ITV

Category: DTH Services

  • Big Blue Marble launches managed TV-as-a-service for global operators

    Big Blue Marble launches managed TV-as-a-service for global operators

    MUMBAI: Big Blue Marble, the international media technology brand formed by Austria’s ORS group and video streaming experts Insys VT, has unveiled a new managed end-to-end TV-as-a-service platform designed for cable operators and OTT service providers worldwide.

    The platform is built to empower Tier 2 and Tier 3 operators with a ready-to-deploy, multi-tenant service model that allows customisation to reflect each operator’s brand and offering, while delivering a seamless and modern entertainment experience to viewers.

    At the core of the platform lies the 3ready Framework from 3 Screen Solutions (3SS), which powers the viewer-centric Android TV custom launcher and applications for Android TV, Samsung, and LG Smart TV platforms. Meanwhile, SEI Robotics provides the hardware foundation with its cost-effective Android TV-based set-top boxes (STBs).

    “We are so excited to launch our new TV-as-a-Service platform and empower more and more service providers to take their TV service businesses to the next level,” said Big Blue Marble Group chief customer officer Thomas Langsenlehner.

    The newly introduced Android TV STB from SEI Robotics is designed for reliability and essential functionality, featuring an Amlogic 5th generation Soc, 3gb RAM, and 16gb flash storage. Together, these components enable a smooth, high-performance viewing experience.

    The platform’s comprehensive configuration capabilities allow service providers to tailor the user interface and functionality to their brand. Smaller operators can benefit from economies of scale while gaining access to proven technology across both hardware and software. Subscribers, in turn, can expect intuitive navigation, rich content discovery, and consistent streaming performance.

    The collaboration also marks a continuation of Big Blue Marble’s partnership with 3SS, which began five years ago. “We’re extremely proud that Big Blue Marble continues to trust the 3SS team to help deliver superior OTT entertainment to operators all around the globe,” said 3SS managing director Kai-Christian Borchers.

    Adding to that, SEI Robotics CEO Jeff Yin, commented, “Both regional and local operators are now gaining a powerful opportunity to differentiate and provide their service providers with advanced and proven set-top box technology that enhances first-rate entertainment experiences.”

    With this new venture, Big Blue Marble is positioning itself as a global enabler for next-generation television services, combining the strengths of content, technology, and innovation into a single, managed ecosystem.

     

  • Dish TV bets on ThinkAnalytics to supercharge Watcho’s AI discovery

    Dish TV bets on ThinkAnalytics to supercharge Watcho’s AI discovery

    LONDON:  Dish TV India has tapped ThinkAnalytics to power personalised recommendations and search across its Watcho streaming platform, a super-aggregator that bundles more than two dozen OTT services alongside live television.

    The deal gives Watcho access to ThinkAnalytics’ ThinkMediaAI suite, covering metadata enrichment, real-time viewer profiling, dynamic user interfaces, rail positioning, editorial curation, A/B testing and business intelligence. The system promises to surface both global hits and niche regional dramas with equal ease, in 12 languages, for millions of paying subscribers.

    Dish TV chief technology officer V K Gupta said the partnership delivers “the precision and scale to delight every subscriber,” adding that Watcho’s editorial teams will gain faster decision-making and the ability to experiment rapidly. “Our teams can innovate at speed, maximise audience engagement and unlock new value in today’s dynamic OTT landscape,” he said.

    ThinkAnalytics co-founder & CTO Peter Docherty called Watcho “a pioneer in super-aggregating streaming services,” noting that two-thirds of India’s population are millennials or younger. “Dish TV recognises the need to engage these viewers. With ThinkMediaAI, it can monetise that opportunity while delivering a superior viewing experience,” he said.

    The agreement underscores Watcho’s shift from a simple content aggregator to a full-fledged entertainment platform with curated, immersive experiences. As the library expands with more international and regional titles, the AI engine is expected to ensure high-quality recommendations even for hyper-local interests.

    Dish TV’s wider footprint is formidable: more than 587 channels and services, including 89 HD feeds, four international channels, 19 value-added services and 21 leading OTT apps. Its distribution network stretches across 9,500 towns via 2,334 distributors and about 158,000 dealers, supported by 24/7 call centres in 14 cities handling queries in 12 languages.

