ITV

Tag: Rajiv Vyas

  • Composition of channels under CAS will depend on pricing by broadcasters: INCableNet

    Composition of channels under CAS will depend on pricing by broadcasters: INCableNet

    MUMBAI: When the cable industry committed on Saturday to provide all channels (pay and FTA) available for a total monthly tab of Rs 222 (exclusive of taxes), the question raised was how did they propose to do it if the broadcasters refused “to play ball”.
     
     
    The clarification has now come in. Hinduja group MSO INCableNet says it will offer “a full range of genres, including movies, serials, educational programmes, music and news within Rs 222”. The catch “222” is that it does not specify just which pay channels will come at that price. Rajiv Vyas, COO of INCableNet says: “The composition of channels falling in each category will depend on the pricing by the broadcaster and the commercial agreement signed with them.”

    In effect this means that if the pay broadcasters “refuse to cooperate”, the subscriber would get only those pay channels that fall within the definition set by the cable service provider. Tag this position along with Zee Telefilms’ demand that Subhash Chandra’s network should be allowed to offer its channels as a complete bouquet gives some idea of just what is the choice being offered at the various “consumer-friendly” prices that are being tom-tommed.

    Meanwhile, Vyas indicated that “INCableNet is also considering creating of value packs for the consumers, which will pick out most popular channels from each bouquet and offer them at discounted pricing to allow viewers to get full facet of entertainment at a lower cost.”

    Another value add is that INCableNet’s INDigital services will provide electronic programme guides (EPG) that will show clippings of all programmes being shown on the various channels. The EPG will also indicate the programme details such as title of programme, cast etc. Additionally, INDigital is offering pay per view facility that will allow viewers to watch movies, sports, clippings, Bollywood events, etc. in addition to normal programming.

  • One Alliance switches off InCablenet over pending dues

    One Alliance switches off InCablenet over pending dues

    MUMBAI: The disconnection virus seems to be spreading in Mumbai. Following ESPN-Star Sports, SET-Discovery One Alliance bouquet of channels has switched off its service to Hinduja’s InCable Network in Mumbai.

    Confirming the same to indiantelevision.com, SET-Discovery India president Shantonu Aditya says: “There are two reasons – non-settlement of the outstanding dues of Rs 20 million for the month of March and non-renewal of the agreement contract which expired on 31 March 2003. Actually, we have been giving them signals in good faith for an entire month in the absence of a proper contract,” says Aditya.

    InCablenet, in its response has raised the imminent rollout of CAS as its reason for not signing on to a new agreement. A statement issued by InCablenet says: “With a few weeks left for the introduction of the conditional access regime, broadcasters have gone on the warpath with MSOs. Broadcasters have started making a demand for higher connectivity and higher rate per customer, which InCablenet has, in view of the resistance by customers, refused to accept.

    The statement also drew attention to the the hearing of public interest litigation tomorrow before Bombay High Court demanding reduction of cable subscription rates, as another reason for not reaching agreement with SET-Discovery.

    According to InCablenet, with CAS around the corner, commercial arrangements in a post CAS regime are what need to be discussed.

    Aditya, however, dismissed this line of argument saying an agreement has to be in place because services are being rendered and it is not possible to function in the absence of a formal contract.

    Aditya confirms that the two parties failed to reach a mutually acceptable figure as far as the disputed amount (of Rs 20 million) was concerned. “We are hopeful that the issue will be resolved soon. Despite repeated assurances, we haven’t received payments – which are actually ground collections. We believe that the issue of under-declarations is still unresolved,” says Aditya.

    Aditya, however, mentioned that Incable Network had settled all the previous dues. He added that the representatives of both the affected parties have been conducting talks and have had several discussions.

    The One Alliance team has also prepared itself for piracy related problems and illegal stealing of signals. “Copyright laws have been strengthened in recent times,” Aditya says.

    Speaking of piracy, an ESPN official has filed charges in three different police stations in Mumbai alleging theft of the ESPN Star Sports signals.

