ITV

Category: DTH Operator

  • Dish TV partners with Kaltura to power its OTT platform ‘Watcho’

    Dish TV partners with Kaltura to power its OTT platform ‘Watcho’

    MUMBAI: Dish TV India Limited, the world’s largest single-country DTH Company has partnered with Kaltura, the leading video technology provider for its OTT platform Watcho. Kaltura TV Platform powers Watcho’s multiscreen access to linear, VOD and time-shifted TV along with third-party content.

    The partnership will cater to satisfying the evolving entertainment needs of Indian audiences by continuously learning about their content consumption habits. Kaltura TV Platform will ensure smooth operation of Watcho on multiple devices with its high-end technology.

    “It is a great honor for us to be the partner of choice for Dish TV, the largest DTH operator in India, and the latest addition to our growing customer base in APAC and India specifically,” said Ron Yekutiel, Kaltura Co-founder, Chairman and CEO. “Watcho goes way beyond a “TV everywhere” service providing a personalized TV experience.  We are proud to be the backbone that powers this new Cloud TV service for Dish TV’s existing subscribers and new users as well and look forward to working closely with Dish TV as Watcho continues to evolve.”

    Watcho includes live, VOD and time-shifted TV content. It is also the first OTT service to feature user generated content allowing users to create and upload their own content to Watcho. The flexible service is designed to address the large base of over 23 million subscribers of DishTV and d2h and is open to new users. Watcho provides access to a large VOD content library of originals, movies and popular shows, and not just linear TV service.

    “Watcho is an exciting new offering that caters to the evolving demands of today’s consumers on how they want to consume content,” said Anil Dua, Executive Director and Group CEO, Dish TV India Limited. He further added, “The Kaltura TV Platform combined with our team’s deep expertise has helped us to pace up our TV transformation journey, and today we are thrilled to offer our users a flawless and personalized viewing experience on the device of their choice.”

    With HORIZON BROADBAND LLP part of the Horizon group, a long term SI partner of Dish TV and preferred partner for Kaltura serving as the prime integrator of the project; 99Array providing Product engineering and Application development, the Watcho OTT service features advanced capabilities from Kaltura designed specifically for the Indian markets, including Kaltura’s recently launched Cloud TV Platform SDK and unique playback optimization solution for mobile, supporting iOS and over 6,000 Android devices.

  • DD Free Dish to air Bangladesh’s BTV World, South Korea’s KBS World

    DD Free Dish to air Bangladesh’s BTV World, South Korea’s KBS World

    MUMBAI: In a big boost to India-Bangladesh cooperation, the Government of India has decided to show BTV World, a channel owned by Bangladesh TV, on the Doordarshan Free Dish.

    At the same time, DD India would be made available in Bangladesh for being viewed by the people in that country.

    This arrangement is as a result of an MoU signed between Prasar Bharati and Bangladesh TV (BTV) on 7 May 2019. The channel – BTV World would be of special interest to the viewers of Eastern India.

    The decision marks an important watershed in the strengthening of ties between the two countries and follows an earlier decision taken by the two Governments to co-produce a film on Banga Bandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, which will be directed by the eminent film director-producer Shyam Benegal.

    The Government has also approved the proposal of Prasar Bharati for making available the KBS World, an English 24×7 channel of Government of Republic of South Korea on the DD Free Dish for the Indian viewers.

    Simultaneously, people of Korea would be able to view DD India in their country.

  • Dish TV reduces STB rate, offers 1-month free subscription

    Dish TV reduces STB rate, offers 1-month free subscription

    MUMBAI: DTH player Dish TV is looking at various ways to stay strong in the market. The latest move is to reduce the price of its set top boxes. Dish TV has slashed the rate of its most premium STB. Now, Dish TV NXT STB will be available for Rs 1590, which is Rs 50 less than the previous cost.

    Usually, the price would only cover the cost of the STB but now the DTH operator is also offering a free one-month subscription, lifetime warranty and coupons worth Rs 2000, according to reports. This means that subscribers won’t have to pay a penny for HD channels for one month.

    The NXT STB has a smart and easy user interface with intuitive functionalities. It also has multi-lingual support as well as games.

    Other DTH players have also taken similar steps recently. Airtel Digital TV slashed rates by Rs 200 while Tata Sky is offering both SD and HD STBs for Rs 400 less.

