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"We understand that such delays would not endear us to people,
but we too are helpless in addressing some problems," the official
said.
It seems that DD is keen the Rs 5 billion DTH service should be
inaugurated by no less than the Prime Minister himself, but Dr.
Manmohan Singh has not been able to give a definite date for the
inauguration function yet due to his busy schedule. Besides, the
information and broadcasting ministry had certain reservations on
certain issues like having private news channels Aaj Tak, CNN and
BBC, on DD Direct Plus. The issue, however, has been resolved.
The delay in launching the KU-band service, mainly aimed at expanding
the penetration of DD channels, has had some other side effects too.
For example, some of the private sector TV channels that evinced interest
in joining the DTH platform are dithering on signing a memorandum
of understanding (MoU) with Prasar Bharati.
Even Star, which had said it would give Star Utsav for the DD Direct
platform, according to Prasar Bharati sources, is playing the delaying
game.
Some other channels like Jagran and ETC (from the Zee stable) after
having made promises earlier, have not shown much enthusiasm of
late.
Zee's reluctance is understandable as DD, after acquiring the telecast
rights for some of the home cricket matches, summarily told Dish
TV, which has 20 per cent investment from Zee Telefilms , to discontinue
DD National and DD Sports from its DTH platform, much to the chagrin
of the Subhash Chandra company.
Until now, Prasar Bharati has signed agreements with only five
private sector channels including Sun TV, Kairali, Akash Bangla
and the almost-nearing oblivion Jain TV. But DD sources indicated
that some new deals may be signed early next week.
DD Direct Plus is a free to air KU-band service. For the first
two years, subscribers will not have to pay any subscription money.
The DTH platform will also not change carriage fee from any private
sector satellite channel. The service was to flag off with 30 channels,
which would increase to 40 over a period of time.
Meanwhile, two STB manufacturers - Delhi-based Spacelink and Ahmedabad-based
MCBS, entrusted by DD for manufacturing and distributing the boxes
- have expressed discontent. The message: sale of STBs has almost
come to a standstill owing to customer disenchantment over delay
in launching the DTH service.
The DD source admitted that sale has dropped "drastically"
in recent times, even though between 25,000-30,000 boxes have been
sold till now.
There are over 900 dealers in 212 cities and towns attempting to
push the STB for DD Direct Plus. Sale had been brisk around June-July
in states like Rajasthan and Maharashtra. In Rajasthan especially,
cable TV's penetration is not so deep because of the rough and difficult
terrain.
A basic box for the proposed DTH service costs approximately Rs
2,500 (slightly over $ 54) and can access all free to air channels
without the help of any smart card.
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