ITV

Tag: Dish TV

  • Indian DTH industry to benefit from digitisation, says MPA

    Indian DTH industry to benefit from digitisation, says MPA

    MUMBAI: India‘s move to digitise its fragmented and unorganised cable TV sector is going to give a fillip to the seven odd Indian DTH operators, according to Singapore based pay TV research firm Media Partners Asia (MPA).

    This is totally contrary to the behavior observed on the ground in the first two phases of digitisation wherein cable TV has held its ground and consumers have not really rushed out to buy DTH boxes even though analogue signals have been switched off.

    The MPA report says that revenues for DTH operators are expected to treble to over $5 billion by 2020 as mandatory cable TV digitisation would help the DTH players expand their subscriber base.

    It adds that DTH industry revenues will reach $3.9 billion by 2017 and $5.3 billion by 2020 on the back of a growth in subscriber numbers. Estimates are that the India™s DTH players raked in $1.5 billion last year.

    MPA says that active DTH subscribers will grow from 32.4 million in 2012 to 63.8 million by 2017 and 76.6 million by 2020. The figure for 2011 was at 28.7 million. The increase in active subscribers in 2012 over 2011 was a mere 3.7 million which is alarming, it says.

    The report points out that the content deals between operators and content aggregators such as IndiaCast, MediaPro and TheOneAlliance are likely to be on a cost per subscriber basis rather than a fixed rate as was the practice earlier.

    As it is DTH operators have been making efforts to improve their per subscriber economics over the past year by increasing the number of packages and entry level pricing. They have also tried to reduce churn levels by reducing trade margins and the window of free viewing by new subscribers, revealed MPA.

    The report warns that marketing and staff expenses will remain high with DTH operators as the rollout of digitisation makes further inroads into the remaining parts of India.

    MPA has also given the pecking order of the leading DTH players. Dish TV continues to lead with a market share of 27 per cent in terms of gross additions, while Videocon d2h leads in terms of incremental additions in 2012.

    Tata Sky and Airtel Digital TV have 19 and 18 per cent market share, respectively. These four players together accounted for 88 per cent of total gross additions last year, says MPA.

  • DTH players revise subscription packages upwards

    DTH players revise subscription packages upwards

    MUMBAI: Bogged down by multiple taxation and regular hikes in taxes like service and entertainment, Indian direct-to-home (DTH) service providers have decided to pass on the burden to their customers.

    DTH operators like Dish TV, Tata Sky, Airtel digital TV and Videocon d2h are raising base pack prices. In the case of Dish TV and Videocon d2h, the uptick is to the tune of 10 per cent for all their packages.

    They say an increase is inevitable as they have been absorbing taxes for far too long and the industry viability itself is coming into question because the players have been bleeding.

    Airtel digital TV has hiked its base pack price from Rs 158 to 175 per month effective 9 April. Videocon d2h’s price hike comes into effect from 10 April. Dish TV was the first to hike prices of monthly subscription packages by 10 per cent effective 4 April.

    Tata Sky has increased prices for individual plans unlike the uniform hike by Dish TV and Videocon d2h. Some like Reliance Digital TV are still adopting a wait and watch policy.

    However, the DTH operators have also provided price protection to their customers by giving them an option to save money by recharging for a longer duration.

    Under the regulation, existing customers are protected from a price hike which can only be implemented after six months from the day it comes into effect.

    Dish TV COO Salil Kapoor says that DTH operators were absorbing the burden of service tax till now and have decided to pass it on to the customers to reduce that burden.

    “We have hiked prices by 10 per cent across the board. We are just passing the burden of service tax on to the customers,” says Kapoor.

    Tata Sky MD and CEO Harit Nagpal is of the opinion that the price hike is not just about service and entertainment tax.

    “The input costs have gone up, the cost of content has also gone up plus there is inflation. The DTH operators have been dropping prices till now so this (price hike) is just one little step in the right direction by DTH operators,” explains Nagpal.

    Videocon d2h CEO Anil Khera elucidates: “Service tax has been increased and entertainment tax in many states has also been increased so we are gradually passing the burden on to the customers.”

    A Reliance Digital TV spokesperson said that the company is evaluating hiking prices, “Yes, we are at present evaluating different options. At this stage, it is difficult to say how much would it be and when,” the spokesperson states.

