ITV

Category: DTH Operator

  • D2H celebrates Onam with a film campaign by LS Digital

    D2H celebrates Onam with a film campaign by LS Digital

    Mumbai: D2H is marking the Onam festival with a dual celebration. The festivities include a compelling film, developed in partnership with LS Digital, which beautifully showcases the rich traditions and communal spirit of Onam. Complementing the film, D2H is also offering exclusive promotions that enhance value and entertainment, ensuring a festive and memorable experience for all customers.

    Titled ‘Onam: A Celebration of Togetherness,’ D2H has introduced a film campaign in collaboration with LS Digital. This campaign masterfully blends traditional Onam customs with a modern narrative, capturing the festival’s essence through a contemporary lens. The film takes viewers on a nostalgic journey, celebrating the vibrant Pookalam (flower carpet) and the elaborate Thiruvonam feast while highlighting the significance of maintaining cultural connections in a rapidly changing world.

    To add a special touch to the Onam festivities, D2H is rolling out enticing offers for both new and existing customers. New customers can take advantage of two special offers: the first offer is available with all modern retail chain outlets priced at Rs 1,999, includes Rs 5,000 cashback—Rs 2,000 as instant cashback plus 33 per cent cash back on every subsequent recharges—and comes with a robust five-year warranty (1 year comprehensive and four years on the set-top box) plus access to 6 six OTT platforms (five constant and one as per choice), available at select stores like Lulu Connect, Nandilath G-Mart, Pittapilly Agencies, KannanKandy, White Mart, Easy store, among others. The second Offer priced at Rs 2,500, offers similar cashback benefits plus access to six OTT platforms (5 constant and 1 as per choice) and also includes a 3-year warranty (1 year comprehensive and 2 years on the set-top box). For existing customers, any customer having Rs 200 or more pack unlocks access to six OTT platforms (five constant and one as per choice) without any extra cost, making it a perfect time to upgrade and enjoy enhanced entertainment options.

    Dish TV India Ltd corporate head – Marketing Dish TV & Watcho Sukhpreet Singh said “At D2H and Dish TV, we consider our customers part of our extended family, celebrating their joys and milestones together. Onam is more than just a festival; it honors our cultural heritage, the values of kindness, and the spirit of community. Through this campaign, we aim to reconnect with these timeless traditions, especially during times when we may feel distanced from our roots. We are also excited to offer exclusive deals that provide exceptional value and enhance our customers’ entertainment experiences, underscoring our commitment to delivering the best in entertainment and being a cherished part of their lives.”

    The film, which is now available on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram has resonated deeply with audiences, garnering significant attention and sparking meaningful conversations on social media about the value of preserving heritage. The authenticity and emotional depth of the film have been praised for their ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and pride, making it a compelling tribute to the spirit of Onam.

    LS Digital MD & COO Manesh Swamy shared his insights into making the film: “It was an exciting opportunity to create something that felt authentic yet relatable to the youth as well. Onam is like this big cultural melting pot of stunning visuals like the iconic boat races, quiet moments of reflection by the Pookkalam (flower rangoli), the laughter at the Onam Sadya feast, the vibe of the Pulikali Performances and festivities, We wanted to show the homecoming of Mahabali in a New Vibe, New Beat. Hence, we got a mix of traditional Kerala Musicians and Rappers to come up with this unique piece of Sound to sing along.”

    The film was produced and Directed by SathyaDev.

  • Zindagi DTH’s September lineup features powerful women protagonists

    Zindagi DTH’s September lineup features powerful women protagonists

    Mumbai: While the world is talking about women empowerment in their own ways, Zindagi shows its support to it in the best way by giving the audiences a dive into September with the best women-led dramas. From heart-wrenching tales of love and loss to inspiring stories of resilience, the lineup offers something for every mood and feeling.

    To begin with, Zindagi DTH is also set to showcase two new shows. Starting 3 Sept is Koi Chand Rakh, featuring Imran Abbas, Ayeza Khan, Areeba Habib, Muneeb Butt from at 7:30 pm the focus on complicated relationships, about love and enviousness. Followed by Badi Apa, a show featuring Savera Nadeem in the lead. Incidentally, it also marks the show’s eleventh anniversary since its release.

