ITV

Category: Local Cable Operators

  • GTPL Hathway Q1 FY23 consolidated revenues up 10 per cent YoY at Rs 645.4 crore

    GTPL Hathway Q1 FY23 consolidated revenues up 10 per cent YoY at Rs 645.4 crore

    Mumbai: Digital cable TV and broadband company GTPL Hathway announced its financial results for the first quarter of FY2023 on Thursday. The company reported consolidated revenue of Rs 645.4 crore a growth of 10 per cent year-on-year (YoY).

    The company reported subscription revenue of Rs 272.7 crore up by three per cent YoY. Broadband revenue was up by 24 per cent YoY at Rs 113.9 crore. It reported a profit after tax (PAT) of Rs 43.3 crore.

    GTPL Hathway’s broadband subscribers grew by 29,000 quarter-on-quarter. Its total active broadband subscribers reached 8,45,000 and homepasses reached 4.85 million.

    GTPL Hathway managing director Anirudhsinh Jadeja said, “We have been consistent in achieving our goals across all business segments. We are the largest multiple-system operator (MSO) in India and continue our strategy of expansion in new geographies & deeper penetration in our existing markets. The key highlights of Q1 FY23 are stable digital cable TV subscription revenues and growth in subscribers as well as revenues in the broadband business. GTPL has again been listed amongst ‘India’s Top 500 Companies 2022’, the second year in a row, as released by Dun & Bradstreet. We have entered FY23 with a positive outlook for our businesses and confidence in our ability to continue its successful evolution.”

  • FY 2022-23 will be a transformational year for the company: Hathway Cable & Datacom MD Rajan Gupta

    FY 2022-23 will be a transformational year for the company: Hathway Cable & Datacom MD Rajan Gupta

    Mumbai: On building a profitable business, Hathway Cable and Datacom managing director Rajan Gupta stated that he believes FY 2022–23 will be a transformational year for the company.

    The provider of Cable and Internet services in its annual report mentioned the annual gross revenue up by 4 per cent to Rs 1,793 crore in FY 2022 as compared to FY 2021. After this, Gupta seems confident in increasing the company’s market share.

    Gupta said that with the worst of the pandemic effect seemingly behind us, and sports & other live entertainment events fully back in action, the environment looks favourable for the revival of the cable TV business currently.

    The company is confident that the efforts being made to prepare the platform for making deeper inroads into the market will significantly yield benefits in the increasing market share in the cable TV segment, going forward. It is focussed, committed and motivated to play a pivotal role in helping India’s media and entertainment industry bounce back, stronger than ever.

    Simultaneously, he also mentioned that the company acknowledged the current business environment has changed dramatically in the post-Covid world. In this difficult year, the company invested in building organisational competencies to align them with the evolving market and consumer demands & aspirations. “We have focussed on developing our capabilities in crisis management, enterprise agility, cost management, workforce resilience and innovation, which we believe to be the pillars of our growth-centric business model. Initiatives are also underway to leverage digital platforms to enhance the competencies of our partners in the cable TV business, as more than 90 per cent of our consumers in this segment are being serviced through our local cable operators,” Gupta added.

    He further noted that with the pandemic catalysing a new surge in demand, the FTTH (fiber to the home) segment of the business saw a healthy 20 per cent growth in revenue earning customers in these challenging times. “However, our cable TV business health was challenged due to a multitude of extraneous consumer and environmental factors. Limited original content, financial stress experienced by consumers in the Covid world, and multiple lockdowns led to many of them moving from metros to their home towns in this period. This, in turn, caused the bottom of the pyramid consumers to shift to value offerings, thereby limiting our ability to monetise this business,” Gupta said.

    Armed with in-depth industry knowledge and consumer understanding, Hathway responded to the situations with a powerful thrust on cable TV network expansion and transformation. Coupled with digital innovation, customer delight and workforce agility, the company is able to navigate successfully these unprecedented times.

