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Tag: Videocon d2h

  • Coolers & creams noticeable among top FMCG summer product ads

    BENGALURU: Summer is here is a fact that has become an uncomfortable one, and probably earlier than ever before as temperatures across the country soared since March. And this fact is made more obvious by the type of ads that are beamed across the telly.

    In weeks 9, 10 and 11 of Broadcast Audience Research Council of India (BARC), Food & Beverages brand Coca Cola India Limited found a place among the weekly the top 10 advertisers list. After a short blip – an absence in weeks 12 and 13, the F&B advertiser reappeared in the weekly top 10 advertisers list in week 14 along with its biggest rival globally – Pepsi Co in week 14. The advertiser then made a solo appearance in the top 10 list of advertisers list in week 15, and then had faithful company of Pepsi Co in weeks 16 and 17.

    And it is not only the F&B industry that has been advertising on television. Consumer durables brands are another category that have been raising decibels by more television advertising – a case in point – Symphony Air Coolers was present in the weekly top 10 most advertised brands list with 8,091 ad insertions in week 17 (Saturday, 22 April 2017 to Friday, 28 April 2017).

    Of course the regular top 10 FMCG advertisers also have so many personal care heat beating FMCG and food and drinks products to offer. Murthy with a new story about Voltas air conditioners, apparel brands with summer wear, products for prickly heat – the volume of ads is only going to get bigger – well Summer is here!

    Let us take a look at the top 10 television advertisers Across Genre: All India (U+R) : 2+ Individuals in week 17 of 2017.

    The omnipresent Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) retained its top rank with a massive 1,50,321 insertions followed far behind by FMCG advertiser Reckitt Benckiser (India) Ltd with 38,616 Impressions at second place. HUL associated beverages brand Brook Bond Lipton India Limited with 27,251 insertions was at third place, followed by Baba Ramdev’s Patanjali Ayurved Ltd with 18,885 insertions at fourth place.

    Coca Cola India Ltd with 18,368 Insertions was fifth followed by Lalitha Jewellery with 18,219 impressions at sixth place. Another HUL FMCG personal care products associate – Ponds India with 17,844 insertions was the seventh biggest advertiser followed by oral and personal care company Colgate Palmolive India Ltd with 17,251 Insertions.

    F&B biggie Pepsi Co with 16,507 insertions was ninth followed by confectionary company Cadburys India Ltd with 16,109 insertions to complete the top 10 advertisers list for week 17.

    Now onto BARC’s top 10 Brands *Across Genre: All India (U+R): 2+ Individuals list for week 17 of 2017.

    Jewellery brand Lalitha Jewellery has been quite consistent in its presence as one of the top10 most advertised brands on television, especially during the past few weeks. The brand was the most advertised brand in week 17 with 18,219 insertions followed by FMCG personal care brand Roop Mantra Ayur Face Cream with 10,961 insertions.

    HLL’s Fair & Lovely Advanced Multivitamin face cream was the third most advertised brand with 10,339 followed by F&B Domino’s – Dominos Everyday Value Offer with 9,729 impressions. New launches – phone brand Samsung Galaxy S8/S8 Plus with 9,272 ad insertions was at fifth rank followed by HUL’s toothpaste brand Close Up Ever Fresh with 8,706 insertions at sixth place.

    The above mentioned consumer durables product Symphony Air Coolers with 8,091 insertions was at seventh rank followed by DTH service provider Videocon d2h with 6,933 insertions. OTT services brand Amazon Prime Video with 6,767 ad insertions was at ninth place with HUL’s home care (detergent) brand Surf Excel Easy Wash with 6,613 ad insertions.

    Conspicuous by their absence in the top 10 advertisers and brands lists in week 17 were mobile and internet services providers.

  • Videocon d2h to telecast Republic TV

    MUMBAI: Videocon d2h, one of the fastest growing DTH service provider in India, has now added Arnab Goswami’s news channel, Republic TV, to its bouquet.

    Republic TV is a free to air news channel and will feature Arnab Goswami as its lead & star anchor. Videocon d2h is always at the forefront of adding new channels and will play a key role in presenting the channel a wide spread reach across the country.

    Videocon d2h executive chairman Saurabh Dhoot said, “We are delighted to have Republic TV on our platform from the day the channel goes on air. This reaffirms Videocon d2h’s commitment to bringing the best of TV channels for our viewers.”

