New normal inspires fresh storylines and alternative filming strategies

      A new TV station enters UAE market

      Creating more engagement in sport

      Creating more engagement in sport

      The Evolution of the Metaverse

      The Evolution of the Metaverse

      New normal inspires fresh storylines and alternative filming strategies

      BroadcastPro Summit and Awards 2022 a big success

      Tackling the creative challenges of HDR

      Tackling the creative challenges of HDR

      New normal inspires fresh storylines and alternative filming strategies

      Get ready for the BroadcastPro Summit and Awards 2022

      IBC2022 reflections: From new business models to riding the economic wave

      IBC2022 reflections: From new business models to riding the economic wave

    • Interviews
      • All
      • Lounge
      A tour of CNN’s high-tech hub in Abu Dhabi

      A tour of CNN’s high-tech hub in Abu Dhabi

      Keeping a watch on streaming

      Keeping a watch on streaming

      Dare to be different

      Dare to be different

      Good Tide-ings

      Good Tide-ings

      Living on the edge

      Living on the edge

      Creating a sound experience

      Creating a sound experience

      Canon’s African dream

      Canon’s African dream

      Rising to the IP challenge

      Rising to the IP challenge

      Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth starts on October 10

      Catch them young

      Taking art seriously

      Taking art seriously

    • Products
    • Magazine Archive
      • BroadcastPro ME Magazine
      • PRO Directory
    • Events
      • Upcoming Events
      • News from Events
      IBC 2023

      IBC 2023

      BroadcastPro Tech Summit 2023

      BroadcastPro Tech Summit 2023

      BroadcastProME Manufacturer Awards 2023

      CABSAT 2023

      CABSAT 2023

      NABSHOW 2023

      NABSHOW 2023

    No Result
    View All Result
    BroadcastPro ME
    • News
      • All
      • Podcasting
      • Cinema Theatres
      • Esports
      • TV/Radio Deals
      • Film partnerships
      • New appointments
      • Production
      • Mergers/Acquisitions
      • Satellite/Comms
      • AV
      • OTT/Video Streaming
      • International News
      • Analyst Reports
      • Satellite/Broadcasting
      HOT commissions romantic drama from MoviePlus Productions

      HOT commissions romantic drama from MoviePlus Productions

      Shahid streams Ramadan series ‘Kamel El Adad’

      Shahid streams Ramadan series ‘Kamel El Adad’

      African American Film Critics Association announces recipients of Special Achievement Awards

      African American Film Critics Association announces recipients of Special Achievement Awards

      Omantel ties with Wingu Group to expand into African market

      Omantel ties with Wingu Group to expand into African market

      Ramadan series ‘El Kateeba 101’ to air on ON TV

      Ramadan series ‘El Kateeba 101’ to air on ON TV

      Global Media Congress launches white paper on future of media industry

      Global Media Congress launches white paper on future of media industry

      Grass Valley inks multi-year deal with Globo

      Grass Valley inks multi-year deal with Globo

      Saudi Film Festival announces details of ninth edition

      Saudi Film Festival announces details of ninth edition

      Arabic show ‘Ahlan Simsim’ returns for seventh season

      Arabic show ‘Ahlan Simsim’ returns for seventh season

      Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub start second phase of Dubai Helipark

      Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub start second phase of Dubai Helipark

      Trending Tags

      • broadcast
      • MENA broadcast
      • ConnecTech2019
    • Tech Features
      • All
      • CASE STUDIES
      • Virtual Production Series
      • REVIEWS
      • TV/Radio Deals
      • New Media
      Why intercom should be part of the audio-overrip network

      Why intercom should be part of the audio-overrip network

      Real-time recap: What to prepare for when going virtual

      Real-time recap: What to prepare for when going virtual

      What to expect in 2023?

      What to expect in 2023?

      From talent to telcos, CEOs discuss industry challenges

      From talent to telcos, CEOs discuss industry challenges

      Key trends shaping the broadcast media landscape

      Key trends shaping the broadcast media landscape

      Tried and Tested: Real techniques of working with a virtual world

      Tried and Tested: Real techniques of working with a virtual world

      Technologies that should be on a broadcaster’s roadmap

      Technologies that should be on a broadcaster’s roadmap

      Magic buttons & busting myths: Debunking the mysteries of virtual prodution

      Magic buttons & busting myths: Debunking the mysteries of virtual prodution

      How VFX and CG can take brands to the next level

      How VFX and CG can take brands to the next level

      Tradition & Tech: Shedding some light on lighting with game engines

      Tradition & Tech: Shedding some light on lighting with game engines

      Trending Tags

      • Videos
        Exclusive: Video of the construction of the AlUla studio complex