    For ThinkAnalytics, whose technology already powers discovery for global heavyweights, the tie-up offers a showcase in one of the world’s fastest-growing streaming markets, where competition for attention is as fierce as the appetite for content.

  • Bharat Express tunes into DD Free Dish, extends its fearless news footprint to channel number 69

    Bharat Express tunes into DD Free Dish, extends its fearless news footprint to channel number 69

    MUMBAI: From studio to screen in every Indian home—Bharat Express has dialled up its reach with its latest move onto DD Free Dish, India’s largest free-to-air Direct-to-Home (DTH) platform. As of 20 May, the channel now airs on channel number 69, adding yet another milestone to its rapid distribution expansion.

    Already present on Tata Play (535), Dish TV (671), D2H (753), Jio TV (495), Airtel DTH (327), Den Network (315), Fastway (308), Hathway (214/212), and NXT Digital (InCable – 314/317), Bharat Express has built an impressive footprint. The addition of DD Free Dish brings the channel deeper into India’s rural heartlands—where the platform enjoys its strongest viewership.

    “Our presence on DD Free Dish is a testament to our commitment to making quality journalism accessible to every Indian household. This expansion aligns with our vision of being a truly national voice, reaching audiences across geographies and demographics. With DD Free Dish, Bharat Express is set to gain significant reach among the Hindi news viewers which will also be beneficial for our advertisers”, said Bharat Express News Network CMD & editor-in-chief Upendrra Rai.

    Since its launch, Bharat Express has positioned itself as a national Hindi news channel committed to fast, credible, and impactful journalism. Its growing availability across networks signals rising popularity among viewers and increasing relevance in the national media landscape.

    The move also offers fresh value to advertisers aiming to reach viewers in tier two, tier three, and rural India—audiences that form the bedrock of DD Free Dish’s nearly 50 million user base.
     

  • Remote control redefined as Dish TV dials up its Smart+ experience

    Remote control redefined as Dish TV dials up its Smart+ experience

    Mumbai: No more juggling remotes or input sources, Dish TV just changed the channel on home entertainment. The company has launched its new Smart+ device, an all-in-one upgrade that turns regular Android and Google TVs into smart content hubs, uniting live TV and OTT apps under a single roof.

    After the success of its flagship Smart product last year, Dish TV’s latest launch is a smarter sequel that simplifies how viewers consume content. With Smart+, your existing TV morphs into a full-fledged entertainment command centre no new remote required. Want to flip from a TV news channel to a web series on an OTT app? Just press a button on your regular TV remote.

    Built for seamless integration, Smart+ eliminates the need to switch devices or inputs. The intuitive interface not only brings your favourite TV channels and streaming services together, but also lets you set reminders, add shows to favourites, and even keep the kids in check with built-in parental controls.

    Need a quick glance at what’s coming up next? The preview banners and thumbnails offer a visual sneak peek, so you’re never lost in the scroll. Whether you’re a live sports enthusiast, a serial binge-watcher or a casual viewer, Smart+ tailors the experience to suit every screen personality.

    Compact, sleek, and feather-light, the device fits right into any living room aesthetic. And it’s portable too perfect for modern homes that love a little less cable clutter.

    Dish TV India Ltd. CEO & executive director Manoj Dobhal said, “As part of our ongoing commitment to drive innovation in the entertainment industry, we are proud to introduce the Smart+ Device. This product marks a significant advancement in the seamless integration of traditional television and OTT services, catering to the evolving needs of today’s digital consumer. We are confident that this integration represents the future of entertainment. With the launch of the Smart+ Device, we are enhancing both convenience and accessibility while reinforcing our leadership in delivering integrated, next-generation solutions for our customers.”

    The Smart+ device is now available via Dish TV’s official website, Flipkart, and major retail outlets ready to slide into your setup and stream your screen life into something a whole lot smarter.

