ITV

Category: DTH

  • Tata Sky reveals NCF of Rs 153 for secondary STB connection

    Tata Sky reveals NCF of Rs 153 for secondary STB connection

    MUMBAI: Days after removing the multi-system policy on a secondary TV connection, DTH operator Tata Sky has announced new changes. The secondary set top boxes for TV connections will now be priced with an NCF of Rs 153.

    In comparison, other operators aren’t charging more than Rs 80. With this, customers will be able to choose new channels on the secondary set top box (STB). Till now, Tata Sky was in violation of TRAI’s policy because additional STBs were showing the same channels that were chosen on the main STB.

    On the other hand, single connection users have it cheaper now with the rollout of Tata Sky Room TV which allows people to pick out single channels.

    Recently, Tata Sky reduced the price of its STBs. The new prices of SD and SD STBs were Rs 1399 and Rs 1499 respectively. The earlier rates were Rs 1600 and Rs 1800. This was done at the same time as other players also dropping their rates.

  • Tata Sky decreases price of SD and HD set top boxes

    Tata Sky decreases price of SD and HD set top boxes

    MUMBAI: In a bid to woo customers DTH player Tata Sky has slashed the prices of its set-top boxes (STB) again. The new price of SD STBs is Rs 1399 and that of HD STBs has dropped to Rs 1499, according to reports.

    Previously, the SD variant of Tata Sky STB was available for Rs 1600 whereas the HD variant was available for Rs 1800. Moreover, as compared to the other players in the space, the price of Tata Sky’s STB was higher, thus the player made a move to decrease its prices.

    About 10 days ago, rival Dish TV had also reduced the prices of its STBs by Rs 50 and was also offering a month-long free HD connection.

    Recently, Tata Sky had discontinued its multi-TV policy and so consumers had to pay a full new cost for a new STB in the same house.

    Months after it launched its multi-TV app, the DTH operator had discontinued the feature from 15 June and every TV connection was to be billed separately. Even as Tata Sky decided to revert to its previous mode of operation, other DTH operators went the other way by launching offers for multiple TV sets, in line with TRAI regulations. The DTH operator did not reveal the reason for the shift.

  • Independent TV’s suspended DTH service to resume after 3 July

    Independent TV’s suspended DTH service to resume after 3 July

    MUMBAI: While DTH provider Independent TV Network abruptly shut its services recently, the service is expected to resume only after 3 July as per an update on the website.  Earlier, the DTH operator said it was expected to resume after 22 June.

    “Dear customers, the decision on resumption of our satellite services is pending in the TDSAT court. We shall update on further developments, post the outcome of the court hearing already scheduled for 2nd July 2019. We appreciate your patience,” a message on website read.

    Recently, the Telecom Disputes Settlement Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) had ordered it to clear its dues to Antrix Corporation by 12 June or else face a disconnection. It had to pay Rs 9 crore to Antrix or Rs 15 crore in the form of a bank guarantee.

    It is likely that the DTH operator was unable to pay as per the court order and hence Antrix disconnected its signal. The matter will further come up for hearing on 2 July.

    The DTH provider is a property of Garvit Innovative Promoters Ltd. If reports are to be believed, the distributors are now contemplating to approach TRAI and Ministry of Corporate Affairs against the company and its directors including Sachin Bhati.

    The company was launched in 2018 and was active in the state of Uttar Pradesh and had 26 distributors in just Meerut and Saharanpur division. It had more than 90 thousand subscribers in the division.

  • The Q India premieres on DishTV’s ‘Watcho’

    The Q India premieres on DishTV’s ‘Watcho’

    MUMBAI: QYOU Media (TSXV:QYOU; OTCQB: QYOUF) announced its partnership with Watcho, the newly launched OTT platform by India’s largest direct-to-home (DTH) TV operator Dish TV, to bring The Q India’s 24/7 linear stream of digital-first content to its subscribers. This is the fifth distribution deal for The Q India and reinforces the regional appetite for premium short form video content.

    India is home to almost half a billion young Indians aged between 20 – 30. Raised in the digital era, this tech-savvy demographic is always connected, always on and wants to consume digital content whenever and wherever they are. Dish TV’s unique OTT platform –Watcho aims to target this high-value age bracket by offering over 1,000 hours of short-form content, including original shows, movies and short films. As part of Watcho’s commitment to offer fresh and dynamic programming that speaks to young Indians, it chose to add The Q India to its line-up.   

    Akash Tyagi, Head OTT, Dish TV India Limited, said, “What sets Watcho apart from other services is that it was specifically created with young Indians in mind. This generation is actively seeking out exciting content from the internet, and we saw there was a huge opportunity to connect and engage with them more effectively by bringing the very best of it onto one platform. We’re always looking for new ways to make our service as relevant and engaging as possible, and The Q India will enrich our offering by enabling us to showcase some of the most talented influencers and content creators the region has to offer.”

    The Q India is a 24/7 linear service featuring premium curated content that launched in December 2017 and is aimed at young Indians. The service has established content partnerships that include some of the most influential and prolific digital content creators in India, including popular web-series: What The Folks and Ms. Malini as well as curated episodes from leading digital production houses in India, such as 101 India, Pocket Aces and Nirvana Digital.

