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Tag: DTH platform

  • Doordarshan puts off 37th FreeDish auction

    Doordarshan puts off 37th FreeDish auction

    NEW DELHI: The 37th online auction for vacant general entertainment channels on Doordarshan’s free-to-air DTH platform FreeDish slated for tomorrow has been put off.

    According to deputy director-general (DTH) A K Jha, the auction has been kept in abeyance due to administrative reasons till further order’.

    Earlier this month, it had been announced that auction would be held with differential reserve prices for general entertainment channels and news channels. The reserve prices for general entertainment channels was fixed at Rs 80 million but the reserve price for news and current affairs channels was Rs 65 million.

    While the current capacity of 80 TV channels is all full, DD sources told Indiantelevision.com that this will rise to 104 with the completion of MPEG4 trials which is expected over the next two months.

    The sources said the auction had been put off primarily due to the MPEG4 trials.

    Earlier this year, the Parliament was informed FreeDish had got approval to increase this capacity to 250 channels and DD sources had told indiantelevision.com that will happen in the third quarter of 2018.

    In line with the ‘Digital India’ and ‘Make in India’, DD has implemented Indian CAS (iCAS) on DD FreeDish Platform. iCAS (which is an initiative of the central government).

    DD officials said the existing viewers will continue to get 80 SDTV channels and 32 radio channels, but will have to obtain iCAS-enabled authorized set-top boxes for accessing all new channels.

    Although FreeDish will remain free to air with no monthly or periodic fee, the viewers will be required to register with DD FreeDish on getting the new STB from Doordarshan authorised STB dealers.

    DD officials said implementation of iCAS and authorisation of STB original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) by Doordarshan will give a major thrust to ‘Make in India’ and ‘Digital India’. At present, a majority of STBs are imported. However, the introduction of iCAS will help in standardisation of STBs and encourage quality STB manufacturing in India.

    With analogue having been switched off, the Parliament had been told that many stakeholders feel that FreeDish is the best option in Phase IV which covers rural India.

    FreeDish was launched with a modest bouquet of 33 channels in December 2004, and now carries eighty TV channels and 32 radio channels. This includes 22 Doordarshan channels and two parliamentary channels, seven general entertainment channels, 18 movie channels, 13 news channels, seven music channels, three religious channels and eight channels of other genres. All-India Radio stations also piggy-back on the platform.

    Also Read:

    FreeDish auction on 22 Aug, different reserve prices for GEC & news

    MIB favours switching to DTH if consumers have problems with MSOs or LCOs

    FreeDish: English news channel among two come aboard (Updated)

  • FreeDish’s May auction a damp squib with no bidder in sight

    NEW DELHI: For the second time this year, Doordarshan could not hold its scheduled e-auction for FreeDish on 25 May 2017 because it had no bidder.

    Even as the public service broadcaster was prepared to set a record by holding a second e-auction in May, this turned out to be damper. The earlier e-auction which had been called off was on 11 April 2017.

    Although there was no official confirmation, indiantelevision.com learnt from DD sources that the auction could not be held because there was no applicant.

    In many ways, this is a repetition for the pubcaster in the sense that the e-auctions for the primary channels of DD National were postponed twice last year. A DD official refused to comment on whether this was because of the sharp increase in the reserve price.

    However, FreeDish bagged three new general entertainment channels in the 34th e-auction earlier this month.

    The e-auction was confined to only non-news and current affairs channels with a reserve price of Rs 80 million as in the e-auction held on 9 May when Sony Wah, Zee Anmol Cinema, and 9X Jalwa successfully bid to come on the platform.

    The Indian Parliament was informed earlier last month that Doordarshan’s DTH platform was soon getting approval to increase this capacity to 250 channels over the next two years.

    After final trials of MPEG4 and the success of the 32nd auction in February, the reserve price had been raised to Rs 80 million from Rs 48 million per slot.

    DD had also upped its payment structure. The participation amount (EMD) in the e-Auction was Rs.28 million – up from Rs 15 million along with processing fee of Rs.25,000 (non-refundable, up from Rs 10,000).

    Even the payment structure for successful bidders had been made stricter. The first installment of 25 per cent of the bid price with the applicable service tax had to be paid within one month from date of placement of channel. The second installment of 25 per cent of the total bid price along with the applicable service tax had to be paid within four months of placement of channel.