    In turn InCablenet COO Rajiv Vyas and vice-president (operations) Manoj Motwani, have obtained anticipatory bail from a sessions court in Mumbai. The ESPN official, Prakash Shinde, in his FIRs, filed in Mumbai’s Ghatkopar, DN Nagar and MIDC-Andheri police stations last week, has said InCablenet was tapping signals from neighbouring operators in violation of Section 51 (a) and (b) of the Copyright Act.

  • IMCL bucks the sentiment, says it is ready for CAS

    IMCL bucks the sentiment, says it is ready for CAS

    MUMBAI: Even as several factions in the cable and satellite industry are rueing CAS and try to defer 14 July, Hinduja-run MSO IndusInd Media & Communications, has announced that it is all ready to roll out CAS from its headends by the deadline date.

    “We have finalised arrangements for all the vital components required for implementing CAS successfully: the system, digital headends, subscriber management systems (SMS), billing systems, IT backbone, call centers and HR are all finalised. Our vendors are world-class; hence we are confident of being able to provide our viewers with cost-effective and enhanced services,” says IMCL COO Rajiv Vyas. “Our marketing plans for the Set Top Boxes (STB’s) will include several consumers friendly initiatives like, early-bird schemes, installment schemes, rental schemes, etc., catering to every segment of the demand. Our viewers should look forward to the experience of having control over their viewing experience as well as the exposure to several value-added services.”

    He adds: “We have also checked the suitability of the equipment and its technology for Indian conditions. We are focused on satisfying our viewers, irrespective of whether they are pay TV (PTV) or only free to air (FTA) channel subscribers. We also got the ISO 9001 quality certification recently, becoming the only media company in the country to do so, to facilitate our objectives of delivering top-quality services through our digital delivery systems, thus enhancing the over-all viewing experience. We aim to set international standards in terms of performance and customer satisfaction.”

    The MSO had earlier announced that it had signed on with Nagravision, a wholly owned subsidiary of Kudelski, as its CAS technology supplier. Under the agreement, Nagravision is to CAS-enable InCable headends on a turnkey basis, right from the CAS software for encryption of PTV Services (including the CAS System) to smart cards for deployment of digital STBs in India to integrating it with the compression system/digital headend as well as the SMS, billing system etc. The MSO had also said that it had zoomed in on the digital headend supplier, SMS and billings system vendors. This apart an ERP package was being installed bringing into its fold the scenario under CAS and call centre was being set up. Additionally, the workforce had been strengthened with 60 employees being hired.

    Points out Vyas: “As the leading Indian MSO, we are pleased that our arrangements for CAS will allow our consumers to enjoy several value-added services like access to the Internet, Video-on-Demand, E-mail, SMS, Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP), Gaming, Electronic Program Guide (EPG), Pay-Per-View, Mobile Messaging and Internet advertising.”

  • IndusInd Media gets ISO 9001 certification

    IndusInd Media gets ISO 9001 certification

    MUMBAI: IndusInd Media & Communications Limited has been awarded the ISO 9001certification (for Quality Management System) by Lloyds Register Quality Assurance, 5making it the only multi-service operator in the country to achieve a comprehensive national level certification.

    The company has been awarded the certification for Quality Management System for their cable TV network distributing voice, video and data services. The rigorous procedure involves various processes, activity verification, interviews and audits.

    Says Rajiv Vyas, IndusInd COO, “As the leading cable MSO, we felt that we should get quality certification prior to the roll out of Conditional Access. We see the ISO 9001 certification as a step in our preparation for Conditional Access. We aim to set international standards in terms of performance and customer satisfaction.”

    IndusInd says it is preparing for the rollout of CAS in the country through significant investment across all stages of the delivery systems including the laying of fibre optic cable.

  • Hindujas’ expecting smooth CAS rollout

    Hindujas’ expecting smooth CAS rollout

    MUMBAI: The final session of the SCaT workshop on Wednesday had an optimistic note to it. The session was presided over by IndusInd Media and Communications COO Rajiv Vyas who spoke on InCable’s strategy, the future of cable TV as well as CAS benefits.