    Commenting on the partnership, Curt Marvis, CEO and co-founder of QYOU Media, said, “We’ve always recognized that there is a huge appetite in India for more youth focused programming and services. It is fantastic to see a DTH company like Dish TV aligned with our thinking to create a unique platform with young Indians in mind. Watcho, new OTT platform is building an exciting library of content that focuses on storytelling that’s perfect for multi-platform consumption, so it is a great honor for The Q India to be a part of it. We couldn’t be more excited about Watcho subscribers now being able to benefit from The Q India’s deep ties to the creator community in India and our ability to find, curate, and amplify some of the most exciting digital-first and short-form entertainment creators in India today.”

  • DD Free Dish has 3.5 crore subscribers: Prakash Javadekar

    DD Free Dish has 3.5 crore subscribers: Prakash Javadekar

    MUMBAI: Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Prakash Javadekar on Saturday stated that DD Free Dish was the biggest direct-to-home (DTH) operator in the country with 3.5 crore connections.

    "There are five to six major operators and they put together have 5.5 crore connections. The biggest DTH operator in the country is Doordarshan with 3.5 crore DTH connections where we are giving free Dish," he said.

    The minister also added that India will soon become the largest country in the world where every household has a television set.

    "There is a new dream that every household will have a TV in the coming years. There are 25 crore households in India and 18 crore have a TV set. There are still seven crore households without a TV," Javadekar was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

    Javadekar made the comments during a program to launch distribution of Free Dish set top boxes in Kashmir. On the occasion, a signature tune for Doordarshan's satellite channel for Jammu and Kashmir DD Kashir too was unveiled.

    "Today, we are making a small beginning in which we are giving set top boxes of free Dish TV for people living in far-flung areas and to poor people. However, as soon as our economy develops people will buy a TV as soon as they are able to address the six basic needs of food, clothing, shelter, healthcare, education and livelihood," the Minister explained.

    Minister of State in Prime Minister's Office Jitendra Singh said free DTH connections will help in flow of information in regions that are not well connected.

    "People in border areas will get some relief. They will get an avenue of entertainment and the information that should reach them," Singh said.

    The Lok Sabha MP from Udhampur said the Dogri bulletin on DD Kashir satellite channel was a long pending demand of people in Jammu.

    "Steps have been taken for promotion of Kashmiri language from time to time but similar steps for Dogri were delayed. Both Kashmiri and Dogri are rich but underrated languages," he said.

    Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik said the distribution of Free Dish STBs would also prevent people from falling prey to fake news and false propaganda.

  • Free DD Free Dish STBs distributed in J&K

    Free DD Free Dish STBs distributed in J&K

    MUMBAI: Union Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate and Information & Broadcasting Prakash Javadekar and Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Development of North East Region; Minister of State PMO; Minister of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions; Department of Atomic Energy; Department of Space Jitendra Singh on Saturday launched a spectrum of initiatives for the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

    In a vibrant launch ceremony held at SKICC, Srinagar Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Satya Pal Malik and both the ministers in presence of other dignitaries distributed Doordarshan’s Free Dish Set Top Boxes (STBs) in Jammu and Kashmir besides launching half an hour Dogri programme and News Bulletin from DD Kashir and the signature tune of the channel.

    The STBs will be provided free of cost and the audience will be able to view 100 channels for free.

    Addressing the gathering, Javadekar appreciated the efforts of the MIB especially Doordarshan for reaching out to the public in border areas to disseminate the message of information, education and entertainment.

    He said that after the basic necessities, information and entertainment are the most important needs of the people and the central government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is taking all the steps to reach out to the people to ensure these facilities.

    Lauding the role of All India Radio, the minister said that PM Modi has very ably utilised the services of such medium through Mann Ki Baat which has now become very popular.

    Javadekar said that Doordarshan and All India Radio have credibility which gives these channels an edge over the others who sometimes get carried away with rumours. Doordarshan is an institution of trust, he further added.

    MoS PMO Jitendra Singh appreciated the efforts taken by Doordarshan to reach out to the people throughout the country. The launch of Dogri programme and news bulletin will go a long way in bringing sense of pride and oneness among the people. He termed Doordarshan as a single channel that can bring hearts together.

    Governor of Jammu & Kashmir Satya Pal Malik while addressing the audience said that the people living in border areas will surely get benefitted with this initiative. The problems of the youth of the state need to be addressed in order to bring in peace and prosperity in the region. He impressed upon Doordarshan and All India Radio to keep spreading out to the remotest of corners to provide information to the last mile.

    Chairman, Prasar Bharati A Surya Prakash, while addressing the audience highlighted the qualities of DD Free Dish DTH and termed it as the tools of empowerment. He laid emphasis on the commitment of the Government to bring peace and prosperity across the region.

    Secretary, Information & Broadcasting Amit Khare, director general, Doordarshan Supriya Sahu, chief secretary, Government of Jammu and Kashmir BVR Subrahmanyam and other State and Central Government officials were also present on the occasion.

    The news bulletin will be telecast daily at 6 pm on DD Kashir in digital mode. The signature tune, which resonates with the spirit of the valley, has been composed by Rahul Sharma.

  • 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