Independance Day Special Offer

Cable Digitization in India: Challenges and opportunities

                                    Number of TV households in India is about 160 million and is expected to reach 200 million by 2017. Subtracting about one-third subscribing to Direct-To-Home services, the rest are going to be touched by cable digitization. First and second phases of cable digitization that covered all metros and 38 cities with a population of over 1 million, are complete. Third and fourth phases are expected to be covered by 30th November 2014 and by 31st March 2015 respectively. This is the first major structural and technology reform cable industry is facing since its advent on the early 1990s. Started as a local, relatively unorganized, franchisee model, cable industry is moving towards an organized sector with the role of the Local Cable Operator somewhat muted. The subscriber management system and the associated Conditional Access services (including encryption of pay channels) are being carried out by the Multi System Operator (MSO). The digitization of the video and broadcast Television content provides the advantages of packing more channels in to the existing cables, and providing channels to the subscriber based on demand. If so, are there any challenges?

The Conditional Access System (CAS) uses typically the smart card based Set Top Box (STB) to decrypt the channels based on the subscription. Since the MSOs operate in specific geographical regions, in some cases even in only certain districts, there is a possibility of subscriber facing difficulty of using a STB provided by one MSO in another region operated by a different MSO. The interoperability of the STBs is dictated often by the proprietary nature of the different modules. Next step based in the evolution could be building next generation STBs based on open interfaces!

The Electronic Programmable Guide (EPG) is a supplemental service that can leverage the cable digitization to provide programme schedules, and programmes’ suitability for viewing (including parental control and a short preview). The EPG will also enable advertisers to better target their advertisements on programmes and viewers. However, EPG has to be easy to use and provide an intuitive interface for viewers to use it, especially for the aged, and semi-literate (as digitization moves to the third and fourth phase), in the local vernacular language. Need of the hour is to exploit the EPG to its fullest extent, and to enhance the features and associated adoption of EPG by all stakeholders concerned – the MSO, the broadcasters, the advertisers and the viewers?

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FAQs of DTH ( Dish Connection )

How does DTH really differ from cable TV?

                                                The way DTH reaches a consumer's home is different from the way cable TV does. In DTH, TV channels would be transmitted from the satellite to a small dish antenna mounted on the window or rooftop of the subscriber's home. So the broadcaster directly connects to the user. The middlemen like local cable operators are not there in the picture.

DTH can also reach the remotest of areas since it does away with the intermediate step of a cable operator and the wires (cables) that come from the cable operator to your house. As we explained above, in DTH signals directly come from the satellite to your DTH dish.

Also, with DTH, a user can scan nearly 700 channels!

Does one need to put two dish antennae and pay double subscription per month if one has two TVs?

                                                For multiple connections in the same premises, one can use the same connection. However, every television set will need to have an individual STB.

Also, DTH is a national service and the STBs enable a viewer to change service providers without changing the STB, even if one moves from one city to another.

Can a CAS set-top box be used for DTH?

No, these are different set-top boxes.

Why is DTH is being discussed now?

                                                   Doordarshan plans to launch its DTH telecast from April 1. The government has said it will provide 10,000 dishes free across eight states for increased community viewing of the DTH service. The government is estimated to be investing over Rs 300 crore (Rs 3 billion) in this DTH venture.

There are four serious contenders for DTH services in India: Doordarshan, Star, Zee, and Data Access.

Is DTH superior to cable TV?

                                          Yes. DTH offers better quality picture than cable TV. This is because cable TV in India is analog. Despite digital transmission and reception, the cable transmission is still analog. DTH offers stereophonic sound effects. It can also reach remote areas where terrestrial transmission and cable TV have failed to penetrate. Apart from enhanced picture quality, DTH has also allows for interactive TV services such as movie-on-demand, Internet access, video conferencing and e-mail. But the thing that DTH has going for it is that the powerful broadcasting companies like Star, Zee, etc are pushing for it.