    In line with this strategy, the company rolled out more than 140 new towns and added more than 3,000 kms of fibre network during the year under the community antenna television (CATV) business. With innovative next-generation high-definition (HD), high-efficiency video coding (HEVC) and over the top media service (OTT) set-top boxes delighting customers, Hathway scaled its consumer proposition for millions of new TV consumers. “These boxes host many new exciting industry-first features, such as time-shift – enabling users to watch a programme on one channel while recording a programme on another, radio channels, among others. We have also initiated a cable TV network transformation project, aimed at ensuring that our network is benchmarked to telco standards in terms of uptime, redundancies, resiliency and proactive monitoring,” he said.

    In the annual report, the company said that at the heart of its strategic thrust on continuous innovation lies a strong ambition to empower customers. “We invest in modern technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) applications and tools, to stay connected with our customers at all times. This helps us foster meaningful interactions with our customers,” he quoted.

    Taking its local cable operators (LCO) partnerships to the next level, the company also noted that amid the challenges of the year, Hathway’s marketing team pushed its efforts to improve communication with its LCO partners and assist them in growing the business. As part of these efforts, it identified the pain points of its LCOs, devised exciting ideas to pique their interest, and launched initiatives to raise awareness of its products and services.

    As part of these efforts, it identified the pain points of its LCOs, innovated exciting ideas to grab their attention, and took initiatives that helped create awareness about its products and services. According to the report, this triggered a new level of LCO activation and re-energisation of the stalled engagement.

    On the content front, the company plans to launch Kflicks, a dedicated channel for Korean content with dubbing in Kannada and Telugu languages for Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana markets. There will be English subtitles for the rest of the markets.

    The move is aimed at catering to the high demand from the new generation and the millennials. It also plans to launch an app, LCO LightHouse, to raise awareness about the LCO portal’s underutilised features, provide the necessary information, promote new or existing schemes & increase engagement.

  • GTPL Hathway to maintain FY22 revenue and EBIDTA growth in FY23

    GTPL Hathway to maintain FY22 revenue and EBIDTA growth in FY23

    Mumbai: GTPL Hathway saw 12 per cent growth in revenues at Rs 24,154 million and four per cent increase in EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation) to Rs 5,677 million year-on-year in FY22. The company expects to maintain this growth rate for the current financial year i.e., FY23.

    “The guidance is just that we are going to maintain our  compound annual growth rate (CAGR), 100 basis points here and there but we are going to maintain our CAGR in both revenue and EBITDA that’s the way as we look forward to our aggressive growth in both the businesses in this financial year,” said GTPL Hathway Ltd business head – CATV and chief strategy officer Piyush Pankaj during an investor call held recently.

    GTPL Hathway closed the year 2021 becoming the largest multi-system operator in the country with its cable TV (CATV) subscriber base growing to 8.40 million as per Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (Trai) performance indicator report. “Our CATV subscriber base has grown sharply by 2.3 times in the last six years and for FY2022 it has grown by five per cent,” observed Pankaj.

    ALSO READ | GTPL Hathway closes FY22 as largest MSO; revenue at Rs 24,154 million

    The company lost 7.5 lakh commercial customers when Covid-19 pandemic started and has seen the return of four lakh customers since then. The rate of returning customers has slowed down from 20-25 lakh in the last quarter to 20K average during the fourth quarter FY22.

    The majority of the company’s cable TV subscriptions come from the Gujarat market which has 95 per cent share with the remaining five per cent spread across markets such as Pune, Nagpur, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Patna and Varanasi.

    “Our CATV business expansion will gain momentum with organic and inorganic growth in the coming quarters,” said Pankaj. “After the new tariff order (NTO) , we said that growth will come from inorganic and organic. The first year of NTO has gone into stabilising the industry. Just as we were getting ready for acquisitions and going organic, Covid hit us in March 2020 and we were not able to do any inorganic growth. So, from this quarter onwards we have started both inorganic and organic growth.”

    The company’s capex for FY22 was Rs 363 crore which includes Rs 180 crore of CATV capex and Rs 183 crore of broadband capex. “Next year we are keeping the target of Rs 450 crore for the capex on which around Rs 180 crore is going to be cable capex and rest is going to be the broadband capex,” said Pankaj.