    The spokesperson adds, “Also, as an industry we are heavily burdened with statutory levies (to the extent of around 35 per cent) – the recent decision to increase the Customs Duty on STBs by 5 per cent has only added to this burden.”

     

  • Dish TV adds Star India’s five HD channels to its bouquet

    Dish TV adds Star India’s five HD channels to its bouquet

    MUMBAI: Dish TV Monday said it has added five new HD channels from Star India bouquet comprising Star Plus HD, Star Gold HD, Star World HD, Star Movies HD, and Life OK HD effective 8 April.

    Star bouquet of HD channels will be included and made available in all existing HD packages starting from Rs. 399. With this addition Dish TV now boasts of 25 HD channels and 17 HD services.

    Speaking on the occasion, Dish TV COO Salil Kapoor said, “We are excited to add the most anticipated Star channels bouquet in HD and give our customers a viewing experience that is incredibly lifelike. We recognise that our customers have already been enjoying many of their favorite programmes in HD, and I‘m delighted that we can now broaden their choice with maximum 25 HD channels and 17 HD services.”

  • HBO, Eros debut ad-free movie channels on Dish TV and Airtel digital TV

    HBO, Eros debut ad-free movie channels on Dish TV and Airtel digital TV

    MUMBAI: HBO Defined and HBO Hits, the two premium ad-free movie channels, have launched on Dish TV and Airtel Digital TV.

    These carriage deals come shortly after the signing of a strategic tie-up between HBO Asia and Eros International media to launch two new premium advertising-free movie channels in India.

    The channels are currently on air and will be available for a free preview in the initial phase of the launch.

    HBO Defined and HBO Hits will showcase the best of Hollywood and Bollywood content through HD and SD feeds on Dish TV (channels 24 and 25 on HD and 414 and 415 on SD boxes respectively) and SD feed on Airtel Digital TV (channels 199 and 200 respectively).

    Dish SD feed will go on air 28 February onwards.

    The two channels will be offered at a special introductory price of Rs 49 and Rs 69 for SD and HD services respectively.

    HBO Asia CEO Jonathan Spink says that the promotional offer is only for three months. The normal price for SD channels is Rs 99 while the HD channel pack is priced at Rs 129.

    Asked about expansion plans into digital cable given that the second phase of digitisation is happening.

    “Our distributor Turner India is talking to various Digital cable and DTH operators. The goal is to ultimately reach all addressable digital systems,” said Spink.

    A high impact multi-media marketing campaign will be launched to promote the two new channels across platforms. The campaign will commence mid March.

    Eros International Media Executive Director Jyoti Deshpande said, “We are excited about the quick response from the DTH operators to offer our premium channels to their customer base and are thankful to Dish and Airtel for partnering with us. We are confident that our compelling and unique content offering of Bollywood and Hollywood plus an advertising-free viewing experience will make this an instant hit with subscribers.”

    Catering to all movie lovers and each having a distinct identity, HBO Defined is the home of latest Hollywood and Bollywood blockbusters and award-winning HBO Originals, while HBO Hits is a channel that indulges viewers with genre driven anchors and iconic HBO Original series.

    Over the next few months viewers can expect an overwhelming line-up of “first time in India” Hollywood blockbuster premieres such as Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, Bollywood premi?res of titles such as Chakravyuh, Award winning titles such as The Iron Lady and exclusive and award-winning HBO Original programmes such as Veep, Game of Thrones, True Blood and Boardwalk Empire as they premiere close to U.S. airdates.

    In addition, dual language options of either English or Hindi are available for selected Hollywood blockbusters. Some of the upcoming titles in dual language are Captain America: The First Avenger, Thor, Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 2, Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, Kung Fu Panda 2 and Journey 2 Mysterious Island.

  • Dish TV slips into net loss, adds 0.83 mn subs in Q3

    Dish TV slips into net loss, adds 0.83 mn subs in Q3

    MUMBAI: Dish TV, India‘s largest direct-to-home (DTH) operator, has again slipped into quarterly net loss and performed below market expectations despite showing remarkable growth in subscriber numbers.

    The company posted a net loss of Rs 448.8 million in the fiscal-third quarter, compared to a net profit of Rs 550.90 million in the trailing quarter, as content and other costs surged.

    Dish TV‘s operating profit for the three-month period ended 31 December declined 11.5 per cent to Rs 1.38 billion compared to Rs 1.5 billion in the previous quarter. Ebidta margin for the quarter stood at 24.7 per cent.