So why are broadcasters pushing for DTH?

                          In DTH, the payments will be made directly by the subscriber to the satellite company offering the service.

A big problem that broadcasters face in India is the issue of under-reporting of subscribers by cable operators.

Consider the cable operators pyramid. Right at the top is the broadcaster. Next comes the Multi Service Cable Operator (MSOs) like Siticable, InCable, etc. Below them are the Access Cable Operators (ACOs) or your local cable guy who actually lays the wires to your house.

The local cable operators or the ACOs then allegedly under-report the number of subscribers they have bagged because they have to pay the MSOs something like Rs 30-45 per household. Showing a lesser number of households benefits ACOs.

With no way to actually cross check, the MSOs and the broadcasters lose a lot. Broadcasters do not earn much in subscription fees and are mostly dependent on advertisement revenue to cover their costs, which is not sustainable and does not offer high growth in revenues for broadcasters.

The way out of this is to use a set-top box so that it will be clear how many households are actually using cable or going for DTH where broadcasters directly connect to consumers and can actually grow revenues with a growth in the subscriber base.

Why do Doordarshan, Zee, Star think DTH will work in India?

                                            Today, broadcasters believe that the market is ripe for DTH. The prices of the dish and the set-top box have come down significantly. Overall investments required in putting up a DTH infrastructure has dropped and customers are also reaping the benefits of more attractive tariffs.

The major thing that DTH operators are betting on is that the service is coming at a time when the government is pushing for CAS (conditional access system), which will make cable television more expensive, narrowing the tariff gap between DTH and cable.

Will DTH be cheaper than cable or more expensive?

                                              DTH will be definitely more expensive than cable as it exists today.

A set-top box is a must for DTH. Earlier, when CAS made set-top box mandatory for households, the costs between DTH and cable would not have been too wide.

But CAS on the backburner now -- which means no set-top box (a must for DTH), the price gap between DTH and cable will be wide.

In Oct 2002, Siticable, which is owned by Zee, said that the cost of the installation equipment, which includes the receiver dish and the set-top box, would be priced at around Rs 3,900. Siticable is looking to rope in 1 million subscribers in 15 months.

Other estimates say that digital cable set-top box may cost Rs 4,000, a DTH decoder dish is unlikely to cost less than Rs 7,000.

DTH's minimum subscription could be priced around Rs 500 per month.

Some reports say that an entry level DTH STB will cost about Rs 7,000 (including taxes and installation cost at consumers end). A more advanced STB with value added features like PVR (Personal Video Recorder), PSTN connectivity, Gamming console, channel management system, etc. may cost as much as Rs 15,000.

What is the history of DTH in India?

                                      DTH services were first proposed in India in 1996. But they did not pass approval because there were concerns over national security and a cultural invasion. In 1997, the government even imposed a ban when the Rupert Murdoch-owned Indian Sky Broadcasting (ISkyB) was about to launch its DTH services in India.

Finally in 2000, DTH was allowed. The new policy requires all operators to set up earth stations in India within 12 months of getting a license. DTH licenses in India will cost $2.14 million and will be valid for 10 years. The companies offering DTH service will have to have an Indian chief and foreign equity has been capped at 49 per cent. There is no limit on the number of companies that can apply for the DTH license.

So, what's the buzz? Will DTH finally be the one that rules?

                                        The cable system is well entrenched in India and is showing quite rapid growth. If DTH had come to India in 1996-97 (like Star had originally attempted), then it could have made a significant breakthrough.

Europe is an example of this. DTH developed there before cable and now controls nearly 80 per cent of the total satellite television subscriber base. But in US, cable rules because it came before DTH.

DTH will definitely cut into the existing cable user base. It will make the local cable operator less important and take business away from him. It will give consumers greater choice.

But it is likely to be an up market premium product and most middle class households will stick to cable.