    These decisions by DTH players sound like strategies to counter the threat that is being posed by the giant in Jio. The upcoming Jio Home TV is said to rely on its own GigaFiber network to show TV channels. Rumours abound that Jio’s service will cost just Rs 600 where people can watch free channels and get 100 GB worth of data as well as free voice calls. The Jio Triple Play is what it is being called.

  • Saregama reinvents Carvaan with hundreds of Podcasts

    Saregama reinvents Carvaan with hundreds of Podcasts

    Saregama Carvaan takes a technology and content leap with Carvaan 2.0 by giving access to hundreds of daily updated Wi-Fi based audio stations along with 5000 evergreen pre-loaded songs. Like the original version, Carvaan 2.0 also stands by its promise of simplicity, nostalgia and a lean back listening experience. The device now comes with a fourth category named “Wifi” along with Artistes, Specials and Geetmala.

    The pre-loaded 5000 songs continue to be accessed anytime without internet along with other features like FM/ AM, USB & Bluetooth. In addition, the customer can now one-time connect her Carvaan 2.0 to home wifi using free companion app, and then access hundreds of audio stations including specially curated playlists offering 20k Hindi songs. A lot of care has been taken to keep the connectivity and content access process simple and intuitive. This stations cover genres like Devotional, Entertainment, Music , Health and wellness , kids, Sports, News , lifestyle. Some of the prominent stations are Bhagwad Geeta ka Saar, Sampoorna Sundarkand, Nani Maa ki Nuskhe, Musafir hoon Yaaron, Wordgram, Open Mike (poetry), Bachchon ki Kahaniyan, Bedime stories, Stock Market updates etc. Each of these 150+ stations is updated regularly, and can be accessed on-demand and maintains bookmark. With so much high quality podcasting content being created, we believe that the available number of stations will touch 1000 within a few months.

    Talking about the latest launch, Mr Vikram Mehra, Managing Director, Saregama India said, “Carvaan 2.0 is our response to consumer feedback about widening the content offering on Carvaan. The list of new audio stations cut across the age groups and offers something to every member of the family. Next few months will see us enhancing the content offering by working with a wide range of content creators who see Carvaan as an effective platform for disseminating their audio content”

    Carvaan 2.0 is available in Classic Black and Emerald Green at Rs 7990. The same has been launched in Gold variant as well with iconic Harman Kardon speakers in two colors – Champagne Gold and Rose Gold at Rs 15990. Carvaan 2.0 has a rechargeable battery lasting up to 5-6 hours and promises 1 year door step warranty backed by an all India service network.

    Both the newly launched variants are available on www.saregama.com

  • Independent TV assures TRAI of compliance with new tariff order after subscribers complain

    Independent TV assures TRAI of compliance with new tariff order after subscribers complain

    MUMBAI: Direct-to-home (DTH) operator Independent TV has clarified to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) that it has taken several measures in order to ensure that its current tariff plans are in conformity with the regulator’s new framework for the broadcast sector.

    TRAI had earlier sought an explanation from the DTH operator, formerly known as Big TV, over the tariff plans offered to its subscribers post the implementation of the new regime.

    TRAI, in a letter on 26 March, had directed Independent TV "to ensure that the new regulations are followed in letter and spirit with no violations…ensure that all new connections booked are provided in a time bound manner…and ensure that all outlets of Independent TV Ltd do not provide any package which is in violation of new regulations".

    This regulator’s action was a direct result of several complaints from Independent TV subscribers concerning the break-up details for monthly charges and an overall lack of clarity in terms of the operator’s new tariff plans.

    "In regard to our current tariff plans being offered by Independent TV, we would like to assure the authority of our complete compliance with the NTO (New Tariff Order). Pursuant to our meetings…and the discussions…we have realigned our product offerings,” Independent TV told TRAI in a letter written last month, according to news agency PTI.

    The operator also apprised TRAI of all its current plans and packages on offer, along with details of the network capacity fee (NCF) and distributor retail price.

    "There were some complaints that their franchisees were offering annual plans without clarity on break up…So, Independent TV has said it has not activated any annual plan after implementation of the new regulatory framework, and that in case any of its franchisee is offering such plans, it will take necessary action," a TRAI official said.

    Independent TV has also upped its communication strategy crafting advertisements and clearly stating its policy on withdrawal of the legacy offers and other details like channel packs and pricing on its website.