  • Hathway Cable and Datacom reports revenue of Rs 1,793 crore in FY22

    Hathway Cable and Datacom reports revenue of Rs 1,793 crore in FY22

    Mumbai: Hathway Cable and Datacom Ltd reported gross revenue of Rs 1,793 crore in FY22 an increase of four per cent over FY21. Its broadband revenue stood at Rs 621.9 crore while CATV revenue stood at Rs 1171.1 crore for the financial year. The company reported profit after tax of Rs 130.4 crore a decline of 49 per cent year-on-year.

    “The business model for the company was protected in spite of Covid-19 led movement restrictions and disrupted supply chains,” said the statement.

    In its fourth quarter results, the company saw gross revenues of Rs 448.8 crore, an increase of two per cent year-on-year. Broadband revenue for the quarter stood at 157.1 crore and CATV revenue at Rs 291.7 crore. It saw profit after tax of Rs 28.4 crore in the quarter, a 16 per cent decline quarter-on-quarter.

    CATV business highlights

    The company reported 5.4 million set-top-box connections and more than 109 cities and major towns. “In the last two years, the company has created an extensive incremental infrastructure for market share gain. We have connected over 250 new locations with IP links,” said the statement. “Our product/go-to-market strategy/infrastructure ready for taking benefit of a more conducive market and business scenario with pandemic becoming more manageable. Set top box procurement and market share gain plans being rolled out.”  

    It further added, “The casting of OTT apps through already seeded new generation HD boxes is being piloted. This unique feature can give access to OTT to millions of Hathway Cable TV customers without any need to buy an additional OTT box. We have also piloted TV Plug. Using this Hathway can provide the most reliable last mile cable TV connectivity from a mobile tower network.

    Hathway Cable has also launched a digital platform to enhance the competencies of partner local cable operators in the cable TV business.

    ISP business highlights

    The company’s subscription revenue stood at Rs 157.1 crore with an increase of 32K customers in Q4 FY22 led by strong FTTH customer acquisition. FTTH consumers now account for 70 per cent of overall ISP consumers. “The company saw subdued revenue growth on account of higher speed and unlimited data limits now available at lower ARPU plans at industry level,” said the statement.

    The company reported 1.11 million broadband subscribers at the end of the fourth quarter FY22. 

  • GTPL Hathway closes FY22 as largest MSO; revenue at Rs 24,154 million

    GTPL Hathway closes FY22 as largest MSO; revenue at Rs 24,154 million

    Mumbai: GTPL Hathway witnessed revenue growth (excluding EPC) of 12 per cent year-on-year (YoY) at Rs 24,154 million. The profit after tax grew by six per cent YoY at Rs 2,006 million, according to the company’s financial results for the year FY22 shared on Friday. 

    It ended the year by adding 400K cable TV subscriptions and 181K broadband subscribers.

    The company’s digital cable TV revenue increased marginally by 0.4 per cent to Rs 10,753 million. Total paying subscribers as of 31 March stood at 7.80 million. GTPL Hathway expanded cable TV operations in five additional states in FY22. It also launched a new product ‘GTPL Genie’ which is an Android TV-based hybrid set-top-box with attractive subscription bundles.

    The company’s broadband revenue growth for FY22 was 46 per cent to reach Rs 4,075 million. Total broadband subscribers increased by 29 per cent to reach 816K out of which 360K are FTTX subscribers. In FY212, the company added 830K home-pass. Home-pass as of 31 March stood at 4.70 million.

    GTPL Hathway Limited reported fourth-quarter revenues of Rs 6,209 million and profit after tax of Rs 552 million. Broadband revenue stood at Rs 1,098 million and digital cable TV revenue at Rs 2,695 million. The average revenue per user (ARPU) for Q4 FY22 stood at Rs 450.

