ITV

Tag: HD

  • Hathway leads in digital pay & local channels; Ortel leads in analogue: TRAI

    Hathway leads in digital pay & local channels; Ortel leads in analogue: TRAI

    NEW DELHI: The number of private satellite television channels in the country registered with the Information and Broadcasting Ministry fell by seven in the quarter ending September 2015 from 826 in quarter ending June to 819.

    However, the maximum number of pay channels carried by certain cable operators in non-conditional addressable system (CAS) rose from 214 to 233 in the same period. The maximum number of Free-to-Air (FTA) TV channels carried by certain cable operators in non-CAS areas in the period rose from 179 to 197. 

    The data is based on reports received by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) from broadcasters and multi system operators (MSOs).

    In areas served by non-addressable systems, the maximum number of TV channels carried in digital form as reported by cable operator – Hathway Cable & Datacom Limited – amongst those who have reported is 458. 

    The maximum number of TV channels carried in analogue form as reported by – Ortel Communications Limited – amongst those who have reported is 100. 

    In these areas, the maximum number of FTA channels carried, as reported by Hathway Cable & Datacom amongst those who have reported is 197. 

    The maximum number of pay channels carried as reported by a cable operator (Hathway Cable & Datacom) amongst those who have reported is 233. The maximum number of local channels carried as reported by a cable operator (Hathway Cable & Datacom) amongst those who have reported is 28.

    As on 30 September, 2015, there were a total of 226 MSOs who had been granted Permanent Registration (for 10 years) by the Ministry apart from 173 MSOs who had been granted Provisional Registration (for 10 years) by the Ministry of I&B for providing Cable TV services through Digital Addressable Systems (DAS).

    There had been a total of 252 pay channels as reported by broadcasters as on 30 June. During the quarter ending September 2015, three new pay channels – Colors Infinity HD, Colors Infinity, and Zee Café HD – were launched. During the quarter, one channel – The MGM was temporarily suspended. 

    During the quarter, the transmission mode of two channels – VH1 and Comedy Central – was changed from SD to HD. The total had risen to 254 pay TV channels by September end. 

    TRAI in its quarterly report said that apart from the free DTH service of Doordarshan Freedish, there are six private DTH operators. The total number of registered subscribers and active subscribers being served by these six private DTH operators were 81.47 million and 41.05 million respectively as on 30 September, 2015. 

    The Ministry had permitted a total of 90 Teleports by September end.

  • Hathway leads in digital pay & local channels; Ortel leads in analogue: TRAI

    Hathway leads in digital pay & local channels; Ortel leads in analogue: TRAI

    NEW DELHI: The number of private satellite television channels in the country registered with the Information and Broadcasting Ministry fell by seven in the quarter ending September 2015 from 826 in quarter ending June to 819.

    However, the maximum number of pay channels carried by certain cable operators in non-conditional addressable system (CAS) rose from 214 to 233 in the same period. The maximum number of Free-to-Air (FTA) TV channels carried by certain cable operators in non-CAS areas in the period rose from 179 to 197. 

    The data is based on reports received by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) from broadcasters and multi system operators (MSOs).

    In areas served by non-addressable systems, the maximum number of TV channels carried in digital form as reported by cable operator – Hathway Cable & Datacom Limited – amongst those who have reported is 458. 

    The maximum number of TV channels carried in analogue form as reported by – Ortel Communications Limited – amongst those who have reported is 100. 

    In these areas, the maximum number of FTA channels carried, as reported by Hathway Cable & Datacom amongst those who have reported is 197. 

    The maximum number of pay channels carried as reported by a cable operator (Hathway Cable & Datacom) amongst those who have reported is 233. The maximum number of local channels carried as reported by a cable operator (Hathway Cable & Datacom) amongst those who have reported is 28.

    As on 30 September, 2015, there were a total of 226 MSOs who had been granted Permanent Registration (for 10 years) by the Ministry apart from 173 MSOs who had been granted Provisional Registration (for 10 years) by the Ministry of I&B for providing Cable TV services through Digital Addressable Systems (DAS).