    The third installment of remaining amount after adjusting the participation fee and previous installments but adding the applicable service tax was to be deposited within seven months of placement of channel.

    If any of the installments is not paid in time, a penal interest of 14.5 per cent per annum will be levied. And if there is failure in depositing an installment for two months, the deposited participation amount along with any installment paid will be forfeited and the channel discontinued after a 21-day discontinuation notice.

    Although Free Dish will remain free-to-air with no monthly or periodic fee, the viewers will be required to register with DD FreeDish on getting the new STB from Doordarshan authorized STB dealers.

    FreeDish was launched with a modest bouquet of 33 channels in December 2004, and now carries eighty TV channels and 32 radio channels. This includes 22 Doordarshan channels and two parliamentary channels, seven general entertainment channels, 18 movie channels, 13 news channels, seven music channels, three religious channels and eight channels of other genres. The All-India Radio stations also piggy-back on the platform.

  • DD FreeDish auction next week, reserve price is Rs 80 million

    NEW DELHI: Even as the Parliament was informed earlier last month that Doordarshan’s DTH platform was soon getting approval to increase this capacity to 250 channels over the next two years, FreeDish is all set to hold its 34th e-auction on 9 May 2017 to fill vacant slots.

    After final trials of MPEG4 and the success of the 32nd auction in February, the reserve price for the next auction has been raised to Rs 80 million from Rs 48 million per slot.

    Until last year, the reserve price was Rs 43 million but one channel fetched the bid of Rs 70 million in the auction held on 14 February 2017.

    Earlier last year, the price for one channel went up to Rs 53 million and gave DD the confidence to raise the price which had been Rs 37 million till 2015 but was raised to Rs 43 million for the 25th e-auction in January 2016.

    DD got a jolt last month when its auction slated for 11 April could not be held. Although there was no official confirmation, indiantelevision.com learns that the FreeDish auction could not be held because there were no applicants.

    In many ways, this was a repetition in the sense that the e-auctions for the primary channels of DD National were postponed twice last year.

    The e-Auction will be conducted by M/s. C1 India Pvt. Ltd., Noida which also conducted the FM Radio Phase III auctions on behalf of Prasar Bharati.   

    The participation amount (EMD) in the e-Auction is Rs.28 million – up from Rs 15 million – which has to be deposited in advance before or by 12 noon on the date of auction along with processing fee of Rs.25,000 (non-refundable, up from Rs 10,000) in favour of PB (BCI) Doordarshan Commercial Service, New Delhi.

    Incremental amount for the auction will be Rs One Million and the time for every slot e-auction will be of fifteen minutes duration. This may be extended by five minutes if a bid is received before the closing time.

    Of the reserve price, Rs 11 million will be deposited within one month of placement and another Rs 11 million within two months along with service tax of 15 per cent on the bid amount.

    The balance bid amount will be deposited within six months, failing which the deposited amount will be forfeited and the channel discontinued after a 21-day discontinuation notice. The participation fee will be adjusted against the third and final installment for the respective channel.

    DD refused to disclose the number of slots being put up for e-auction as officials claim this leads to unhealthy practices.

    Doordarshan had in October last year formally announced that FreeDish was capable of carrying 104 television channels and 24 channels would be added to the existing 80 channels after the launch of MPEG4 technology.

    In line with the ‘Digital India’ and ‘Make in India’, DD has implemented Indian CAS (iCAS) on DD FreeDish Platform. iCAS (which is an initiative of the central government) was introduced in the auction held last month. The introduction of iCAS will provide enhanced viewing experience.

    DD officials said the existing viewers will continue to get 80 SDTV channels and 32 radio channels, but will have to obtain iCAS-enabled authorized set-top boxes for accessing all new channels.

    Although FreeDish will remain free-to-air with no monthly or periodic fee, the viewers will be required to register with DD FreeDish on getting the new STB from Doordarshan authorized STB dealers.

     DD officials said implementation of iCAS and authorisation of STB original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) by Doordarshan will give a major thrust to ‘Make in India’ and ‘Digital India’. At present, a majority of STBs are imported. However, the introduction of iCAS will help in standardization of STBs and encourage quality STB manufacturing in India.

    With analogue having been switched off, Parliament had been told that many stakeholders feel that FreeDish is the best option in Phase IV which covers rural India.