    “We are proud to announce another year of consistent performance across all business segments,” said GTPL Hathway managing director Anirudhsinh Jadeja. “GTPL is now the largest MSO in the country, continues to be the largest MSO and broadband player in Gujarat, and has a significant presence in all other markets.”

    “We continued to deliver on our KPIs and grew by expanding in new geographies as well as penetrating deeper into existing markets. The key highlights of FY22 are stable subscription revenues, profitability and return ratios with a healthy balance sheet. The Company’s Board has recommended a dividend of Rs four per share for FY22,” he added.

    “The launch of GTPL Genie is a path-breaking initiative bringing subscriptions of bundled Live TV and OTT applications at competitive prices to our consumers. We are committed to delivering value to all our stakeholders with adept and prudent financial practices,” Jadeja further stated.

  • Nxtdigital board approves transfer of digital, media & communication biz to HGSL

    Nxtdigital board approves transfer of digital, media & communication biz to HGSL

    Mumbai: Nxtdigital (NDL) board of directors has approved the proposed scheme of arrangement between NDL and Hinduja Global Solutions Ltd (HGSL) and their respective shareholders for the demerger of the digital, media and communications business undertaking of NDL into HGSL on a going concern basis.

    The board also approved the share exchange ratio for the proposed transfer. The ratio was approved based on the comprehensive valuation exercise carried out and recommended by two independent valuers – KPMG Valuation Services LLP and SSPA & Co Chartered Accountants. As per the valuation, each shareholder of NDL holding 63 equity shares will receive 20 fully paid equity shares (post bonus) of the face value of Rs 10 per share of HGSL.  

    These new share allotments in HGSL will be over and above the existing shares of NDL held by the shareholders, thus retaining their existing shareholding in NDL.

    “The media and entertainment industry is going through a digital transformation on the back of emerging technologies,” said Nxtdigital managing director and CEO Vynsley Fernandes. “The proposed transfer, once completed, will fuel our expansion plans in the digital space, as we look to harness analytics and automation to grow our digital portfolio across video, broadband, OTT, WiFi and other services.”

    “NDL shall pursue other high growth-oriented business opportunities in a restructured manner including rebranding, renaming in consonance with potential M&A proposals,” said the statement.

    The proposed scheme is subject to all shareholder and regulatory approvals and the approval of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT).

  • Hathway partners with Haptik to elevate customer experience & scales support

    Hathway partners with Haptik to elevate customer experience & scales support

    Mumbai: Hathway has partnered with Jio Haptik Technologies to leverage its conversational AI technology to improve customer retention.

    The cable TV and broadband service provider has successfully launched ‘Diva’ – an intelligent virtual assistant, to give customer support to Hathway’s 11 million subscribers.

    The advent of Covid-19 accelerated the move to work from home subsequently causing a shift in customer expectations. More customers started raising queries, complaints and requests on Hathway’s digital platforms including its app, self-care and website. ‘Diva’ helped drive faster customers responses and substantially elevated customer service, said the statement.

    ‘Diva’ has successfully handled 2.7 million conversations so far and has improved first response time (FRT) and issue identification by 98.3 per cent. It has also improved first-time resolution for technical and billing issues collectively by 95 per cent, it added.

    “Haptik is a key partner for Hathway because they are driving real innovation in conversational AI,” said Hathway Cable and Datacom chief customer service officer Anil Jhamb. “Their AI platform is transforming the way we think about fostering meaningful digital interactions and customer engagement. With Haptik we were able to bring speed and efficiency to our customers, improve customer communication and deliver the state-of-the-art digital experiences that achieve impactful results.”

    “The past year saw brands across all industries leaning more heavily on AI, automation, and self-service to manage high volumes of customer support queries coming in,” said Haptik VP and GM, India and MEA Pratyush Kukreja. “Messaging also has evolved as the preferred way for customers to interact with brands because it is quick, convenient and feels more personalized. Working with Hathway gives us the opportunity to power millions of users with AI-driven connected experiences. Seeing Hathway’s success further fuels our goal to drive the world’s transition to AI-powered conversations.”