    Commenting on this collaboration, Republic TV founder Arnab Goswami said, “We are extremely proud to partner with Videocon d2h. With their modern technology and services, we are looking forward to bringing our content to the viewers in every corner of India.”

    Videocon d2h CEO Anil Khera said, “With Republic TV on our platform, we will be further enhancing our bouquet of English News channels. We are confident that the rich news content that Republic TV brings will engage our viewers in this rapidly evolving genre.” The association between Videocon and Republic TV will be available on broadcast as well as digital platforms to ensure nationwide penetration.

    Videocon d2h has prided itself in presenting its subscribers with a robust line-up of 650+ channels and services, including a host of regional channels. It offers a wide range of active services like Smart English, Smart Games & Smart Cooking. The other active services include d2h Hollywood HD, d2h music, d2h spice, d2h cinema in both Standard Definition and HD, etc.

  • Videocon d2h launches Interactive TV games on HD Smart, partners Visiware’s Playin’TV

    MUMBAI: Videocon d2h, the fastest growing DTH service provider in India has entered into a partnership with Visiware International , the world leader in games for interactive television for its HD Smart Connect. Visiware International ’s flagship international gaming channel Playin’TV, will enrich Videocon d2h’s subscribers with gamification features, which include major entertainment licenses and innovative features.

    With this collaboration Videocon d2h’s subscribers will have an easy access to over 350 games on their Smart HD Connect. Playin’TV, offers games for the whole family from sports, to board & cards, brain teasers, casino and much more. Players can also enjoy experience-enhancing interactive TV gaming features such as real-time connected leaderboards, HD graphics etc.

    HD SMART Set top Box (Connected Set top box) converts any existing TV into a Smart TV besides showing 650 Channels & services in High Definition and Standard Definition. The DTH service allows one to watch their favorite channels in SD and HD, the Connected set top box allows one to browse content from applications residing on STB. These Applications will enhance the pleasure of accessing content on a bigger screen thus making it a family event rather than solo watching on a smaller screen. HD Smart Set Top Box will work as a tool for personalization, engagement and new customer experiences and with internet connectivity, one can convert one’s TV into a smart TV using it.

    Videocon d2h executive chairman Saurabh Dhoot said, “We are pleased to partner with Visiware International, a world class player in Interactive games on TV. Our HD Smart Connect platform is now rapidly scaling up with more and more entertainment applications, reaffirming our commitment to provide holistic entertainment for the entire family.”

    Videocon d2h CEO Anil Khera said, “In every home, young children are the most important members of the family. With Visiware International on our HD Smart Connect Platform, they can enjoy the latest interactive games on television. This is the first time truly interactive games would be available in India on television screens through the set top box.”

    Visiware International COO Frederic Fellague said, “Videocon d2h is launching our globally successful premier HTML5 games in India. This medium presents new opportunities in terms of interactivity, allowing multi-screen game plays and multi-player interactions.”

  • Videocon d2h consumer will have a wider choice of Hungama movies, says Dhoot

    MUMBAI: Videocon d2h has partnered with Hungama Play for its HD smart connect set-top box.

    Hungama Play a video-on-demand service, offering over 35,000 hours of video content in 12 languages, including movies, television series, kids shows, live events, music videos along with short films and documentaries. The content includes Hollywood, Bollywood, Fun Kids content which is sure to enthral. The service is available to consumers with various subscription options including a select free offer.

    HD Smart set top box (connected set top box) converts any existing TV into a Smart TV besides showing 650 Channels and services in HD and SD. The DTH service allows one to watch their favorite channels in SD and HD, the Connected set top box allows one to browse content from applications residing on STB.

    These applications will enhance the pleasure of accessing content on a bigger screen thus making it a family event rather than solo watching on a smaller screen. HD smart connect set-top box 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.

    Videocon d2h executive chairman Saurabh Dhoot said, “Our HD smart connect set-top box aims to provide an app store experience. We are delighted to have Hungama available as an app; our consumer will have a wider choice of movies with Hungama coming on board”

    Videocon d2h CEO Anil Khera said, “Our HD smart connect set-top box has now a wide range of curated apps to meet every entertainment need of consumers. With Hungama Play, consumers can access wide range of Indian Movies as these will be available on demand.