    The Ministry had itself said  in Parliament in February that HITS (Head-end In The Sky), private DTH and DD FreeDish are the options in remote rural areas while discussing the issue of the concerns expressed by operators that over 20 per cent of rural and remote areas were not financially and technically viable.

    FreeDish earned Rs 2.8665 billion through auction of 54 slots in six auctions from 30 March 2016 to 14 February 2017.

    In comparison, DD had earned Rs 1.8034 billion in 2015-16. The last e-auction – the 32nd e-Auction – on 14 February 2017 fetched Rs. 655 million. 

     A new era begun with the adoption of MPEG4 helping FreeDish take the first major step to mark towards its target of 104 television channels by March end with its 32nd e-auction which helped it cross the capacity of eighty channels. FreeDish touched the figure of 104 with its 32nd Auction.

    In line with the ‘Digital India’ and ‘Make in India’, DD has decided to implement Indian CAS (iCAS) on DD FreeDish Platform. iCAS (which is an initiative of the central government) is being introduced in 24 MPEG-4 channels. The introduction of iCAS will provide enhanced viewing experience.

    DD officials said these additional 24 MPEG-4 SDTV channels will be available to viewers in FTA mode. The existing viewers will continue to get 80 SDTV channels, but will have to obtain iCAS-enabled authorised set-top boxes for accessing all 104 channels.

    Although FreeDish will remain free-to-air with no monthly or periodic fee, the viewers will be required to register with DD FreeDish on getting the new STB from Doordarshan authorised STB dealers.

    FreeDish was launched with a modest bouquet of 33 channels in December 2004, and now carries eighty TV channels and 32 radio channels. This includes 22 Doordarshan channels and two parliamentary channels, seven general entertainment channels, 18 movie channels, 13 news channels, seven music channels, three religious channels and eight channels of other genres. The All-India Radio stations also piggy-back on the platform.

    Also read:

    MIB favours switching to DTH if consumers have problems with MSOs or LCOs

    FreeDish aims to reach 150 channels, earned Rs 3 bn in a year

  • Block illegal DTH FTA, space dept told

    NEW DELHI: The Department of Space has been asked to block the signals of Asia Broadcast Satellite Free-to-air channels which is beaming in India without the permission of the Ministry.

    Minister of State Rajyavardhan Rathore said this had been done keeping in view the national security angle. He said the I and B Ministry is the licensing authority for DTH broadcasting services in India and it has received no application or reference from ABS for DTH operations.

    Meanwhille, he told Parliament today that there was no violation of Downlinking guidelines by permitted Broadcasters on account of providing signals to unauthorised DTH operators. In order to deter the permitted Broadcasters (channels) from violating the downlinking guidelines, he said the Ministry had issued a Web Notice on 23 December 2015: 

    http://mib.nic.in/WriteReadData/documents/Notice_to_all_Broadcaster_Private_TV_(Channels)_registered_with_MIB_.pdf

    After the Ministry had learnt from Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) that ABS had started providing permitted free to air (FTA) channels, the Home Ministry was consulted from the security angle and its implication from national security perspective.

    The Home Ministry said the transmission of DTH service by ABS is without any application to the I and B Ministry and not in line with the guidelines of that Ministry.

    Clause 5.6 of the Article 5 of Downlinking guidelines issued by Ministry of I&B stipulates that all the Broadcasters (Channels) shall provide Satellite TV channel signal reception decoders only to MSOs/Cable Operators registered under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 or to a DTH operator registered under the DTH guidelines issued by the Government of India or to an Internet Protocol Television Service Provider duly permitted under their existing Telecom License or authorized by Department of Telecommunications or to a HITS operator duly permitted under the policy guidelines for HITS operators issued by the Ministry 

  • Free Colors HD on Sky in UK from 14 Feb

    MUMBAI: IndiaCast, a joint venture of Viacom18 and TV18, announced the launch of the high-definition (HD) feed for Colors UK on leading DTH platform, Sky. Available on the same EPG number as the SD feed (No. 786), Colors UK HD will adapt to the HD set top box and will be available to viewers starting 14 February 2017.

    Launched in the UK in January 2010, Colors UK SD feed offers variety content from the Colors bouquet of offerings. Its HD feed, to be available to Sky subscribers across Europe, will feature shows including Devanshi, Dil Se Dil Tak, Ek Shringaar…Swabhimaan, Shakti…Astitva Ke Ehsaas Kii, Udann, Karmphal Data Shani, and many more. The channel will also feature well-appreciated weekend content including Naagin 2, Rising Star, upcoming proposition Chhote Miyan, and blockbuster films.