  • Important to have a product portfolio that can stand the next decade of digital growth: NxtDigital CEO

    Important to have a product portfolio that can stand the next decade of digital growth: NxtDigital CEO

    Mumbai: NxtDigital has upskilled 30-35 per cent of its workforce in digital technology, in addition to making a complete shift to the pre-paid model through enabling digital payment mechanisms, said MD and CEO Vynsley Fernandes as he talked about the company’s transformation from a cable company into a digital platforms company.

    Fernandes was in a fireside chat with Indiantelevision.com group founder CEO and editor-in-chief Anil Wanvari at the 18th edition of Video & Broadband Summit (VBS 2022) organised by Indiantelevision.com on Wednesday.

    Pandemic as the trigger point

    The digital metamorphosis of NxtDigital, as well as the ecosystem as a whole, started a couple of years back in 2019 when the new tariff regime (NTO) was introduced, but it was the pandemic that actually gave impetus to it. “One of the biggest learnings from the pandemic was that digital aspirations are not limited to the city dweller. The tier 2, 3, and 4 towns, even though poorly connected to both TV and broadband, are equally aspirational. At least 60 per cent of our base comes from the semi-urban, semi-rural and rural markets, and yet there’s still significant growth that has to be achieved,” said Fernandes.

    Realising the importance of supporting these markets, the company set up digital Nxthubs at locations across India to deliver digital TV with up to 650 channels, broadband, and OTT.

    Also read : NxtDigital launches 40 NxtHubs across India

    The pandemic also forced the traditional distribution platforms that were facing challenges due to changing consumer preferences, to look at new strategies for growth, and new technology for fresh, and innovative products. This, combined with the realisation that customers increasingly want a single window to manage their multiple products and solutions, led NxtDigital to launch three new offerings including an advanced android set-top box, TV stick, and a combo product providing access to around 700 TV channels, OTT content (including regional) and broadband with speeds up to 1000 Mbps. The company had also introduced a work-from-home bundle during the pandemic.

    “We have been extremely cognisant of the fact that times are changing, and we need to be at the forefront to be able to harness technology to deliver the best experience to customers,” said Fernandes.

    Also read : Nxtdigital launches ‘live’ TV stick and Android STB

    Working with broadcasters and LMO/digital service partners

    Transformation is never an easy process. Like any other change that is met with resistance in the beginning, it took some effort for NxtDigital to convince and train its digital service partners, also the Last Mile Owners (LMOs), to support the implementation of the fully digital payments enabled, pre-paid model.

    And the results have been quite positive. “While individual verticals may have seen some softening, the absolute growth in terms of revenue for the LMOs saw an uptick because of the increased ticket size allowed by the combo product (Broadband + OTT+ Digital TV). Our partners are now, in fact, excited to know about the next digital service they can offer customers,” shared Fernandes.

    As far as broadcaster partners are concerned, he added that even though they have largely been supportive, there’s the need at the top of the pyramid for more patience and the understanding that the industry is still in a state of flux. It will take some time for the metrics to be worked out, and for the results to start manifesting as significant gains. 

    “Though we can’t yet call it significant, there has been steady growth in the business quarter-on-quarter, and this not necessarily from just the video business, but also broadband and OTT. The overall pie has definitely grown, and the stakes are only getting better from here as long as collaborations and innovation come into play,” asserted Fernandes. 

    Also read: I&B ministry lays down guidelines for infrastructure sharing by MSOs

    Appreciating the government’s new guidelines for infrastructure sharing, he remarked, “A DPO can no longer say that it cannot service a client/region because of the high cost of connectivity. As we see a lot more infra sharing happening, broadcasters will also be a beneficiary to that growth.”

    Word of Caution

    As a word of caution, Fernandes pointed out four themes that players need to align themselves with to thrive in the digital future.

    Commenting on the fate of cable and broadband he noted, “Cable will continue to grow, more so with I&B Ministry’s infrastructure sharing guidelines for MSOs announced last December.  However, there will be significant growth in broadband. This has also been indicated by Trai’s recommendation on AGR (adjusted gross revenue) that will encourage cable operators to provide broadband services. The one thing that’s clear is that the government is looking at facilitating the growth of the industry.”