    Hungama Play CEO Siddhartha Roy said, “Through this technology, we hope to reach a larger segment of users and offer them an enhanced entertainment experience with the best of Hollywood, Bollywood, Regional movies, kids content, music videos and more, all on their television screens.”

  • Could India blocking ABS’ FTA TV signals lead to breach of ITU norms?

    MUMBAI: Government of India, it seems, could find itself in a Catch-22 situation over a directive to Department of Space (DoS) to block free-to-air channels available in India broadcast through Asia Broadcast Satellite (ABS)-2, a foreign `bird’ not licensed to provide KU-band or DTH services in India. Reason: such a blockade may breach international laws relating to spillover of satellite signals.

    Signals of ABS-2 satellite —hosting on its South Asian beam a Nepalese and a Bangladeshi DTH service licensed in their respective countries — have been spilling over into India and a mix of Indian, Nepalese and Bangladeshi TV channels are available to Indians as a FTA service that can be accessed via some plain vanilla hardware (read set-top boxes and an antennae) at a nominal cost. This has raised the heckles of India authorities over possible national security.

    While last week junior minister for Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) Rajyavardhan Rathore informed Parliament that his ministry has requested DoS to block the “unauthorized” DTH or KU-band ABS-2 service, the foreign satellite operator feels it has not broken any Indian regulations.

    ABS source claimed that the issue is of “natural spillover” of satellite signals into neighboring countries that are outside the service area of the countries offering licensed DTH services, but falling within the coverage area of the satellite. Such issues have been debated by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) where it was concluded that such a spillover or overlap of coverage areas (countries) is in “full compliance” with ITU provisions. “Consequently, ABS is not in violation of any existing provisions/guidelines stipulated by the government of India,” a company source explained.

    ITU is the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies or ICTs. It allocates global radio spectrum and satellite orbits, develops technical standards that ensure networks and technologies to seamlessly interconnect and strives to improve access to ICTs to underserved communities worldwide. Originally founded in 1865 as the International Telegraph Union, ITU is one of the oldest existing international organizations. India is also a member of the organization and Indian satellites’ slots too are co-ordinated by ITU.

    Categorically denying that the company has “been providing” a DTH service in India, ABS sources said ABS-2 satellite has two customers on its South Asian beam. The customers are Bangladeshi DTH service provider marketing under brand name Realvu and Nepalese Humro TV platform. Both these services are licensed in their respective countries, the sources claimed, adding there was a “natural spillover” of these services into India that is being lapped up by Indian viewers as it has a mix of regional content in an un-encrypted format.

    ABS also clarified that it does not sell any hardware in India, nor does it advertise or provide any service to the Indian TV channels within the country. The ABS series of satellites are owned by the Bermuda-based Asia Broadcast Satellite, a comparatively young global satellite operator with offices in the United States, UAE, South Africa, Philippines, Indonesia and Hong Kong.

    Of course, this ABS-2 service is available to Indian consumers at no monthly charge and all they need to do is install a standard STB, easily available in the open electronics hardware market, which also means that the TV channels on the platform stand to gain from additional eyeballs that can be used for marketing purposes by the TV channels.

    According to an estimate, presently there are approximately 20 satellites broadcasting over the Indian skies beaming channels into India and viewers wanting to watch those channels can watch via an ordinary STB and pointing the antenna to the desired satellite’s geo-stationary location. Though this synchronization of antennae with a specific satellite’s position may be technical in nature, there would be hordes of service providers in India with adequate knowledge to do so for a small price.

    Free to view platforms have an advantage over paid DTH services like Dish TV or Tata Sky or Videocon d2h or Reliance BIG TV in the rural areas of the country where consumers may not be too quality conscious. This FTA phenomenon is evident from the considerable reach of pubcaster Doordarshan’s KU-band or FTA DTH service, FreeDish, and a clamour amongst private TV channels too to be on the platform that has a limited shelf capacity.

    Rathore, while responding to queries from three Members of Parliament last week, had said the move to block ABS-2 signals was being done keeping in view any threat to national security via a service not licensed in India. He said MIB was the licensing authority for DTH services in India and it had not received any application or reference from ABS regarding ABS-2 services. However, the minister also admitted that there was no violation of downlinking guidelines by licensed Indian channels on the ABS-2 platform.