    Premiering on 11 September at 9 pm, viewers can tune in to Hum Kahan Kay Sacchay They. This gripping drama stars Mahira Khan and Kubra Khan, portraying the complex relationship between two cousins who navigate childhood trauma and societal pressures. What happens when revenge starts tearing apart sisterhood?

    Talking about her role as Mashal in Hum Kahan Kay Sacchay Thay, Kubra Khan said, “I was grateful for the opportunity to play Mashal, a character in a series that’s true to its nature; be it insecurity or vulnerability. Life isn’t just black and white.. It’s also about all the greys that come with it and how each individual deals with their reality in their own way. This was one of the most challenging and multilayered characters I’ve ever taken on. We received tremendous love and appreciation from the Pakistani audience when the show was released, and I am hopeful for a similar response from our Indian viewers when it airs on Zindagi’s DTH services this month. I’m excited for the audience to watch the show and share their feedback with us.”

    Starting on 19 September at 6 pm, Yeh Raha Dil will offer a heartwarming tale of love, heartbreak, and forgiveness. Starring Ahmed Ali Akbar and Yumna Zaidi, the series explores the intricacies of human relationships and the power of second chances.

    Along with these, the month of September, will also witness the release of Daam starring Sanam Baloch, Aamina Sheikh, Adeel Hussain, Nimra Bucha, Sanam Saeed on 17 September at 7:30 pm and Baaghi starring Saba Qamar, Osman Khalid Butt which will be available for the audiences from 26 September at 7:30 pm.

    Tune in exclusively on Zindagi DTH Tata Play (Channel no. 154), Dish TV and D2h (Channel no. 117), and Airtel TV (Channel no. 102) to indulge in these excellent performances by strong and impactful women actors this September.

  • Dish TV approves raising funds up to Rs 1000 crore

    Dish TV approves raising funds up to Rs 1000 crore

    Mumbai: The Board of Directors of Dish TV, in their meeting on 24 July 2024, approved raising funds up to Rs 1,000 crore through equity shares, convertible bonds, or debentures, in one or more phases. They also sanctioned the establishment of a wholly-owned subsidiary in India.

    The subsidiary will operate under a name approved by the relevant authority, focusing on distributing products and services through a robust digital platform and offering related services. The name of the subsidiary is pending approval from the concerned authorities. It will have a proposed capital of Rs 10 lakh and would infuse the same amount towards the company’s share capital.

    In a regulatory filing, Dish TV stated that the Board has granted initial approval to explore and initiate the fundraising process through various permissible means under applicable laws. This includes issuing equity shares, convertible bonds, debentures, warrants, preference shares, FCCBs, or any other equity-linked securities. The fundraising amount will not exceed Rs 1,000 crore, to be conducted in one or more installments, subject to necessary approvals.

  • Prasar Bharati invites applications for allotment of MPEG-4 Slots on DD Freedish DTH platform

    Prasar Bharati invites applications for allotment of MPEG-4 Slots on DD Freedish DTH platform

    Mumbai: Prasar Bharati has announced the opening of applications for the allocation of vacant MPEG-4 slots on the DD Freedish DTH platform for the period from 1 August 2024, to 21 March 2025.

    The 80th e-auction for these slots is tentatively scheduled for 24 July 2024.

    The e-auction will be open to channels of all genres and languages, with a reserve price set at Rs 1,34,49,000. This auction will follow the e-auction methodology for the allocation of DD Freedish slots to private TV channels, as outlined by Prasar Bharati on 27 January 2023, and amended on 13 December 2023. Details can be found on the Prasar Bharati website.

    Prasar Bharati has stated in its notice that interested broadcasters should apply online at https://fdslots.prasarbharati.org, where they must upload all required documents as specified in the application.

    Applicants must pay a non-refundable processing fee of Rs 25,000 online through the portal. Additionally, a participation fee of Rs 10,00,000 is required, which must be paid via demand draft.

