ITV

Tag: SDTV

  • FreeDish creates record, sells 11 slots for Rs 851 million

    NEW DELHI: Doordarshan’s FreeDish earned a record Rs 851 million in the 36th e-auction, auctioning eleven slots including three news channels.

    For the first time, the reserve price for general entertainment channels was Rs 80 million but the reserve price for news and current affairs channels was reduced to Rs 65 million.

    Doordarshan netted Rs 67 million as the highest for one of the news channels through the auction of the news channels, DD Director-General Supriya Sahu informed indiantelevision.com.

    Among the eight general entertainment channels, the highest bid received was for Rs 84 million.

    The channels that have successfully bid for a slot on FreeDish this time round include News18 India, Zee Hindustan, Zee News, Star Utsav, Zee Anmol, Rishtey, B4U Music, Housefull Movies and Bhojpuri Cinema.

    With the completion of MPEG4 trials, the total strength of the platform will go up to 104, expectedly the end of July. Earlier this year, Parliament was informed FreeDish had got approval to increase this capacity to 250 channels and DD sources had told indiantelevision.co 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) 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 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.

    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.

    Also read

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

    FreeDish auction on 4 July, different reserve prices for GEC and news

     

     

  • TRAI for pvt players in DTT, suggests capping of transmitters

    TRAI for pvt players in DTT, suggests capping of transmitters

    NEW DELHI: The telecom regulator TRAI has made it clear that it was in favour of private players being permitted to provide digital terrestrial transmission (DTT) services along with the public service broadcaster (Doordarshan) to ensure plurality and competition in the market.

    Private participation is expected to bring in investment and speed up the digitisation process, thereby benefiting the consumers by providing variety of TV channels and value added services, it said. TRAI said the maximum number of DTT providers may be capped at five (one public broadcaster and four private broadcasters) at a particular place as per availability of spectrum.

    DTT has been recommended to be introduced in three phases by 31 December 2023, beginning with metro cities by 31 December 2019. Seven months after it suo moto released a consultation paper on the subject on 24 June last year, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India today said in its recommendations that a total of seven DTT transmitters may be allowed in a particular service area for making DTT as a competitive platform for providing rich bouquet of services including SDTV, HDTV channels, Mobile TV services and value added services.

    Stressing that DTT services ‘may be introduced throughout the country in a time-bound manner to provide alternate affordable platform to consumers in accessing TV channels, Mobile TV services and other value added services’, the regulator said that after the first phase, the second phase will cover (cities having more than 10 lakh population as per Census 2011) by 31 December 2021.

    The Information and Broadcasting Ministry in consultation with Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing of Department of Telecommunications and other technical agency such as Broadcast Engineering Consultants India Limited (BECIL) may carry out comprehensive frequency planning for roll out of DTT services in a time bound manner.

    A maximum overlap of three month must be provided as simulcast period for migration from Analog to digital platform before analog switch off, the recommendations on “Issues related to Digital Terrestrial Broadcasting in India” said.

    A Coordination Committee may be set up by the I and B Ministry to steer implementation of DTT as a mission mode project to ensure creation of a facilitating environment and timely completion for digitisation of terrestrial broadcasting.

    It said terrestrial television broadcasting is the preferred method for providing free-to-air TV services to the people in most of the countries.

    At present, Terrestrial TV broadcasting in India is under the exclusive domain of pubcaster Doordarshan (Prasar Bharati) and it is predominantly analogue.

    Indiantelevision.com had earlier reported then Prasar Bharati Chief Executive Officer Jawhar Sircar as saying that the pubcaster had given the idea of DTT going private about two years before TRAI came out with its paper.

    While a large number of TV channels are available to the consumers through various delivery platforms such as DTH, Cable TV, IPTV, HITS etc, the existing terrestrial TV platform provides only a few channels which do not offer a value proposition to the viewers.

    But in the digital era, consumers prefer to have access to number of TV channels on various devices such as mobile phone and other handheld devices. However, terrestrial viewers are deprived of such benefits due to non availability of digital terrestrial broadcasting services.

    Analogue terrestrial broadcasting is being phased out world over due to poor quality of service, inefficient use of spectrum and obsolescence of analog technologies.

    In order to exploit benefits of digitization several countries have already switched off analog terrestrial TV broadcasting while many others are in the process of digitization as per the roadmaps laid down by them.

    In India, although the work for digitization of analog terrestrial transmission has already begun, a clear roadmap is yet to be formulated to ensure an early migration to digital.

    The regulator also listed the advantages of DTT over existing analogue TV services apart from better quality of TV reception – with enhanced quality of picture and sound.