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Q & A about DTH

Q.    What is DTH?

A.    DTH stands for Direct-To-Home television. DTH is defined as the reception of satellite programmes with a personal dish in an individual home. DTH does away with the need for the local cable operator and puts the broadcaster directly in touch with the consumer.

·         Q.     Can DTH be viewed without disconnecting existing cable connection?

A.      Cable connection can be viewed in normal TV mode and DTH channels can be viewed in AV mode by choosing the AV option from the remote of your TV set. DTH channels can be changed using STB remote control.

·         Q.      Once the Dish & STB are installed, will it be possible to receive all channels?

A.     Once the dish & STB are installed, you will need to activate a pack, through which you will get the channel that you have subscribed to.

·         Q.     If there are more than one TV set in one house, will all TV sets require separate STBs/Dishes to receive DTH?

A.        Yes, for each TV a separate STB will be required and no need of separate dish.

·         Q.       If one changes his residence or moves to some other city, can he continue to use the same STB and the Dish to receive DTH?

A.         Yes, please contact DTH  call center for further assistance

·         Q.        Will the reception be affected by rains/snowfall?

A.         Though provision exists in the uplink system to take care of fading of the signal due to rains, yet heavy rains may result into outage for a few minutes in the DTH signal.

·         Q.        Where can the Dish be installed?

A.         Dish can be installed on the roof-top or on the wall depending on the line of signal of satellite

·         Q.      Can the system be installed by the viewer himself?

A.        The installation of System involves intricate hardware & software upload, it is advised to take the assistance of a skilled technical person trained by Sundirect for installation.

·         Q.        Can the Receive Dish be fixed on the window grill?

A.       It may be possible to get the dish fixed on the window grill with slight modification on the grill or the fixtures but it is advisable to fix the dish on rigid wall or roof top.

·         Q.        Will DTH signal be available to my remote village, where no TV tower is installed?

A.        Yes, the DTH signal is made available to you through satellite and does not require any tower or cable for its distribution.

·         Q.          If something goes wrong with my system, then whom should I contact?

A.         Please contact DTH customer care for further assistance.

Tatasky HD Features

Tatasky HD Features

How Does Cable Tv and DTH works?

How does Cable TV work?

                      Cable TV was invented to solve the problem of the people who live in valley or remote locations where signals are not strong. Cable operator use to put antenna up on hill and send amplified signal to multiple houses in valley.Nowadays cable operators installs Big dish antennas to receive TV broadcast from channels and pays on behalf of us to TV channel network. Cable Operator receives many channels through multiple dish antennas and puts them into single wire with different frequencies. You can take the same cable to multiple TV sets in the home and play different channels by paying minimum charge or no extra charge

What went wrong with old roof top antenna we use to have years back?

                     Roof top antennas are made of aluminium and catch nearby TV station signal which is free of charge in India. Telecast is done by Doordarshan. These antennas catch analog signal which is not of good quality. Many of hilly region, valley houses or remote houses do not get good signal quality. There are not many channels available with old aluminium pipe antennas.

What is Set Top Box (STB) for Cable TV?

                       CAS is set top box for conventional cable TV. Years back Indian Government tried to enforce consumer rights with the help of CAS (Conditional Access System). With the help of CAS on cable tv it is possible to offer different set of channels for each consumer. in 2001 Government attempted to bring Free To Air channels to subscribers for as low as Rs. 80. Because of issues from cable operators, Satellite TV operators, set top box manufactures & political parties CAS didn't succeed. This has given great opportunity to Satellite TV operators to increase their penetration in ever growing Indian Television Market.

What is DTH Dish Television?

                      DTH stands for Direct To Home service which is terminology for Satellite Television. Compared to Cable TV here you have your very personal equipment which allows you to speak to distributor directly through Satellite. No hassles or chaos of Cablewalas.

Advantages

Personal Equipment to directly speak to Satellite for TV Broadcast. Digital signaling gives you great quality when you connect your TV with AV cable or connect your 5.1 speakers with STB. Facilities like Movie on Demand and Active/Interactive Services. Some DTH vendors also offer Radio services. Latest movies can be viewed at nominal cost in your Hall (Kills the piracy) You may actually save money when compared to cable TV by going for Festival offers or Annual plans.