     
    Vyas said that InCable would be deploying digital set tops in Mumbai and Delhi but declined to comment on the number of boxes that would be seeded. “The value proposition has to be right and marketed properly.” He estimated that the price for the FTA channels would be anything between Rs 50 – 100. The government has to still set a limit to the number of FTA channels and it might also decide what genres should go in.

    He estimated that there would be 35 – 40 FTA channels. As far as pay channels are concerned, while there would be differential pricing between the driver channels and the not so hot ones he didn’t feel that any channel which is now pay would go free in the CAS regime. ” Of course, the big question still remains as to who will be able to get the most from the consumers pocket. The pay channels or those that are free to air,” Vyas said.

    While an analogue box will carry only 64 channels, a digital set top can carry over 300 channels. It was also pointed out that there were many channels from other countries like China and Japan that a cable op can offer a subscriber who has gone digital. ” Comparing an analogue box to a digital one is like comparing a VHS to a DVD. The consumer who goes in for a analogue box now will have to suffer the price of reinvesting for a digital box later on if he wants extra services.”

    Elaborating on the benefits of CAS he said, “The operator enjoys longevity and additional revenue streams. The broadcaster gets complete declaration in connectivity while the consumer will enjoy superior sound and picture quality. He also pays only for those channels that he gets instead of being saddled with a whole bouquet. As far as additional services are concerned, in a month or so, we will be introducing video mail and voice mail.”

    Elaborating further on the set top box rollout, he said, “We operate 104 channels at the moment. This number will increase. To give an example, education is going to be an important sphere with the number of channels catering to that segment set to explode to around 30. We have a two-way addressability system in most places. There is a gap but some services do not require a reverse path. Anyway the cost for two-way amplifiers for the last mile has come down drastically.”

    “Services that a digital subscriber can enjoy include the Electronic Programme Guide and Video-on-demand. For the last one, the viewer selects a programme, which will be sent to a particular channel. The subscriber can watch it at his/her convenience and so there is no need to visit the local video store. 

    The sound will come from the server. Also archived footage from events like sports broadcasts will be made available. The EPG makes it easier for the consumer to navigate and find out exactly what is needed. There is a reminder service. Parents can restrict content that their kids have access to. Of course digital broadcast will mean greater interactivity between the operator and subscriber. The subscriber will also have different gaming modes to choose from.”

    Despite fears that in a CAS regime, viewers would have to shell out far more for much less he maintained that CAS was consumer friendly. Vyas also said that due to research he was confident that the MSO would not face consumer resistance. One could buy a set top outright or hire it.

    He was highly optimistic of convergence becoming a reality. For instance on a mobile phone in the near future you would be able to make calls, send emails, view television, Vyas pointed out.

  • TV18, SET India discuss how to resolve INCablenet spat

    TV18, SET India discuss how to resolve INCablenet spat

    NEW DELHI: Television Eighteen Ltd, the Indian joint venture partner for CNBC India, is in talks with Sony Entertainment TV India to sort out the matter with the Hinduja group-controlled INCablenet which has blacked out the business channel since last Tuesday in Mumbai.

    SET India distributes CNBC India along with Sony, SET Max and AXN in India.

    “The matter should get resolved soon,” a senior TV-18 executive said today.

    INCablenet president Rajiv Vyas had told indiantelevision.com last week that the business channel was off the network because it had failed to provide “an official undertaking that it was complying with all terms and conditions of the Cable Act.”

    TV-18 had claimed that it was blacked out in Mumbai after the business channel had carried a UNI report relating to the Hindujas and the Bofors case.

  • Cable ops call off indefinite stir

    Cable ops call off indefinite stir

    NEW DELHI: The temperatures have cooled a bit on the the vexed issue of the introduction of conditional access systems (CAS) among the cable fraternity. Mollified by the assurances extended to them by information and broadcasting minister Sushma Swaraj on the matter, cable operators who had gathered in the capital this evening decided to call off the indefinite strike that had been scheduled to kick off from midnight. 