    This will also provide for more efficient use of frequency spectrum – one DTT transmitter can broadcast multiple TV channels (20 to 30 SD TV Channels in a given slot of 7 to 8 Mhz by using latest compression technologies). In analog , one transmitter broadcast only one TV channel.

    There can be more efficient reception of TV channels in portable environment such as on moving vehicles and TV channels can also be received on mobile phones and handheld devices without requiring internet and broadband connection.

    A combination of multiple DTT transmitters at a location can provide a rich bouquet of SDTV, HDTV, UHTV, mobile TV channels, radio service and other value added services. The recommendations follow an open house discussion after various stakeholders had sent in their comments.

     

  • TRAI for pvt players in DTT, suggests capping of transmitters

    TRAI for pvt players in DTT, suggests capping of transmitters

    NEW DELHI: The telecom regulator TRAI has made it clear that it was in favour of private players being permitted to provide digital terrestrial transmission (DTT) services along with the public service broadcaster (Doordarshan) to ensure plurality and competition in the market.

    Private participation is expected to bring in investment and speed up the digitisation process, thereby benefiting the consumers by providing variety of TV channels and value added services, it said. TRAI said the maximum number of DTT providers may be capped at five (one public broadcaster and four private broadcasters) at a particular place as per availability of spectrum.

    DTT has been recommended to be introduced in three phases by 31 December 2023, beginning with metro cities by 31 December 2019. Seven months after it suo moto released a consultation paper on the subject on 24 June last year, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India today said in its recommendations that a total of seven DTT transmitters may be allowed in a particular service area for making DTT as a competitive platform for providing rich bouquet of services including SDTV, HDTV channels, Mobile TV services and value added services.

    Stressing that DTT services ‘may be introduced throughout the country in a time-bound manner to provide alternate affordable platform to consumers in accessing TV channels, Mobile TV services and other value added services’, the regulator said that after the first phase, the second phase will cover (cities having more than 10 lakh population as per Census 2011) by 31 December 2021.

    The Information and Broadcasting Ministry in consultation with Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing of Department of Telecommunications and other technical agency such as Broadcast Engineering Consultants India Limited (BECIL) may carry out comprehensive frequency planning for roll out of DTT services in a time bound manner.

    A maximum overlap of three month must be provided as simulcast period for migration from Analog to digital platform before analog switch off, the recommendations on “Issues related to Digital Terrestrial Broadcasting in India” said.

    A Coordination Committee may be set up by the I and B Ministry to steer implementation of DTT as a mission mode project to ensure creation of a facilitating environment and timely completion for digitisation of terrestrial broadcasting.

    It said terrestrial television broadcasting is the preferred method for providing free-to-air TV services to the people in most of the countries.

    At present, Terrestrial TV broadcasting in India is under the exclusive domain of pubcaster Doordarshan (Prasar Bharati) and it is predominantly analogue.

    Indiantelevision.com had earlier reported then Prasar Bharati Chief Executive Officer Jawhar Sircar as saying that the pubcaster had given the idea of DTT going private about two years before TRAI came out with its paper.

    While a large number of TV channels are available to the consumers through various delivery platforms such as DTH, Cable TV, IPTV, HITS etc, the existing terrestrial TV platform provides only a few channels which do not offer a value proposition to the viewers.

    But in the digital era, consumers prefer to have access to number of TV channels on various devices such as mobile phone and other handheld devices. However, terrestrial viewers are deprived of such benefits due to non availability of digital terrestrial broadcasting services.

    Analogue terrestrial broadcasting is being phased out world over due to poor quality of service, inefficient use of spectrum and obsolescence of analog technologies.

    In order to exploit benefits of digitization several countries have already switched off analog terrestrial TV broadcasting while many others are in the process of digitization as per the roadmaps laid down by them.

    In India, although the work for digitization of analog terrestrial transmission has already begun, a clear roadmap is yet to be formulated to ensure an early migration to digital.

    The regulator also listed the advantages of DTT over existing analogue TV services apart from better quality of TV reception – with enhanced quality of picture and sound.

    This will also provide for more efficient use of frequency spectrum – one DTT transmitter can broadcast multiple TV channels (20 to 30 SD TV Channels in a given slot of 7 to 8 Mhz by using latest compression technologies). In analog , one transmitter broadcast only one TV channel.

    There can be more efficient reception of TV channels in portable environment such as on moving vehicles and TV channels can also be received on mobile phones and handheld devices without requiring internet and broadband connection.