    Commenting on launch, Viacom18 Group CEO Sudhanshu Vats said, “We started out by increasing the footprint of our content offering, across general entertainment and Indian movies, through our channels in the UK. We now want to dial up the experience for our discerning viewers and the launch of Colors HD is a step in that direction.”

    Speaking about this development, Viacom18 CEO – Hindi entertainment Raj Nayak said, “Colors has been the leading entertainment provider to the audience not only in India, but also in international markets. We continue to push the envelope as far as our offering to the South Asian diaspora is concerned. The announcement of the launch of the HD feed for Colors UK will go a long way in enhancing the viewing experience, bringing the audience a slice of home, with better visual clarity, in the comforts of their living rooms.”

    Commenting on the launch, IndiaCast Group CEO Anuj Gandhi said, “Colors UK has been an unprecedented audience entertainer which has provided diverse options for the South Asian audience for over seven years. We are committed towards showcasing top-notch content on our channels and are glad to join hands with Sky to bring HD quality content to viewers in the region, thereby making Colors UK HD the preferred entertainment destination for the audience. We are also in talks with other service providers and distributors in Europe to launch our HD service.”

    Adding further, IndiaCast SVP & business head – UK Govind Shahi said, “As one of the top entertainment brand for the South Asian diaspora, Colors is constantly innovating and this free offering of Colors HD on Sky works on the smart swap technology which enables the HD feed to be available on the same EPG as before. To ensure that no viewer is left out, we continue to provide the SD feed as well. This launch of Colors in HD coincides with the launch of all-new exciting shows as well as the new 9-10pm slot.

    To promote the Colors UK HD feed, IndiaCast has devised a high-intensity marketing campaign with “We are coming closer to you” as its core messaging. The campaign will be delivered via cross-network promotions on Rishtey Cineplex and Rishtey Europe as well as spots across radio stations. In terms of off-air promotions, Colors UK HD communique will be highlighted through innovative print and outdoor mediums.

  • DD to offer 104 channels & MPEG-4 STBs by Mar-end

    DD to offer 104 channels & MPEG-4 STBs by Mar-end

    MUMBAI: Doordarshan is preparing to offer 104 channels by March-end, the pubcaster’s director-general Supriya Sahu has said. Also, with the aim of expanding its DTH platform, Doordarshan is actively considering coming out with new set-top boxes having MPEG-4 technology.

    ‘FreeDish’, at present, she said, has 20 million subscribers, and is the market-share leader among the seven India-based DTH players.

    Sahu told PTI that the initiative was to introduce conditional access system in the DD set-top boxes. They were getting into the new MPEG-4 technology. By March-end, she said, DD would want to enhance the number of existing channels from 80 to 104.

    She also said that Doordarshan’s five channels — National, News, Sports, Kisan and local — were available through digital terrestrial transmission (DTT). DTT allows Doordarshan subscribers to watch channels for free on their Android phones with a small dongle, without internet.

    By 2018, she said, 44 additional cities would become digital where DTT would then be available.

    Sahu said that DD had the capacity for 10 channels through DTT, adding that, once IIM Ahmedabad, entrusted with the task of preparing a business plan on DTT roadmap, gave its report by March first week, Doordarshan would decide on its strategy of providing additional five channels through DTT.

    DTT, she said, was already available in 16 cities. By March, it would be available in Hyderabad, Srinagar and Thiruvananthapuram.

  • DD to offer 104 channels & MPEG-4 STBs by Mar-end

    DD to offer 104 channels & MPEG-4 STBs by Mar-end

    MUMBAI: Doordarshan is preparing to offer 104 channels by March-end, the pubcaster’s director-general Supriya Sahu has said. Also, with the aim of expanding its DTH platform, Doordarshan is actively considering coming out with new set-top boxes having MPEG-4 technology.

    ‘FreeDish’, at present, she said, has 20 million subscribers, and is the market-share leader among the seven India-based DTH players.

    Sahu told PTI that the initiative was to introduce conditional access system in the DD set-top boxes. They were getting into the new MPEG-4 technology. By March-end, she said, DD would want to enhance the number of existing channels from 80 to 104.

    She also said that Doordarshan’s five channels — National, News, Sports, Kisan and local — were available through digital terrestrial transmission (DTT). DTT allows Doordarshan subscribers to watch channels for free on their Android phones with a small dongle, without internet.