  • Old box new tricks as OneTV reboots legacy set tops with a smart spin

    Old box new tricks as OneTV reboots legacy set tops with a smart spin

    MUMBAI: Who says you can’t teach an old box new tricks? In a bold leap that’s both tech-savvy and eco-conscious, Hungary’s leading TV provider One Hungary has rolled out a major upgrade to its OneTV service without replacing a single set-top box. That’s right: legacy devices, some over ten years old, have been brought back to life with an all-new next-gen interface, delivering a streaming experience that rivals the flashiest new gear.

    The revamp, delivered in partnership with 3 Screen Solutions (3SS), brings the award-winning 3Ready platform to more than 400,000 households across Hungary. The result? A sleek, intuitive UI, seamless content discovery, personalised recommendations, and access to big-league apps like Netflix, Prime Video and Youtube all from the comfort of those trusty old black boxes gathering dust under TV stands.

    3SS  managing director Kai-Christian Borchers said, “We are delighted with the achievement to migrate One Hungary’s customers onto the new One TV service platform. We offer huge congratulations to One Hungary for accomplishing this project that demonstrates commitment to innovation, and to providing the best possible service to customers, new and old.”

    Sagemcom senior executive VP for audio video Solutions Business Unit Olivier Taravel said, “We are extremely proud that One Hungary selected the Sagemcom platform to deliver its next-generation OneTV service to Hungarian subscribers. We look forward to our ongoing collaboration with 3SS to help One Hungary enable consumers to enjoy a truly world-class entertainment service.”

    One Hungary, part of the telecom giant 4iG Group, is in the final stages of consolidating four major service providers under one umbrella. The move marks a massive infrastructure evolution and positions the group as Hungary’s second-largest full-service telecom player. The OneTV upgrade is a centrepiece of that transformation, proving that good tech can be good for the planet too.

    Technical wizardry aside, the platform also taps into NAGRA’s OpenTV Video Platform and security stack, enabling OneTV to act as a super-aggregator blending live TV, OTT, catch-up, and SVOD into one unified playground. Throw in support for regional favourites like RTL+ and HBO Max, and you’ve got a service that speaks fluently to local and global tastes alike.

    The magic behind the scenes includes LightningJS, a lean, responsive UI framework optimised for low-spec devices and a Sagemcom hybrid STB built around Broadcom’s 72604 chip. It’s fast, flexible, and fully future-ready.

    So next time your telly feels a little dated, don’t bin the box just reboot it. As OneTV proves, the future of television doesn’t always mean starting from scratch. Sometimes, it’s just about thinking inside the box.

  • Tata Play Binge adds BBC Player to its streaming menu, bringing British classics to Indian screens

    Tata Play Binge adds BBC Player to its streaming menu, bringing British classics to Indian screens

    MUMBAI: Tata Play Binge has inked a fresh deal with BBC Player, injecting its content library with a world of British brilliance. Subscribers are now in for a treat with a treasure trove of critically acclaimed BBC titles—Luther, Doctor Who, Top Gear, Planet Earth III, and more—joining the platform’s extensive streaming lineup.

    The partnership aims to offer a mix of iconic dramas, sharp-witted comedies, genre-defining documentaries, and engaging family-friendly content—all under one roof. From the legendary Mr. Bean to the culinary magic of Nigella Lawson and Jamie Oliver, there’s something for everyone. Even the kids can dive into animated favourites like Andy’s Aquatic Adventures and Junior Bake Off.

    Tata Play chief commercial and content officer Pallavi Puri said, “This partnership underscores our commitment to bringing the best of global content to our viewers, all in one place. BBC Studio’s premium storytelling and rich library of highly celebrated shows perfectly complement our growing content roster, and we are confident that our users will love this addition.” 

    BBC Studios  vice-president distribution Stanley Fernandes added, “, “We’re excited to bring BBC Player to more homes across India with Tata Play Binge, offering the best of British entertainment—from acclaimed dramas to inspiring lifestyle shows and kids’ favourites—all in one place. This marks a new chapter in our partnership with Tata Play as we expand into their OTT aggregation space, building on our strong collaboration.”

    BBC Player joins a star-studded lineup of over 30 streaming apps already available on Tata Play Binge, including Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video, SonyLIV, and Zee5, making it a one-stop shop for diverse content. With this latest addition, Tata Play Binge continues its mission to be the ultimate hub for premium streaming.