    "With regard to any ambiguity on the old annual offer (Freedom 1999) from Independent TV and its current availability, we have taken the following steps…We have run a campaign on our website informing all prospective customers of the withdrawal of all our LDPs (Long Duration Packs) including Freedom 1999 pack. We have aggressively engaged in educating and explaining the same to our channel partners," the Independent TV letter further said.

    The operator added, "Every complaint forwarded to us by the authority with regard to this issue is being verified one-on-one and any delinquent behaviour from any of our channel partners is being dealt with appropriately." 

  • Dish TV waives off 30-day lock-in period for pay channels, channel bouquets

    Dish TV waives off 30-day lock-in period for pay channels, channel bouquets

    MUMBIA: India’s biggest direct-to-home operator Dish TV has waived off the 30-day lock-in period for pay channels and select channel bouquets it had levied earlier.

    This lock-in period, which was earlier introduced by the DTH operator, prevented consumers from unsubscribing to a channel they had opted for until the duration of the lock-in period.

    Consumers can now drop and opt for channels without these restrictions.

    According to some subscribers, however, there is no change made to the seven-day lock-in period for sports channels.

    Dish TV is by far the largest DTH player in the country and probably the second largest globally. As on 31 December 2018, Dish TV claimed a net active subscriber base of 236 lakh (23.6 million, 2.36 crore).

    Two major DTH players – Airtel Direct TV (Airtel DTH) and the merged Dish TV Videocon d2h entity (Dish TV) have about 55 percent of the market share of private DTH subscribers in the country. During CY 2018, these two players added 17.06 lakh (1.706 million, 0.1706 crore) subscribers, or 58.2 percent of the net subscribers that were added by all the 5 private DTH players in the country. Airtel DTH added 10.63 lakh (1.063 million, 0.1063 crore) net subscribers, while Dish TV added 6.43 lakh (0.643 million, 0.0643 crore) during the period under review.

    Earlier in the week a report by CNBC-TV18 claimed that Singapore Telecommunications Ltd (Singtel) and Bharti Airtel are jointly looking to buy a stake in Dish TV in a bid to compete with Reliance Jio.

    The duo is looking to acquire the promoter’s 60 per cent stake in Dish TV for around Rs 6150 crore. As part of Bharti Airtel’s plan to raise $4.6 billion, Singtel is likely to buy stock in it worth $525 million through shares and bonds.

    GIC, the parent company of Singtel via Temasek Holdings, also owns about 20 per cent in Tata Sky and could hint at a future possibility of further consolidation in the DTH sector.

  • Applications for DD Free Dish Bucket R1 MPEG-2 slots invited by Prasar Bharati

    Applications for DD Free Dish Bucket R1 MPEG-2 slots invited by Prasar Bharati

    MUMBAI: Prasar Bharati has invited applications to fill up reserved Bucket R1 MPEG-2 slots of DD Free Dish DTH Platform on pro-rata basis for the period from 15 April to 31 May in accordance with amendment to Policy Guidelines  of slots of DD Free Dish, notified on March 30 2019.

    Only devotional/spiritual satellite channels, including channels promoting yoga, ayurveda, health and wellness based on traditional methods, licensed by the Ministry of I&B and categorized as Bucket R1 as per the amendment to policy guidelines for allotment of slots on DD Free Dish Direct to home satellite platform, notified by Prasar Bharati on 30.3.2019, are eligible to apply for allocation of these slots on pro-rata basis.

    The interim reserve/base price of Bucket R1 for allotment of slots on DD Free Dish on pro-rata basis is Rs 3.00 crore per year. Hence, the pro-rata carriage fee for the period from 15.04.2019 to 31.05.2019 will be Rs. 45,58,356/- (Rupees forty five lakhs fifty eight thousand three hundred fifty six only) inclusive of GST @18%.

    Broadcasters desirous of placing their Channels on DD Free Dish shall be required to declare genre and language of their channel while applying for pro-rata allocation.

    E-auction, if required, will be held on 12.04.2019.

  • 10.4 lakh DTH subscribers added in Oct-Dec 18 quarter in India

    10.4 lakh DTH subscribers added in Oct-Dec 18 quarter in India

    BENGALURU: In calendar year 2018 (1 January 2018 to 31 December 2018), India’s private direct to home (DTH) service providers added 29.3 lakh net subscribers of which 10.4 lakh additions were made in the last quarter of the calendar year (Oct-Dec 2018, Q3 2019, period under review).