        Exclusive: Video of the construction of the AlUla studio complex

        Protecting your content – Devising a multi-pronged strategy

        Protecting your content – Devising a multi-pronged strategy

        Gearing up for a FAST audience

        Gearing up for a FAST audience

        Planning Your Hybrid Cloud Playout Journey

        Planning Your Hybrid Cloud Playout Journey

        Qvest on “The cutting edge of Cloud Editing”

        Qvest on “The cutting edge of Cloud Editing”

        Said Bacho on Editshare’s Middle East plans

        Said Bacho on Editshare’s Middle East plans

        Rami Moussawi, Product Manager at ST Engineering iDirect speaks about SKYFlow

        Rami Moussawi, Product Manager at ST Engineering iDirect speaks about SKYFlow

        ASBU BroadcastPro ME Awards Footage

        ASBU BroadcastPro ME Awards Footage

        CEO Panel – Thriving in the New World Order

        CEO Panel – Thriving in the New World Order

      • Opinion
        Virtual Production: Another Buzzword?

        Virtual Production: Another Buzzword?

        New normal inspires fresh storylines and alternative filming strategies

        Watch out for Shofha

        The role of standards in the hybrid era

        The role of standards in the hybrid era

        New normal inspires fresh storylines and alternative filming strategies

        A new TV station enters UAE market

        Creating more engagement in sport

        Creating more engagement in sport

        The Evolution of the Metaverse

        The Evolution of the Metaverse

        New normal inspires fresh storylines and alternative filming strategies

        BroadcastPro Summit and Awards 2022 a big success

        Tackling the creative challenges of HDR

        Tackling the creative challenges of HDR

        New normal inspires fresh storylines and alternative filming strategies

        Get ready for the BroadcastPro Summit and Awards 2022

        IBC2022 reflections: From new business models to riding the economic wave

        IBC2022 reflections: From new business models to riding the economic wave

      • Interviews
        • All
        • Lounge
        A tour of CNN’s high-tech hub in Abu Dhabi

        A tour of CNN’s high-tech hub in Abu Dhabi

        Keeping a watch on streaming

        Keeping a watch on streaming

        Dare to be different

        Dare to be different

        Good Tide-ings

        Good Tide-ings

        Living on the edge

        Living on the edge

        Creating a sound experience

        Creating a sound experience

        Canon’s African dream

        Canon’s African dream

        Rising to the IP challenge

        Rising to the IP challenge

        Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth starts on October 10

        Catch them young

        Taking art seriously

        Taking art seriously

      • Products
      • Magazine Archive
        • BroadcastPro ME Magazine
        • PRO Directory
      • Events
        • Upcoming Events
        • News from Events
        IBC 2023

        IBC 2023

        BroadcastPro Tech Summit 2023

        BroadcastPro Tech Summit 2023

        BroadcastProME Manufacturer Awards 2023

        CABSAT 2023

        CABSAT 2023

        NABSHOW 2023

        NABSHOW 2023

      No Result
      View All Result
      BroadcastPro ME
      No Result
      View All Result
      Home Interviews

      Mohamed Youssif

      Vijaya Cherian by Vijaya Cherian
      September 13, 2012
      in Interviews
      ShareTweetPostEmail

      YahLive secured its first customer six months ago when it partnered with MBC Group to broadcast the network’s HD bouquet to the Arab world. Last month, YahLive signed on its 44th channel and by the end of the year, it hopes to add a total of 50 channels to its roster. In an exclusive interview […]

      Mohamed Youssif.

      YahLive secured its first customer six months ago when it partnered with MBC Group to broadcast the network’s HD bouquet to the Arab world. Last month, YahLive signed on its 44th channel and by the end of the year, it hopes to add a total of 50 channels to its roster. In an exclusive interview with Vijaya Cherian, Mohamed Youssif, CEO of YahLive reveals three new deals the operator secured last month, and unveils the strategies it has devised to reach out to the Arab world

      In August 2012, YahLive, the UAE’s first and only satellite operator, signed deals with three more broadcast networks bringing the number of HD channels it now beams to 44, thus inching closer to the vision its CEO Mohamed Youssif announced in December 2011 of creating an exclusive “High Definition hot spot for the Middle East”. With a capacity to carry only 130 HD channels on its Yahsat-1A satellite located at 52.5° East, YahLive has been careful in its selection of clientele to ensure it offers a comprehensive content package that is entertaining but also, non controversial.

      Prior to the London 2012 Olympics, YahLive secured a deal with GEM Group, a major Middle East TV network, to broadcast its GEM Sports TV channel in HD to the Gulf Cooperative Council (GCC) region in Arabic, English and Farsi. Last month, GEM Group went a step further by taking three transponders from YahLive to telecast its channels to Farsi-speaking audiences across the Middle East and the Subcontinent.