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  • Active DTH subscriber growth subdued in Oct-Dec’16 quarter

    BENGALURU: Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) numbers for the quarter ended 31 December 2016 (current quarter, Q3-17) reveal that active DTH subscriber growth in India was lowest since the quarter ended June 2015 (Q2-16) at just 1.2 percent or just 7.5 lakh (0.75 million). In the previous quarter the platform had added 14 lakh (1.4 million) active DTH subscribers and 25.5 lakh active DTH subscribers in Q1-17.

    TRAI reports revealed that the active subscriber base in the country grew to 626.5 lakh (62.65 million) in Q3-17 from 619 lakh (61.9 million) in the immediate trailing quarter (Q2-17). Further, the industry has witnessed a higher growth of registered subscribers at 3 percent as compared to active subscribers in Q2-17 which was at 2.9 percent. In Q2-17 TRAI had reported 941.6 lakh or 94.16 million registered subscribers, which grew to 970.05 crore or 97.005 million in the current quarter.It may be noted that TRAI has been reporting the net active subscriber base including temporarily suspended subscribers that have been inactive for not more than 120 days since Q3-16 (quarter ended 31 December 2015).

    Of the six private players in the Indian DTH ecosystem, three are publically listed and their numbers are available in the public domain – They are in alphabetical order: Airtel Digital TV Services or Airtel DTH which is a small segment/division of Indian telecom major Bharti Airtel Limited; Dish TV, the largest DTH player in the country in terms of number of subscribers; and Videocon d2h.
    public://F1_3.jpg
    Airtel DTH, Dish TV and Videocon d2h have about two thirds (65 percent) of market share of the DTH universe by private players in India. Of the other three players, according to a TRAI report TataSky has a market share of 23 percent, while Sun Direct and Reliance have a market share or 10 percent and 2 percent respectively. It may be noted that at present probably the largest DTH player in India could be the government’s FreeDish, but since it is a free service, no subscriber data is available even with PrasarBharati. Please refer to the chart below:
    public://F2_2.jpg
    For Q3-17, the subscriber growth of the three major players – Airtel DTH, Dish TV and Videocon d2h was more than the industry growth– their combined subscriber base grew 1.6 percent quarter-over-quarter (q-o-q) by 6.33 lakh (0.633 million) to 406.58 lakh (40.658 million) from 400.25 lakh (40.025 million) in the immediate trailing quarter. This means that the major contribution to growth of overall active subscribers – 84.4 percent was by these three players.

    Among the three, Videocon d2h had the highest growth at 2 percent – its subscriber base grew 2.5 lakh (0.25 million) from 125.2 lakh (12.52 million) in Q2-17 to 127.7 lakh (12.77 million) in Q3-17. Airtel DTH subscriber base grew by 1.83 lakh (0.183 million) or 1.5 percent quarter-on-quarter (q-o-q) in Q3-17 to 125.88 lakh (12.588 million) from 124.05 lakh (12.405 million) in Q2-17. Dish TV, the largest private DTH player subscriber base grew by 2 lakh (0.2 million) or 1.3 percent q-o-q to 153 lakh (15.3 million) from 151 lakh (15.1 million).

    Let us see how these three players performed in Q3-17

    Airtel DTH

    Airtel’s Digital TV Services segment (DTH segment) reported 17.7 percent year-on-year (y-o-y) increase in operating revenues for the quarter ended 31 December 2016 (Q3-17, current quarter). Also, Operating Profit (Earnings Before interest and Tax – EBIT) of the DTH segment in the current quarter increased 27.1 percent year-over-year (y-o-y).
    Airtel DTH reported revenues of Rs 873.5 crore in Q3-17 and Rs 742.2 crore in Q3-16. EBIT for the corresponding periods was Rs 68.4 crore (7.8 percent margin of the segment’s operating revenue) and Rs 53.8 crore (7.2 percent margin of the segment’s operating revenue) respectively.
    EBIDTA in Q3-17 also increased y-o-y – by 22.3 percent to Rs 302.6 crore (34.6 percent margin of the segment’s operating revenue) in the current quarter from Rs 247.4 crore (33.3 percent margin of the segment’s operating revenue).
    Airtel’s DTH segment added 14.82 lakh subscribers between Q3-16 and Q3-17, or a 17.3 percent y-o-y increase. It had 125.88 lakh subscribers as on 31 December 2016. Q-o-q, the segment witnessed a 1.5 percent growth (1.83 lakh adds) in subscribers from 124.05 lakh in Q2-17.
    ARPU in Q3-17 increased to Rs 232 from Rs 229 in the corresponding year ago quarter, but remained flat q-o-q as compared to the immediate trailing quarter.