    Fernandes’ third observation was that broadband over satellite and regionalised OTT will start to make inroads over the next couple of years. Lastly, the characteristics of the business will impact single product companies. In the ‘and’ world that awaits, cable or broadband or OTT alone will find it difficult to survive. The future will belong to those who are able to leverage technology to combine them externally and internally into a robust product.

    Fernandes believes that NxtDigital’s product portfolio comprising broadband, HITS, digital cable television, content syndication, and teleshopping will stand the company in good stead. He surmised by saying that “It is necessary to have a product portfolio that can stand the next decade of digital growth.”

    The day-long virtual summit held on 19 January was co-powered by broadpeak. Disney Star was the presenting partner, while NxtDigital was the summit partner.

  • Nxtdigital board gives in-principle nod for digital, media biz to be acquired by Hinduja Global Solutions

    Nxtdigital board gives in-principle nod for digital, media biz to be acquired by Hinduja Global Solutions

    Mumbai: Nxtdigital Board on Friday accorded in-principle approval for its digital and media businesses comprising broadband, HITS, digital cable television, content syndication & teleshopping to be acquired by Hinduja Global Solutions Limited (HGSL).

    The proposed acquisition is subject to all statutory or regulatory approvals and approval of the shareholders.

    The move is set to fuel and accelerate Nxtdigital Ltd (NDL)’s planned expansion across the digital ecosystem through synergies with HGS’ strength in digital processing and back-end expertise. “NDL will focus on harnessing the best of emerging technologies, whilst expanding its portfolio of digital solutions across geographies,” it said in a statement on Friday.

    The proposed acquisition will include the management team, employees, all businesses and technology across the entire media, communications and broadband spectrum.

    According to the details available, the proposed acquisition will result in shareholders of NDL receiving shares of HGS as per an independent share swap valuation, subject to applicable regulatory approvals.

    The media vertical of the global Hinduja group, Nxtdigital has launched some innovative solutions in the recent past and planned significant expansion in the emerging digital solutions space. “This move will provide much needed synergies, by leveraging the inherent expertise of HGS in the digital back-office and processes space, while allowing the media business to focus on digital expansion. This is also in line with NDL’s vision and mission of being a significant digital platforms company, harnessing the best of emerging technologies, whilst expanding its portfolio of digital solutions across geographies,” it said in a statement.

    The company said it will appoint independent valuers to carry out the valuation exercise and submit the report including share exchange ratio; besides also appointing other key intermediaries to facilitate the proposed move.

  • Do Smart TVs Have Security Risks?

    Do Smart TVs Have Security Risks?

    The craze for Smart TVs at homes is through the roof. With the given benefits of watching different shows to browsing Internet on TV, smart TVs are probably on people’s appliances list to buy in the coming years.  

    However, the advent of technology has a dark side apart from user-friendliness and ease of access. With the number of smart gadgets, you have at home, the risks keep multiplying likewise. Similarly, smart TVs also pose major security risks that are sometimes unaware of for the users. 

    Let’s focus on such security risks in this guide and look at ways to overcome them. Read on for more!

    Security Risks Involved With Smart TVs

    Traditional TV sets might sound a big inconvenience to many right now. However, smart TVs come with the concept of “many eyes watching you”. You are no longer under the blanket of privacy or security when it comes to smart TV usage. 

    Let’s have a quick look at ways in which smart TVs pose security risks:

    1. Hacking

    Hacking is now a style statement in the digital era. Any smart device is within reach of hackers and smart TVs are no exception. If your TV has a webcam or microphone, you are no longer having private conversations. Also, hackers mainly target your settings in the application installed on your TV. 

    If your TV is connected to other smart gadgets at home like home security systems, all of these applications are at risk. All the online account information for apps is readily available to hackers. 

    Hackers need a small opening only. Later, the whole system appears compromised. 

    2. Data For Sale

    The threats of your data up for sale from smartphones are present in your smart TVs too. 