      “GEM TV is targeting Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and all of the Farsi-speaking audiences in the region in addition to the larger audiences across the Middle East with our East beam that provides coverage all the way from the Red Sea to Pakistan,” explains Youssif.

      One of YahLive’s key strategies is to steer clear of all controversy by being careful in its selection of channels.

      “We realise content is a sensitive issue so YahLive has been very selective about the channels we host. We get a lot of requests, but the channels we select do not carry content that is deemed controversial. It is a tight rope to walk but we have been successful in maintaining our neutrality.”

      That strategy has made YahLive’s bouquet more attractive to Saudi viewers as we can see from a landmark partnership that awaits signature as BroadcastPro Middle East goes to press. The deal is still to be inked although Saudi TV’s channels can already be seen on the YahLive bouquet.

      The partnership will mark a huge milestone for YahLive not merely from the point of view of heading closer to its vision of beaming 50 channels by the end of the year on its satellite, but for being able to enter the Saudi market in full HD and with the promise of offering a selection of TV channels that are in keeping with the Kingdom’s fundamental cultural practices.

      “The Saudi market is undoubtedly one of the biggest in the region. That is one of the reasons we are looking to sign an agreement with Saudi TV. We previously broadcast the Saudi League over Europe in HD and the Quran channel also in HD. We are now looking to increase cooperation with the Saudi Ministry of Culture and Information to broadcast a set of six channels including Al Sunnah channel across the Middle East,” adds Youssif.

      In the meantime, YahLive has added Al Twazin, a popular family-oriented channel that was hitherto being broadcast on Nilesat in SD, to its bouquet.

      “This is an interesting deal given that the CEO of the channel was one of the people who helped start Yahsat,” says Youssif.

      “They are in the process of upgrading to HD. In the meantime, we will be upscaling their SD signal until they have moved to native HD.”

      Youssif reiterates that YahLive will maintain its content strategy to continue remaining attractive to Arab viewers.

      “We are not aiming to have 700 to 800 channels. We are trying to select channels that target a wide selection of people with content that does not have extremist views. We are not just focusing on the quality of broadcast but the quality of content as well. Our shareholders have been supportive of our strategy. Even though we only started out in December 2011, we have 44 HD channels currently on the satellite. This, in itself, is an achievement.”

      YahLive also has several other unique selling propositions that distinguish it from other traditional players in the market.

      For one, the orbital location of the Yahsat Y1-A satellite in 52.5 degrees East offers optimal line of sight for direct reception within the Gulf area. Besides this, YahLive offers a high-powered BSS capacity that is optimised for DTH (Direct to Home) solutions.

      In addition, YahLive provides separate beams for Europe, the Middle East and the Gulf so broadcasters have the flexibility to choose specific geographical areas and avoid “audience wastage” in areas where their channels are not likely to be viewed.

      “Our channel partners can select Gulf-only beams or all of the Arabic speaking countries all the way to Morocco with the Middle East beam or alternatively select only the European beam. This choice we offer is unique and allows channels to broadcast only in areas where they have the rights to do so, as opposed to one beam that covers all areas,” explains Youssif.

      Another notable element is that YahLive allocates equal bandwidth to each channel irrespective of the content they carry. This ensures consistency in the quality of images, says Youssif.

      “Normally, if there are 10 channels that come into the input, operators use a statistical multiplexer to manage the bandwidth. This means if one channel features sports and a second channel telecasts news, the mux looks at which channel requires more bandwidth and allocates it accordingly – in the above case, to sport. The quality of your picture, therefore, is hugely dependant on the neighbouring channel.

      “In the Middle East, channels have an average allocation of three to five megabits. We have dedicated eight megabits to each channel and are keen on maintaining the integrity and quality of that broadcast.”

      Now that YahLive has secured a substantial number of clients, it is looking to shift focus to the second phase of its strategy, which is convincing viewers to install dishes to watch the YahLive bouquet. The fact that YahLive has a more powerful beam that can be received with dishes as small as 45cms (in the Gulf) to 60cms (outside the Gulf) makes it an attractive proposition to viewers.

      However, Youssif’s team is presently up against recent government regulations in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah that have restricted the installation of satellite dishes to the rooftops of buildings.

      To address that, YahLive is looking to undertake a country-wide roadshow shortly.

      “We will be approaching building owners to encourage them to add our dish to their rooftops as well so viewers can tune into YahLive. We are also in the process of initiating a roadshow where we invite installers and distributors in each area and tell them about the benefits of YahLive.”

      In addition, YahLive is also involved in running campaigns on Al Arabiya and MBC to educate viewers on the HD format.