    Dish TV

    Subscription revenue in the current quarter increased 3.3 percent y-o-y to Rs 692.10 crore from Rs 669.90 crore. TIO declined 3 percent to Rs 747.98 crore from Rs 771.48 crore.

    Profit after tax (PAT) declined to almost a third (declined 61.0 Percent) y-o-y to Rs 26.68 crore (3.6 percent margin – of TIO) in Q3-17 from Rs 68.49 crore (8.9 percent margin) in Q3-16. EBIDTA in the current quarter declined 6 percent y-o-y to Rs 249.51 crore (33.4 percent margin) from Rs 265.45 crore (34.4 percent margin).

    Videocon d2h

    Videocon d2h computed subscription and activation revenue in the current quarter wasRs711.2 crore as compared to Rs 710.7 crore in the immediate trailing quarter.

    Continuing the trend is has set in the previous two quarters, Videocon d2h reported a profit after tax (PAT) for Q3-17. The DTH major reported PAT of Rs 21.77 crore (2.8 percent margin) for the current quarter. It had reported PAT of Rs 6.32 crore (0.8 percent margin) for Q2-17, and Rs 2.66 crore (0.3 percent margin) for Q1-16. For the corresponding year ago quarter (Q3-17), the company had reported a loss of Rs 22.05 crore.Adjusted EBIDTA grew 33.2 percent y-o-y to Rs267 crore (35.4 percent margin) in Q3-17.

    The DTH major also reported 13.3 percent y-o-y growth in net subscriber numbers at 127.7 lakh for Q3-17 as compared to 112.70 lakh and a 2 percent quarter-over-quarter (q-o-q) growth from125.2 lakh. Monthly Average revenue per user (ARPU) in the current quarter came in lower at Rs 205as compared to Rs 209 in the immediate trailing quarter.

    Demonetisation impacts DTH industry

    The Media and Entertainment industry has been hit by the recent demonetisation initiatives, and more so the carriage industry. The largest DTH player in terms on subscribers – Dish TV said in its earnings release Q3-17 that it’s could collect subscription revenue from just 30 percent of its subscribers post the demonetisation date of 8 November 2016. Demonetisation was also mentioned by Videocon d2h in its earnings papers. However, the players stepped forward to do their bit for the government’s demonetisation initiatives.

    Dish TV CMDJawaharGoel said,“Subscribers as well as trade partners were extended temporary credit facilities basis their pasttransactions pattern. Subscriber awareness drives to promote alternate methods of paymentwere run both on the ground and on screen in addition to various other initiatives. Looking at the brighter side of it, demonetisation does promise an eventual less-cash dependentpopulation that should use online payment interfaces over cash for DTH recharges. That’s goingto be a boon for the DTH business.”

    Goel is optimistic about the future. He said, “Though demonetisation has led to an initial distress, it also will result in certain structuralchanges that are going to benefit the economy in the long run. As far as our business isconcerned, the effect has already started coming in. As online payment transactions, creditcards and a less-cash society become buzz words today, we are happy to note an increase in ouronline transacting subscriber base from 30 percent to around 38 percent with around 22 digital wallets and thelike being integrated with the company. Every online recharge transaction vis-à-vis EPRS basedtransaction implies savings on recharge commissions paid by us.”

     

  • Smart STB: Videocon d2h partners SonyLiv

    MUMBAI: Videocon d2h, one of the fastest growing DTH service provider in India, has signed a deal with SonyLIV for its HD Smart Connect Set Top Box. This partnership will enable Videocon d2h’s HD Smart Connect Set Top Box customers to access a seamless broad selection of content available on SonyLIV app.

    SonyLIV, which is the first premium Video On Demand (VOD) service by Sony Pictures Networks’ (SPN), will enrich Videocon d2h’s customers with an array of movies, strong line-up of events across all sports, shows, music, TV Shows and much more.

