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Analog Terrestrial TV Homes to decline 24 per cent by 2008
| LONDON : New research from Strategy Analytics, the global analyst and consulting firm, quantifies the steady decline of analog television broadcasting and the progress towards so-called ‘Analog Switch-Off’. | |
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The report, published to subscribers to the Broadband Entertainment Strategies service, shows that 597 million homes worldwide used analog terrestrial broadcasting as their primary TV service in 2002. With the growth of digital television services offered by satellite, cable and terrestrial operators, this number is forecast to decline by 24 per cent to 455 million by 2008.
North America and Europe will be the most advanced markets in the digital TV transition by 2008, but the majority of homes in the rest of the world will still use analog terrestrial TV as their primary service. Even in the most advanced markets, however, a realistic analog switch-off strategy will have to account for the additional costs of converting hundreds of millions of secondary TV sets and VCRs. Analog switch-off is seen as a key policy goal by most governments. Releasing this valuable spectrum could ultimately lead to major new commercial and public revenue opportunities. The report suggests that few, if any, countries will be 100 per cent digital until well into the next decade. Some countries, such as Germany, will instead seek to use analog platforms such as cable as an alternative to terrestrial broadcasting. The report recommends that broadcasters relying strongly or wholly on analog terrestrial broadcasting for access to viewers must consider implementing alternative strategies and distribution partnerships in order to safeguard their long term position. |
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.