  • Den-tastic rebound as profits climb despite dip in revenues

    Den-tastic rebound as profits climb despite dip in revenues

    MUMBAI: Den Networks has dialled in a steady signal of profitability, even as top-line numbers took a slight dip. The cable and broadband player closed FY25 with a standalone net profit of Rs 1,173.96 million, despite a drop in annual revenue from operations to Rs 9,891.45 million, down from Rs 10,347.56 million in FY24. Total income for the year stood at Rs 12,279.77 million, marginally lower than the Rs 12,391.39 million earned in the previous fiscal.

    Even with this modest revenue decline, Den managed to hold its ground thanks to tighter cost controls and robust income from other sources, which rose to Rs 2,388.32 million in FY25, up from Rs 2,043.83 million a year ago. Placement fees and employee benefit expenses remained largely consistent, while content costs dipped to Rs 5,794.60 million from Rs 6,012.47 million.

    On the earnings front, profit before tax came in at Rs 1,588.47 million, and the company reported a basic and diluted earnings per share of Rs 2.46 for FY25, compared to Rs 3.68 in FY24. The total comprehensive income stood at Rs 1,178.83 million.

    Den’s standalone balance sheet also reflected financial prudence, with total assets at Rs 42,496.64 million and equity capital of Rs 4,767.66 million. Cash and cash equivalents stood at Rs 106.11 million, a drop from Rs 171.73 million in FY24, reflecting increased capital expenditure and strategic investments.

    On the consolidated front, Den clocked a net profit of Rs 1,967.30 million for FY25, supported by a total income of Rs 12,495.34 million and contributions from 24 subsidiaries and 5 associates. Profit attributable to the parent company’s shareholders was Rs 2,000.62 million. Its cable distribution segment remained the primary revenue driver, raking in Rs 9,780.35 million, while broadband contributed Rs 453.73 million.

    Den also made headway in cost management across its subsidiaries. Depreciation and amortisation dropped year-on-year from Rs 1,128.10 million to Rs 1,057.65 million. Total liabilities declined to Rs 4,825.45 million from Rs 4,630.70 million, with the company maintaining a strong equity base of Rs 36,596.46 million, including Rs 400.81 million in non-controlling interest.

    Cash from operating activities stood at Rs 183.00 million, down from Rs 836.28 million in FY24, largely due to higher outflows in tax and receivables. The company closed the year with cash reserves of Rs 159.23 million.

    Auditors Chaturvedi & Shah issued an unmodified opinion on both standalone and consolidated financial statements, confirming the company’s clean financial health.

    With a focus on digital transformation and regional expansion, Den seems poised to keep its broadband and cable businesses in sync with the shifting currents of India’s media landscape.

  • Colors Rishtey back on DD FreeDish, bringing TV classics to the masses

    Colors Rishtey back on DD FreeDish, bringing TV classics to the masses

    MUMBAI: Hold onto your remotes, India! JioStar’s Colors Rishtey has slithered back onto DD FreeDish, popping up on channel 50. After a three-year hiatus, the channel is returning with iconic shows, all for free, kicking off on 1 April That’s no April fool’s joke.

    The channel management has lined up a string of  its hit soaps  and drama series in the hope of pulling in the eyeballs.. Expect the serpentine shenanigans of Naagin, starring Mouni Roy and Arjun Bijlaani, and Naagin – Insaaf Ki Jung,  featuring Surbhi Jyoti, Anita Hassanandani, and Karishma Tanna. Family feuds and kitchen sink dramas abound in Sasural Simar Ka, with Avika Gor and Dipika Kakar, and Sasural Simar Ka – Ek Naya Adhyay,  starring Radhika Muthukumar and Avinash Mukherjee. For a dose of social drama, there’s Doree, featuring Amar Upadhya and Sudha Chandran, and for a laugh, Khatra Khatra Khatra, with Haarsh Limbachiyaa and Bharti Singh. And for those seeking a touch of the divine, Mahakali-Ant Hi Arambh Hein and Mahaveer Hanuman are on hand to deliver some timeless devotional sagas.