    SonyLIV can be accessed through all Web Apps button on Videocon d2h’s HD Smart Connect Set Top Box. The Smart Connect Set Top Box works on connectivity management platform to deliver a variety of connected services that leaves the customer with wide choice for entertainment.

    HD SMART Set top Box (Connected Set top box) converts any existing TV into a Smart TV besides showing you 650 Channels & services in High Definition and Standard Definition. The DTH service allows one to watch their favourite channels in SD and HD, the Connected set top box allows one to browse content from applications residing on STB. These Applications will enhance the pleasure of accessing content on a bigger screen thus making it a family event rather than solo watching on a smaller screen. HD Smart Set Top Box will work as a tool for personalization, engagement and new customer experiences and with internet connectivity, one can convert one’s TV into a smart TV using it.

    Videocon d2h executive chairman Saurabh Dhoot said, “This collaboration would strengthen the entertainment apps available on our HD Smart Connect and provide our customers with a large range of entertainment.’’

    Videocon d2h CEO Anil Khera said, “Our partnership with Sony LIV is yet another step towards creating the highest-quality consumer experience. Innovative products like HD Smart Connect and rich entertainment content available delights next generation users. Our focused approach strives for delivering exceptional content and customer delight.’’

    Sony Pictures Networks India EVP and Head – Digital Business Uday Sodhi said, “Through this synergistic association, we will be entertaining and engaging the audience with the rich content portfolio that SonyLIV showcases. The partnership allows us to deliver a superior entertainment experience to Indian audiences across genres and multiple screens, and live up to our brand promise of ‘We LIV to Entertain’.”

  • Dish TV Videocon Ltd. may start operations in Sept ’17

    MUMBAI: With no roadblocks apprehended and approvals going ahead, the new merged direct-to-home (DTH) behemoth may start operations in September 2017. As reported by www.indiantelevision.com earlier, the new merged entity Dish TV Videocon Ltd. is set to create the single-largest DTH company in India.

    The proposed transaction remained subject to approvals, including from the Securities and Exchange Board of India, the stock exchanges, shareholders and creditors of both companies, the Competition Commission of India, the High Court of Bombay and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The proposed transaction was expected to close in the second half of 2017.

    Dish TV CMD Jawahar Goel has told Express that September was the tentative date for starting joint operations. Although, he said, August was doable, but they were sure to begin operations around September. Sources in Videocon d2h have also confirmed the launch’s anticipated timeline.

    As reported by www.indiantelevision.com, CCI recently sought TRAI’s views on the proposed merger of Dish TV and Videocon d2h and as to whether or not the deal, leading to formation of Dish TV Videocon Ltd., will violate anti-trust laws.

    Dish TV, owned by Zee Entertainment (ZEEL) and the DTH arm of Videocon Industries had in November last year announced their merger. Dish TV, as per the proposed terms, will own 55 per cent in the new entity, according to Livemint. A TRAI official confirmed that CCI has sought its views on the subject.

    Goel had said that “the arrangement of the scheme is merger and we never envisaged a buyout.” The Board of directors of the two giants had earlier approved a scheme of arrangement for the amalgamation of Vd2h into Dish TV and the execution of definitive agreements in relation to such amalgamation.

    Pursuant to the Scheme, it was earlier reported, Dish TV Videocon shall issue 857.791 million shares as consideration for the scheme and the Vd2h shareholders shall be allotted 2.021 new shares of Dish TV Videocon for every one share held in Vd2h (subject to certain adjustments as set out in the Scheme), which would result in Dish TV shareholders owning 1,066.861 million existing shares or 55.4% of Dish TV Videocon, and Vd2h shareholders owning 857.791 million new shares or 44.6% of Dish TV Videocon.

    The fully diluted share count of Dish TV at 1,066,863,665 shares, which will lead to 857,785,766 shares of Dish TV Videocon being issued to Vd2h shareholders. Exchange ratio rounded off to two decimal places. One Vd2h ADS represents four equity shares of Vd2h.