    Unsuccessful bidders will receive a refund of the participation fee within three weeks following the e-auction results. Successful bidders will be issued a ‘Letter of Allotment’ by Prasar Bharati after the auction.

    The e-auction for the vacant DD Freedish MPEG-2 slots, initially scheduled for 16 July 2024, has been rescheduled to 24 July 2024, according to sources close to the development who informed BestMediaInfo.com.

    Applications for these slots were opened by Prasar Bharati on July 8, 2024, for the period from 24 July 2024, to 31 March 2025. The deadline for submitting applications, initially set for 15 July has now been extended to 23 July 2024.

  • Tata group to buy out Disney’s 30 per cent stake in Tata Play

    Tata group to buy out Disney’s 30 per cent stake in Tata Play

    MUMBAI: The mouse house is playing its final hand in India. The Bob Iger headed entertainment major has lined up a deal under which it will be selling its near 30 per cent stake in DTH firm Tata Play to the Tata Group. The transaction values India’s most respected pay TV operator at $1 billion, according to a report by Bloomberg.

    The exit by Disney will allow it to merge its India business with the Mukesh Ambani-owned Viacom18.

    Disney pocketed its holding in Tata Play when it acquired the entertainment business of Twenty First Century Fox from News Corp which landed it the Star India network.

    Tata Play, which has seen in an erosion in subscriber numbers, like most in the pay TV business, thanks to the expansion of the government-owned Free Dish, and cord cutting which has seen in the growth of streaming services.

    It has been looking at unlocking value and attracting capital, and even started the process for an IPO in 2020, which it later dropped.

    With the acquisition of Disney’s 30 per cent, the Tatas will retain total ownership of Tata Play.

  • Tata Play and Amazon Prime collaborate to offer Prime benefits to viewers across TV and OTT

    Tata Play and Amazon Prime collaborate to offer Prime benefits to viewers across TV and OTT

    Mumbai: Leading content distribution platform, Tata Play, has joined hands with Amazon Prime to offer Tata Play DTH and Tata Play Binge customers multiple ways to access Prime Video’s blockbuster content. Tata Play DTH subscribers can now choose from multiple packs starting from Rs 199 per month, that offer a variety of their favourite TV channels along with Prime Lite with Tata Play. In addition, Binge subscribers can enjoy Prime Lite with Tata Play along with 30+ other popular apps at various price points. At INR 199 per month, users can subscribe to 6 OTT apps, including Prime Video, from a list of 33 apps, or can subscribe to all 33, including Prime Video at Rs 349 per month.

    The new price plans from Tata Play Binge put the freedom of choice in the hands of its audience to make their own OTT packs. Prime Video’s addition to the league of 30+ national, international, and regional apps on Tata Play Binge aims to further elevate content bingeing into an even more indulgent experience, all in one convenient location across languages, genres, and devices.  

    This extensive collaboration between Tata Play and Amazon Prime is dedicated to offering comprehensive value to the customers, ensuring they enjoy video, shipping and shopping benefits. Consumers can enjoy the full selection of amazing shows and movies on Prime Video including the highly popular Original series like Panchayat, Mirzapur, The Family Man, Dhootha, Inspector Rishi, Farzi, Dahaad, Made in Heaven, Indian Police Force, Suzhal – The Vortex, Dil Dosti Dilemma, Poacher, among others, blockbuster movies like Pathaan, Jailer, Ponniyin Selvan I & II, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, Tiger 3, Kantara, Mast Mein Rehne Ka, Maja Ma, Bawaal, Pippa, Captain Miller, Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, and many more, along with international series and movies like Fallout, Citadel, The Lord of The Rings: The Rings of Power, The Idea of You, The Boys, Jack Ryan, Reacher, to name a few. This is in addition to other Prime Lite benefits like, free unlimited same day delivery across 1M+ products and next day delivery across 4M+ products, prime early access & exclusive deals and 5% cashback on Amazon Pay ICICI Bank Credit Card while on shopping on Amazon.