    Colors Rishtey head of linear TV business Arnab Das is over the moon. “We’re thrilled to reintroduce the magic of iconic shows, all for free!” he exclaimed. “We’re bringing back the golden days of TV – full of drama, family stories, and moments that everyone in the family can enjoy.”

    The return of Colors Rishtey is a major win for DD FreeDish viewers, who’ve been missing their fix of classic television. Now, they can settle in for hours of free entertainment, proving that even in the age of streaming, good old-fashioned television still packs a punch. It’s a proper telly tale. 

  • Tata Play forges new FanCode Sports partnership

    Tata Play forges new FanCode Sports partnership

    MUMBAI: Following the inclusion of  sports destination FanCode in OTT aggregator app Tata Play Binge  in December 2023, the DTH operator has now announced the launch of Tata Play FanCode Sports, giving its subscribers a front-row seat to a smorgasbord of sporting action including cricket, football, kabaddi, golf and motorsports.

    The new platform promises to deliver over 100 hours of live sports monthly, covering more than eight major sports and featuring blue-ribbon tournaments such as the Carabao Cup, Copa del Rey, and Concacaf Champions Cup. Cricket enthusiasts haven’t been left on a sticky wicket either, with Australia’s Tour of West Indies and South Africa’s Tour of Zimbabwe also on the menu.

    Formula 1 fanatics are in for a treat as the service brings coverage of all 24 Grand Prix weekends to screens across India. Viewers can witness Lewis Hamilton don the famous Ferrari red for the first time as he reignites his rivalry with Red Bull’s high-flying Max Verstappen.

    The platform will showcase global sporting megastars including football icons Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappé, Mohamed Salah, and Lionel Messi, alongside cricket heavyweights Nicholas Pooran, Pat Cummins, Kagiso Rabada, and Aiden Markram.

    “We are thrilled to expand our partnership with FanCode,” said  Tata Play  chief commercial &  content officer Pallavi Puri. “This exciting collaboration marks a significant milestone, enabling us to offer a seamless viewing experience across screens, enhancing the diversity and accessibility of live sports content.”

    FanCode co-founder Yannick Colaco added: “After our successful collaboration on Tata Play Binge, we are thrilled to continue our partnership with Tata Play to bring FanCode to millions of new homes.”
    The 24/7 ad-free service will be available on EPG No. 485 and through the Tata Play mobile app for Rs 75 per month—a small price to pay for front-row tickets to the sporting world’s greatest hits.

  • Broadcasters pay premium in DD Free Dish auction, total revenue hits Rs 208 crore

    Broadcasters pay premium in DD Free Dish auction, total revenue hits Rs 208 crore

    MUMBAI: Leading broadcasters have secured slots in Prasar Bharati’s 85th e-auction for DD Free Dish, with the public broadcaster earning Rs 208.10 crore from eleven slots in the first two days of bidding.

    In the premium Bucket A+ category for Hindi general entertainment channels, Zee Anmol led the bidding at Rs 18.60 crore, followed by Star Utsav at Rs 18.25 crore and Big Magic at Rs 17.25 crore. Sony PAL, Colors Rishtey, and Sun Neo secured their slots at Rs 18.55 crore, Rs 18.35 crore, and Rs 18.50 crore respectively.

    The movie channel category (Bucket A) saw Star Utsav Movies securing a slot for Rs 16.95 crore, whilst Colors Cineplex Superhits, Sony Wah, and Zee Anmol Cinema followed with bids of Rs 16.50 crore, Rs 16.60 crore, and Rs 16.55 crore respectively.

    In the news category (Bucket C), NDTV India, now owned by the Adani Group, secured the first slot for Rs 14.35 crore, followed by Republic Bharat at Rs 14.20 crore. These rates marked a significant drop from last year when news channels paid between Rs 16.35 crore and Rs 18.95 crore.

    Notably, several channels including Zee Anmol, Star Utsav, Sony PAL, and Colors Rishtey returned to the platform after a three-year hiatus. The secured slots will be valid from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026.

    The robust bidding came despite a recent TRAI directive requiring pay-TV channels on DD Free Dish to become free-to-air across all platforms, demonstrating broadcasters’ continued interest in the platform’s extensive rural reach.

    (Some of these numbers have been accessed from The Economic Times)