Consumers must benefit from Digitalisation

On 11 June Cable Operators from all states, gathered in New Delhi, to chalk out a path for themselves fighting against some disturbing regulations that have endangered their livelihood. Cable Operators Federation of India (COFI) along with NCTA organized the event that attracted more than 600 cable operators from all over India.

Screens-2014 Assocham annual summit on Media and Entertainment

The 8th edition of  ‘Screens’, Assocham’s annual summit on Media and Entertainment, was held on 23rd June, 2014 at Hotel Le Meridian, New Delhi. The theme of Screens this year was ‘Redefining Infotainment’.

BroadcastAsia2014 Show Review 17-20 June 2014, Singapore

BroadcastAsia2014 – Asia’s most comprehensive and integrated broadcasting, digital multimedia and entertainment event in Asia, came to a successful close on 20 June 2014 at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. This year, the event attracted a total of 17,596 attendees from the broadcasting, film, pro-audio and live entertainment event industry from over 87 countries / regions, an 8.1% increase from its last edition in 2013.

Drastic Changes in Content Distribution Scenario

On June 16th through a public notice published in the leading newspapers, Times Television Network had informed the stakeholders that from April 1, the network will no longer be distributed by the content aggregator TheOneAlliance. After a couple of days IndiaCast UTV, a joint venture between IndiaCast Media Distribution and Disney UTV had announced to end their joint venture. Why all these breakups? Its all to do with the TRAI regulations to level up the industry for the smooth implementation of Digitisation.   

Training the Cable TV Technician

Introduction 

Cable TV Technician, in the Indian context, constitutes the most important link in general and DAS implementation in particular because he installs the service, collects subscription in most networks, personally knows the end user and has social contacts with competitors also. He has picked up technical skills on the job and knows the amplifier to house drop route subjectively remembering even the installed picture quality.

TRAI Consults on Commercial Tariff

Following the Supreme Court order, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on June 11 had issued a consultation paper that relooks at the regulatory framework for tariff applicable for commercial subscribers. The Hon’ble Supreme Court on 16 April 2014 had directed that the impugned tariff, which is in force as on today, shall continue for a period of three months. Further, within these three months, TRAI will look into the matter de novo and re-determine the tariff after hearing the contentions of all the stakeholders.

Consumer Woes don’t end, post Digitisation

India is home of roughly 157 million cable TV households today, up fr0m 400,000 in January 1992 and 94 million in 2011. “Cable TV” is so popular in the country that it is one of the only devices known to have penetrated pretty much every income group. This was possible only because in the first fifteen years there was no regulation existed. Cable TV Act that came in 1994 was limited in its use as broadcasters were out of the ambit of the Act.

Digital Media India Summit-2014

Frost & Sullivan hosted the third edition of its ‘Digital Media India Summit’ on June 24, 2014 at Le Meridien, New Delhi. A large number of broadcasters, pay TV operators, digital media service providers, digital equipment manufacturers and production houses had participated in the summit and expressed their views on various aspects. 

Mukesh Ambani New Media Mogul

In a move that signals the emergence of industrialist Mukesh Ambani as a media mogul, Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) has acquired a controlling stake in Network18. The announcement came on 28th May when the Board of Reliance industries  approved funding of Rs. 4000 crore to Independent Media Trust (IMT), of which RIL is the sole beneficiary for taking over Network 18. IMT would use the funds to acquire control over Network18 and TV 18, resulting in ownership of about 78% in Network18 and 9 per cent in TV18, and to acquire shares tendered in the open offer. 

Prakash Javadekar Clear his vision toward many aspect

As soon as he took charge of the ministry, Prakash Javadekar the new I & B Minister in the BJP led NDA government has been a busy man. Since he is handling two ministries, I & B and Environment, his responsibilities keep him busy from morning to evening attending conference, meeting and making statement on behalf of the government.

Standard of QoS for DAS

Connection/Re-connection/Disconnection of Cable Service : Any person seeking connection or disconnection or shifting of cable service connection or intending to obtain or return set top boxes at a place located within the area of operation of MSO/LCO may submit an application duly signed and complete in all respect to MSO/LCO who will return the duplicate copy of applicant as an acknowledgement of receipt of application. Applicant shall also give a unique identification number.  Every application submitted by the applicant to MSO/LCO shall be acted on immediate (within two days of receipt of application) basis. In case if MSO/LCO finds that in application there is a technical feasibility to perform services demanded by applicant, he is bound to inform applicant within two days about the nature of feasibility.

Local Video Channels and VAS under Scanner

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on 23 June 2014 have issued a consultation paper for regulating channels and services offered by local cable operator and direct-to-home (DTH) operators called platform services. 

“Platform Service, according to TRAI are programmes transmitted by the Distribution Platform Operators, exclusively to their own subscribers and doesn’t include Doordarshan channels and TV channels permitted under Downlinking guidelines.”  

Fight to finish

Cable Operators Federation of India (COFI) held an urgent meeting of Cable Operators from all over the country to initiate a Fight to Finish and defend their fundamental right to do business as last mile service providers. The meeting was held on 11th June 2014 at the Karnataka Bhawan Auditorium, R K Puram in New Delhi.

Making Consumers Aware

These are the TRAI Regulations that a Consumer must know while demanding a digital cable TV service.

Connection/Re-connection/Disconnection of Cable Service: Any person seeking connection or disconnection or shifting of cable service connection or intending to obtain or return set top boxes at a place located within the area of operation of MSO/LCO may submit an application to MSO/LCO and take an acknowledgement of receipt. Applicant shall also be given a unique identification number.  Every application submitted by the applicant to MSO/LCO shall be acted on immediately (within two days of receipt of application). In case if MSO/LCO finds it technically not feasible to perform services demanded by applicant, he is bound to inform applicant within two days about the nature of feasibility.