    "The content cost rose partly due to Media Pro which distributes the Star, Zee and Turner group of channels. The selling and distribution expenses also went up," said a media analyst.

    Dish TV‘s expenses jumped to Rs 5.9 billion from Rs 5.3 billion as programming/content and other costs rose to Rs 1.63 billion from Rs 1.42 billion in the preceding quarter. Cost of goods and services grew 11.2 per cent to Rs 2.8 billion from Rs 2.5 billion in the preceding quarter, amounting to 51 per cent of gross revenue. Advertising and promotional expenditure rose 6.8 per cent to Rs 237 million from Rs 222 million. Selling and distribution expenses rose 26.6 per cent to Rs 661 million from Rs 522 million.
    Operating revenue for the quarter stood at Rs 5.58 billion, recording a growth of 4.5 cent as compared to Rs 5.3 billion in the preceding quarter. Total income for the quarter increased to Rs 5.7 billion from Rs 5.4 billion in the previous quarter.

    Subscription revenues for the quarter were Rs 4.9 billion, up from Rs 4.72 billion .

    The company’s other income jumped 118.7 per cent to Rs 175 million from Rs 80 million in the previous quarter.

    Subscriber additions

    Dish TV added 829,000 new subscribers during the third quarter achieving a total of 14.7 million gross and 10.5 million net subscribers at the end of the period. In the previous quarter, the company had added 477,000 subscribers.

    "Dish is looking at adding 2.5 million subscribers this fiscal. It continues to have a strong subscriber growth and has added 1.8 million new customers so far in this fiscal," the analyst said.

    Subscriber acquisition cost falls

    Subscriber Acquisition Cost (SAC) during the quarter declined to Rs 2,201 compared to Rs 2,273 in the preceding quarter. "While the subscriber growth was much higher than the previous quarter, the marketing expense did not go up as much. This led to a fall in SAC," the analyst added.

    Dish TV MD Jawahar Goel said, “While the distribution industry remained on tenterhooks preparing for digitization, the third quarter saw the much debated compulsory switch off of analog television signals take place in key metro markets. Although lack of execution in Chennai and Kolkata was a dampener, festival demand coupled with mandatory conversion in Delhi and Mumbai brought the DTH industry back to the 1 million plus monthly run-rate. DTH garnered around 35 per cent share of incremental additions post the sunset date.”

    “In line with our expectation, we witnessed significant subscriber uptake around the sunset date of 31st October. Dish TV achieved the largest share of 28 per cent amongst DTH platforms in the digitization territories. ‘Dish+’, India’s first standard definition recorder, played its part in differentiating and attracting consumer interest in a crowded market,” he added.

    ARPU improves

    The company‘s Average Revenue Per User (Arpu) grew marginally by a rupee to Rs 160 due to a price hike in the third quarter, up from Rs 159 in the previous quarter.

    Goel said, “A larger base did create pressure on the average revenue per user which, primarily supported by price hike in the second quarter, increased marginally to Rs 160. In the third quarter, apart from the usual additional spends typically experienced due to the festive season, additionally this year the company’s investments to capitalize on the digitization opportunity are also reflected in higher costs during the quarter. A seasonally higher marketing expense was as per budget. Content cost for the year is expected to be within the guided range of 12 per cent increase over the previous fiscal.”

    Dish TV recently launched India’s first Standard Definition Recorder, ‘Dish+’, with unlimited recording facility. ‘Dish+’ comes equipped with a USB slot and is positioned at a competitive price compared to non recorder ready boxes. ‘Dish+’ was initially launched in the 42 cities covered under Phase I and Phase II of digitization and is now available across India as a value for money differentiator over other boxes in the market.

    In a first within the television distribution industry, Dish TV has launched recharge option through Interbank Mobile Payment Service (IMPS) through which the subscriber can recharge his Dish TV account securely and conveniently through an instant, interbank electronic fund transfer service that can be initiated only through mobile phones.

    Considering the deep penetration of cell phones in the country, money transfer through them is likely to emerge as a popular mode of transacting for daily services in the days ahead, the company said.

    Shares of Dish TV fell 4.96 per cent to close Tuesday at 73.7 on the BSE.

  • Dish TV adds two Bengali channels to its Lifetime Offer

    Dish TV adds two Bengali channels to its Lifetime Offer

    MUMBAI: Leading direct-to-home operator Dish TV has added two Bengali news and entertainment channels, Rupashi Bangla and Kolkata TV, to its lifetime free offer for the four metros.

