Cable TV
DEN Networks selects STMicroelectronics for STBs
MUMBAI: Enhancing its set top boxes (STBs) and gateways for its six million subscribers, DEN Networks has tied up with STMicroelectronics (ST), the global semiconductor manufacturer and supplier of system on chip (SoC) ICs.
Using this technology in DEN’s new HD zapper boxes, it is looking at growing its customer base and revenues as well. The STiH273 (Palma) integrates a field-proven and widely deployed digital video broadcast-cable (DVB-C) demodulator that has been optimised to work with high-performance external controller area networks (CANs) and silicon tuners to meet the stringent RF-performance requirements of the Indian cable networks.
The STiH273 (Palma) also delivers high-quality Faroudja video, 3DTV support, connectivity, and advanced security schemes with all the latest conditional access system (CAS) support, including NSK2.
Manufactured in 40nm process technology, the chipset supports an enhanced processing engine with integrated on-chip features that simplify set-top box design, enable operators to take advantage of lower-cost memories, and minimize system power consumption.
“Our new high-definition digital set-top boxes leverage STMicroelectronics’ feature-packed and flexible SoC ICs, providing an ideal platform for us to deliver innovative value-added services to our customers,” said DEN Networks COO MG Azhar.
He further added: “The STiH273 SoC is clearly the right choice for our latest generation of set top boxes with the right power, versatility, and features to meet our market needs. We are confident that the chipset will help us in creating both enhanced customer satisfaction and sustaining our leadership edge in India.”
“As a leading Cable MSO in India, DEN Networks sets the trend for technology, modernisation, and radical transformation, and ST is proud to contribute to DEN’s strategic intent. DEN Networks’ selection of ST’s technology underlines our core competencies and reiterates our commitment to this fast-growing market through localization and cooperation with our India partners,” said STMicroelectronics regional vice president for greater China and south Asia region and director for India Design Center Vivek Sharma.
MUMBAI: When margins wobble, liquidity talks and in Q3 FY25-26, cash did most of the talking. Den Networks Limited closed the December quarter with consolidated revenue of Rs.251 crore, marginally higher than the previous quarter but down 4 per cent year-on-year, even as profitability stayed resilient on the back of strong cash reserves and disciplined cost control.
Subscription income softened to Rs.98 crore, slipping 3 per cent sequentially and 14 per cent from last year, while placement and marketing income offered some cheer, rising 15 per cent quarter-on-quarter to Rs.148 crore. Total costs climbed faster than revenue, up 7 per cent QoQ to Rs.238 crore, driven largely by higher content costs and operating expenses. As a result, EBITDA dropped sharply to Rs.13 crore from Rs.19 crore in Q2 and Rs.28 crore a year ago, pulling margins down to 5 per cent.
Yet, the bottom line refused to blink. Profit after tax stood at Rs.40 crore, up 15 per cent sequentially and only marginally lower than last year’s Rs.42 crore. A healthy Rs.57 crore in other income helped cushion operating pressure, keeping profit before tax at Rs.48 crore, broadly stable quarter-on-quarter despite the tougher cost environment.
The real headline-grabber, however, sits on the balance sheet. The company remains debt-free, with cash and cash equivalents swelling to Rs.3,279 crore as of December 31, 2025. Net worth rose to Rs.3,748 crore, while online collections accounted for 97 per cent of total receipts, underscoring strong cash discipline across operations, including subsidiaries.
In short, while Q3 showed signs of operating strain, the financial backbone remains solid. With zero gross debt, steady profits and a formidable cash war chest, the company enters the next quarter with flexibility firmly on its side proving that in uncertain markets, balance sheet strength can be the best growth strategy.
