Technicolor launches DVD Compression & Authoring Operation in Bangalore

BANGALORE, INDIA: & BURBANK, USA: Technicolor, the Services Division of Thomson has announced the launch of a new compression and authoring (C&A) operation in Bangalore, India, to be co-located within Thomson’s new, 100,000 square-foot Paprikaas Animation and Game Design facility. The new C&A facility will open in May and will be based upon Thomson’s industry-leading research and development efforts for high-definition Blu-ray Disc and standard-definition DVDs. 

Technicolor has been recruiting top talent to its Bangalore operation, and it currently is seeking a broad range of technical engineers, compression experts, java programmers, interactive graphic designers, quality control (QC) technicians, project coordinators and client account managers. 

The new C&A facility will be a central production hub connected to Technicolor’s worldwide DVD operation through its secure, high-speed production network.  Thomson’s Technicolor Services Division provides C&A services on hundreds of Blu-ray Disc and standard definition DVDs monthly, specializing in theatrical high-concept, collector’s editions double-disc sets, as well as television episodic series and music videos.

Technicolor’s proprietary BD Jive(TM) authoring tools and our Tiger AVC(TM) encoder are just two examples of industry-leading innovations that separate Technicolor from the competition. 

Technicolor has also announced that Sumit Malik has been appointed as general manager, C&A for Technicolor in India. Prior to joining Technicolor, Malik held the position of executive director of Advanced Technology for Sony Pictures and was a pioneer in the developments of DVD and Blu-ray Disc technology.  In his new role, Malik will lead Technicolor’s efforts to build the company’s C&A services offering in India. The Technicolor Services Division’s Bangalore operation will focus on serving the domestic Indian market, and it also will serve as an off-shoring location to augment the division’s capacities for worldwide DVD services. 

Ahmad Ouri, president of Technicolor Content Services, said, “As part of our expanding role in the Indian market, we feel the time is opportune to grow our C&A offering in Bangalore, especially in light of the increased demand for Blu-ray authoring now that the market has settled on a single format.  I am delighted to have Sumit join our team. He brings deep experience with DVD production and strong relationships in the US and India.” 

Malik will report to Bob Michaels, vice president of worldwide DVD for Technicolor Content Services, who added, “Sumit comes to Technicolor with vast knowledge and experience.  He is a true pioneer in the industry, with great technological expertise and enjoys extensive studio relationships.” 

According to Malik, “Technicolor’s entry into the postproduction space in India is well timed with the introduction of new high-definition content production, delivery and display technologies. “I am honored to be given the opportunity to be part of this new venture and excited to be able to assemble a team of world class engineers and bring Technicolor’s global resources and know-how to the Indian market.” 

During his 11 years of service with Sony, Malik was part of and led several new IT and production technology initiatives for the Home Entertainment Division and actively participated in new format development for DVD, PlayStation and Blu-ray Disc technology.  He also held various engineering positions at Sony’s DVD Center.