    There had been a total of 252 pay channels as reported by broadcasters as on 30 June. During the quarter ending September 2015, three new pay channels – Colors Infinity HD, Colors Infinity, and Zee Café HD – were launched. During the quarter, one channel – The MGM was temporarily suspended. 

    During the quarter, the transmission mode of two channels – VH1 and Comedy Central – was changed from SD to HD. The total had risen to 254 pay TV channels by September end. 

    TRAI in its quarterly report said that apart from the free DTH service of Doordarshan Freedish, there are six private DTH operators. The total number of registered subscribers and active subscribers being served by these six private DTH operators were 81.47 million and 41.05 million respectively as on 30 September, 2015. 

    The Ministry had permitted a total of 90 Teleports by September end.

  • Videocon d2h to launch Wi-Fi enabled smart HD STBs

    Videocon d2h to launch Wi-Fi enabled smart HD STBs

    MUMBAI: Direct to home (DTH) platform Videocon d2h is planning to launch HD Smart set-top-box (connected set top box), which converts existing LED TVs into a Smart TV besides showing more than 500 channels & services in High Definition (HD) and Standard Definition (SD).

    While the DTH tech in it brings television channels in SD and HD, the connected STB allows one to browse content from Twitter, Facebook, Daily Motion, video on demand sites, OTT apps, news, weather etc through applications residing on the STB. 

    The HD Smart STB will work as a tool for personalisation, engagement and new customer experiences and with internet connectivity, one can convert one’s TV into a smart TV using it. 

    With this new launch, Videocon d2h has taken a step towards providing an advanced product that delivers next generation solutions as part of the idea of Internet of Things (IoT). The feature of unlimited external recording is also available, by plugging in an external storage device for recording programs.

    The HD Smart STB can be connected to the home network of mobile internet, wifi or cable broadband connection to enable data streaming. 

    Through the Daily Motion app, one can watch the latest videos trending. Additionally, users can also connect with their social media page to tweet and post updates.

    Videocon d2h executive chairman Saurabh Dhoot said, “We are proud to announce the launch of this breakthrough technology in the DTH space. This launch of gen-next HD Smart Set Top Box demonstrates our unrivalled expertise and innovation in creation, delivery and execution of technologically advanced products. This product promises to make your existing TV into a smart TV and ensure connectivity with the world. We are enabling convergence of TV, DTH & internet all in one place.”

    Videocon d2h CEO Anil Khera added, “We aim to empower people with our connected set top boxes. Our HD Smart Set Top Box offers exceptional features like internet based apps, USB recording, HD quality viewing and reverse path which enable customers to create a unique viewing experience and also stay connected. The customer benefits from an enriched viewing experience through a new user interface allowing seamless navigation.”

  • Videocon d2h to launch Wi-Fi enabled smart HD STBs

    Videocon d2h to launch Wi-Fi enabled smart HD STBs

    MUMBAI: Direct to home (DTH) platform Videocon d2h is planning to launch HD Smart set-top-box (connected set top box), which converts existing LED TVs into a Smart TV besides showing more than 500 channels & services in High Definition (HD) and Standard Definition (SD).

    While the DTH tech in it brings television channels in SD and HD, the connected STB allows one to browse content from Twitter, Facebook, Daily Motion, video on demand sites, OTT apps, news, weather etc through applications residing on the STB. 

    The HD Smart STB will work as a tool for personalisation, engagement and new customer experiences and with internet connectivity, one can convert one’s TV into a smart TV using it. 

    With this new launch, Videocon d2h has taken a step towards providing an advanced product that delivers next generation solutions as part of the idea of Internet of Things (IoT). The feature of unlimited external recording is also available, by plugging in an external storage device for recording programs.

    The HD Smart STB can be connected to the home network of mobile internet, wifi or cable broadband connection to enable data streaming. 

    Through the Daily Motion app, one can watch the latest videos trending. Additionally, users can also connect with their social media page to tweet and post updates.