    The proposed transaction was expected to create a leading cable and satellite distribution platform in India. Dish TV Videocon would serve 27.6 million net subscribers in India, as of September 30, 2016, on a pro-forma basis, out of a total of 175 million TV households in India highlighting significant room for growth. The combined entity would have revenue of Rs. 59,158 million and EBITDA of Rs. 18,262 million on a pro-forma basis for the fiscal year ended 31 March 2016 positioning it as a leading media company in India. The proposed transaction is expected to provide better synergies and growth opportunities and enable Dish TV Videocon to provide differentiated and superior service to all customers through deeper after-sales, distribution and technology capabilities, and also become a more effective partner for TV content providers in India.

  • Videocon d2h partners Netflix for HD Smart Connect

    MUMBAI: Videocon d2h has signed a deal with the internet television network Netflix. With this partnership, Videocon d2h connected box customers will now be able to access seamlessly the extensive library of Netflix TV and movie titles.

    Videocon d2h consumers will be able to enjoy Netflix on a large screen by simply clicking a dedicated Netflix button on the remote control of HD Smart Connect Set Top Box (STB).

    Videocon d2h executive director Saurabh Dhoot said, “Our partnership will strengthen our DNA of innovation by providing TV screen experience for Netflix users in a seamless manner. This partnership in India with Netflix gives the customers the simple click of a button to easily select between our DTH and world class apps like Netflix services on the HD Smart Connect Set top box.”

    Netflix will be available on an exclusive app available on connected Set top box, HD SMART STB (Connected STB) which converts any existing TV into a smart TV besides showing you more than 600 channels and services in high definition and standard definition. The HD smart connect set top box allows consumers to watch their favourite channels in SD and HD, using the satellite feed like any other Videocon d2h set top box. The set top box can be connected to the internet through any Wifi or ethernet connection in the home for accessing a curated set of applications available through the internet. The minimum internet speed needed is 2 Mbps. These apps, both free and paid cover a range of content genres and utility apps.

    Videocon d2h CEO Anil Khera added, “With Netflix on board, Videocon d2h is enhancing its position as the customer’s first choice of entertainment. Integrating premium entertainment services like Netflix into our services offered via HD Smart Connect Set Top Box will make us even more attractive for our consumers. We will continue to deliver exceptional entertainment and give consumer the power to view content and enhance our leadership in homes with wifi/broadband.”

    Netflix co-founder and CEO Reed Hastings said, “While there are millions of consumers all over the world using Netflix, enjoying the ability to watch anywhere, anytime and the incredible variety of programming we offer, we are really only at the beginning of our journey here in India. This partnership with Videocon d2h is important for us in the way we reach to the diversity of the Indian market and will make it much easier for Indian consumers to watch Netflix.

  • Somani to lead Shemaroo’s DTH business

    Somani to lead Shemaroo’s DTH business

    MUMBAI: Shemaroo Entertainment Ltd, one of the leading content houses appoints Subhash Somani to head DTH business for the company. Prior to joining Shemaroo Entertainment Ltd, he was working for Videocon d2h as Senior Manager – Content. In Shemaroo Entertainment, he will be responsible for driving the scale of business to next level. He will be primarily looking into Content Strategy, Business Development & Revenue. Also, he will lead & manage strategic partnerships with broadcasters/studios and will be playing key role in new initiatives & launches.

    Somani has over seven years of experience in diverse roles in Media & Entertainment sector. In his last tenure with Videocon d2h, he was primarily involved in content acquisition and launch of new value added services (VAS) for d2h platform.

    Shemaroo director Hiren Gada said “Subhash is a part of the DTH industry since its nascent stage and has deep understanding of the market. With an addition of new perspective and experience in the team, we believe, we will be able to leverage the platform to the fullest.”

    Somani shared his thoughts, “Now when Shemaroo is expanding its DTH services, we plan to leverage the trust value it has created in the partners and consumers. We are at cusp of opportunities for DTH business in the country and with a company that has one of the largest content libraries, I believe sky is the limit.”

    Shemaroo recently forayed into DTH business and today stands among the leading players in the industry. The company has tied up with all the DTH players including Tata Sky, Airtel Digital, Videocon d2h and Dish TV. Shemaroo offers a bouquet of VAS services on all the major DTH platforms covering multiple genres. These offerings range from devotional services like iDevotion and Sajda to special service tailored to fulfill the needs of bollywood buffs like Miniplex and Sadabahar Hits. It also includes regional services like Relamchhel and Punjabi Tadka.