Euro aim to hop on to DD Direct+

MUMBAI: Some European channels like Euro News and Euro Sport News are looking at hopping on to Doordarshan's DTH platform to increase visibility in India.

Indian pubcaster Doordarshan's subscription free DTH service, DD Direct Plus, is aiming at having approximately 50 channels in a few months time and 100 channels by the end of 2006.

Presently beaming 32 TV channels, the DTH platform can accommodate another 17 channels in the next phase of expansion.

According to a senior DD official, "Some feelers have been sent by European channels like Euro News, but no final decision has been taken on them yet."

The official added that considering DD has limited space on its DTH platform for the next phase of expansion, the short listing of new channels would take some time.

Standing in the queue to be part of DD Direct Plus include God TV, German pubcaster DW, Rai International 4 and Canada's SS TV, apart from a host of Indian channels.

After launching over cable networks in India recently, some of the European channels are finding the market a tough nut to crack. Reason: limited bandwidth available with cable ops, which restricts accommodation of more TV channels.

The European channels are also on Dish TV, 20 per cent owned by Zee Telefilms. At the moment, DD Direct Plus, offering subscription free KU-band service, beams through NSS 6 satellite.

The channels on offer include all DD channels, apart from the likes of BBC World, Sun TV, Star Utsav, Kairali TV, Zee Music, Smile TV, Jain TV, Aaj Tak and Headlines Today.