    “While on the one hand, Tata Play’s robust content distribution network will help in expanding Amazon Prime’s outreach to newer audience segments, on the other, addition of Prime Lite Membership with Tata Play will make Binge a more compelling proposition,” said Tata Play managing director & CEO Harit Nagpal, on this first-of-its-kind partnership.

    “At Prime Video, our mission is to super-serve our customers with the best of entertainment, and we are constantly looking at ways to strengthen our distribution to ensure wider availability of our much-loved movies and series,” said Prime Video VP, APAC & MENA Gaurav Gandhi. “The collaboration with Tata Play provides its DTH and digital customers seamless access to Prime Video’s full selection of content, as well as Prime Lite benefits like unlimited free shopping & shipping of ‘Same-day/Next-Day’ delivery, Prime exclusive deals and much more. We look forward to working with Tata Play to make premium entertainment even more accessible to customers in India.”

    Amazon Prime and Tata Play – Plans & Benefits

    DTH Packs and Prime Lite with Tata Play

    • Access Prime Video content on any 2 screens (mobile or TV)

    • Access to exclusive deals and free shipping on Amazon

    • Available as a bundle with linear TV packs  

    • Price – Starting at Rs 199 per month

    Prime Lite with Tata Play Binge

    • Access Prime Video content on any 2 screens (mobile or TV)

    • Access to exclusive deals and unlimited same day and next day delivery across millions of products

    • Select 6 OTT apps, including Prime Lite at Rs 199 per month, or enjoy all 33 apps, including Prime Lite, at Rs 349 per month

    In addition to the above new plans, DTH customers can also subscribe to the annual subscription of Amazon Prime through Tata Play DTH at an attractive limited time introductory offer, and gain access to Prime Video, free shipping/ shopping benefits, Amazon Music, Prime Reading, Prime Gaming etc., and access through 5 devices.

  • “Our core business is providing content”: Sukhpreet Singh

    “Our core business is providing content”: Sukhpreet Singh

    Mumbai: Dish TV is transforming the entertainment landscape in India with the introduction of its innovative offering, ‘Dish TV Smart+’. As a pioneering move in the industry, this initiative redefines the way customers experience entertainment by providing seamless access to both TV and OTT content across all screens, without any additional charges.

    With ‘Dish TV Smart+’, both new and existing subscribers of Dish TV and D2H can enjoy a plethora of popular OTT apps alongside their chosen TV subscription pack. This comprehensive service ecosystem ensures that entertainment is available anytime, anywhere, on any screen, be it through the Watcho OTT Super App, smart devices such as set-top boxes, or Android STBs. Moreover, Dish TV is forging partnerships with leading TV and Mobile Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to seamlessly integrate their services into these devices, thereby enhancing the overall user experience.

    Not long ago, there was apprehension among TV channels, DTH, and Cable TV operators regarding the rapid rise of OTT entertainment in India. However, the landscape has evolved significantly since then. Today, TV networks have adapted by launching their own OTT platforms, while DTH operators have shifted their approach to become aggregators of content.

    Indiantelevision.com on the sideline of the launch, caught up with Dish TV & Watcho corporate head of marketing Sukhpreet Singh. During the interview, Singh discussed the rationale behind the launch of their new initiative and shed light on the challenges encountered within the pay TV ecosystem and the DTH industry.

    Edited excerpts

    On the need of launching Dish TV Smart+

    The need is the fact that we are in the content distribution. We don’t differentiate between where the content is coming from Customers watch content in linear platforms as well as OTT. Our job was to bring all that together in a way which is a good experience and affordable for the customers.

    On the features that differentiate Dish TV Smart + from other Dish TV offerings

    First thing is we are the only DTH at a price of 200+ both that provides DTH and OTT. Secondly, we are the only one who’s providing a complete ecosystem of DTH plus OTT packs along with devices and OTT apps. I think we are the only one that is able to provide any screen, anywhere and anytime at that price point.

    On Dish TV Smart + integrating traditional satellite TV with online streaming services

    All the traditional satellite channels are available on hardboxes. If you look at it, we have our traditional boxes, connected boxes and our OTT app which doesn’t need a box. In that app, we have live TV, OTT content from various OTT apps. So if you take all of them together, whatever customer you are, whatever devices you have, we will be able to provide you with content.

