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BECIL declares Hathway Digital STBs as BIS compliant
MUMBAI: Broadcast Engineering Consultants India Ltd. (BECIL) has conducted a live test on Hathway’s Digital Set Top Box (STB) and confirmed that it meets BIS specifications. This was done after extensive tests and a live check, claims an official release.
For the CAS rollout in Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai, Hathway will offer STBs manufactured by Humax of Korea.
The Hathway-HUMAX STB is fully DVB-C compliant, embedded with NDS Conditional Access System and can receive up to 1000 channels, says the statement. In addition, it is software upgradable which will enable it to add additional functionality. With the Digital STB, the viewer would experience MPEG quality picture with digital stereophonic sound.
Hathway’s STB offering will include a fully functional remote, which will enable channel selection, Electronic Programming Guide (EPG), Interactive Channels etc.
Hathway which has already selected NDS for end-to-end digital broadcasting systems will use NDS Core to provide various functions such as Electronic Programme Guide, Favourite Channel Lists, Programme Selection, Parental Lock, etc through the STB.
EPG is a list, which displays the name, start time, and date of all programmes and also upcoming programmes of all pay channels including their synopsis. Through programme selection, the viewer can reserve a programme for future viewing. When the programme’s start time approaches, the viewer gets a reminder message, or the box may also be set to automatically switch to that particular selected programme.
Humax is one of the three largest STB manufacturers in the world with a market share as follows:
Area Market Share
Middle East 60 per cent
Europe 40 per cent
United States 15 per cent
Humax already has a manufacturing capacity of 4.5 million STBs per annum in two production sites in Korea and the UK. The company will be setting up its third manufacturing unit in Noida, India, which will be operational by October. Humax has strong R & D resources that lead to high-end technology in the set top box industry. Its commitment to remain at the cutting edge of innovation in the set top box industry is also reflected in its employee profile. 58 per cent of its employees work in R & D related activity.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