    Videocon d2h executive chairman Saurabh Dhoot said, “We are proud to announce the launch of this breakthrough technology in the DTH space. This launch of gen-next HD Smart Set Top Box demonstrates our unrivalled expertise and innovation in creation, delivery and execution of technologically advanced products. This product promises to make your existing TV into a smart TV and ensure connectivity with the world. We are enabling convergence of TV, DTH & internet all in one place.”

    Videocon d2h CEO Anil Khera added, “We aim to empower people with our connected set top boxes. Our HD Smart Set Top Box offers exceptional features like internet based apps, USB recording, HD quality viewing and reverse path which enable customers to create a unique viewing experience and also stay connected. The customer benefits from an enriched viewing experience through a new user interface allowing seamless navigation.”

  • Sony Pictures Networks launches Max HD, targets urban movie buffs

    Sony Pictures Networks launches Max HD, targets urban movie buffs

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Networks (SPN) India has launched the High Definition (HD) version of its Hindi movie channel Sony Max. Although the HD channel has arrived admittedly late in the market, the network plans to steer clear of the replica model for most HD avatars to channels, by taking on a completely different brand position – ‘Jee Ke Dekho.’

    Sony Max HD goes on air from 25 December and will be available in a separate HD package with the popular DTH players.

    When queried as to why the network waited so long to launch the channel’s HD feed, Sony Max and Sony Max2 senior executive vice president Neeraj Vyas says, “We were very clear that we didn’t want an HD channel just for the sake of it. We were also waiting for the right kind of content to come along so that we could showcase Hindi movies with a completly new approach and brand message altogether.”

    The other reason for the delay, Vyas reveals was from a technical standpoint. “We have taken at least 120 classic Hindi films like Anand and remastered them for High Definition airing. Who would not want to see these classics remastered digitally for HD in 5.1 Dolbi sound?” he questions, adding that such movies would mostly air on every Saturday on a special programming slot.

    “Apart from the new popular movies, which the audience nevertheless enjoys, we also wanted to expand our purview to give out more holistic content,” he adds.

    With an aim to reach out to Hindi cinema lovers with a cultivated palate for not just the mass entertainers but alternate and critically acclaimed cinema, Max HD has created a special programming slot for quality cinema with a niche following. “The new HD channel will have something called ‘Friday Select,’which will largely air critically acclaimed movies like Paan Singh Tomar, Shahid, City Lights etc. These are brilliant films but do not usually find exposure through normal standard definition channels as they are mostly mass focused,” Vyas explains.

    Vyas also agrees that acquiring licenses for such alternate movies for Max HD will also be relatively cheaper. “They will definitely be cheaper than any Shah Rukh Khan starrer. But primarily, it’s not about a better deal for us, but about setting up the right tone for the channel.”

    Max HD will be targeted at a niche audience and Vyas informs that the varied content is to broaden the appeal of the channel. “Our target audience is clearly SEC AB 18 – 45 years of age. Our target markets are also metros and cities and towns with plus one million population,” Vyas shares.

    Speaking on the advertisers, Vyas says, “Advertisers are excited about Max HD as the channel will offer them a very premium and wider audience.” Currently the channel is in talks with two to three brands. Deals are expected to be signed within a month of launch.

    Having said that, Max HD will not turn away from the mainstream blockbusters audience either. “We will have our Dhooms, Krrish, and PKs as well, while at the same time we will curate a list of alternate cinema for them,” he says.

    When asked as to why the focus is on urban audience when the industry is abuzz with BARC India’s rural inclusive ratings, Vyas simply points out that while the rural audience always existed, High Definition television’s market is still growing, and enjoying a more profitable business in the urban areas. “Within the industry, it has been noted that premium HD channels have recorded ten-fold top line growth according to the 2015 FICCI KPMG report,” he further adds.