    A combination of multiple DTT transmitters at a location can provide a rich bouquet of SDTV, HDTV, UHTV, mobile TV channels, radio service and other value added services. The recommendations follow an open house discussion after various stakeholders had sent in their comments.

     

  • DD plans for multiplex transmitters at 630 locations for SDTV, HDTV, and mobile TV

    DD plans for multiplex transmitters at 630 locations for SDTV, HDTV, and mobile TV

    NEW DELHI: Doordarshan has drawn up a long term plan to have a ‘multiplex‘ of five transmitters each at 630 locations to provide a competitive platform.

    Each of these multiplex transmitters will have two for standard television, two for high definition TV, and one for mobile TV services.

    Stating this in an action-taken report to the Parliametary Standing Committee on Information and Technology, the information and broadcasting ministry has said it is in discussion with the department of telecom for release of more spectrum.

    The I&B Ministry has asked the telecom department to give spectrum for various broadcasting services in the UHF Band V since the frequency band 700 MHz – that is, 698 to 806 MHz – has been earmarked for international mobile telecom services by the World radio Conference 2007.

    As part of digitisation of its terrestrial networks, DD is planning to set up 630 digital transmitters which comprise 230 high power and 400 low power transmitters. Projects for establishment of forty digital transmitters (SDTV) and four high definition digital transmitters have already been taken up under the Eleventh Plan.

    It is felt that in view of its long-term plans, the total spectrum requirement of DD will be met in Band-IV (470-582 MHz) and eight channels in Band-V (582-646 MHz).

    DD also has frequency assignment in 700 MHz band in two carriers: (745 MHz and 795 MHz each with a bandwidth of 20 MHz for mobile video link and Channel 54 (734-742 MHz) for digital terrestrial transmitters (DTT) in the four metro cities.

    Furthermore, the Ministry says it is estimated that at least 96 MHz of spectrum will be required for four operators to start mobile TV services.

    The Ministry has also pointed out that under NFAP (National Frequency Allocation Plan) 2008, the frequency band 585-806 MHz is predominantly for broadcasting services including mobile TV.

    However according to the draft India Remarks for NFAP 2011, it was suggested that the UHF Band V be bifurcated with 585-698 MHz going to digital broadcasting and 698-806 MHz be given for IMT applications.

    Following the note by the I&B Ministry not to bifurcate this frequency, a committee has been set up with officials of the department of telecom and I&B Ministry.

    When it was revealed that the frequency band 625-675 MHz is being given to the defence ministry, it was pointed out by I&B Ministry that this disturbs the entire band and therefore the defence ministry be asked to relocate its frequency beyond 646 MHz so that the broadcasting spectrum remains contiguous.This matter is now with the Empowered Group of Ministers on vacation of spectrum.

  • Trai issues draft tariff package for STBs/CPEs for DTH and cable TV ops

    Trai issues draft tariff package for STBs/CPEs for DTH and cable TV ops

    NEW DELHI: In order to ensure a smooth migration of customers from one service provider to another without having to re-invest in a new STB, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) today issued draft tariff orders prescribing standard tariff package for set top boxes in digital addressable cable TV systems (DAS) and consumer premises equipments (CPE) for direct-to-home services.

    The standard tariff packages for STB/CPE on rental basis are to be offered mandatorily by DTH and cable TV operators. The draft tariff orders have been put on the TRAI site to seek comments of stakeholders by 26 April.

    The Tariff Order also assumes significance as it attempts for the first time to give inter-operability to consumers of DTH players.

    The authority is of the view that the interests of the consumers can be largely protected through the provision for commercial interoperability of STB. The commercial interoperability provides an exit option for a subscriber in case the subscriber wishes to change the operator for any reason.

    Accordingly, in the relevant Regulations/ Tariff orders of Trai, it has been mandated that the operators of Digital Addressable Cable TV Systems and DTH operators shall give an option to every subscriber to procure the STB either on outright purchase basis or hire purchase basis or rental basis, or in accordance with the scheme, if any, prescribed by the Authority. The relevant provisions of various Trai Regulations/ Tariff Order in this regard are attached as Appendix-I.

    While interoperability is available to customers of LCOs, Trai observed that in case of DTH services, ‘the predominant DAS platforms at the moment, the schemes for CPEs offered to the subscribers by the DTH operators, have wide variations and at times are such that no viable exit option is available to the subscribers. Instead the consumer has to re-invest in new hardware in case of migration from a particular operator or platform. The same may also hold good in case of the upcoming Digital Addressable Cable TV Systems.‘

    The authority is of the view that in order to, provide an easy exit option to the subscribers, ensure availability of STBs at reasonable cost and terms and at the same time to protect the interest of the service providers a Standard Tariff Package, for STBs, as provided for in the existing Regulations/Tariff Orders be prescribed by the Authority.