    As per the information on security risks, organizations like Vizio were found selling data on what their customers watched frequently to various advertisers. This way, you start getting anonymous phone calls regarding “special offers” that might surprise you. 

    Whatever you thought was unimportant might be worth millions to the right advertisers! 

    3. Malware

    Reports are rife that smart TVs are susceptible to malware or virus attacks. The sole intention of hackers is to gather information about your credit card details that you had used to pay for apps on your TV. Also, another possibility is to freeze your accounts and demand a ransom to free up the usage of your TV. 

    Most of the TVs do not support the use of anti-virus software. However, you see all these attacks happening in the devices regardless of the use of such software. 

    All these sound bizarre, but you can find many instances all over the internet of people becoming victims in this smart TV world. 

    4. Substandard Configuration

    Most of the TV manufacturers forget the security configuration updates in the race against their competitors. Moreover, consumers also play a huge role in having poor configuration/settings in their home smart TVs. 

    Cyberattacks are around the corner when the manufacturer changes the operating system to save a few bucks on their production cost. 

    Also, the users might care less about these points when it comes to settings:

    ● Utilizing insecure protocols
    ● Weak passwords
    ● Trying debugging mechanisms
    ● Enable unused/not needed services
    ● Not checking the authenticity while using some apps
    ● Ports remain open

    Passwords play a crucial role in keeping your smart TV secure. Sometimes, people stick with the default or easy-to-crack passwords for long without thinking about the risks. 

     5. Outdated Software

    The digital world is bringing updates regularly. If the manufacturers do not attempt to update their software and firmware in line with the world’s challenges, your smart TV is more susceptible to attacks. 

    Your new TV suddenly looks outdated within two years. Sometimes, smart TVs are manufactured with no options to have regular updates in software that might give more protection against data stealing and hackers. 

    6. Physical Attacks

    Smart TVs may have ports through which external programs can run on your TV. Usually, strangers can gain access to your data or run a malicious program through devices that resemble a USB stick. 

    Smart gadgets are prone to accept such attacks without any level of security when external devices are plugged in. 
    How To Prevent Security Risks On Smart TVs?

    All these problems may sound alarming to smart TV customers. However, with simple tips and tricks, you can strengthen the security system on your TV to a great extent. 

    Let’s look at ways to prevent or safeguard your smart TVs from security problems:

    Improvise Your Password Hub

    Your smart TV has access to many streaming platform accounts. Also, each of them has a password to enter into your personal account. Try to vary your password between these platforms. Else, hackers wouldn’t find it difficult to hack all your accounts with a similar password. 

    Moreover, use unique and complex passwords. It is easy to store these passwords with a digital locker that you are comfortable with. 

    Regularly Update Your Software and OS

    It is best to visit your settings page once every month to understand if there is an OS update available. Go for it immediately since it might have many bug fixes and enhanced security features in place. 

    Go For Low-Tech

    A built-in webcam or microphone may sound a sweet deal while going for smart TVs. However, the higher the tech, the higher the security risks. Hence, try going for TVs with no built-in snooping extras. 

    Restrict Internet Connectivity

    Many may not accept this option as the TV’s main purpose of being smart is taken away. However, lesser exposure to the internet saves your TV from any cybercrime attacks from hackers. 

    Get To Know Your TV’s Settings

    Most of the consumers are not aware of the security your TV can provide. Hence, go through the entire settings section to strengthen your smart TV’s ability against security risks.

    Use A Secure Router

    The Internet connectivity comes from a router. Thus, you can make your TV secure by opting for all safety measures needed when setting up one. Go for strong passwords and encryption. Also, apply other measures that your router can offer in terms of security. 

    Final Thoughts

    Smart TVs have made the entertainment watching in our homes more active. Although, the whole experience comes with a load of security risks that threaten the existence of our daily life. Hence, with simple measures, we can stay clear of these cyber-attacks. 

    Strengthen your TV’s settings, restrict internet usage and go for low-tech TVs to have a better hand at managing the risks involved.