    “I expect this channel to run profitably with its subscription and advertisement based revenue models. HD is a growing base and it’s not something I see becoming stagnant. Even at its nascent stage it is at six million homes. That’s a great growth story. If you go by the year’s television sales, 55 per cent have been HD enabled TVs. I think HD is the future. Not to mention, with digitisation coming in place, channels will get more exposure in smaller markets. For digital, it may take some more time due to the space constraint as digital pipe is bigger than the analog,” Vyas explains.

    The network’s effort to make Max HD different from its Standard Definition version will also be seen in the entire packaging. “We have changed the colour palate for our packaging completely to bronze, gold and glitter, whereas Max is essentially reds, blues and greens. So the whole attempt was to set a different tone with Max HD.”

    This can be seen in the several new promos of the channel. With strategic use of popular Hindi cinema dialogues that evoke nostalgia, they successfully capture the moments that make cinema larger than life for us, while highlighting the significance of High Definition feed. In fact, identifying their target audience as social media savvy netizens, the channel has gone ahead with digital first campaign to launch the channel. From contests like ‘Your Jee Ke Dekho Moments’running on their social media platforms, to the promotion videos releasing on 23 December, the build up the HD channel’s launch is mostly digital heavy with some print promotions as well.

  • Star World Premiere HD to air MasterChef US Junior season 4

    Star World Premiere HD to air MasterChef US Junior season 4

    MUMBAI: Star World Premiere HD will be airing the fourth season of the culinary show MasterChef U.S. Junior. Season 4 will kick start from 19 December, 2015 and will air every Saturday at 8 pm.

     

    This season’s jury comprises gastronomic connoisseur Gordon Ramsay, and culinary expert Christina Tosi who return with professional and renowned pastry chef Christina Tosi to judge this season. 

     

    The fourth season will witness 24 home cooks aged between 9 and 12 receiving their aprons from the chefs. The show will see the small hands creating delectable dishes that will not only leave the audiences with their mouths wide open but also the talented and recognised judges completely stunned.

  • Videocon d2h launches Active HD Hollywood Channel Services

    Videocon d2h launches Active HD Hollywood Channel Services

    MUMBAI: After the first 24-hour 4K Ultra HD multi genre channel in January, Videocon d2h Limited has launched a new active HD Channel – Active HD Hollywood Channel services for its subscribers. Skoda has been roped in as channel partner for this launch. This is a part of Videocon d2h’s ongoing commitment to provide unmatched viewing experience for its subscribers. 

     

    The channel – Active HD Hollywood Channel Services will be available on Ch No. 940 on its network. It will air handpicked Hollywood movies everyday at 9 pm. All High Definition subscribers of Videocon d2h will be able to avail it for free in the initial phase of launch. The service will be available on paid subscription basis from a later date.

     

    Active HD Hollywood Channel Services will showcase a line up of critically acclaimed popular films. With new titles being released every day at 9pm, viewers can look forward to quality Hollywood movies, including such mega-hits as  Pandorum, Broken City, Jobs, Astro Boy, Remember Me, A Single Man, Agoraa, The Women in Black, Blindness, Something Borrowed, The Conspirator, The Twilight Saga Breaking Dawn Part -2, London Boulevard and Now You See Me among others.

     

    “We have observed that there is a genuine requirement to watch highly acclaimed Hollywood movies in HD and there are very few catering to this opportunity”, said Videocon d2h executive chairman Saurabh Dhoot. “Not only are we launching a new premium Hollywood HD movie channel, but we’re bringing value to our consumers. This channel will definitely resonate well with the young audience,” he further added.

     

    Videocon d2h CEO Anil Khera said, “We are excited to offer Hollywood movies fans across India access to high-quality entertainment in HD. With Active HD Hollywood Channel Services, we continue to provide high quality world class programming content delighting consumers. We are confident that our unique content offering of Hollywood movies in HD will make this an instant hit with subscribers.”

     

    Speaking on the same Skoda Auto India sales, service & marketing director Ashutosh Dixit explained, “Skoda looks at innovative platforms that resonate with the brand’s image to connect with its audiences. The audience of the Active Hollywood HD channel largely overlaps with the kind of consumers our brand converses with. This association will benefit both brands and we expect good traction from this partnership.”