    The cable operators, after their meeting with Swaraj, were initially undecided on whether to continue with the day-long strike or be content with a token hour-long blackout which they have been resorting to in Delhi and Mumbai.

    “We will decide amongst ourselves whether to continue with our planned day-long strike or withdraw our agitation after the minister’s assurance,” Rajiv Vyas, chief operating officer of HTMT told indiantelevision.com after attending the meeting with the minister. The meeting was attended by about six people, which included independent cable operators too like Delhi’s Rakesh Dutta and Vikki Choudhry and Naidu from Hyderabad.

    Well the decision appears to have been that there will be a three-hour blackout from 9 pm tomorrow night to midnight. However, the indefinite strike that was initially planned has definitely been called off.

    Yesterday, the cable fraternity had threatened that if no decision were taken by the government on the CAS issue by today, the cable ops would resort to an indefinite blackout from midnight tonight. The decision had been taken unanimously and was supported by distributors owing allegiance to all MSOs in the Mumbai. In the capital, MSOs had adopted a similar strategy since last Friday, resorting to an hour long blackout every day to protest the delay in the implementation of CAS. 

  • Rajiv Vyas in sole charge at INCableNet

    Rajiv Vyas in sole charge at INCableNet

    There has been a major reorganisation at Hinduja Group MSO INCableNet in its senior management structure. INCableNet president Rajiv Vyas now has sole operational charge of INCableNet and has been promoted to COO IndusInd Media & Communications Ltd (IMC). INCableNet is the operations arm of IMC. 

    Out of the equation are the two other power centres in INCableNet  CEO Ram Hingorani and CFO S Vardhan. Both have been transferred to Hinduja House. Hingorani is now vice-chairman IMC in a non-executive capacity (he was executive V-C IMC before the restructuring), while Vardhan has returned to parent company HTMT as executive director. Vardhan has been replaced by Srinivas Pala.

    Talk of internal feuding among these three has long been there in the industry and it may well have been to resolve this that the restructuring was done. 

  • Switch-off scenario averted in Mumbai as Star, INCableNet agree to continue talking

    Switch-off scenario averted in Mumbai as Star, INCableNet agree to continue talking

    After a day of hard negotiations, Star India and Hinduja Group MSO INCableNet this evening appeared to have bought themselves some time to arrive at an agreement on the terms of a new contract after the current one expired on 30 June. 

    Executive V-P distribution Tony D’Silva said Star had given INCableNet a proposal and the MSO was supposed to revert back on it within 48 hours. D’Silva was however, quick to point out the latest round of talks were not confrontationist in nature and that he felt reasonably confident that it would not come to a scenario of Star switching off the INCableNet feed. D’Silva said the proposal Star had put forward was valid for a limited one-month period during which a final agreement would have to be arrived at. 

    Rajiv Vyas, newly promoted COO of IndusInd Media & Communications Ltd (IMC), of which INCableNet is the operations arm, spoke in a similar vein while stating the two sides had worked out a month-long bridge period in which to resolve all outstanding issues and come to an agreement which would be beneficial to both sides. Vyas added that Star had sent them a proposal in which they’d sought a response in 48 hours. It was not an ultimatum, Vyas said.

    The scene was a sea change from the one existing at the beginning of the day where it had almost seemed as a certainty that there would be a confrontation between the two sides. Big ads in yesterday’s edition of The Sunday Times of India and Sunday Mid-Day detailing INCableNet’s litany of woes vis–vis broadcasters, but with particular reference to Star, appeared to point to the fact that consumers could expect a switch-off any time in the next few days. The advertisement said Star had issued a notice to INCableNet that unless the MSO increased monthly payments, it would not be able to provide signals w.e.f. tomorrow, 9 July.

    The ad also made a strong plea for the introduction of conditional access systems (CAS) at the earliest as the only way to resolve this matter in the long term.