Disadvantages

During the monsoon season if there are thick clouds above your Dish Antenna, there will be reception problem. Television in multiple rooms will require additional Digicomp and service charge. You will miss local news channel or music on demand channels usualy offered by Cable TV vendors.

What you need to have to receive Satelite TV signal (DTH Dish)?

You need to have these

• Digicomp set top box.
• Dish Antenna (LNB).
• An account with Service Provider (Smart card).

What is IP TV?

                      IP TV runs on ethernet network. There is better uplink bandwidth available in IP TV which assures more interactivity. There are limited vendors offering IP TV. These are MTNL, BSNL & Airtel.

What is DVR ?

                     DVR stands for Digital Video Recorder. This is special set top box, which is also doing recording while you are watching any channel. So you can pause the channel and resume where you left. You can also do recording of some other channel while you are watching different channel. Tata SKY Plus was first to be offered in this category. Each DVR box comes with different quality of content to be stored and limits on hours of recording.

What is HD set top box?

                      Usual Television set with CRT tube is not capable of producing picture more than 480 lines with limited depth of colors. New Generation LCDs can reproduce image quality upto 1080 lines detailing and beyond. If you have LCD with 1080i or above resolution, this is known as High Defination television. 1080i gives you 5 times clearer picture quality. Unfortunately Cable Transmission or Regular DTH dish tv transmission is not capable of utilizing your LCD capability. Old standard transmission works with 4:3 aspect ratio which is like square where as HD offers you 16:9 aspect ratio which is like rectangle the way LCDs are designed today. Old starndard give mono or stereo sound output. HD offeres you 5.1 audio output. This goes to two rear left+right speakers, two front left+right speakers one center and one to woofer. Giving you realistic natural sound quality. Earlier TVs were connected with RF cable, current set top boxes offer 3 pin AV cables. For HD you need to have HDMI port on television. HDMI port is essential part of HD set top box.

If you do not have LCD with 1080i resolution or 5.1 music system, you wont be able to take advantage of HD channels. Regular CRT television is not made for HD transmission. Currently there are only few channels which are offered with HD broadcast. So if you think you are ready to experiment with this new technology you can go ahead with this.

What is DVR ?

                     DVR stands for Digital Video Recorder. This is special set top box, which is also doing recording while you are watching any channel. So you can pause the channel and resume where you left. You can also do recording of some other channel while you are watching different channel. Tata SKY Plus was first to be offered in this category. Each DVR box comes with different quality of content to be stored and limits on hours of recording.

  

What is HD set top box?

                     Usual Television set with CRT tube is not capable of producing picture more than 480 lines with limited depth of colors. New Generation LCDs can reproduce image quality upto 1080 lines detailing and beyond. If you have LCD with 1080i or above resolution, this is known as High Defination television. 1080i gives you 5 times clearer picture quality. Unfortunately Cable Transmission or Regular DTH dish tv transmission is not capable of utilizing your LCD capability. Old standard transmission works with 4:3 aspect ratio which is like square where as HD offers you 16:9 aspect ratio which is like rectangle the way LCDs are designed today. Old starndard give mono or stereo sound output. HD offeres you 5.1 audio output. This goes to two rear left+right speakers, two front left+right speakers one center and one to woofer. Giving you realistic natural sound quality. Earlier TVs were connected with RF cable, current set top boxes offer 3 pin AV cables. For HD you need to have HDMI port on television. HDMI port is essential part of HD set top box.

                     If you do not have LCD with 1080i resolution or 5.1 music system, you wont be able to take advantage of HD channels. Regular CRT television is not made for HD transmission. Currently there are only few channels which are offered with HD broadcast. So if you think you are ready to experiment with this new technology you can go ahead with this.