    On Dobhal showcasing pay TV + smart TV to be increased by 183 million by 2030 during the presentation and the challenges faced in pure pay TV ecosystem

    What was shown in the presentation was pay TV + smart TV. There is going to be a lot of hybrid consumption, that is what we are trying to tell. If you only look at the pure pay TV, they might not grow. If you take pay TV, smart TV and all the hybrid consumption, that will work. What we are seeing is people are watching a lot of content, even if it’s streaming content, they are watching it a lot on television. Consumption on television is not decreasing, that is what we described. That increase is basically pay TV and smart TV. People are gonna watch a lot more content on television and like I said, it is very narrow to describe yourself as the only satellite and DTH provider. Most of the major broadcasters are providing traditional linear services also and streaming & OTT services. Most of the major OTT apps come from the broadcasters. They are also trying to innovate. It brings me back to the point that it doesn’t matter where the content is coming from and there are all types of customers. Even in a single family, there are people watching television, there are people watching OTT only on their mobile, there are people watching OTT on smart TVs. Our job is to provide content for the modern Indian family.

    On TRAI’s Performance Indicator Report highlighting the decline of the active subscriber base for pay DTH by 2.06 per cent from 66.62 million in December 2022 to 65.25 million in March 2023

    Yes! The numbers which you can see in the TRAI reports, they are all in sync. We all know that if we are talking about only traditional ways of watching content then obviously it will come down. But we have to look at our business which is providing content whether it is traditional or new, doesn’t matter. Every traditional thing changes into new. Our core business is providing content. If the traditional way is coming down, then the new way will go up. If we are focused only on the traditional way, we will also go down.

    On the future of content consumption in India

    The way we see it from the business perspective, the number of hours that people spend while watching content is exploding. People have so much content to watch that they get confused. Right from niche content to blockbuster ones, everything is available along with many languages. Now you have such high quality content in regional languages. Even if you take a very niche language, then you will find a lot of beautiful content available, thanks to OTT platforms that are making it possible. So it’s a great time for content, it’s a great time for consuming content for all kinds of screens and our job is to make it possible. 

  • Dish TV revolutionizes entertainment with ‘Dish TV Smart+’ services

    Dish TV revolutionizes entertainment with ‘Dish TV Smart+’ services

    Mumbai: Dish TV, has taken a path-breaking initiative to redefine the entertainment experience in India. The leading DTH provider in a first-of-its-kind move has announced its ground-breaking proposition ‘Dish TV Smart+’. This launch marks a pioneering milestone in the industry, providing customers access to TV and OTT content on any screen, anywhere, without any additional cost. It ensures convenience, flexibility, and enhanced entertainment options, empowering customers to tailor their viewing experience.

    With the ‘Dish TV Smart+’ service, all Dish TV and D2H customers, including new as well as existing subscribers can enjoy popular OTT apps along with their chosen TV subscription pack. The ‘Dish TV Smart+’ services ecosystem enables entertainment on any screen, anywhere, anytime through Watcho-the OTT Super App, Smart devices including set-top boxes, and smart android STBs. Dish TV will also collaborate with top TV and Mobile Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to seamlessly integrate their services into these devices, thereby enriching the overall user experience.

    Commenting on the new proposition, Dish TV India Ltd Manoj Dhobal, stated, “Since its inception, Dish TV has transformed the entertainment consumption landscape, pioneering new ways for people to enjoy their favourite content. With this new proposition, we are poised to make an even greater difference, setting a new standard for immersive and accessible entertainment experiences. The launch of ‘Dish TV Smart+’ Services represents more than just a proposition; it embodies the vision to redefine entertainment consumption in India, which is getting smarter and bigger. In a market flooded with options, customers often find themselves overwhelmed. We aim to simplify their choices by offering a holistic and complete entertainment solution. We firmly believe that both traditional television and OTT platforms are indispensable in today’s age, and with our proposition, we aim to reaffirm their equal importance.”