    By 2018, she said, 44 additional cities would become digital where DTT would then be available.

    Sahu said that DD had the capacity for 10 channels through DTT, adding that, once IIM Ahmedabad, entrusted with the task of preparing a business plan on DTT roadmap, gave its report by March first week, Doordarshan would decide on its strategy of providing additional five channels through DTT.

    DTT, she said, was already available in 16 cities. By March, it would be available in Hyderabad, Srinagar and Thiruvananthapuram.

  • Colors UK’s feed to move to new EPG number on Sky, announces IndiaCast

    Colors UK’s feed to move to new EPG number on Sky, announces IndiaCast

    MUMBAI: TV18 and Viacom18’s local and international distribution wing, IndiaCast announced a new EPG number for Colors UK on the DTH platform Sky. Colors UK will shift from EPG number 821 to number 786 with effect from 5 April.  This move will make the channel visible on the first page of the International channels selection guide menu for Sky subscribers. Sky subscribers will be intimated about the new EPG number for Colors UK through an announcement on the network as well as via social media platforms.

    IndiaCast group CEO Anuj Gandhi said, “IndiaCast has always endeavoured to present quality entertainment options to the Indian diaspora across the globe bringing them one step closer to Indian culture and content. Moving Colors UK up to EPG number 786 enables us to create top-of-mind recall for the channel and its content, thereby building engagement with Sky subscribers.”

    Commenting on the change, Viacom18 UK head Govind Shahi said, “Colors UK has been showcasing the best offerings from the Viacom 18 content library to South Asian viewers. As we move the channel to EPG number 786, we are hoping to enhance sampling amongst Sky subscribers, thereby bringing audiences closer to superior quality and inspiring content.”

     

  • Colors UK’s feed to move to new EPG number on Sky, announces IndiaCast

    Colors UK’s feed to move to new EPG number on Sky, announces IndiaCast

    MUMBAI: TV18 and Viacom18’s local and international distribution wing, IndiaCast announced a new EPG number for Colors UK on the DTH platform Sky. Colors UK will shift from EPG number 821 to number 786 with effect from 5 April.  This move will make the channel visible on the first page of the International channels selection guide menu for Sky subscribers. Sky subscribers will be intimated about the new EPG number for Colors UK through an announcement on the network as well as via social media platforms.

    IndiaCast group CEO Anuj Gandhi said, “IndiaCast has always endeavoured to present quality entertainment options to the Indian diaspora across the globe bringing them one step closer to Indian culture and content. Moving Colors UK up to EPG number 786 enables us to create top-of-mind recall for the channel and its content, thereby building engagement with Sky subscribers.”

    Commenting on the change, Viacom18 UK head Govind Shahi said, “Colors UK has been showcasing the best offerings from the Viacom 18 content library to South Asian viewers. As we move the channel to EPG number 786, we are hoping to enhance sampling amongst Sky subscribers, thereby bringing audiences closer to superior quality and inspiring content.”

     

  • Videocon d2h adds Jai Hind on its platform

    Videocon d2h adds Jai Hind on its platform

    MUMBAI: Videocon d2h has added another Malayalam channel Jai Hind on its platform. Jai Hind is a Malayalam language News channel, and is available in the basic pack South Silver pack onwards. With this addition the DTH platform now offers 25 Malayalam channels and services.  

    The newly added channel is available on the d2h platform on Channel Number:  859. Videocon d2h offers 500 channels and services, 27 Asli “HD” channels and host of regional channels.

     

    The platform now has 132 South channels and services on its platform. Videocon d2h offers 1000 GB High Definition Digital Video Recorder and claims to be the first DTH service provider to have Radio Frequency Remote for DTH service, which is available with High Definition Digital Set Top Box with unlimited recording.  Powered by the MPEG-4 and DVB-S2 technology, Videocon d2h offers services like 12 PIP Mosaic, d2h Cinema, weather updates and multiple tickers to transform your TV into a hub of entertainment and knowledge. It offers High Definition channels in 1080p, HDD sound and 16: 9 aspect ratio. “Apart from these, the platform has Active Music which includes 41 Audio / Video active music channels, 24 hours a day,” says a statement from the DTH player.

     

    Videocon d2h has a customer support system which offers services in eight languages from the customer care team present in six locations.