    Accordingly Standard Tariff Package for STBs for DAS has been worked out. In addition to offering the STB as per the Standard Tariff Package prescribed by the Authority, the operators are free to offer their own schemes for supply of STB to its subscribers in accordance with the existing Regulations/ Tariff Orders and the subscribers shall have option to choose from the Standard Tariff Package prescribed by the Authority and the alternative schemes offered by the operators.

    Authority has observed that The operators are offering to its subscribers various types of STBs having different features/ capabilities such as “recording facility”, “Internet/broadband compatibility”, “High definition/ 3D reception capability” etc., in addition to the basic functionalities. Since for such STBs there would be wide variations in terms of features and cost and hence the Standard Tariff Package is provided only for the basic/ vanilla STBs meant for reception of Standard Definition TV signals (SDTV) conforming to the relevant Indian Standard set by the Bureau of Indian Standards.

    The Standard Tariff Package for Cable TV operators has been worked out on the basis of the following facts and figures as provided by the Industry stakeholders/ Associations:-

    a) The total cost of STB has been taken as Rs. 1750/-.
    b) Life span of STB has been taken as 5 years.
    c) The residual value has been taken as nil.
    d) Rental per month is based on cost of STB on Equated Monthly Installment (EMI) Basis @15% per annum (@1.25% per month) for a period of 60 months.

    The Standard Tariff Package for DTH operators has been worked out on the basis of the following facts and figures as provided by Industry stakeholders/ Associations;

    a) The total cost of CPE has been taken as Rs. 2250/-.
    b) Life span of CPE has been taken as 5 years.
    c) The residual value has been taken as nil.
    d) Rental per month is based on cost of CPE on Equated Monthly Installment (EMI) Basis @15% per annum (@1.25% per month) for a period of 60 months.

    The authority has also noted that no monthly rentals will be payable after the period of five years and the Customer Premises Equipment will become the property of the subscriber (except smart card/viewing card) after the expiry of five years. An amount equal to the sum of security deposit to be refunded per month and interest per month on balance security deposit has been adjusted in Rent per month per Customer Premises Equipment. The Full amount of security deposit stands adjusted in a period of five years.

    Up to five years, on returning of the Customer Premises Equipment, the Security Deposit shall be refunded as per attached table-B, provided that the Customer Premises Equipment is not tampered with.

    In case of un-installation/discontinuance of service before the last day of the month, balance security deposit shown as refundable at the end of that month will be refunded on return of Customer Premises Equipment.

    No repair or maintenance charges would be levied by DTH operator on the subscriber, towards repair or maintenance of Customer Premises Equipment up to the period of five years from activation of the Customer Premises Equipment. The subscriber, however, shall be liable to pay repair and maintenance charges from sixth year onwards.

    No installation charges or re-installation charges (except in case of shifting of connection) or activation charges or smartcard/ viewing card charges is to be levied by the DTH operator on the subscriber.

  • Nimbus to launch 3 sports channels, raises $ 30 million

    Nimbus to launch 3 sports channels, raises $ 30 million

    MUMBAI: Harish Thawani’s Nimbus Communications Limited today announced that it would be launching three sports channels between October 2006 and September 2007.

    Nimbus also announced that it has raised Rs 1.35 billion ($ 30 million) fresh capital from Deutsche Bank with the option of seeking another $ 30 million. SAE Euromax Capital Ltd, the London based boutique investment bank acted as the transaction adviser to Nimbus.

    The first, a cricket centric sports channel, will commence broadcasting from October 2006. The second channel will focus on sports entertainment, not restricting itself to merely sports events but also broadcasting sports themed entertainment programmes, is scheduled to commence broadcasting from April 2007. The third channel will be a sports news service and will launch September 2007.

    It was last August that UK-based private equity and venture fund 3i acquired around 33 per cent stake in Nimbus for $45.50 million (approx Rs 1.97 billion).

    The new capital raised is being largely invested by Nimbus in its sports broadcasting business. Nimbus believes that the introduction in India in 2006 of three new DTH platforms in addition to the existing DishTV (not counting Doordarshan’s free service) will provide a major new thrust to cricket channels. The reasoning being that in addition to revenues from cable, multiple DTH platforms would drive subscription revenues.

    Nimbus plans to provide separate feeds to DTH (HDTV, interactive, multiple languages), cable (SDTV customised, English/Hindi) and DD (basic feed).