      “A series of educational programmes is being run on Al Arabiya to clear the misconceptions people have regarding HDTV. People believe that they have to just install a dish to watch HDTV. Others believe if they have a flat screen, they are watching HD although they have SD receivers. We try to show them the entire chain from the transmission of an HD signal to receiving it on an HD receiver and watching it on a screen that supports the format and everything that goes in between,” he adds.

      YahLive’s partnership with SES also ensures that YahLive can have access to sufficient capacity to run an additional 50 HD channels should it run out of space.

      In the meantime, recent news of the IPTV revolution and the alternative options it provides to satellite have not fazed Youssif.

      “IPTV is a niche market and will not replace satellite-based transmission. As more channels are added, the IP network will get congested, making it slower. Currently in Europe, ISPs are using hybrid receivers because the more channels they add, especially in HD, the slower the IP becomes. Big networks such as Orange deploy hybrid receivers so the viewer can receive linear TV through the satellite directly and enjoy the interactive features through IP.

      “With innovations such as 4K, 8K and ultra HD – you need a minimum resolution of 33 megabits as opposed to the current requirement of 2 megabits – how will you do that with IP? As people’s expectations grow, they will not be happy with the so-called HD transmission in 4 megabits. When people watch channels in 16 megabits or higher, they will appreciate the huge difference in viewing quality.”

      YahLive will have a strong presence at IBC 2012 along with its partner SES to showcase its offerings. No doubt, it has embarked on the challenging task of penetrating a crowded television marketplace but it also has some strong features that make it more appealing to the Arab marketplace.

      In the meantime, it is also simultaneously looking at how to increase its capacity and expand its availability.

      “This is a process that takes time to build and it depends on the demand that you have. My present goal is to provide the best HD satellite offerings in the region. We can accommodate 130 HD channels and we shall bring the best of HD content together for the Arab world.”

      Tags: MBC GroupYahLiveMohamed YoussifHD channels

      Related Posts

      MBC Group extends licensing agreement with NBCUniversal

      MBC Group extends licensing agreement with NBCUniversal

      March 17, 2023
      BeIN and ACE shut down four pirate websites in Egypt

      MBC Group ties with Pentera to expand its security validation practices

      March 14, 2023
      Shahid partners with Paymob to enable VOD digital payment in Egypt

      Shahid partners with Paymob to enable VOD digital payment in Egypt

      March 9, 2023
      TikTok to roll out option to extend videos to three minutes

      TikTok renews partnership with MBC Media Solutions   

      March 6, 2023
      Al Arabiya Network celebrates 20th anniversary

      Al Arabiya Network celebrates 20th anniversary

      March 5, 2023
      Synamedia to launch anti-piracy solutions

      ACE shuts down largest piracy ring in MENA region

      February 28, 2023

      Related News

      MBC Group extends licensing agreement with NBCUniversal

      MBC Group extends licensing agreement with NBCUniversal

      March 17, 2023
      MBC Group ties with Pentera to expand its security validation practices

      MBC Group ties with Pentera to expand its security validation practices

      March 14, 2023
      Shahid partners with Paymob to enable VOD digital payment in Egypt

      Shahid partners with Paymob to enable VOD digital payment in Egypt

      March 9, 2023
      TikTok renews partnership with MBC Media Solutions    

      TikTok renews partnership with MBC Media Solutions   

      March 6, 2023
      Al Arabiya Network celebrates 20th anniversary

      Al Arabiya Network celebrates 20th anniversary

      March 5, 2023
      ACE shuts down largest piracy ring in MENA region

      ACE shuts down largest piracy ring in MENA region

      February 28, 2023
      More Related News

      Popular Stories

      • A tour of CNN’s high-tech hub in Abu Dhabi

        A tour of CNN’s high-tech hub in Abu Dhabi

        738 shares
        Share 295 Tweet 185
      • MBC Group extends licensing agreement with NBCUniversal

        710 shares
        Share 284 Tweet 178
      • WildTrack Productions first in region with FUJINON 125x 4K field lens

        700 shares
        Share 280 Tweet 175
      • Virtual Production: Another Buzzword?

        678 shares
        Share 271 Tweet 170
      • ST Engineering and Gilat showcase proof of concept using DIFI standard at Satellite 2023

        669 shares
        Share 268 Tweet 167

      BroadcastPro ME

      • About
      • Advertise
      • Subscribe
      • Magazine Archive
      • Directory
      • Contact
      • Privacy

      Follow us on Social Media

      No Result
      View All Result
      • News
      • Tech Features
      • Videos
      • Opinion
      • Interviews
      • Products
      • Magazine Archive
        • BroadcastPro ME Magazine
        • PRO Directory
      • Events

      Login to your account below

      Forgotten Password?

      Fill the forms bellow to register

      All fields are required. Log In

      Retrieve your password

      Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

      Log In
      Social Media Auto Publish Powered By : XYZScripts.com
      ×