    Under this offer, customers will be eligible to receive a basic channel tier comprising 70 plus channels free of cost for life. The offer spans for five years and requires customers to remain active by subscribing to a regular package at least twice during the year.

    The two Bengali channels, along with 70 plus free channels offered under Lifetime Free offer, is to only customers in Kolkata acquired after the announcement of this offer.

    Dish TV COO Salil Kapoor said, "By adding two popular Bengali news and entertainment channels to the lifetime basic tier free offer, we’re extending ourselves as a more personalised option to Dish TV subscribers in Kolkata."

    The offer will include all Doordarshan channels, 9X, Zee Smile, B4U Movies, Cinema TV, News Express, P7News and 9XM. It also has three international channels like NHK World, Russia Today DW-TV Asia+.

  • Dish TV, History TV18 to telecast concert for Hurricane Sandy

    Dish TV, History TV18 to telecast concert for Hurricane Sandy

    MUMBAI: Zee Network‘s DTH company Dish TV India will air the global event ‘12-12-12 Concert‘ to contribute to the Hurricane Sandy Relief Efforts.

    The Concert for Sandy Relief will take place at the Madison Square Garden, New York City December 12, 2012. It is expected to run for over four hours.

    Big names in the music industry have come together for the concert. It will be aired online as well as on-air. Bon Jovi, Eric Clapton, Dave Grohl, Billy Joel, Alicia Keys, Chris Martin, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Eddie Vedder, Roger Waters, Kanye West, The Who and Paul McCartney will take part. Also on the bill are actors and comedians including Billy Crystal, Jon Stewart, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kristen Stewart, Chris Rock, Susan Sarandon, Adam Sandler, Jake Gyllenhaal, Jimmy Fallon, Steve Buscemi and Quentin Tarantino.

    The event will be telecast on 13 December 2012 from 5:30 am onwards (IST) and the repeat will telecast at 8 pm on the same day. It will be available to all Dish TV customers free of cost.

    Dish TV COO Salil Kapoor said, "Being the pioneer and industry leader Dish TV has always endeavored to stand strong with the global community in times of need. We are extremely pleased to be a part of the Relief Efforts organized by Robin Hood Relief Fund for the victims of Hurricane Sandy. By broadcasting this concert to be held on the historic date of ‘12-12-12‘, we are glad to take a step towards spreading awareness among Indian masses about the relief campaign for the hurricane victims."

    Robin Hood organisation is organising this concert at 7:30 pm (EST). This four-hour concert is expected to reach over 1 billion people worldwide, while Dish TV will be broadcasting the entire event for its customers in India on channel no. 90 for HD subscribers and channel no. 252 for SD subscribers.

    Infotainment broadcaster History TV18 will also air the concert on 13 December at 5:30 pm. The concert will also be live streamed on Youtube, Hulu, AOL, iHeartRadio and Time brands‘ websites.

  • Tdsat directs ESS against switching off channels to Dish TV

    Tdsat directs ESS against switching off channels to Dish TV

    MUMBAI: The Tdsat has granted interim relief to Dish TV in its dispute with ESPN Software India directing the sports broadcaster to keep giving signals to the direct-to-home (DTH) operator.

    ESPN Software India, a subsidiary of pan-Asian sports broadcaster ESPN Star Sports (ESS), runs five channels namely ESPN, Star Sports, Star Cricket, ESPN HD and Star Cricket HD.

    Dish TV had filed a petition with the broadcast tribunal against the public notices issued by the ESS on 5 and 12 November for disconnection of signals to its subscribers.

    The notice was issued on the grounds of non-signing of the agreement, breach of regulations including reporting requirements and non-payment of subscriptions fees.

    The Tdsat member P.K. Rastogi ruled that ESS will not give effect to its public notices till further hearing in the matter.
    The tribunal also directed Dish TV to allow ESS to conduct audit in terms which the latter should complete in two weeks by providing full co-operation.

    It also told Dish TV to produce all the relevant records before the representatives of ESS in conducting the audit including the manner in which it is maintaining ‘India Cricket Pack‘.

    "Based on the audit report, both the parties will meet and reconcile their accounts," Rastogi stated in his order.

    Dish TV‘s senior counsel Maninder Singh contended that ESS did not issue notice under clause 4.1 of the inter-connect agreement which is necessary to give effect to the public notice, a fact that was not disputed by the broadcaster.