    “At Dish TV, customer satisfaction is non-negotiable, and every decision is centered around delivering value and convenience. ‘Dish TV Smart+’ Services not only benefit our customers by providing them with unparalleled access to entertainment but also ensures that their preferences and satisfaction remain at the forefront of our endeavours. With ‘Dish TV Smart+’ Services, we are catering to all needs of a modern Indian family, staying true to our motto – Naye Bharat Ka Smart Connection,” Manoj Dobhal added.

    To effectively communicate this visionary proposition, Dish TV has initiated a comprehensive marketing campaign spanning multiple channels, including Television, Digital, Print, and Corporate outreach, aiming to amplify its message of entertainment accessibility on any screen, anywhere.

    For existing subscribers, Dish TV will leverage its channels and platforms, employing push notifications, in-app notifications, and emailers. Meanwhile, for new customers, the emphasis will be on TV and digital channels to ensure widespread visibility and awareness of the offering.

    Dish TV & Watcho corporate head of marketing Sukhpreet Singh said, “With ‘Dish TV Smart+’ Services, we’re not just introducing a new proposition; we’re leading a paradigm shift in entertainment consumption. Through our multi-channel marketing approach, we are committed to directly engaging with consumers, ensuring broad awareness and adoption. As a brand, we prioritize staying ahead of trends and adapting to evolving audience preferences. Customer satisfaction is at the heart of our strategy, and we are committed to delivering unparalleled entertainment experiences that cater to their diverse preferences and lifestyles.”

  • Dish TV launches dynamic AV vans for ‘Zing Super Offer’ across HSM

    Dish TV launches dynamic AV vans for ‘Zing Super Offer’ across HSM

    Mumbai: Dish TV, a prominent DTH service provider, has launched a strategic outreach initiative targeting Hindi-speaking market (HSM) regions across Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh East & West, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar to popularise its Zing Super offering through on-ground activities, tailored for tier-2, tier-3 towns, and deep rural areas. The company is using all decked-up dynamic interactive audio-video (AV) vans to promote its special ‘Zing Super offer’ and provide entertainment avenues to the HSM market, with the aim to attract potential customers towards the evolved entertainment experience of pay television.

    Dish TV provides both pay-TV channels and free channels on its platform to offer customers a choice between pay-TV and Free TV viewing. The Dish TV van activity has been instrumental in directly connecting with customers by demonstrating both pay-TV and FTA through live programming demos and on-the-spot resolution of complaints of existing subscribers. The vans will also showcase educational channels and distribute stationery to children to build an emotional connection with families.

    Dish TV India Ltd CEO Manoj Dobhal said, “At Dish TV, we’re committed to delivering top-notch entertainment to our valued customers. Our ‘Zing Super’ offer provides 300+ channels for an extended period of time with the flexibility to add pay channels on an à la carte basis whenever required. With our unique initiative, using interactive dynamic AV vans, we aim to highlight the content quality of pay-TV vis-a-vis FTA through live programming on the spot, which helps in converting FTA customers by bringing them onto the pay platform at a reasonable entry price.”

    As part of the campaign, dynamic vans will traverse these targeted markets, generating awareness, facilitating on-the-spot new sales and resolving customer complaints.

    Customers can avail the exclusive offer during the campaign period and receive exciting gifts with every purchase, ensuring a delightful experience for all customers.

  • Color Rishtey gets slot on DD Free Dish

    Color Rishtey gets slot on DD Free Dish

    Mumbai: Colors Rishtey has bagged a slot on the DD Free Dish for Rs 19.26 crore. Prasar Bharati invited applications for allotment of vacant MPRG-2 slots of DD Free Dish for the period July 11, 2023, to March 31, 2024, through the 70th e-auction. 

    The reserve price for the bucket A+ which comprises GEC (Hindi) channels is priced at Rs 17.41 crore. 

    The channel bagged the slot when the pubcaster invited applications for allotment of DD Free Dish MPEG-2 slots on a pro-rata basis for the period on 1 December 2022 to 31 March 2023 through the 63rd online e-auction that was held on 18 November 2022.