    According to Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) quarterly Indicator Reports, DTH has attained net pay active subscriber base of around  704.9 lakh (70.49 million, 7.049 crore)  with five pay DTH service providers as on 31 December, 2018. This is in addition to the subscribers of the free DTH services of Doordarshan. Quarterly growth in the DTH sector in terms of the net active subscriber base and market share of DTH operators in terms of the percentage of net active subscribers during the quarter is depicted in the following charts.

    Two major DTH players – Airtel Direct TV (Airtel DTH) and the merged Dish TV Videocon d2h entity (Dish TV) have about 55 percent of the market share of private DTH subscribers in the country. During CY 2018, these two players added 17.06 lakh (1.706 million, 0.1706 crore) subscribers, or 58.2 percent of the net subscribers that were added by all the five private DTH players in the country. Airtel DTH added 10.63 lakh (1.063 million, 0.1063 crore) net subscribers, while Dish TV added 6.43 lakh (0.643 million, 0.0643 crore) during the period under review.

    As per the latest TRAI quarterly Indicator Reports, the highest number of DTH subscribers in 2018 by private players were added in the Apr-Jun quarter with 18.4 lakh (1.84 million, 0.184 crore) subscriber additions. In the first quarter of CY 2018, the private DTH players lost 30,000 subscribers. Please refer to the figure below for the private DTH subscriber trends during CY-2018.

    Dish TV is by far the largest DTH player in the country and probably the second largest globally. As on 31 December 2018, Dish TV claimed a net active subscriber base of 236 lakh (23.6 million, 2.36 crore) while Airtel DTH claimed a net active subscriber base of 150 lakh (15 million, 1.5 crore).

    The government’s DD Free Dish DTH service claims to reach out to nearly 300 lakh (30 million) as per reports and the FICCI-EY 2019 report, it has the capability to breach the 50 million mark if broadcasters keep supplying it with pay-TV content. It must however be noted that an exact number for registered or active subscribers is not available since this is a free DTH service.

  • DTH platforms say NaMo TV a special service, content provided by BJP

    DTH platforms say NaMo TV a special service, content provided by BJP

    MUMBAI: Amid controversy surrounding NaMo TV, a channel exclusively featuring content related to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP, sources within India’s top DTH operators have told Indiantelevision.com that it isn’t, in fact, a standard television channel. While a Tata Sky source said NaMo TV is a “special service with content provided by the BJP” a Dish TV spokesperson described it as an “ad sales-related service”.

    Earlier, a tweet from Tata Sky calling NaMo TV a "Hindi news service" raised several questions. However, that was soon clarified by the company.

    "NaMo TV is not a Hindi news service. If someone in the frontline at Tata Sky has tweeted or said that it is a news service, it is a mistake," Tata Sky CEO Harit Nagpal told NDTV.

    He also added that NaMo TV "does not fall into any genre" and special services do not need a licence.

    Earlier, the Election Commission had sought a report from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) on NaMo TV, which was launched on 31 March.

    Throughout the week, several media reports citing MIB sources said the channel was an advertising platform that didn’t need the ministry’ licence.

    The 24-hour channel borrows PM Modi’s image for its logo and is available on all the major DTH platforms in the country.

  • Bharti Airtel, Singtel eye stake in Dish TV: report

    Bharti Airtel, Singtel eye stake in Dish TV: report

    MUMBAI: Consolidation in the DTH sector is not yet over. As per a report by CNBC-TV18, Singapore Telecommunications Ltd (Singtel) and Bharti Airtel are jointly looking to buy a stake in Dish TV in a bid to compete with Reliance Jio.

    The duo is looking to acquire the promoter’s 60 per cent stake in Dish TV for around Rs 6150 crore. As part of Bharti Airtel’s plan to raise $4.6 billion, Singtel is likely to buy stock in it worth $525 million through shares and bonds.

    A Dish TV spokesperson said that the company “does not comment on market speculations.”

    GIC, the parent company of Singtel via Temasek Holdings, also owns about 20 per cent in Tata Sky and could hint at a future possibility of further consolidation in the DTH sector.

    Among private players, TRAI data for 2018 shows that Dish TV (along with Videocon d2h) together owns 37 per cent market share followed by Tata Sky with 27 per cent share and Airtel Digital TV with 23 per cent share, Sun Direct with 11 per cent and Reliance with 2 per cent. DD Free Dish, on the other hand, claims to have approximately 30 million subscribers as a public platform.