DTH
Big Blue Marble launches managed TV-as-a-service for global operators
MUMBAI: Big Blue Marble, the international media technology brand formed by Austria’s ORS group and video streaming experts Insys VT, has unveiled a new managed end-to-end TV-as-a-service platform designed for cable operators and OTT service providers worldwide.
The platform is built to empower Tier 2 and Tier 3 operators with a ready-to-deploy, multi-tenant service model that allows customisation to reflect each operator’s brand and offering, while delivering a seamless and modern entertainment experience to viewers.
At the core of the platform lies the 3ready Framework from 3 Screen Solutions (3SS), which powers the viewer-centric Android TV custom launcher and applications for Android TV, Samsung, and LG Smart TV platforms. Meanwhile, SEI Robotics provides the hardware foundation with its cost-effective Android TV-based set-top boxes (STBs).
“We are so excited to launch our new TV-as-a-Service platform and empower more and more service providers to take their TV service businesses to the next level,” said Big Blue Marble Group chief customer officer Thomas Langsenlehner.
The newly introduced Android TV STB from SEI Robotics is designed for reliability and essential functionality, featuring an Amlogic 5th generation Soc, 3gb RAM, and 16gb flash storage. Together, these components enable a smooth, high-performance viewing experience.
The platform’s comprehensive configuration capabilities allow service providers to tailor the user interface and functionality to their brand. Smaller operators can benefit from economies of scale while gaining access to proven technology across both hardware and software. Subscribers, in turn, can expect intuitive navigation, rich content discovery, and consistent streaming performance.
The collaboration also marks a continuation of Big Blue Marble’s partnership with 3SS, which began five years ago. “We’re extremely proud that Big Blue Marble continues to trust the 3SS team to help deliver superior OTT entertainment to operators all around the globe,” said 3SS managing director Kai-Christian Borchers.
Adding to that, SEI Robotics CEO Jeff Yin, commented, “Both regional and local operators are now gaining a powerful opportunity to differentiate and provide their service providers with advanced and proven set-top box technology that enhances first-rate entertainment experiences.”
With this new venture, Big Blue Marble is positioning itself as a global enabler for next-generation television services, combining the strengths of content, technology, and innovation into a single, managed ecosystem.
DTH
DD Free Dish e-auction revenue dips to Rs 642 crore as slot sales fall
Revenue dips as revised norms reshape bidding in 94th round
NEW DELHI: Prasar Bharati’s DD Free Dish has closed its 8th annual, and 94th overall, e-auction for MPEG-2 slots with total collections of Rs 642 crore for the period April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027.
That is lower than last year’s Rs 780 crore haul, with 55 slots sold compared with 61 in FY25–26. The softer topline reflects both a slimmer inventory and a recalibrated auction framework.
This was the first auction conducted after amendments to the e-auction methodology, including tighter eligibility norms and a revised reserve price structure for MPEG-2 slots. The stated aim was greater transparency and more serious participation. The immediate outcome appears to be more measured bidding in certain categories.
Day one set the tone. Eight slots were sold, six in the premium Bucket A+ and two in Bucket A. The strong early action in A+, which typically houses Hindi GECs and movie channels, reaffirmed the enduring appeal of mass Hindi programming on the platform.
Among the broadcasters securing slots in the initial rounds were Zee Entertainment Enterprises, Sony Pictures Networks India, Viacom18’s Colors network, Sun Network and Shemaroo Entertainment. Their continued presence signals that, despite the pull of digital platforms, Free Dish remains a strategic must have for legacy networks chasing scale in price sensitive markets.
The final bouquet of 55 channels leans heavily towards Hindi news, movies, devotional fare, Bhojpuri and regional programming.
In Hindi news, familiar heavyweights such as Aaj Tak, ABP News, India TV, News18 India, Republic Bharat and Zee News made the cut. Entertainment and movie offerings include Colors Rishtey, Star Utsav, Dangal TV, Sony Pal, Shemaroo TV, Goldmines, B4U Movies and Zee Biskope. Devotional viewers will find Aastha, Sanskar and Sadhna Gold among the selected channels.
Regional representation includes Sun Marathi, Fakt Marathi, PTC Punjabi and GTC Punjabi.
Equally telling were the absences. Broadcasters such as Big Magic, Filamchi Bhojpuri, India News, Bharat Express, Movieplex Maithili, TV9 Marathi, Shemaroo Marathibana, Zee Chitra Mandir and Satsang did not participate. The pullback is particularly visible across Marathi, Bhojpuri, Maithili and spiritual programming. Industry observers point to the revised reserve prices, tighter eligibility norms and a reassessment of commercial viability as possible factors.
DD Free Dish continues to beam into over 40 million homes, largely in rural and semi urban India. For advertisers and broadcasters alike, it offers efficient access to Bharat markets where pay TV penetration remains uneven and OTT subscriptions are limited.
The moderation in revenue this year may be read as a pause rather than a retreat. Fewer slots, a reworked auction playbook and evolving broadcaster strategies have clearly shaped outcomes. Yet premium Hindi entertainment retains its pull, and the platform’s mass reach remains hard to ignore.
As the FY26–27 line-up settles in, the mix of winners and walkaways will define the private satellite channel landscape on DD Free Dish for the year ahead.