    However, Mukul Rohatgi appearing on behalf of ESS contested the argument by saying that it was not necessary to issue notice 4.1 before disconnection.

    The tribunal, however, held that a notice under 4.1 is essential in this matter since there was a written agreement in place which expired due to efflux of time.

    Tdsat had passed an order on 10 April directing the two parties to reconcile the amount that ESS needs to refund on the basis of SMS reports.

    However, Dish TV based on its own record determined that ESS was required to refund Rs 196.8 million till September and started adjusting the same from subscription fee payable to ESS.

    The broadcaster contended that unless it was allowed to audit the SMS system of the DTH operator it would be difficult to determine the exact amount to be refunded.

    Another bone of contention between the parties is the India Cricket Pack introduced by Dish TV which according to ESS is causing revenue loss since the subscriber numbers cannot be recorded as these packs are available only when India cricket is available on the channel and gets disconnected after the event ends.

    To this, Singh said that the pack is available on a monthly basis and not only for days when India was playing cricket as alleged by the respondent.

    While stating that it was ready to sign a deal based on RIO, Dish TV said it can‘t share the names of subscriber as the regulation doesn‘t mandate it and is against its commercial interest. It has also agreed to provide audit of its SMS system.

  • Dish TV gets shareholder nod to raise $200 mn

    Dish TV gets shareholder nod to raise $200 mn

    MUMBAI: Subhash Chandra-owned Dish TV, the leading direct-to-home (DTH) television services provider, has received approval of its shareholders to raise $200 million through issue of equity to fund expansion and growth of the highly capital intensive business.

    Dish TV will consider raising the amount through issue of equity or convertible bonds in the domestic or overseas market. If it decides to raise the money through a qualified institutional placement (QIP), the company may consider offering a discount of up to 5 per cent of the price to QIP investors.

    The requirement for capital investments is also high now considering the shift to digital delivery of television channels across the country by December 2014. The government has implemented the first phase of digitisation effective 1 November in Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata and in Chennai, a decision is expected soon by the Madras High Court. The second phase of digitisation covering 38 cities is effective 31 March.

    Dish TV, in the notice to the shareholders, said DTH business is highly capital intensive, requiring huge financial resources from time to time. The company has been meeting these requirements through borrowings from banks, financial institutions, rights issue proceeds, issue of global depositary receipts (GDRs) and requisite funding from the promoter group from time to time.

    The equity or convertible issue has been proposed considering the funding requirements and current market conditions, the company has said.

    The consent of the shareholders was obtained through a postal ballot.

    For the purpose of raising further equity, Dish TV has also obtained the approval of the shareholders to increase the company‘s authorised equity capital to Rs 1.5 billion from Rs 1.35 billion.

    The promoter holding in Dish TV stands at 64.7 per cent. In 2009, US-based private equity firm Apollo Management had bought an 11 per cent stake in the company for $100 million.

  • ZeeQ now available on Dish TV and Videocon d2h

    ZeeQ now available on Dish TV and Videocon d2h

    MUMBAI: ZeeQ, the newly launched edutainment channel from Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd, has said it is now available on Dish TV and Videocon d2h direct-to-home platforms.

    Dish TV customers can watch ZeeQ on channel no. 510, while Videocon d2h has put it on channel no. 525 as a paid-for channel.
    The ZeeQ programming slate features programmes like ‘Teenovation’, a show in association with National Innovation Foundation about Children innovators who display brilliance and create utility items for problems they see around them, ‘Wordmatch’, a national Hindi game show, and ‘BrainCafé’, a hang out to learn about science theories, concepts and its applications.

    ZeeQ business head Subhdarshi Tripathy said, “ZeeQ has researched programming content which is produced on the basis of experience of Indian kids. We are committed to provide the unique viewing experience of learning through ZeeQ’s edutainment platform to Indian kids through wider network of Dish TV and Videocon d2h.”

    ZeeQ is the 32nd channel from Zeel, which manages ZeeQ’s broadcast operations, while Zee Learn will look after the content and channel management. Zeel will invest Rs 1 billion in ZeeQ over a period of three years and is eyening a break-even in five years.

    The bi-lingual channel will have 70 per cent content in Hindi and 30 per cent in English. ZeeQ will be a pay channel and have a mix of home produced and acquired content.