DTH Services Under The Scanner

The Maharashtra government is determined not to repeat the failure story by foregoing its share of revenues in the form of entertainment duty. The revenue department, after its failure to regularise the cable industry which even today refuses to issue receipts to subscribers have taken steps to make sure it gets its share of profits from the DTH service providers. 

DTH Services Under The Scanner

The Maharashtra government is determined not to repeat the failure story by foregoing its share of revenues in the form of entertainment duty. The revenue department, after its failure to regularise the cable industry which even today refuses to issue receipts to subscribers have taken steps to make sure it gets its share of profits from the DTH service providers. 

Digital Delivery The Combination Of HD And IPTV

Early adopters are showing considerable interest in High Definition Television (HDTV), largely because of the dramatic increase in picture quality which supports these consumers’ demand for even larger screen sizes. In order to appeal to the wider consumer audience, many of whom will not be persuaded by screen size arguments, HDTV will need to demonstrate considerable additional value over that of the standard definition incumbent.

Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) offers a foundation for the delivery of such incremental value. IPTV provides the capability to offer truly tailored television services in either a lone viewer or community viewer based environment. The additional resolution afforded by HDTV, enables the compelling visual presentation of the information and controls which will form a vital part in the translation of HDTV demand from the early adopters to the high value mass market.

Digital Delivery The Combination Of HD And IPTV

Early adopters are showing considerable interest in High Definition Television (HDTV), largely because of the dramatic increase in picture quality which supports these consumers’ demand for even larger screen sizes. In order to appeal to the wider consumer audience, many of whom will not be persuaded by screen size arguments, HDTV will need to demonstrate considerable additional value over that of the standard definition incumbent.

Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) offers a foundation for the delivery of such incremental value. IPTV provides the capability to offer truly tailored television services in either a lone viewer or community viewer based environment. The additional resolution afforded by HDTV, enables the compelling visual presentation of the information and controls which will form a vital part in the translation of HDTV demand from the early adopters to the high value mass market.

Focus on Media

We are in the last phase of implementation of CAS. It is the regular players in the CAS notified areas, generally the big MSOs who are emaging as the big players. Surprisingly, the much enthusiastic independent operators are not showing much interest now. I think it is something to do with the heavy investments in Digital Headends and set-top-boxes. Big MSOs, because of their requirement of large quantities are getting a good price from the STB vendors but in smaller networks, it may not be so much feasible unless the vendors themselves introduce financing schemes. This may not happen as almost all the vendors are from other countries and they are still not very confident about the market and the Indian Politics. Ideal solution for the small independent players was to join hands with each other and consolidate their networks using fiberoptic cables leased from the telcos but because of their personal differences, this may not happen. Ultimately they will end up taking feeds from big MSOs. TRAI is closely monitoring the process and trying its best to ensure a smooth implementation. TRAI office in Delhi has been sealed following a High Court order to the Delhi Government not to allow any commercial use of residential properties. I am sure this will disturb their normal functioning for a shortwhile. Many channels like S1 have also faced the sealing drive.

December 2006

Saturday, December 02, 2006 -- Sun TV, a free- to- air channel became a pay channel in all other cities and states except Chennai, where it continues to be part of the FTA bouquet of Rs 77.

Focus on Media

We are in the last phase of implementation of CAS. It is the regular players in the CAS notified areas, generally the big MSOs who are emaging as the big players. Surprisingly, the much enthusiastic independent operators are not showing much interest now. I think it is something to do with the heavy investments in Digital Headends and set-top-boxes. Big MSOs, because of their requirement of large quantities are getting a good price from the STB vendors but in smaller networks, it may not be so much feasible unless the vendors themselves introduce financing schemes. This may not happen as almost all the vendors are from other countries and they are still not very confident about the market and the Indian Politics. Ideal solution for the small independent players was to join hands with each other and consolidate their networks using fiberoptic cables leased from the telcos but because of their personal differences, this may not happen. Ultimately they will end up taking feeds from big MSOs. TRAI is closely monitoring the process and trying its best to ensure a smooth implementation. TRAI office in Delhi has been sealed following a High Court order to the Delhi Government not to allow any commercial use of residential properties. I am sure this will disturb their normal functioning for a shortwhile. Many channels like S1 have also faced the sealing drive.