  • DishTV ups HD channels offering to 48 with Zee Cafe HD

    DishTV ups HD channels offering to 48 with Zee Cafe HD

    MUMBAI: After adding Ten Golf HD to its offering earlier this month, direct-to-home (DTH) operator DishTV has now added Zee Café HD, taking its HD channel and services’ count to 48.

     

    This is the largest HD offering in the country so far by a DTH operator. As of August, rival DTH operator Videocon d2h had 39 HD offerings.

     

    Zee Café HD syndicates popular American television shows like Pretty Little Liars, Two And A Half Men, Gotham and Look Who’s Talking With Niranjan amongst others to appeal to the English-speaking population of India.

     

    Dish TV chief operating officer Salil Kapoor said, “Being a pioneer and market leader Dish TV has always stood up to its promise of providing maximum width and depth of content with an overall of 500+ channels & services. DishTV has always taken the lead in enhancing the value proposition and believes in providing the maximum and the best in entertainment to its subscribers.”

     

    “Our endeavor is to increase affinity with our audiences by providing them the choice of content they would like to watch. And now by adding Zee Café HD exceedingly popular English entertainment channel in our channel bouquet, we take pride to offer maximum Hi-Definition content to our customers and we will continue to expand our offerings with further additions,” he added.

  • Dish TV takes HD offering to 47 with Ten Golf HD addition

    Dish TV takes HD offering to 47 with Ten Golf HD addition

    MUMBAI: With the addition of Ten Golf HD, direct to home (DTH) operator Dish TV has taken its high definition channels and services count to 47, which is the highest in the country so far.

     As of August, rival DTH operator Videocon d2h offered 39 HD offerings to its subscribers.

    Ten Golf HD, the 24-hour sports channel dedicated to golf, takes DishTV’s HD sports channel count to seven. DishTV subscribers will be able to watch it on channel number 81. As was earlier reported by Indiantelevision.com, Ten Golf HD was slated to launch on 7 October.

    Dish TV India chief operating officer Salil Kapoor said, “Latest trends suggest that the growth of the HD category over the past year together with rising sales of flat panel TV’s (LED/LCD) has added a new dimension to the superior HD viewing experience. With the usage of DTH connections with HD boxes, the experience quotient for the subscribers is all set to go up. We are proud to announce addition of Ten Golf HD channel on our platform.”

     “Dish TV has a complete offering and mix of HD entertainment, music, news and regional language channels and has maximum content with 47 HD channels and services, making it the highest in the country,” he added.

  • The Epic Channel goes HD on Tata Sky

    The Epic Channel goes HD on Tata Sky

    MUMBAI: With increasing penetration of High Definition (HD) television sets, more and more channels are now adding the HD feed for a better consumer experience.

     

    The Epic Channel, which focuses on the Indian history, folklore and mythology genre, recently launched its HD version on Tata Sky. 

     

    The Epic Channel HD will be available on the direct-to-home (DTH) platform’s channel no 133.

     

    The Epic Channel will shoots all its content in HD so viewers can experience the shows on Indian history and mythology in HD.

     

    The Epic Channel managing director Mahesh Samat said, “Since the inception of the channel, Epic has stood out for its unique and unparalleled content offering. We have grown considerably and built a loyal viewer base over the course of the year and with the channel now being available in High Definition on Tata Sky, the viewer’s experience is only going to get enhanced. This makes it a complete viewing experience for Tata Sky subscribers, letting them watch the best in Indian history and mythology.”

     

    Tata Sky chief contend and business development officer Paolo Agostinelli added, “High definition content truly does justice to the intriguing historic and mythological story telling that Epic channel brings to the viewers. We continue to bring the best viewing technology for our Tata Sky subscribers and this is one of the biggest reasons why we have a growing subscriber base.”

     

    The channel’s standard definition (SD) feed is currently available across key DTH players like Tata Sky, Airtel, Videocon d2h, Dish TV, and Reliance Digital TV along with major cable players like Hathway, Den and more.